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Hardware, Software & Publications What hardware, software, books, videos, et cetera have you found useful? What would you like to see more of? This topic is to discuss various inspection-related products and publications.

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  #1  
Old 4/27/08, 11:51 PM
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Default Flashlights: still looking

Never have found a flashlight I'm happy with. The Ultra-stinger puts out a lot of light but only lasts for an hour. That doesn't seem like enough. I'm partial to small flashlights.




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  #2  
Old 4/28/08, 12:48 AM
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Default Re: Flashlights: still looking

Kenton,
I carry a Sabrelight as a spare. It has the LED bulb so batteries seems to llast forever. There is no switch to break, just a twist of the lens cover and it comes on, has a lanyard and a belt clip build on, it is a flourescent yellow so you can see it forever, and is supposed to be usable in explosive environments. I have had it for probably 7 years and it is still going strong. Uses three C cell batteries. Take a look at them and see if it may not do what you want. It is made by Pelican and you can find it on line or at a lot of Marine or boating supply places.
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  #3  
Old 4/28/08, 12:59 AM
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Default Re: Flashlights: still looking

Quote:
Originally Posted by kshepard
Never have found a flashlight I'm happy with. The Ultra-stinger puts out a lot of light but only lasts for an hour. That doesn't seem like enough. I'm partial to small flashlights.
Are you doing your inspections at night Kenton?

Yolking

I used to carry a cheapo coleman million candle power job for attics, now I carry two ultra stingers and charge one every other day or so.



"You got what it takes to keep the heads a-spinnin’ down by the old rim shack
And you come across just like a fool grinnin’ in the back of a red Cadillac"

ps some of the opinions I have posted here may or may not be factually based.




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  #4  
Old 4/28/08, 2:09 AM
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Default Re: Flashlights: still looking

I carry an UltraStinger and keep an extra battery in the bag, but I tend to use a Stinger LED in the crawl spaces and attics. It lasts a lot longer and puts out a true white light instead of giving everything a yellow tinge. It doesn't shine as far as the Ultra, but is brighter in close. It is about 4 inches shorter.



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Old 4/28/08, 2:10 AM
Stephen W. Stanczyk
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  #5  
Old 4/28/08, 2:39 AM
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Default Re: Flashlights: still looking

I've never gone for those specialized home inspector flashlights because I simply thought they cost too much. Since I like to hike and camp, it occurred to me that the flashlights at the sporting goods stores should be able to take the abuse that I could give them as a home inspector since they apparently work quite well for hikers and campers. Consequently, I gave it a try and have not been disappointed. They also come with a car adapter so my inspectors and I could always recharge them while driving from one inspection to another. Well, all my inspectors except for the smoker. There are a great many varieties to choose from.



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  #6  
Old 4/28/08, 9:35 AM
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Default Re: Flashlights: still looking

I've been using the Brinkmann Dual Xenon for years...I have 2 rigged as depicted in the photo, just clip onto belt loop or tool bag...one is always on the cig-lighter charger and the other is with me...lasts about 90 minutes per charge and I've never been in a situation where this did not provide enough light...get the recharged one before entering crawlspace and never needed a backup...for under $30.00 I don't think you can beat this...jmo
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  #7  
Old 4/28/08, 11:12 AM
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Default Re: Flashlights: still looking

[quote=bkelly2]Are you doing your inspections at night Kenton?
quote]
Yep, and I like to do my inspections with my eyes closed. Also, if you use earplugs it's so much more peaceful, especially if you stay in one place. Like in bed.




Kenton Shepard, NACHI member # 04082383
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  #8  
Old 4/28/08, 11:15 AM
Russel Ray's Avatar
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Default Re: Flashlights: still looking

Quote:
Originally Posted by kshepard
Yep, and I like to do my inspections with my eyes closed. Also, if you use earplugs it's so much more peaceful, especially if you stay in one place. Like in bed.
Earplugs? A good set of headphones or earphones hooked to a CD player fastened to one's belt playing The Beatles is far superior!



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  #9  
Old 4/28/08, 12:04 PM
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Default Re: Flashlights: still looking

I have the stinger, I like the power/sizer ratio but was not happy with battery life. A couple of months ago I got a strap on 9 led head light, this works great, not only do I have plenty of batter power in the stinger when I need it but for the most part the attic trip is hands free of the flashlight.



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  #10  
Old 4/29/08, 1:02 AM
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Default Re: Flashlights: still looking

This looks light an eye-opener...

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...3Doff%26sa%3DG

Gotta love the tag line!




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  #11  
Old 4/29/08, 1:11 AM
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Default Re: Flashlights: still looking

I hate those spot rechargables as they never last long enough.
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  #12  
Old 4/29/08, 5:01 PM
John D. Richards John D. Richards is offline
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Default Re: Flashlights: still looking

This is the best light ever. Small enough to fit in your pocket, and bright enough to light up the darkest crawl space. Not to mention they are only about $28 for TWO. Look HERE.
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  #13  
Old 4/30/08, 4:11 AM
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Default Re: Flashlights: still looking

Here's what I ordered... $37.00


The new Streamlight Twin-Task 3C Laser is an alkaline powered flashlight with a laser pointer. The Streamlight 3C Laser features an enhanced knurled grip, laser pointer, 5 ultra bright, long running white LEDs and one high-intensity Xenon bulb - use just the laser pointer, 5 white LEDs or laser pointer with Xenon bulb.

Push-Button Switching sequence for Streamlight Twin-Task 3C Laser:
- click once for laser
- next click gives you 5 LEDs
- next click gives you Xenon and laser
- next click turns the flashlight off

Features of Streamlight Twin-Task 3C Laser:
- 3.6 Volt high pressure Xenon bulb, 57 lumens
- five 100,000 hour life Nichia white LED bulbs, up to 21 lumens
- prefocused visible red laser cartridge, 650 nM wavelength, Class IIIa (3r)
- up to 5 hours run time with Xenon bulb
- up to 100 hours run time with 5 LEDs
- powered by 3 C-cell alkalline batteries, not included
- push button switch
- glass lens
- aircraft grade machined aluminum body, type II gun-metal anodized finish
- micro faceted reflector for smooth focus
- O-ring sealed for water resistance
- heavy duty drop-tested construction
- includes wrist lanyard
- made in China
- No Excuses limited lifetime warranty from Streamlight




Kenton Shepard, NACHI member # 04082383
Peak to Prairie Inspection Service
Certified Master Inspector (CMI)

Inspection of Conventional,
Log, Strawbale and
Historic Homes
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  #14  
Old 4/30/08, 7:20 AM
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Default Re: Flashlights: still looking

Did you try that before you bought it, Kenton? I bought one similar last December for the car because I thought it looked cool, and all the specs were similar to yours. I don't find it to be bright enough at night just to take the valve covers off the tires to check the air pressure, so I now have it in the house as an emergency backup flashlight.



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  #15