Our Favorite Flashlights, No. 3: Stanley’s 3-In-1 Tripod

Laugh if you like; it looks like a holiday gimmick. We yukked it up when we received an early sample last year. But after a few weeks in the shop the truth came out: We argued over the sample and ended up heading to the store so we could each have one. This hydra-headed flashlight actually works — and simplifies work tasks by putting light where you need it.

First the details: folded up and pointed forward, the 3-in-1 feels and functions like a good ‘ole barrel-shaped flashlight. Press any of the three power buttons and all three lights activate. Push a yellow stud on the bottom, though, and its three legs pop out, rendering the light stable on a garage floor or work bench.

Now the fun begins. Each light individually swivels about 120 degrees — from pointing straight up to pointing about 30 degrees downward. You can create scores of lighting shapes by bending the three lights around. For example, you can plop the tripod on your workbench and point a light downward and across your work. Or you can stand it on the floor under the car and adjust each light separately so you can not only see what you’re doing but what’s happening because of it.

And though it doesn’t come up nearly as often as the examples above, you can also remove each of the three lights and carry them around separately as individual flashlights. The remaining lights continue to work together. Stanley put a little thought into this light as well: a small, clear plastic ring around each light head leaks light out the sides a bit, preventing you from accidentally leaving the light on after setting it down on its front side.

As for durability, try this on: Sean owns one. He’s had it for almost a year now, and it still works. Considering how many of my flashlights he’s broken (and how he treats his), I’d say that’s test a-plenty.

3-In-1 Tripod LED Flashlight [Stanley]
Via Amazon [What’s This?]