Home inspectors often need a strong flashlight to be able to evaluate basements, home foundations, and dark cabinets. They also need a flashlight that is powerful but small in size and able to be carried and wielded easily. At times, a keychain flashlight can work just nicely as long as it has a strong enough beam. If you’re a home inspector looking for a new flashlight, take a look at the list we’ve compiled below of some of the best home inspection flashlights available on the market.
What is the Best Flashlight For Home Inspectors?
We have compiled for you the top 9 Best Flashlight For Home Inspectors in 2024. In this article we go through the products that we have used ourselves, checked what other users thought about them and we ranked them accordingly.
With years of experience with home inspector flashlights and having used several flashlights for home inspectors you can trust our review.
Moreover, you can scroll to the end of this review to see our mini buying guide as well as the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about flashlights for home inspectors.
1. LE High Lumens LED Flashlight
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.23 pounds (0.1 kg) Size: 4.3 x 1.3 x 1.3 inches (10.9 x 3.4 x 3.4 cm) Batteries: 3x AAA Brightness (Lumens): 140 Type: EDC |
This high-power, small-sized flashlight opens the world of amazement. Weighing less than 4 ounces and measuring about 4 inches, it sneaks into your pocket unnoticed. However, you’ll stay bright and breezy along dark and lonely paths.
A premium aluminum casing fights off corrosion and scratches. The concentrated beam of 140 lumens reaches as far as 150m. You can widen it with a head-mounted rocker switch. Tailcap is tasked with the on/off operation. You should know that light’s intensity remains constant. Although multiple modes have long ceased to be a luxury, their absence shouldn’t be a deal-breaker either.
Pros
- Built to last,
- Pocket size,
- Zoomable feature,
- Skid-proof design
Cons
- Non-adjustable,
- Not waterproof
2. SureFire EDCL2-T Everyday Carry LED Flashlight
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.3 pounds (0.14 kg) Size: 5.7 x 1.1 x 1.1 inches (14.5 x 2.9 x 2.9 cm) Batteries: 2x CR123A Brightness (Lumens): 1200 Type: EDC |
EDCL2 came as an update of the EB2 Backup light. It has got slightly bigger. However, the features are mind-blowing.
It’s made dual-output. The low mode shines at mere 5 lumens, whereas the higher setting boosts it up 250 times. This level of the focused beam is incredible, given the minimal size. Surefire has plugged in its two 123A lithium batteries.
However, there is no power indicator. Unlike other models, it neither switches to moonlight before shutting off.
It doesn’t have a click-style switch. Push for momentary-on, and twist for constant. A half-press activates the low mode and a full-push blinding 1200 lumens of light. Once you get it right, EDCL2 may become your go-to flashlight.
Pros
- Dual-output light,
- Bombproof aerospace-aluminum,
- Surefire’s tactical tail cap,
- Pocket-carry size
Cons
- Thin pocket clip,
- No low-battery indicator
3. Coast G19 Inspection Light
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.01 pounds (0.01 kg) Size: 4 x 0.6 x 0.6 inches (10.2 x 1.5 x 1.5 cm) Batteries: 1x AAA Brightness (Lumens): 54 Type: Penlight |
This sleek penlight produces a focused spot beam without glare and flickers. You can use it for everyday tasks and inspections. It’s labeled ultra-compact since the length only strikes 4″. There is a pocket clip for easy carrying around. Its successor, G20, is longer but not more powerful. COAST should consider attaching a keyring hole in the latest editions of G19 for more convenience.
It takes two standard AAA batteries and illuminates a 9m area for 2.5hrs. The aluminum casing has been tested for impact resistance, backed by a lifetime warranty. For the price – it’s a classical, unbeatable pure gold!
Pros
- Edge-to-edge brightness,
- Adjustable clip,
- Durable aluminum body,
- Rated for ANSI-FL1 standard
Cons
- Not super luminous,
- Not a keychain torch
4. GearLight S100 Compact Flashlight
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.15 pounds (0.07 kg) Size: 5.3 x 0.5 x 0.5 inches (13.3 x 1.3 x 1.3 cm) Batteries: 2x AAA Brightness (Lumens): 100 Type: Penlight |
S100 is a great addition to small-sized flashlights. Simplicity is key to success, standing behind the confidence of thousands of users.
It’s made for convenience whether you seek up-close inspection or distant illumination. A high-lumen, glistering beam chases away all challenges to your visibility. Nonetheless, brightness and focus remain non-adjustable. The design makes it perfect for everyday carry – all-metal, resistant to light rain, and half-an-inch wide. A removable clip hangs on your pocket, purse, backpack, or binder. It doesn’t even weigh one ounce, batteries excluded. And you’ll get two of these penlights!
Pros
- Brilliant beam,
- Break-free 6hrs operation,
- Pocket clip,
- Smooth mechanical switch
Cons
- No adjustments are possible,
- Batteries are not included
5. SureFire G2X LE Flashlight
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.27 pounds (0.12 kg) Size: 5.2 x 2.5 x 1.3 inches (13.2 x 6.3 x 3.2 cm) Batteries: 2x 123A Lithium Brightness (Lumens): 400 Type: LED |
The simplicity of the G2X LE flashlight sets it apart from the crowd. It has a rugged tail cap switch. Press it half for momentary-on and click for constant output. The low mode will kick in if you switch it on within two minutes of turning it off. Otherwise, the model prefers a higher setting that unleashes 400 lumens. Some descriptions have mistakenly rated it for 600.
Surefire hasn’t disclosed the type of LED chip and lens it utilizes. But we know that a parabolic reflector generates a focused beam with ample surrounding light. The flashlight features a nitrolon body, showing greater resistance against scratches and cold than aluminum!
Pros
- Made of nitrolon,
- Parabolic high-quality reflector,
- Convenient tail switch,
- Leads with high mode
Cons
- Less standby time,
- Cheaper alternatives
6. Streamlight Stylus Pro Pen Light
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.16 pounds (0.07 kg) Size: 5.3 x 0.6 x 0.6 inches (13.5 x 1.5 x 1.5 cm) Batteries: 2x AAA Brightness (Lumens): 100 Type: Penlight |
In the world of ProTacs and Streams, Stylus penlights often get less acknowledgment. But they feature all the rugged and reliable characteristics with one upside. The head-to-tail diameter is only 15mm, fitting most compact places and adding no weight.
It also has a white C4 LED that shines like a full moon at 100 lumens. And HPL downrange beam pattern allows you to inspect from 60m afar.
Its stiff tail switch makes the only challenge. You need an iron thumb to turn it off. Otherwise, the momentary application is seamless. If you’re looking to send Morse code embedded signals, this might be your guy!
Pros
- Sleek pen-sized design,
- Abrasion-resistant,
- High-performance beam,
- Six colors available
Cons
- Strenuous switching,
- Single-mode
7. NICRON N7 90-degree Tactical Flashlight
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.12 pounds (0.05 kg) Size: 4.4 x 0.8 x 0.8 inches (11.2 x 2 x 2 cm) Batteries: 1x AA Brightness (Lumens): 600 Type: Magnetic |
Sometimes, you need both hands without having to hold a wobbly torch in a drooling mouth. In such times of dexterity, you can affix magnetic flashlights to the chassis or fuse box.
The N7 has a 90-degree rotatable head for positioning of the beam’s focus at any desired angle. The standard AA battery emits 200 lumens. But a 14500 rechargeable can turn it into a workhorse by maximizing the output three times over.
You can clip it to your pocket or purse for worry-free trekking, fishing, and dog walking whether it rains or snows. The tough construction is up to sustain any accidental drops.
Pros
- Rotatable head,
- Four mode switching,
- Super strong magnet,
- Waterproof and fall-proof
Cons
- Batteries are not included,
- Low brightness at AA battery
8. Hoxida Super Bright LED Flashlight
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.21 pounds (0.1 kg) Size: 5.4 x 1.4 x 1.3 inches (13.7 x 3.6 x 3.4 cm) Batteries: Rechargeable Li-ion Brightness (Lumens): 1200 Type: EDC |
Hoxida’s super-bright flashlight lives up to its name. It strikes an irradiating 1200-lumen beam at a 180m distance. You can still play with variable brightness, emergency light, and adjustable focus. Tweak the body out, and the wide flood lamp transforms into a narrow spotlight.
It has a peculiar rechargeable character. The USB cable and battery included in its package will be a relief for those trodden over by flashlights having everything but life-endowing batteries. The indicator on the connector’s opposite side turns green after a full charge and terminates the current.
If you opt to buy two flashlights simultaneously, a 25% discount awaits you!
Pros
- Perfect and portable size,
- Convenient recharge,
- Adjustable,
- far-reaching coverage,
- IPX6 waterproof rating
Cons
- No hand-carry strap,
- Limited warranty
9. Anker Bolder LC40 Flashlight
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.27 pounds (0.12 kg) Size: 5 x 1.3 x 1.3 inches (12.8 x 3.3 x 3.3 cm) Batteries: Rechargeable Li-ion Brightness (Lumens): 400 Type: LED |
Bolder LC40 packs a powerful punch in its small dimension. It produces 400 lumens at the brightest setting that can be diminished to 120 and even 20. Strobe and SOS modes come next. Hold the switch for a little longer, and it quickly turns off.
The battery is amazing. It’d exhaust after 20hrs of medium-level output and require six hours to be able to join the field again.
The industry-leading XPG2 bulb has a 50000hrs lifespan. Its dedicated IC supplies non-fading brightness consistently. Also, LED’s rubber wrapping makes it water-impregnable to an extent. It has your back in extreme conditions, whether polar chilly or desert dusty.
Pros
- 20hrs average runtime,
- Integrated pocket clip,
- Weather-resistant,
- 18-month warranty
Cons
- Slow charging,
- No adjustable focus
Verdict
To summarize, we have gone through dozens of flashlights for home inspectors and decided that 9 are worth your consideration. Out of these, the absolute Best Flashlight For Home Inspectors is LE High Lumens LED Flashlight which we highly recommend as our overall best.
If money is not an issue, you can consider SureFire EDCL2-T Everyday Carry LED Flashlight as this is our Premium Pick.
Otherwise, there’s no shame in spending prudently, Coast G19 Inspection Light is the Budget Option.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying flashlights for home inspectors
Battery Type
The best battery type for your flashlights depends entirely upon your use. Whether you want it to be rechargeable, or disposable. Do you need to use them right away or after a while? The size and the weather in which the flashlight will be used also matters. The most common rechargeable batteries are alkaline batteries. Found in AAA, AA, C, and D types, their nominal voltage is 1.5V and they have a self-discharge rate of approx. 2-3% per year, making them an excellent and easily available choice if you want a disposable battery for an emergency flashlight that is stored most of the time. If you want better performance in rechargeable batteries, go for lithium batteries. With a nominal voltage of 3V per cell and extreme weather endurance, they are perfect if you are looking for a disposable battery with a lower discharge rate than alkaline batteries. The only con is that they are more expensive than alkaline batteries.
If you want rechargeable batteries, as they are far more cost-effective in the long run, there are two options available – Lithium Ion and NiMH batteries. NiMH can be found in standard alkaline battery sizes but Li-Ion batteries come in their own standard sizes like 18650. NiMH batteries last longer than standard alkaline batteries despite having lower (1.25V) voltage owing to their lower discharge rate.
With a nominal voltage of 3.7V per cell Li-Ion batteries beat every other battery in terms of energy density, although its prices are reflective of that. Read the instruction manual of your flashlight to pick the best battery option for yourself. Also, consider your requirements and the use of your flashlight (emergency use, everyday use, etc.).
Lumens and Light Output
Lumen is a measure of the flashlight light output – so the ideal lumen number will depend on your situation. Usually, a flashlight with 300 to 1000 lumens is considered versatile enough for everyday use and frequent nightly tasks. But the number can go up for certain tasks that require more light output.
For reading or random everyday tasks, you will find a 300 lumens flashlight to be useful enough. For camping or similar outdoor activities like nightly walks or running, a 300 to 900-lumen flashlight will work well. If you’re hunter or military personnel, you may need to spot your prey or a threat from a considerable distance – for such situations, pick a flashlight with a light output of 1250-2500 lumens.
Flashlights with a higher light output than 2500 lumens are usually used in search and rescue operations as such operations require a much-focused illumination.
Run Time
The run time of a flashlight primarily depends upon its batteries. Li-Ion batteries have the highest energy capacity and they are also rechargeable. While alkaline and lithium are long-lasting disposable batteries. Other factors that affect the run time of a flashlight are its power draw i.e., its brightness setting, light output, and the number of batteries. A flashlight will last longer on a lower brightness setting than on a higher one. Flashlights with the lowest lumens will last the longest. Also, the higher the number of batteries the longer the run time of a flashlight. Choose the variables that best suit your situation.
Portability
The portability of a flashlight directly depends upon its size and weight. Pocket-sized LED flashlights made from aluminum are the best when it comes to picking the ideal portable flashlights. Not only are LED bulbs long-lasting but they also do not produce excessive heat – while aluminum is extremely lightweight and durable, making the combination of both an ideal portable flashlight option. Most compact LED flashlights to have a light output of 500-1000 lumens making them far superior to mobile phone torches. Consider a water-resistant LED flashlight with a belt clip for maximum performance, portability, and endurance.
Beam Intensity
Many people confuse lumens for the measure of flashlight brightness or beam intensity. Lumens are merely the measure of total light output generated by a flashlight. The beam intensity depends mainly upon candelas. Different candela settings provide different beam intensities – from highly focused to wide and dispersed. Purchase a flashlight with a higher candela rating if you want a long-distance or more focused beam. Alternatively, get a flashlight with a low candela rating for more uniform illumination. Other factors that affect beam intensity are the size and shape of the lens or reflector.
Questions and Answers About flashlights for home inspectors
What is an inspector flashlight?
An inspector flashlight assists you in probing and searching be it the insides of a handbag or a house inspection. Usually, it will feature a high lumen (bright lighting) and have adjustable light modes and intensity. This will let you have the flexibility for you to search for whatever you want to search for. It will also generally be quite small and portable to allow for easy access. Depending on the types of function you’re using it for and your budget, some inspector flashlights might even have red and UV lighting.
How do you put batteries in a small flashlight?
Most flashlights no matter the size will have similar ways of replacing the batteries. For small flashlights, high chance that they are using button batteries instead of the normal cylindrical ones. Unscrew the cap on either end of the flashlight to access the batteries. Then, replace the batteries with the new ones. Ensure that the direction is correct before screwing the cap back on.
What flashlight do special forces use?
While it is impossible to generalize that all special forces use one type of flashlight (a medic will have different needs from tactical forces), there are some shared utilitarian qualities that all branches look for in a reliable flashlight. Most will have multi-modes that allow the users to toggle between different power modes and beam types, have the external durability to withstand rough use, and arguably most importantly, the rechargeable battery to sustain prolonged and repeated use.
What is the red light on a flashlight for?
The red light on a flashlight is used to preserve night vision. When transitioning from light to dark, red light allows your eyes to transition faster than white light. Red light is also less disruptive in the sense that it can help your eyes to adjust to the darkness faster. It also has the added advantage of being less noticeable in the dark than white light.
What is the strobe function on a flashlight for?
Bright, flashing lights are disorienting and can be used as a self-defense measure. Flicker vertigo or Bucha effect is a result of flashing pulses of relatively bright light which can induce disorientation/vertigo/nausea. The strobe function can also act as a distress signal as a secondary function.
