What "COB" actually means
COB stands for chip-on-board: many LED dies mounted directly on a substrate so they read as one continuous light source rather than a row of points. In practice that gives a broad, even flood with fewer harsh shadows — which is why COB is the usual choice for inspection and repair lamps. A standard LED array tends to be punchier and throw further, which suits a torch or a work light you aim at distance.
If your job is lighting the inside of a wheel arch, an engine bay or a cupboard, you want the even COB flood. If you need to see the far end of a yard, you want throw.
Battery: match the cell to the job
- Small built-in cell (around 1200mAh): light and cheap, fine for short jobs. Our 90° Foldable COB Work Light and COB Multi-Function Work Light both use a 1200mAh 18650.
- Mid-size (21700 / higher capacity): when you need hours, not minutes. The 600LM 21700 Work Light is rated for a 12-hour runtime with a 110LM front light, and charges over Type-C.
- Large (5000mAh and power-bank class): for all-day site work, or when the lamp doubles as a charger. The 5000mAh Magnetic LED Work Light is the top of that range.
A useful sanity check: a lamp that can also charge your phone has to be recharged more often. Decide which job it is for.
How it attaches — the part buyers underestimate
Almost every magnetic work light is bought for hands-free use, and hands-free is decided entirely by the mount. There are four common answers:
- Magnetic base. The default. Fast and strong on steel; useless on aluminium, plastic or timber. Check the surface before you rely on it.
- Hook. Works where magnets do not — branches, cage frames, tent poles. The 1500LM LED Work Light carries both a hook and a magnetic base, which covers most real situations.
- Stand or bracket. For fine work you want the lamp put down and aimed, not stuck. The Rechargeable Vehicle Inspection Work Light with Stand is built for under-vehicle inspection.
- Flexible or bendable. When the light has to go somewhere a rigid lamp cannot reach — around a pipe, over a beam, through a gap. The 360° Bendable Hose Work Light is that case.
Angled and folding heads
A head that rotates 90° lets one lamp do two jobs: flat against a wall as a flood, or folded out as a spot aimed forward. This is why 90° foldable lamps are so common in garages — see the Foldable COB Work Light 90°.
If you need light in more than one direction at once, panel lamps spread it: the 4-Panel Folding Work Light, 4200LM folds out into four panels on a tripod stand, which is the closest thing to a portable site light.
A shortlist by job
- Car repair in a driveway: Rechargeable COB Magnetic Work Light with Hook — $29.99
- Mechanic, under the vehicle: Vehicle Inspection Work Light with Stand — $28.99
- Tight spaces and pipes: 360° Bendable Hose Work Light — $26.99
- All-day site work: 5000mAh Magnetic LED Work Light — $32.99
- Budget kit for the house: P50 LED Work Light with Bracket — $13.99, or the 3-pack at $38.99
Or save on three together: the Pro Work Light Trio bundles a hose light, a foldable COB lamp and a P50 bracket light for $49.99 — $13.98 less than buying them separately.
Full range: Work Lights.
Shipping and returns
Free shipping on US & Canada orders over $34.99. Orders ship from our warehouse within 1–3 business days, and there is a 30-day return window.