Tool Review: Ledlenser P4R and P2R Work Pen Lights

When it comes to pen lights, it may seem like any light is as good as the next, but Lou Fort, lead technician at K.A.R.S. Inc. in Huntingburg, Indiana, found the Ledlenser P4R and P2R Work Pen Lights have some unique capabilities.

“I have used several different brands of rechargeable pen lights, Fort says. “These are the first of this size with variable beams. Ledlenser is also the first, as far as I know, that is using a magnetic charge cable.”

The lights were both simple to set up, only needing to be fully charged before use. On either pen light, the user can select from three different levels of intensity, as well as change the focal length by turning the lamp end of the light. This enables users to have both spot and flood lighting depending on the situation.

Fort notes it was a bit tricky getting used to switching between the levels of lighting intensity, but after using the tool for a while he found that a repetitive light press of the switch followed by a more meaningful one to engage the switch in the on position at the selected intensity level is all that is required.

Upon arrival, Fort says the lights both came in “sturdy” boxes that “provide more than adequate protection for their contents,” and “the internal support structure adds additional protection and organized placement of everything.” The boxes also feature the light’s specifications, usage diagrams, and the contents included.

Each light comes with a magnetic charging cord, an adjustable lanyard, and a pouch for the belt. The advantage of the magnetic charging system is that neither of the lights have a micro-USB port. These ports can get clogged with grease, dirt, or chemicals, and then the light is no longer usable.

The instructions are the same for each light and include many diagrams depicting how to replace the battery, change the light’s intensity, adjust the beam, and how to use the pouch. They also show how to use the magnetic charging cable and note that the LED will turn green when the light is fully charged.

Though Fort has no qualms with the lights themselves, he did find some faults with their accessories.

“Neither of these pen lights' pouches are properly sized,” Fort says. “The P2R is too small, [and] the pouch of the P4R is too big. The light freely moves about, so much so the lamp falls out. While the lanyards are nice, I can’t find a practical place to attach one to either lamp.”

In the future, the lead technician would like to see more of a happy medium with the pouch size, as well as a more obvious attachment point for the lanyard.

Regardless of the accessories, Fort is pleased with the pen lights’ total metal body, their non-removable pocket clips, light weight, and the simple ability to switch from a floodlight to a spotlight.

Fort was able to make good use of the lights when checking fuses under a vehicle’s dashboard or hood, and during wheel-on quick brake inspections to verify pad thickness. He also used them to find parts and tools stored in places where there is little light.

Overall, Fort enjoys Ledlenser’s well-built P4R and P2R Work Pen Lights and notes they “provide a good lighting option.”