Tool sees in the dark

Working in your engine bay can be a frustrating experience as you squint into the darkness. So, this new range of LED-equipped wrenches from Sealey promises to make life that little bit easier. Light is beamed directly through the socket rather than from an angle elsewhere, and shines exactly where you want it. The output is more than sufficient to illuminate dark corners, and as you don’t have to hold a torch, you can work more effectively. There are compromises, though, as the batteries are held under a knurled cap, which doubles as the power switch. It’s all too easy to loosen this, and over-tightening makes the socket hard to turn.

That’s a shame, as the ratchet action is smooth, with plenty of teeth giving good control, allowing the tool to be used in tight spaces. It’s heavy, and the well finished chromed metal provides a quality feel. Unfortunately, this is not matched by the handle, which had too much hard plastic and not enough soft, grippy material. We found that even on the 3/8-inch tool it was too small for most hands.What’s more, we have doubts about the battery casing standing up to the rigours of prolonged use. So although the Sealey tool is a really good idea, it demands a number of compromises – perhaps one to get out only when the light is really poor.Source