Bosch GLI18V-420 18V Worklight

There’s no place light is more important than on a jobsite. You have to see the work and you have to stay safe. So Bosch recently announced the 420 lumen Bosch GLI18V-420 18V LED Worklight. We first took notice of the new light at the 2016 World of Concrete trade show event. The three LED-design offers an adjustable light diffuser for spot/flood applications. Underground, inside, and even night work could certainly be illuminated with this compact worklight.

The Bosch GLI18V-420 18V light works with Bosch’s 18V battery system, which provides runtime of up to 13.5 hrs on the 6.0 Ah battery. It features an adjustable bracket with five different light-angle settings, a hard rubber strap for mounting, a tough exterior housing, and an aluminum heat sink.

“The Bosch GLI18V-420 18V Worklight is a jobsite advantage in a convenient package. Good lighting is an asset on any jobsite. Bosch GLI18V illumination adds an extra level of versatility that sets it apart from other lighting options.”
– Jim Stevens, Product Manager, Lighting Tools, Robert Bosch Tool Corporation

Our Take

The Bosch 18V Worklight packs a pretty solid punch in a compact package. Similar to DeWalt’s compact work light, the folded size slips right over the battery without taking up a ton of room. Bosch’s doesn’t have as much versatility since there’s no belt clip or magnet to attach it. However, the swiveling stand does give you some options, including something to hang it from.

What’s really curious is the addition of an aluminum heat sink. Heat buildup isn’t something you hear a lot about with LED lights, but apparently Bosch engineers felt there was enough to warrant it. Needed or not, it creates a tough look.

The adjustable light diffuser is another interesting and useful feature. This should give you flexibility when you need the light close to your work or farther away from it. Light output of 420 lumens is a good middle range, but it’s not going to be room filling. Realistically, you’re looking at a light that you’ll want to have within 20 feet or so depending on how you set the diffuser.

I’d like to see Bosch start offering this is a bonus in some of their kits. It’s a pretty inexpensive addition for them but a pretty functional light for someone spending the money on a 4- or 5-tool general contractor’s kit. For $49, you could pick up a couple to direct light in from multiple directions.

Bosch GLI18V-420 Worklight Features

Three innovative LEDs – supply the brightest light (420 lumens) in its class
Adjustable light beam (spot/flood) – provides great lighting versatility
Swiveling stand – offers five angles for adaptable setup
Hard rubber strap with mounting holes – allows light to be easily carried, fastened or suspended from above
Bosch 18V battery power – delivers extreme runtime, up to 13.5 hours on a 6.0 Ah battery (not included)