Candles though... that’s a hard pass for me—too many close calls with insulation over the years.
I hear you on the candles. I used to keep a stash for emergencies, but after almost setting off a smoke alarm in an attic crawlspace, I’m out. Those little rechargeable work lights with magnets are a game changer, especially if you’re working solo and need both hands.
Here’s my go-to process when the power cuts out mid-project:
1. **Pause and Assess:** First thing, tools down. If you’re running anything corded, unplug it—don’t want a surprise when the juice comes back.
2. **Grab the Headlamp:** I keep one clipped to my tool belt at all times. It’s not just for seeing; it keeps your hands free, which is huge if you’re on a ladder or dealing with wiring.
3. **Deploy Magnetic Work Lights:** Like you said, stick one on the breaker box or any metal surface nearby. I’ll usually angle one up at the ceiling and another at my workspace for less shadow.
4. **Check the Source:** Quick trip to the panel to see if it’s just a tripped breaker or something bigger. If it’s the whole street, time to break out the battery bank for charging phones and maybe a portable fan.
5. **Secure the Area:** If I’m mid-demo or there’s exposed wiring, I’ll tape off or cover anything dangerous until the lights are back.
6. **Plan B:** If it’s a long outage, I’ll switch to tasks that don’t need power—patching drywall, organizing materials, or cleaning up.
One thing I’d add: those little puck lights (the ones you tap on and off) are surprisingly handy for closets or cabinets when you’re trying to finish up in the dark. Not as bright as a work light, but better than nothing.
I do know some folks who swear by lanterns, but I find they’re too easy to knock over in tight spaces. And yeah, candles are just asking for trouble around insulation or paint fumes.
Curious if anyone’s tried those LED strips with battery packs? Wondering if they’re worth tossing in the kit for backup lighting...
Those magnetic work lights are a total lifesaver, especially when you’re crawling around under cabinets or in an attic. I’m with you on the puck lights too—super handy for those awkward corners. I’ve actually tried the battery-powered LED strips, and they’re decent for quick fixes or lighting up a hallway, but they don’t throw as much light as a proper work lamp. Still, they’re light and easy to stash in the toolbox. One thing I’d add: keep a spare set of batteries in a zip bag taped to your main light—nothing worse than fumbling in the dark for power.
I get what you mean about the LED strips—they’re convenient, but honestly, I’ve found they just don’t cut it for anything more than a quick fix. I actually switched to rechargeable headlamps for most of my projects now. They keep your hands free, and you never have to worry about where you set your light down. Keeping a spare set of batteries taped to your main light is a solid tip, though. I’d add that if you go rechargeable, stash a backup power bank in your kit... just in case.
