Must-Have Smart Lighting Tools for Outdoor DIY Projects

The time you have to work on your big outdoor project, doesn’t always sync with sunlight. That’s why your project tool kit needs to have a range of smart lighting options suited for the outdoors. Whether you’re kicking off a multi-week outdoor overhaul or are tackling an evening effort, good lighting will lead your way. Learn about five must-have lighting options that will make your project easier, save valuable time, and can improve project results.

1. Hands-Free Headlamps

When you’re working on a project, you can never have enough hands. However, most do-it-yourselfers are tackling their project solo or with limited support. Don a hands-free headlamp to light your way and keep your task in full view. High-quality headlamps are connected to a supportive head strap that is easily adjustable. An over-the-head strap easily supports the weight of the headlamp, resists slipping, and keeps the beam focused.

When shopping for a headlamp, look for rechargeable options that fit your life. Many headlamps support USB charging, which makes recharging at your workbench or using a battery pack on-site easy. Headlamps come in a range of lumens, offering maximum illumination with battery-saving LED technology. Top quality headlamps often provide multiple lighting modes, allowing you to adjust for each task while preserving battery life. Finally, look for waterproof options as they can stand up to surprise showers and projects where water is involved.

2. Jobsite-Ready Work Lights

Replicate daylight to make outdoor projects feasible at any time. Even if you have outdoor lighting on your home, it may not support your lighting needs for a project. For example, floodlights point outward, illuminating the area surrounding your home. Landscaping lights enhance your homes’ curb appeal, but they don’t give you visibility for detailed projects.

Obtain portable LED work lights that can be attached to a sturdy tripod. While one light may suffice, a duo may be best. With two lights, you can illuminate a large section of your home and reduce the need for rearranging. If you’re caulking windows, dual lights can illuminate architectural features on your home that otherwise create shadows, like bay windows. Look for a high lumen output of 1000 lumens or more for better visibility.

Some lights are available with battery power, which can be appealing for projects further away from outdoor outlets. However, battery power won’t last as long and may not provide as much illumination as corded units. Consider your specific project needs now and in the future to shop wisely and invest appropriately in large scale lighting.

3. Flexible Clamp Lights

Rarely will your surface be perfectly flat, so flexible clamp lighting is a must-have for your toolbox. Most frequently associated with automotive projects, clamp lights clip onto sturdy structures. These lights are affordable and can be customized for your project area. Clip a light on a garden bench to facilitate a late night weeding session. Clip a light to a cooler handle, tree, branch, or even a small rock for a makeshift lamp.

Some lamps even have wrappable bases that offer more cushion for more delicate base structures like a tree. Use daylight LED bulbs inside clamp lights for accurate visibility. This can be especially helpful when your project requires good color visibility. Daylight visibility can support safe operations, especially when doing electrical work. This strategy also helps when laying out plantings to ensure your color groupings work well together.

4. Flashlights with All the Features

You can never have too many flashlights, but a range of flashlight types is ideal. Your security flashlights you keep in the home are helpful, but they don’t do the same job as project-based flashlights. Look for LED flashlights with a range of modes like high output, strobe, and focused light. High output options are helpful when you need maximum visibility in a space such as inspecting your crawlspace.

Flashlights with magnetic bases increase their usefulness for outdoor projects. When placed on a metal surface, this type of flashlight becomes valuable hands-free task lighting. Illuminate your doorframe as you finish trim painting or place your flashlight on your mailbox while you spruce up your landscaping. With a quality project flashlight, you have flexible lighting in your hands.

5. Wearable Micro-Lights

When you’re in the middle of a project, the last thing you want to do is search for a screw. However, you can easily get your project back on track if you have micro-lights within reach. Penlights can be inserted into small crevices with maximum illumination. Wear one on a lanyard and you’ll be ready to pinpoint a lost fixture or identify new plant growth.

Some penlights are telescoping, increasing their reach into any space. Others have a magnetic feature, which can help you both find that lost screw and pick it up. Other microlights are incorporated into project gear, like gloves, helping illuminate your project area up close, ideal for detailed work.

Keep Your Outdoor Project in Clear View with the Right Lighting

With a range of flexible and durable outdoor lighting, your workbench gets a serious upgrade. While you’re shopping, consider how and where you’ll store your lighting. Give your project lighting, ample space in your toolbox and work area. Magnetic headlamps easily store on the underside of metal toolbox lids. Large floor lamps can find their home on a pegboard or fold up for storage in a cabinet.

Keep charging cords with each light source and use a Velcro cord wrap to keep them connected. This way, you’ll avoid the time-wasting frenzy of searching for cords. When you eliminate the issue of illumination, there’s nothing in your way between a stunning “after” for your next project.