Tool Box Buzz

Milwaukee REDLITHIUM USB Neck Light

Milwaukee USB Neck Light

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Milwaukee
Model number: 2117-21
Power source: Redlithium 4v rechargeable battery
Motor size: 4 v
Weight: .5 lbs

I know what you’re thinking that neck light, looks a bit dorky. The neck lamp basically appeals to anyone who doesn’t want to wear a headlamp. Come on you know you are, you’re the guy that can’t get his hair messed up by the headlamp band. That guy on the job site with the golden locks and hair gel that can withstand 50 mph winds…. If you’re this guy, then this light is for you.

All kidding aside, I see this tool as a REAL option for HVAC techs, electricians, and shade tree mechanics all the way to the pro auto mechanics.

What Makes the USB Neck Light So Different?

Milwaukee, took the competitor neck lamps, added some innovation, and came out with the USB Neck Lamp. Milwaukee claims that the USB neck light provides 45% brighter light, has a longer run time, and pivots further than competitor neck lights.

USB Neck Light Specifications

• Lumen Output:  High: 400 Lumens  | Low: 250 Lumens
• Run Time: | High: 2.5 hours | Low: 8 hours
• Ingress Rating: IP54
• Voltage: 4V
• Weight: 0.5 lbs.
• Limited Lifetime Warranty
• Kit Includes: (1) REDLITHIUM™ USB 400L Neck Light, (1) 3.0 REDLITHIUM™ USB Battery, (1) USB-C Cord

LED Quality | TrueView Technology

TrueView is not new to Milwaukee, back in 2015 the Milwaukee engineers really geek-ed out and engineered high-quality LEDs with a neutral white color and a high color rendering index.  They call this technology “TrueView.”

The result is a high-definition lighting technology that delivers a true representation of colors, optimized color temperature, and a consistent, even beam.

Stand Out Features

The USB neck light has dual pivoting lamps. It can be positioned in different directions, allowing almost 130 degrees of vertical rotation. Both lamps can pivot independently from the other.

The lamp is powered on and off with a press-and-hold power button, the neck light features two output modes delivering up to 400 Lumens with high-definition light.

The lamp offers a runtime of 2-1/2 hours on high and 8 hours on low. The power button will light up orange indicating a low battery, and flash read when exhausted. The neck lamp comes with a USB-A to USB cord for charging, but you’ll have to supply your own charging block.

The USB neck lamp’s built-in battery will last for approximately 2,000 charges with equates to charging it every single day for almost 5-1/2 years. I think that’s a pretty good life expectancy for anything that has a battery.

The USB neck light is IP54 rated, designed to resist caustic chemicals found in auto body shops, and its impact and up to six feet.

Milwaukee USB Neck Light | Cost

The light sells for $99 at ACME Tools and if you amortize the cost over those 5.4 year/ 2000 charges that’s 19 cents a day, per charge, for the life of this tool.   [1,971 days /$100 = 19.7 cents per day] Additionally, a replacement or second battery will run you $25.00

Conclusion

I tested this light mostly in high mode, I only use my lights on high, and never put much thought into it – I guess I want ALL the light. I do love lumen!

While testing this neck lamp I found it to be more than bright enough to work in enclosed, dark spaces, even on the low light setting. The light quality and color rendering was excellent and are a BIG reason why folks working with colors, and wires will like it.

As a carpenter, would I buy this?  The truth is probably not, I’m a headlamp guy and this neck lamp would compete with my hearing protection which also sits around my neck when I’m not using them.

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