Tool Review: K-Tool Professional Necklight

March 10, 2024
Reviewed by Brian Culotta, shop foreman and master technician at Dave's Auto Care in Willoughby, Ohio.

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Q: How did the tool function as far as saving you time?

A: As an automotive technician, we are constantly in need of proper lighting when repairing vehicles. Having a light source available to you without the need to hold it in your hand will increase your efficiency in the workplace. More importantly, there is potential for less arguments with your children on where they should hold the flashlight. 

 

Q: How has using this tool impacted your shop's profitability? 

A: Freeing up a technician's hand that typically would be stuck holding a flashlight is going to allow him or her to work more efficiently and effectively. 

 

Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product?

A: The K-Tool International Rechargeable Neck Worklight, No. KTIXD5523, was completely assembled and ready to go after fully charging its battery. 

 

Q: How easy was it to use?

A: This light is set up very similar to other necklights. There are two buttons, one on each light end. These buttons allow the user to adjust the brightness of the light and turn the light on. 

 

Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories?

A: The packaging was in a typical cardboard box. The light came with a USBC charging cord and is rechargeable. 

 

Q: Was there a manual included? If so, did you use the manual, and was it easy to understand?

A: A brief note card of instructions was included, however, the light's functions were self-explanatory. 

 

Q: What features did you like?

A: The light has flexible ends to adjust where the light is pointing. Whether you need light up, down, left, or right, an easy flex to the legs of the product and you have light right where you need it. This is slightly different than other brands' models. Most have a ratcheting pivot point that can wear out or only up and down adjustments. 

 

Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to this tool? 

A: The product could be more conforming to different neck sizes. The battery is in the back of the neck and is slightly uncomfortable and not adjustable. The fixed position of the rear battery section that hugs your neck was a bit too tight for me. 

 

Q: What types of jobs/repairs do you use this tool for?

A: I use this light primarily during chassis wheel alignments. It's very convenient to have light suspended by your neck instead of your hands when making adjustments to alignment angles on a vehicle. I also find this light convenient to use during digital vehicle inspections (DVI) when taking photos using a tablet. The extra light is necessary for a good photo for the customer to see in their inspection. Not all tablets have a flash and/or enough light to take a proper photo. 

 

Q: Have you used a previous version of this tool? If so, what are some new features compared to the old version? 

A: I have used other ratcheting head-style necklights and have had the pivoting joints break. This product does not have a mechanical joint to wear out. The legs can be flexed into the correct positions.

 

Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why? 

A: A nine – an adjustable size to the rear section of the tool would be my biggest complaint. 

About the Author

Brian Culotta

Brian Culotta is a graduate of the Universal Technical Institute in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating, he started working for an independent car dealership as a lead technician for seven years. He then moved to a new job at an independent repair shop where he stayed for three years. He now works at Dave's Auto Care in Willoughby, Ohio, as the shop foreman and ASE Master L1, L3 technician.

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