Whether you’re an audio engineer, an IT guy, or just a regular dude with a computer shoved under your desk, eventually you’re going to have to crawl into a tight, dark space and try to fix a wiring issue. A TV-biz friend of mine recommended a much better solution: slap a stick-on light under that desk or console before crunch time.
The one pictured above — the LED-based DOT-It from Sylvania — is my favorite, though you can find similar models everywhere, from your local big-box to late-night TV infomercials. The DOT-It delivers a claimed 100 hours on three replaceable AAA batteries — enough for many, many cable swaps.
The bottom line: the $5 to $9 you’ll spend on one of these will keep you from crawling back out from under the desk to go and hunt for a flashlight many times over. You’ll completely forget about it until you’re already down there — where it’ll be there, waiting to make the difficult simple.
DOT-It Stick-On LED Light [Sylvania]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
4 Responses to The Perfect Under-Desk Light
Leave a Reply
Toolmonger on Flickr
Thanks for the under-the-desk tip!
I saw a similar product in a Big Lots. To turn them on, you yank out a plastic tab. They couldn’t be turned off! (Well, without disassembly, anyway…)
For the record, the reviewed light taps on and off, but check the package before you buy!
Costco has a geat deal of a 3-pack of similiar 5-LED puck lights. The heads swivel, have a high and low setting, include and optional light sensor, attach with a screw or supplied velcro and include 9 Duracell batteries.
I believe the regular price is $12.99.
I just used all three for a three-day outdoor event for 10+ hours/day and they worked flawlessly.
Sticky lights are a wonderful thing. If you’re under the desk/TV cabinet/whatever that frequently may I also recomend a foam garden kneeler? I know i’ve been grateful for carrying one in my wiring kit for the last few years.
They should have a 2 min time out to turn off. Because I’m thinking that there I times that I would forget that thing on and then the batteries would be dead next time I need it. And then getting batteries to replace would be harder than just getting the flashlight.