WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT MID-PROJECT: WHAT'S YOUR MOVE?
- Totally get the nostalgia for the Maglite days. I still have my dad’s old one in a drawer, and it weighs about as much as a brick. Still works, too, but I only break it out for sentimental reasons now.
- I’ve been leaning hard into solar-powered lanterns lately. Left a couple charging on the windowsill and forgot about them until the power cut out during a drywall job. Wasn’t the brightest light, but it kept me from tripping over my own extension cords. Plus, no guilt about tossing dead batteries.
- Headlamps are a must, but I hear you on the charging hassle. I’ve started keeping a checklist taped inside my tool cabinet—quick glance before a big project to see what needs juice. Doesn’t always work (I’m forgetful), but it beats getting caught in the dark with a dead headlamp.
- Crank lanterns are underrated. Had one for years that finally gave up after I dropped it off a ladder. The arm workout is real, but at least you’re not burning through batteries or worrying about outlets.
- Candles are a hard pass for me too. Too many close calls with sawdust and open flames. One time I tried to “set the mood” during a blackout paint job—ended up with wax drips all over the trim. Lesson learned.
I do keep a stash of rechargeables and a few regular batteries just in case, but honestly, if I can avoid single-use anything, I will. There’s something satisfying about knowing you’re not adding to the landfill every time the lights flicker out. Still, nothing beats being prepared... even if it means hoarding a few old habits along with the new tech.
I’m curious—has anyone tried those rechargeable LED bulbs that work like regular bulbs but stay on when the power cuts? I’ve been tempted, but not sure if they’re worth it for an old house with weird wiring. I like the idea of solar, but my windows don’t get much sun. Wondering if there’s a “best” backup for drafty, unpredictable places like mine...
Tried those rechargeable LEDs in my 1920s place—mixed results. Here’s what I’ve noticed:
- They’re fine if your wiring isn’t too quirky, but some older fixtures don’t play nice. Had a couple flicker or not charge right.
- Battery life’s decent, but not amazing. If you’re mid-project and need bright light, they fade faster than you’d think.
- Honestly, I lean toward portable work lights with built-in batteries. More reliable, and you can move them wherever you need—no fussing with sockets or weird wiring.
If your house is drafty and unpredictable, I’d skip the solar and stick with something you can charge ahead of time. Just my two cents...
I hear you on the rechargeable LEDs—had a similar experience in my old bungalow. The wiring’s a wild card, and sometimes those bulbs just don’t cooperate. I do like the idea of portable work lights, but I’m always torn about battery waste versus convenience. Ever tried any of the newer low-wattage LED lanterns? They claim longer runtimes, but I’m skeptical if they’re really that much better for projects that drag on. Curious if anyone’s found a truly eco-friendly backup that actually works in these unpredictable old houses...
Curious if anyone’s found a truly eco-friendly backup that actually works in these unpredictable old houses...
Honestly, I’ve cycled through a bunch of options. Those “long runtime” LED lanterns are hit or miss—some last, some just fade out halfway through a job. I’ve had the best luck with a combo: solar-charged power banks and low-draw LED panels. Not perfect, but at least I’m not burning through AAAs every week. Wiring in these old places is always a gamble, so redundancy is key. If you find something that’s both green and reliable, let me know... I’ll buy two.
