Harbor Freight’s New Garage Staple Brings Flexible Utility to a Simple Project Essential
The retailer's new Braun offering is bound to be a boon for anyone looking to tackle jobs in the months ahead.
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Tempting as it can be to whip out your phone for a light when working on your car, it's not a great idea if you want to keep it, well, working. I'm guilty of doing so a few times myself, and I have a growing graveyard in my junk drawer to show for it.
Besides, why would you even bother, given the various work lights and EDC-ready flashlights that are much better equipped for the job? Between the comparatively low cost and the many forms of added functionality, it's a no-brainer to use something dedicated.
The new Braun light appears simple at first glance. - Credit: Harbor Freight
Just take this new Braun option at Harbor Freight, for example. In its efforts to ape a rival from Nebo, it touts some impressive utility that makes it a far more versatile light source than any handheld device.
A versatile work light
After all, even though it may be a work light first and foremost, Braun's new 2200 Lumen Multidirectional Work Light brings a lot to the table.
The range of articulation means it can stand on its own and/or be angled to provide better visibility. - Credit: Harbor Freight
For instance, as part of its folding construction, the dual beams can be aligned together or angled independently to adjust light for both close-up and general work. Whether you're at your bench or under the hood, it's not tied to any one position.
Toward that end, Braun has fitted the light with a variety of mounting options. In addition to some grips for handheld use, the arms include magnets for mounting on ferrous surfaces. They can also pivot to allow the light to stand on its own.
The included magnets mean it can be mounted just where you need it. - Credit: Harbor Freight
And that's not all. As with the Omni 2K it's so "similar" to, the Braun 2200 can double as a mobile power bank for charging your devices. In fact, the light even includes a USB-A to USB-C cable for such purposes.
Moreover, it's IPX7 water-resistant and impact-rated for those inevitable drops, bumps and spills. I'm hoping this means it's at least better than the cheaper Braun lights I've used, as some have lasted a single session.
If you need to charge your device, it also comes with an output port and a USB-A to USB-C cable. - Credit: Harbor Freight
In any case, along with its 2,200-lumen output, Braun's light boasts a 5,000mAh rechargeable battery. Battery life is claimed to be three hours on Dual High mode, but that can supposedly be pushed to up to 28 hours on Single Low.
Availability and pricing
If you're interested in the Braun 2200 Lumen Rechargeable Folding Multidirectional Work Light, it's available now. You can find it at Harbor Freight for $28.
Braun 2200 Lumen Rechargeable Folding Multidirectional Work Light
About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he's not chasing the latest industry news, he's probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.
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