Customer Reviews

Makita BML184 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Fluorescent/Incandescent Flashlight

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have had this light for a couple of months and really like it. The flourescent light works really well and is great for under-hood/under-sink applications. I recently had to replace a reverse osmosis system under our kitche sink. I was under there for a couple of hours due to comlpications and never had to worry about lack of light, or relocating the light because it lit evrything up so well. I also did not have to replace a battery during that time. It has a really cool hook to hang from, and a strap as well. I assume it would be good for camping, except that: 1) I am not positive how long the batteries will run and 2) It would pose a problem recharging batteries unless you have a power inverter for your vehicle.
The downside to this light is the flashlight function. It essentially works about as well as a small Mag Light. Not much light for the power that the battery puts out. If you are looking for a flashlight, you are better off purchasing the BML185. Be warned that if you do purchase a BML185, it DOES NOT come with a Xenon bulb as advertised. I have contacted Makita directly about this several times, but they don't seem to care (that is a whole other story).
I have purchased from Tool King before and frankly was not impressed at all with their service. If you run into problems, don't expect a lot of help.
At any rate, this is a great light and worth the money for the flourescent light alone.

I'm not sure what was wrong with the light that other reviewer received because you sure can't get quality like this at the dollar store. Very sturdy construction! The fluorescent light works great. The incandescent light is just OK. I'm not sure why Makita is still using incandescent bulbs in their 18v lights when their 10.8v light has a nice bright LED bulb.. (I own that, too). To those who are concerned about forgetting to push the button twice to turn off the light, just take the incandescent bulb out and forget about the "flashlight" portion that you complain about anyway! If anyone's interested in converting the incandescent light in their BML184 or their BML185, you can get an 18v LED bulb on ebay shipped for under twenty bucks. I put one of those in my BML185 and turned it into a powerful LED spotlight, with better battery life! If the incandescent portion of this light was replaced with a nice bright battery saving LED, I'd rate 5 out of 5.

Update: It took me a while to figure this out, but I would knock it down to 1 or 2 stars. The problem is that even when the switch is off (really off), it drains the battery. Thus, if you leave it for a week expecting it to turn back on, you will find the battery dead. This is a serious problem if you occasionally use it. The main advantage of the lithium ion batteries is that they don't lose charge, but this flashlight deads the battery.

Original Review:
I bought this to replace my ML123 fluorescent light (of similar design) that I have used for years with my 12V "pod" batteries. The light output of this is the same, but the teensy, weensy incandescent bulb at the end is a waste. It makes the flashlight a few inches longer so it fits in less places. It also forces the use of a 3-step switch which is not only irritating, but is much harder to press (than either the ML123 or the BML185 regular LXT flashlight). If you instinctively turn off the fluorescent and don't pay attention, it will still be on, but shining out the other end. Overall, the fluorescent light is not brighter than the older ML123 (same 13W). The sky hook is pretty cheap as well. I would have given this a solid 5 stars if it was the same as the old 12V ML123 but just with 18V LXT batteries. In this case, however, newer is definitely not better.

Working in Plumbing this light has taken a beating for a wile now and still held up. Out lasted 2 home depot drop lights and still going strong. I took the strap off of mine as I found it to be more of a hindrance than a help, though I use the hook quite often working on water heaters and putting it up when its not rolling around in the van.

As others have said the flashlight is... disappointing. Using a old incandescent bulb. However this can be fixed for as little as $15 bucks. I ordered a PR2-1WHP-30V LED. This is a 7-30V, 1W, 100 lumen LED that works with this drop light. Making the flashlight part not only last longer but much brighter over the standard incandescent this light comes with. Really Mikita what where you thinking with a incontinent bulb >.>

I wasn't able to find the replacement bulb on Amazon, and I'm not able to post direct links not from amazon in reviews, But you can find them at superbrightleds dot com or Google "PR2-1WHP-30V LED" Should be first link in the search. Make sure you get the 7-30 operating volt range LED.


So with that out of the way I gave the product 4 stars only because they didn't use a bright LED in the flashlight to begin with. Other than that Holds up extremely well.

I have the other Makita lxt tools and bought this light since so many batteries are nearby and available. This light belongs at 'Dollar General'. Clumsy design. Switch button difficult to operate, cycles thru on/on/off and is easily left on when you come in from the dark. The flourescent mode burns the same hours as the BML185 zenon but is not nearly as bright. It's a 'flood' as opposed to the 'spot' of the 185 and a cooler light temperature. Flimsy construction. A strap bracket is molded at the top of the grip and chafes the soft part of your hand at the base of the thumb. I wear XL gloves so perhaps my hands are too large, I dunno. The lxt tools are great, I have 3 drills, etc. But this flourscent light should sell somewhere for about $4.99 ..... without the Makita name.

I use this light quite often, the fluorescent light is bright and really lights up the place. I have 2 complaints:

* The incandescent flashlight bulbs burn out very quickly. I've replaced them several times, and I have been careful to get the correct bulbs in the Makita packaging. They just must get too hot in the lens and burn out. I've given up on that side, use a regular Maglite if I need a beam.

* They are very fussy about the battery charge. Once the battery even starts to go below full charge, the light shuts off. Not gets dim, it just shuts off with no warning. Pretty annoying when you're under a sink or in otherwise tight quarters and suddenly in the dark.

I'm still glad I bought it, but you should be aware of these issues.

Update: I've found that this light kills batteries, even when off. I never leave the battery attached when the light is not in use now. Not sure what's up with that, but it's pretty annoying, and I don't want it damaging my expensive batteries by putting them into deep discharge.

As for a Fluorescent Flashlight, the BML184 is GREAT! As for an Incandescent Flashlight, the BML184 is HORRIBLE! The incandescent light is not very bright and awkward to use. Actually, I only purchased the BML184 for the fluorescent flashlight, but the toggling switch is very annoying. Depressing the power button toggles from - OFF - to - Fluorescent - to - Incandescent - to - OFF. So rather than just ignoring the incandescent lamp altogether, I have to step though it to make sure the flashlight is fully turned off. A separate switch for the incandescent lamp or sliding switch would have made this more convenient its usability. Personally, I'd rather they just get rid of the incandescent lamp and save the space and simplify the usabilty.

This makita light has served me well! Through Storms, in the dirt, rain, snow, and heat. The bigger batteries of course last longer. Have to remember to click the button twice to turn off or it will leave the little light ontop on. Which is the only complaint I have, they should make it brighter and better. But besides that, its a plus to have this light in your arsenal!

Great for hanging in dark spots, however, incandescent light is worthless. It can be left on accidentally causing a dead battery.

This tool lightning very well and is very convenient to use! It illuminates for approximately 4 hours.

(Excuse my English, I speak French normally)