The Best Mechanic’s Light EVER? Goose-Grip™!
Вставка
- Опубліковано 27 сер 2024
- Getting light where you need it when working on a vehicle is challenging. Goose-Grip™ is a professional mechanic’s lighting system that is extremely adaptable and truly hands-free.
#worklight #worklights #mechaniclight #lightbars
We came across the Goose-Grip™ lighting system after we had featured a SnapOn® LED mechanics light. Kevin Huttenlocher, the inventor of the Goose-Grip™ product line, contacted me and asked if I would look at his lighting system. I checked him and his product out online and was favorably impressed. Heck, he and his product were featured on Dave Dobson’s MotorHead Garage! Sure, why not?
Like all product solutions we review, the agreement is made that our review will be authentic and we will plainly state what we like and any improvements we think can be made or problems we observe. Kevin readily agreed.
Kevin sent me 3 different light setups, including a very nice carrying case. Included were 3 different light bars, each with a mount and power supply. The 3 configurations are an industrial suction cup base, chassis grip, and “swivel-stick” with a magnetic base battery supply. All utilize a 12” ( mm) 1300 lumens sealed 44-LED slender light bar. The carrying case is part of the “Premium Twins” Goose-Grip™ Set, comprised of the case, vacuum plate light, and chassis-grip light. The Swivel-Stick unit was sent as well. The carrying case is nicely constructed with cut-outs in the foam to store the components securely.
This system is made in the U.S.A., by a micro-company headed by Kevin. It was designed and built with the input of 30 other lifelong professional auto and truck mechanics. In fact, Kevin did one product enhancement “on the fly” due to feedback we gave him from our product reviewer. He takes product innovation, quality, fit, and finish seriously!
To give the lights a true workout and put them in the environment it was designed for, I gave them to Pat, my trusted mechanic friend, to use in the automotive repair facility where he and his Team work. Ultimately, I gave the Goose-Grip™ system to him after all the testing he put the lights through. He used it that much, and it only seemed right - as he uses it much more than I would!
We did a candid interview, in his shop, about the Goose-Grip™ - he was favorably impressed. See what he had to say to judge for yourself!
Goose-Grip™ comes in 3 battery configurations - the Milwaukee Tools® M12 12-volt, the DeWalt® DW12 12-volt, and Snap-On® 14.4-volt batteries. Here’s a brief rundown on each of the configurations:
Suction Cup Base. The Goose-Grip™ Vacuum plate can be mounted to almost any smooth and flat surface on a car - and a moist seal is the best. One common way is to attach it to the windshield and snake the light into the engine bay through the gap between the wiper shelf and the hood panel. It can be used on a clean and flat-surfaced headlight as well. It will work on the side of the vehicle on a clean painted surface, but you should put a packing blanket on the floor in case small air leaks cause the vacuum plate to release. This version comes with a 36” (91 cm) gooseneck.
Chassis Light. The Goose-Grip™ Chassis Light uses genuine Vice Grip® pliers to attach under the vehicle to any metal component large enough to be gripped by the jaws. Exhaust pipes or suspension components are common choices. The battery compartment is beside the pliers. This version comes with a 36” (91 cm) gooseneck.
Swivel-Stick + Remote Magnetic Battery Housing. The 12” (30 cm) light is mounted on a heavy-duty aluminum swivel base along with a strong magnet so it can be placed in very narrow areas. The battery is attached with a 36” (91 cm) cable to the battery housing. The housing has 4 magnetic feet giving it 92 lbs (42 kg) of holding force, allowing the battery to be in one place and the light in another.
Each of these setups allows the light bar to “defy gravity” and be exactly where you want it to be - even in tight spaces - that’s even better than having someone hold the light for you!
All of the Goose-Grip™ lights come with a lifetime warranty. From what we’ve seen, they can do that with confidence due to the quality of the materials and manufacturing. 6061 Aluminum alloy, 304 stainless retainers and fasteners, sealed light bars, sturdy goosenecks, and protective covers all are top-notch. Should a warranty claim be made, you pay for shipping at no mark-up.
You can check them out at:
www.goosegrip.com/shop
Here’s a great idea. If you have a great mechanic that you count on for the care of your vehicles, consider getting one for them as a thank-you for all they do to keep your car maintained and you safe. This professional-grade tool will make you their favorite customer and let them know how much you appreciate them.
Instagram: / dirtfarmerj
Facebook: / dirtfarmerjay
Mechanics can be rough on their tools and lights. Long term use in a shop will be interesting how it holds up with different people using it and how well it does after being dropped on occasion. Thanks for the video!
Well said! Thanks for weighing in. Best, DFJ
Kudos goes out to Jay and Pat for the most comprehensive and informative video ever of Goose-Grip's products. I am still a working mechanic in the business 42 years like Pat. I use all of these lights daily and they don't break. The highest risk is one specific placement of the vacuum suction plate light on the side of vehicle door to illuminate wheel well area while vehicle is on a lift. Put a moving blanket below the light on the ground because it's not impossible for it to lose its vacuum grip on a door while shear forces want to "rotate" the suction plate counterclockwise and always prep the mount spot. Something will break if the light drops from 6 feet up and hits concrete. It could also be only your M12 Battery ear that snaps so take safety measures if you do use it in that placement.
Always looking for a better alternative to the old tried and true drop light, thanks Jay
Glad you like it. These are some of the best made tools I've seen. Best, DFJ
Thank you
You're welcome!