Most technicians have a tool for every conceivable task. This abundance of professional tools makes it very difficult for industrial distributors to have a working knowledge of every product their customers require. Flashlights, however, are one of the few universal products in the industrial world.

Well-versed distributors have a unique opportunity to use their flashlight knowledge as a building block to grow their businesses. Once customers understand your commitment to helping them find flashlights, and begin to view you as a knowledgeable resource, they will be more willing to give you their business for more technical products.

Seemingly standard tools used by practically every hands-on professional, flashlights are relied upon for specific applications, but are rarely understood for their diverse, unique features. It's important for distributors to know that all flashlights are not created equal; some lights have been specifically designed to perform particular functions, while others are designed for a variety of applications.

Professional-grade flashlights are very different from the flashlight tools available at mass merchandisers. Professional- grade flashlights are manufactured by companies with solid reputations and lengthy histories of providing dependable, cutting-edge product lines. The companies have invested time, money and energy researching their customers and developing products that reflect their needs. Professional flashlight tools are backed by solid guarantees and supported with responsive customer service departments.

The first step to assisting a customer in selecting the most suitable flashlight model for his needs is to understand the latest trends in battery technology. Rechargeability continues to be researched and improved upon as professional demand grows.

Innovations in battery technology, such as the lithium ion battery, have established new benchmarks in rechargeability. Historically, each advance in rechargeability has substantially reduced a flashlight's size and weight; this milestone is no different. Flashlights with lithium ion batteries are as much as 50 percent lighter than their rechargeable nickel-cadmium predecessors.

As popular as they are, rechargeable flashlights are not the only type used by industrial professionals. Disposable battery flashlights are popular, as well. Under frequent usage, disposable batteries, such as alkaline and lithium, will last for approximately two weeks. Rechargeable batteries, on the other hand, are usable for longer periods because they can be recharged up to 1,000 times. However, the typical run time of a rechargeable battery is shorter than the average run time of disposable batteries.

Understanding how frequently a flashlight will be used is not the only consideration when deciding between a rechargeable or disposable battery flashlight.

The cost to operate a rechargeable model over time is often the less expensive choice. Even though the initial purchase price will likely be higher, disposable battery flashlights require continual battery replacement, which can add up quickly over the life of the flashlights.

The amount of power a light delivers, reflected in its candlepower and run time, is a major consideration when purchasing a flashlight. Portable lights are capable of generating enormous amounts of power, from relatively low-intensity beams to blinding streams of light. A flashlight's run time, the period of time a light can continuously run without replacing or recharging the batteries, also varies depending on the light source and battery type used.

Xenon, krypton and halogen bulbs are among the most popular incandescent varieties used in flashlights. The alternative to these filament-based bulbs is light emitting diodes, which are growing in popularity among industrial users.

In recent years, the advent of LEDs has elevated flashlights to a new level—flashlights that utilize LED technology shine longer and are more durable. LEDs are virtually unbreakable, so they are better able to withstand the rigors of daily usage. And, unlike typical bulbs that eventually burn out and need replacing, LEDs can last up to 100,000 hours. That translates to roughly 11 years of continuous usage—significantly longer than incandescent bulbs last. The main drawback of LEDs when they first hit the market was the lack of brightness they delivered compared to incandescent bulbs.

For industrial professionals who require a high-intensity beam of light, but still want all the advantages LEDs offer, distributors should recommend flashlights equipped with Luxeon LEDs. These high-power LEDs offer the brightness of an incandescent bulb with the longevity and reliability of a traditional LED. Several Luxeon LED models are already available, and many more products are on the horizon.

The most innovative manufacturers have combined both types of light sources—incandescent bulbs and LEDs—into a single flashlight. These lights can toggle between LED and incandescent mode, giving users the ability to choose the degree of lighting their task requires— either ultra-bright using the incandescent bulb or battery-saving low-level light with the LED.

Because flashlights can be used for a range of diverse applications, a variety of features are available to make operating the lights easier, safer and more convenient. It is important that distributors review with potential customers the features needed for the flashlight's intended use. Just like power and light source, there are a variety of trends regarding flashlight features.

More and more flashlights are being manufactured with the end user in mind. Lights for industrial technicians are typically waterproof or O-ring sealed. These lights are less likely to be affected by moisture, oil, grease or other liquid to which they are exposed.

Other trends in flashlight features that cater to the industrial technician include large actuator switches that make it easier to switch a flashlight on and off while wearing bulky gloves. Shoulder straps and durable clips make it easier for technicians to transport a light while carrying their other equipment.

Recommending a flashlight for professional use requires an understanding of the environments in which the light will be used. Most users aren't aware of the risks involved when using lighting devices in certain situations. Under specific circumstances, lights can ignite, putting the user at risk. Therefore, it is imperative that the distributor discuss the types of environments in which the light will be used, and recommend a flashlight with the appropriate safety ratings.

International third-party testing organizations, such as Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) and Factory Mutual Research (FM) certify the safety of products when operated in specified hazardous environments. Flashlights certified as safe for use in indicated hazardous locations are awarded "approvals" or "listings."

A flashlight's packaging will elaborate on the light's specific safety approvals.

Just like any product, lighting technology evolves with time and consumer demand. More and more professional users are requiring long-lasting, lightweight and compact flashlights. Manufacturers have responded with flashlights that are lightweight and just as bright as previous models. This type of give-and-take relationship between the user and the manufacturer will always exist, and it becomes a distributor's responsibility to recognize and capitalize on the important lighting trends that have emerged.

Due to their highly specialized nature and diverse features, understanding how a flashlight will be used, as well as determining which product features best fit your customer's specific needs, will help you to recommend the most appropriate lighting tool for them, and build customer relationships.