Cliplight HEMIPRO Work Light

“Hemi” is hot right now, and although the closest I’ve ever owned to the real deal was a 440 Wedge (the older Mopar guys know what I’m talking about) the concept of “hemi” then and now implies power. Cliplight’s HEMIPRO LED work lights are part of the new wave of LED lamps that are taking over from incandescents in applications from automotive taillights to architectural lighting. For those who grew up before video games, “LED” stands for light emitting diode, a semiconductor electronic component that behaves like the diodes familiar to technicians in applications like alternator rectifiers.

The difference of course, is that in addition to acting like a one-way current valve, they glow, in colours that can be “tuned” by the choice of semiconductor material. They’re also incredibly energy efficient. Why? In terms of light output per watt of power consumed, white LED’s can easily provide double the light output per watt. This also makes them ideal for battery powered devices, which the HEMIPRO lights are.

SSGM tested two- and three-LED units, model numbers 113302 and 11303 respectively and subjected them to normal shop-type use in both automotive and non-automotive environments. The most obvious initial impression is that the lights are bright, very bright. Both models use high-output LED’s behind lenses and the result is a light that’s uncomfortable to look at directly and a good wide beam when shining on your work. The light is very white, much whiter than bulb-type units and even whiter than the bluish hue of fluorescent lamps. The other immediate impression is that the lights re thin, without the traditional “head” above the baseball bat sized handle. It’s easy to jam these units into tight places, and the swivel hook provided on top doesn’t flop or spin loosely, a real advantage when you want to hang the light and get the beam on your work.

The body of the HEMIPRO is a rubbery anti-slip plastic that gives good grip and the on-off switch is moulded into the handle covering, so it won’t attract dirt or moisture. The batteries are recharged through a jack on the handle bottom using the familiar wall box power supply.

It’s a good light for profession use, but there are lots of good work lights on the market. What makes this reviewer think the HEMIPRO series are exceptional are two words: replaceable parts. HEMIPRO lights feature major components that can be purchased separately, like a professional tool, so these lights aren’t throw away units like cheap retail products.

The clear light guard, for example, comes off without tools for cleaning or replacement and the LED unit underneath is protected by an inner shield to prevent damage. The shield parts are keyed and labelled “front” and “back” for easy assembly. Similarly, the battery pack and hook assembly, which is common to both models, removes with a simple Phillips screw which is externally mounted, not hidden under plastic trim. While the LED’s are rated for 50,000 hours, can you break them? SSGM testing included drops, kicks and standard shop-floor use and abuse similar to regular work lights and had no failures. The 2500 mA/h battery easily provided enough power for a standard shift in typical steady, intermittent use. Small LED indicators show charge state, although a typical shop will likely charge overnight for daily use. Gripes? There are very few issues with the HEMIPRO series work lamps in our testing. I’d like to see a bench or wall-mount stand instead of the bottom jack for charging, and an accessory 12-volt cigarette lighter charger for mobile use, both for tow/service operations and as a handy lamp for hunting, fishing or camping.

HEMIPRO work lamps are professional grade tools for professional use that are unlikely to break or wear out.