First Thoughts on the Hornady Cordless LED Safe Light
The darkness inside a gun safe is a universal frustration for firearm owners. Scrounging for a specific firearm or piece of gear with only ambient light is an exercise in futility. The Hornady Cordless LED Safe Light aims to solve this problem with a simple, affordable, and easy-to-install solution.
I’d been searching for a reliable and convenient lighting option for my gun safe for some time. I was tired of using a flashlight or my phone’s light to see inside. I needed something that would automatically illuminate the interior and shut off to conserve battery power.
Upon unboxing the Hornady Cordless LED Safe Light, I was immediately impressed by its compact design and lightweight feel. The black finish gives it a sleek and unobtrusive look. The strong magnets on the back felt reassuringly solid, and the included screw mounts were a welcome addition for mounting on non-metallic surfaces.
I considered several other options, including battery-powered puck lights and more elaborate hard-wired solutions. I chose the Hornady Cordless LED Safe Light for its simplicity, affordability, and the fact that it requires no wiring. This keeps my setup clean and easy to relocate if needed.
My first impression was positive. I was particularly excited to test the motion-activated feature. I was cautiously optimistic that it would be a significant improvement over my existing setup.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Cordless LED Safe Light to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Hornady Cordless LED Safe Light inside my large steel gun safe. The magnets made installation incredibly easy; I simply attached it to the inside of the door. I toggled the switch to “Auto” and closed the safe.
Upon opening, the 20 LEDs sprang to life, instantly illuminating the entire interior. It was a night-and-day difference compared to before. The motion sensor worked perfectly, activating the light every time the door was opened.
The only initial issue was the 20-second shut-off time. I found myself wishing it stayed on slightly longer, especially when organizing or retrieving multiple items. However, it was manageable and a minor inconvenience.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Hornady Cordless LED Safe Light has proven to be remarkably reliable. The light still activates consistently, and the battery life has been surprisingly good. I haven’t had to replace the batteries yet.
There are no visible signs of wear and tear. The plastic housing remains sturdy, and the LEDs show no signs of dimming. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a quick wipe with a damp cloth.
Compared to my previous reliance on flashlights, the Hornady Cordless LED Safe Light is a massive improvement. It provides consistent, hands-free illumination and has significantly improved the usability of my gun safe. While a longer illumination time would be ideal, the convenience and reliability are undeniable.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Cordless LED Safe Light
Specifications
Type: Safe Light. This designates the intended use of the product, optimized for enclosed spaces.
Color: Black. The black color is discreet and blends well with most safe interiors.
20 Bright LEDs: These LEDs provide ample illumination for a safe’s interior.
3 Modes: On/Off/Auto: These modes offer flexible control; ‘On’ for constant light, ‘Off’ to conserve power, and ‘Auto’ for motion-activated lighting.
Motion-Activated: The light activates upon detecting movement, providing hands-free illumination.
20-Second Shut-Off: The light automatically turns off after 20 seconds of no motion detection. This conserves battery power.
Cordless: The cordless design allows for easy installation without the need for wiring.
Mounting Options: Strong magnets for steel surfaces and screw mounts for wood surfaces offer versatile mounting solutions.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the light’s functionality and ease of use. The bright LEDs ensure good visibility, the motion-activated feature offers convenience, and the cordless design simplifies installation. The 20-second shut-off, while generally good for battery life, can sometimes feel a bit short depending on the task at hand.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Cordless LED Safe Light performs its job admirably. It provides bright, even illumination and the motion sensor is highly responsive. The light reliably activates whenever motion is detected within the safe.
The primary strength is its simplicity and effectiveness. The motion-activated feature is a game-changer. The main weakness is the non-adjustable 20-second shut-off timer.
It meets my expectations as a simple, affordable, and effective safe lighting solution. While the shut-off time could be longer, the overall performance is satisfactory.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hornady Cordless LED Safe Light features a simple, functional design. The plastic housing is lightweight yet durable. The light is easy to handle and position.
It is very user-friendly. There’s virtually no learning curve. The three-mode switch is intuitive and easy to operate.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady Cordless LED Safe Light is constructed from durable plastic and appears to be well-made. With proper care, it should last for several years.
Maintenance is minimal. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep it clean.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Cordless LED Safe Light comes with strong magnets for mounting on steel surfaces and screws for mounting on wood surfaces. There are no other accessories included.
There are no readily apparent customization options for the Hornady Cordless LED Safe Light. Its functionality is fixed, and the design doesn’t lend itself to modification.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Cordless LED Safe Light
Pros
- Bright and even illumination provided by 20 LEDs.
- Convenient motion-activated feature for hands-free operation.
- Easy installation with strong magnets and included screw mounts.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible for most gun owners.
- Cordless design eliminates the need for wiring.
Cons
- The 20-second shut-off timer is non-adjustable and can be too short for some users.
- Plastic housing, while durable, may not be as robust as metal alternatives.
Who Should Buy Hornady Cordless LED Safe Light?
The Hornady Cordless LED Safe Light is perfect for gun owners, particularly those with gun safes, who want a simple and affordable lighting solution. It’s also useful for illuminating closets, cabinets, drawers, and corridors. Anyone seeking convenient, motion-activated lighting will appreciate this product.
Those who need extremely long periods of continuous illumination or require a more rugged, heavy-duty light may want to consider alternatives. It is also not ideal for situations where very precise, adjustable lighting is needed.
There are no must-have accessories or modifications for the Hornady Cordless LED Safe Light. The included mounting options are sufficient for most users.
Conclusion on Hornady Cordless LED Safe Light
The Hornady Cordless LED Safe Light is a well-designed and effective lighting solution for gun safes and other enclosed spaces. Its bright LEDs, motion-activated feature, and easy installation make it a convenient and practical choice. The 20-second shut-off time is a minor drawback, but the overall performance and value are excellent.
The price of $19.99 is more than justified for the convenience and functionality it provides. It’s a small investment that makes a big difference in the usability of your gun safe.
I would definitely recommend the Hornady Cordless LED Safe Light to anyone looking for an affordable and reliable lighting solution for their gun safe or other enclosed space. Say goodbye to fumbling in the dark! Buy the Hornady Cordless LED Safe Light and experience the convenience of motion-activated illumination today!