Best Head Torches for Plumbers (2026)

The two most demanding environments a plumber's head torch must handle are under-sink work and crawl space access. Under sinks, the torch will be within splashing distance of live water connections during testing and fault-finding. IPX4 minimum is non-negotiable; the Actik Core meets this standard. A torch that is not at least splash-rated will fail within weeks in routine plumbing use. Crawl spaces and under-floor access require a lightweight torch for a different reason: when you are lying flat and cannot easily reach up to adjust headgear, a heavy torch that has shifted during movement is a significant irritation. The NU25 UL's 28g almost eliminates this problem — its silicone headband grips well and the unit is light enough not to drift. For boiler cupboard work and bathroom refurbishments where you are more upright, the extra weight and brightness of the Actik Core is less of a consideration and its 450-lumen output is useful when illuminating a full airing cupboard or plant room. Battery resilience across a full working day is a practical concern. The Actik Core's AAA backup means a dead rechargeable battery does not stop the job — standard AAA cells are stocked in every trade merchant, supermarket, and petrol station. Plumbers doing multi-property days — emergency callouts, for example — benefit from this reliability. The NU25 UL uses USB-C charging, which suits tradespeople who already charge multiple devices via USB in the van but who may want to carry a small USB power bank as backup.