As most of us are aware, flashlights are now available in a variety of styles, with a lot of features, battery and bulb types that one is hard put how to make an appropriate choice. You will have to decide whether you need rechargeable or disposable batteries and which type of bulb—xenon, krypton, halogen, LED or
incandescent.

Batteries are of course of two types - Rechargeable and Disposable: Disposable batteries are certainly less costly thus enabling you buy more spare batteries. But disposable batteries do not provide light as bright as the rechargeable batteries...

Rechargeable batteries are costlier but are more cost-effective in the long run. They are compatible with brighter bulb or LED and can be stored conveniently in custom charger holders.It is worthwhile to know more about the two types of batteries to enable you take a more informed decision about which battery to opt for. Disposable batteries are alkaline batteries and are fairly inexpensive. However, the performance is often affected by outside temperature and the power curve drops off fairly quickly. They shine bright the first time they illumine and decline rapidly thereafter. Lithium disposable batteries are no longer unaffordable and they are good in the sense they are not affected by extreme heat and cold. They have a steady power curve over the life of the battery and have an extremely long shelf life of nearly 10 years.

As regards rechargeable batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries are widely   acknowledged as rugged and durable and offer the highest cost-benefit ratio. This type of battery must be fully charged so it does not develop memory effect which is likely when the battery ages.  It is reported that these batteries may be recharged up to a whopping 1000 times.

Lithium Ion—Rechargeable up to 1000 times with no memory affect problems. These batteries have a longer runtime and are more expensive than standard lithium batteries. Unlike nickel-cadmium batteries, these types are environment- friendly and can be thrown away.

Sealed lead acid batteries are like the standard automobile batteries. These batteries are not affected by heat or cold or outside temperatures. Sealed lead acid batteries are extremely durable though fairly large in size. This type must be either recycled or disposed of properly.

Flashlights are essential tools for auto technicians. But flashlights are so commonplace and ubiquitously available today, many automotive repair shop owners tend to believe that all flashlights are the same.

Rechargeable flashlights using nickel-cadmium or lithium-ion batteries tend to burn brighter than those that use disposable batteries. The rechargeable lights store in custom charger holders that can be conveniently located in the shop. Rechargeable lights also save money in the long run by eliminating the need to buy replacement batteries. Rechargeable batteries can be recycled easily at many national retail outlets. 

Battery-powered lights, on the other hand, offer generally more durable ideally suited for extended hours of work. If frequently used, disposable batteries, such as alkaline or lithium, will last only for about two weeks, although they have several years of storage life. They are less costly and therefore easier to keep spares on hand. One of the key factors in selecting a flashlight is between rechargeable and battery-powered lights. Flashlights come with several kinds of bulbs; the differences lie in the amount of brightness, longevity of the bulb and the cost. Spending time to select the right type of light appropriate for the tasks technicians have to perform daily will result in savings.