Slim Rechargeable Work Lights Compared: Klein 56079 vs Milwaukee 2013R Plus Three Alternatives

Introduction

Slim rechargeable work lights have quietly become one of the most useful tools in a technician’s kit. They clip to a bag, snap to a metal panel, stand up on a kickstand, and throw enough light for real work. Two of the most direct competitors in this category are the Klein 56079, a new slim rechargeable work light, and the Milwaukee 2013R, the brand’s rechargeable low profile task light. They share a lot of specs, but they differ in ways that genuinely matter for day-to-day use, especially on price and magnet design.

Evaluation Criteria

For this comparison, the things that matter most are light output, run time, weight, mounting options, build quality, and price. Both headline lights claim a max output of 500 lumens, a medium of 250 lumens, and a low of 100 lumens, and both carry an IP54 rating, so the differences live in the details: kickstand design, magnet strength and placement, button interface, and cost.

Klein 56079 Slim Rechargeable Work Light

The Klein 56079 claims the same three output levels as the Milwaukee: 500 lumens on high, 250 on medium, and 100 on low. Klein claims run times of 6, 8, and 10 hours across those settings, which puts it 2 hours ahead on high. It runs on a 2,300 mAh battery, weighs 7.4 oz, and carries an IP54 rating.

The kickstand is the standout. It rotates 360 degrees, and unlike the previous Klein version, the magnets are now on both sides and are said to be stronger N50 magnets. That matters more than it sounds: because the light pivots, you can flop it down in either direction and still get a solid magnetic hold on metal panels, vehicle bodies, or engine bays. There is also a classic carabiner attachment, and rubber bumpers on the body. The light produces a fairly white, bright task light beam, and the single-button interface toggles through the settings once it is on, then dims off with a soft fade when you hold the button down. At a couple of pennies under $50, it undercuts its main rival by roughly $20 while feeling lighter and less dense in the hand.

Milwaukee 2013R Low Profile Task Light

The Milwaukee 2013R matches the Klein on output levels and IP54 rating, with claimed run times of 4, 8, and 12 hours. That means Milwaukee claims the longer run time on the low 100-lumen setting, while Klein wins on high. It weighs 7.8 oz, slightly more than the Klein, and the extra density is noticeable in hand.

The clever part of Milwaukee’s design is that the kickstand is actually a frame around the light. Folded, it becomes part of the overall thinness, which means the 2013R is as thin as the new Klein without its kickstand deployed. The frame includes a fairly heavy aluminum opening for hooking onto things, though that can be a little distracting when working one-handed. Magnets sit on one side only and are reasonably strong, though the new Klein feels the more confident hold. The interface uses two buttons: one for power and one to cycle settings, which feels like more controls than the light really needs. The beam has a warmer character consistent with Milwaukee’s TrueView lighting, rather than the whiter Klein output. It sells for about $70, with listings commonly marked down from around $100 to $69.95.

Other Options Worth a Look

A few other lights fill out this category and set some context for what you get at different sizes and price points.

The DeWalt option in this style is a decent light, but it comes across as wildly expensive for the category. It is also noticeably bigger, and the guidance is clear that it is not for use at height, so dropping it is not something you want to risk. Still, as a light, it does the job well.

Olight has produced a couple of interesting takes with the Swivel series. The Olight Swivel Pro keeps a low-profile form factor with a magnet setup at the back that works a little differently, and its evolution across the series is part of the appeal. The Olight Swivel Max goes larger, adding a quarter-20 tripod mount and packing a claimed 1,600 lumens from a 10,400 mAh battery. There is also a small Wuben pocket-style light in this space that pops up and switches on, which shows how broad the slim task light market has become.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you want the best value and the most flexible mounting, the Klein 56079 is the easy pick. It is a little lighter, roughly $20 less expensive, has similar output and run times, a classic carabiner, and stronger dual-sided magnets. The thinner body compared to the previous Klein version is also a real improvement; the new light is about as thick as the old one without the kickstand deployed.

If you prefer a warmer light color, want the longest run time on low, or like the aluminum frame that doubles as a kickstand, the Milwaukee 2013R justifies its higher price. Its one-sided magnets are strong but less forgiving about orientation, and the two-button interface is more than the light strictly needs.

Conclusion

Both the Klein 56079 and Milwaukee 2013R are well-made slim work lights with identical output levels and IP54 durability. Klein wins on price, weight, high-mode run time, and magnet versatility. Milwaukee wins on low-mode run time and offers a clever frame-style kickstand. For most buyers spending their own money, the Klein’s combination of features at under $50 is hard to argue with, while the DeWalt and Olight Swivel options serve buyers who want something bigger or a different take on the form factor.