Cordless tools - battery warranty

[3930dave]

Just wondering who has the best battery warranties these days......

I have a Ridgid 18v Lithium set of tools that I like, but two batteries have been replaced about 2 years back, and I'm now in the process of getting the third done under warranty.

Since I registered my tools and batteries, they are considered Lifetime products (well, for now at least...).

Last time around, I walked into the local tool service shop that handles Ridgid with 2 dead batteries and walked out with 2 new ones.

This time around (nothing to do with me, I get the impression that Ridgid is regretting their warranty policy in general....), you have to drop off the battery, and the tool and the charger also. Turn around is days to 1 week +.

I have several issues with battery warranty exchange being delayed this way.... so wanted to ask:

Who else has true Lifetime coverage, and has a fast over-the counter exchange service on batteries ? (Fast meaning I don't mind dropping off a battery for test, and coming back 1 to 3 hours later).

I understand a delay if a tool has to be serviced/tested, but I see no real reason for battery replacement to be delayed to this extent.

I expect regional variations..... if your location is not in your signature/avatar window, pls indicate what part of the planet you inhabit....

Rgds, D.

 

[roadhunter]

Interesting thread. I had no idea there was a warranty like that.

 

[kcflhrc]

If I was Ridgid I would regret making that warranty also.

 

[teejk]

Batteries are the weak link...wish any of the manufacturers would make replacements cheaper but they don't. Case in point...DeWalt and most of the others come with the tool, charger and 2 batteries. Replacement battery is $$$$, not much less than the cost of buying the new kit with 2 new batteries and a new tool and a new charger. Anybody shopping on EBay will see the ads for "tool only", meaning somebody has stripped off the batteries and charger and hoping to recover the cost of the entire kit via sale of the tool. I don't get it but when the batteries get tired I simply go buy another kit.

 

[LD1]

Batteries are the weak link...wish any of the manufacturers would make replacements cheaper but they don't. Case in point...DeWalt and most of the others come with the tool, charger and 2 batteries. Replacement battery is $$$$, not much less than the cost of buying the new kit with 2 new batteries and a new tool and a new charger. Anybody shopping on EBay will see the ads for "tool only", meaning somebody has stripped off the batteries and charger and hoping to recover the cost of the entire kit via sale of the tool. I don't get it but when the batteries get tired I simply go buy another kit.

I dont think thats what most people are doing with the "tool"
only kit. Tools are offered from most MFG's that way.

Case in point, I have A drill, a hammer drill, and 2 quarter hex impacts. I have like 3 chargers and 5-6 batteries. And since alot of the cost of the tool kits is battery/charger, If I wanted to add a tool or two, far cheaper to get a tool only vs paying for another charger, and more batteries that wont get used.

 

[DFB]

I first thought Rigid was the only one with lifetime on batteries.

Seems Rockwell has batteries for life now too but is 20? on the tool.

Straight out exchange I wouldn't know if anyone else is doing something like that. Seems most warranty I claims I read about are fairly time consuming send in or drop off, wait for a review and warranty determination. I had one warranty claim turned out okay but wasn't exactly easy either.

Must be nice to be able to have access a walk in service center.


Milwaukee is only 3 years on their newest RED lithium batteries and that is about average.

Dewalt 3 year
Makita is also 3 year now

Prices on individual OEM are never cheap. I bought one NiMH Makita battery once it was almost $100

Some of the new tool promos offer additional free batteries with some purchases. I know Milwaukee does.

 

[Industrial Toys]

The only reason I went with Ridgid. Tired of having expensive batteries crap out, especially being someone that is only an occassional user. Seemed like a no-brainer.

The main players in this game are really beating each others brains in with the multi tool packages they offfer.

 

[3930dave]

Interesting thread. I had no idea there was a warranty like that.

About 5 years back, a good buddy of mine let me know about a deal Home Depot had going, so I picked up a drill and impact driver set with 2 batteries. So long as you remember to register within the specified time, you get lifetime coverage. Nicely addressed the weak/expensive link in cordless tools.....

My impression at the time was that Ridgid was trying to make a dent in the commercial market, so the walk-in-walk-out battery service at their regional service centres made sense. Even in a relatively populated province like Ontario, there aren't that many authorized service centres. But, I've never minded scheduling a specific drive somewhere, if I could get turn-around service on something I needed.

Shipping costs in Canada are high, and I'm not big on shipping lithium batteries here a good chunk of the year - I've had batteries arrive damaged after being shipped in the dead of Winter.

I like the tools, and the warranty, but like most things, once a level of service is lowered, it can be irritating. That, and there are only a handful of people on the planet that I trust with expensive tools.

Rgds, D.

 

[k0ua]

And if you were like me and did not register the stinking Rigid tool, you are on your own.

 

[teejk]

I dont think thats what most people are doing with the "tool"
only kit. Tools are offered from most MFG's that way.

Case in point, I have A drill, a hammer drill, and 2 quarter hex impacts. I have like 3 chargers and 5-6 batteries. And since alot of the cost of the tool kits is battery/charger, If I wanted to add a tool or two, far cheaper to get a tool only vs paying for another charger, and more batteries that wont get used.

Speaking only from personal experience I would disagree. But my collection started with 12v and morphed to 14.4 (DeWalt and Bosch) before the move to multi-tools. I use drills only. I've yet to see the tool wear out...never see people selling excess batteries.

 

[3930dave]

I first thought Rigid was the only one with lifetime on batteries.

Seems Rockwell has batteries for life now too but is 20? on the tool.

Straight out exchange I wouldn't know if anyone else is doing something like that. Seems most warranty I claims I read about are fairly time consuming send in or drop off, wait for a review and warranty determination. I had one warranty claim turned out okay but wasn't exactly easy either.

Must be nice to be able to have access a walk in service center.


Milwaukee is only 3 years on their newest RED lithium batteries and that is about average.

Dewalt 3 year
Makita is also 3 year now

Prices on individual OEM are never cheap. I bought one NiMH Makita battery once it was almost $100

Some of the new tool promos offer additional free batteries with some purchases. I know Milwaukee does.

Thanks for the Rockwell reference.

Lifetime warranties that are hard to collect on....... well, that's not far removed from Bait'n'Switch, IMO, and I'd argue that tactic has also helped fuel the rise of cheap throw-away tools.....

I've also talked with people who've had big problems getting batteries period, regardless of price - thinking Snap-On in this case.... makes an expensive paperweight out of a tool.....

Thanks guys.... so far I'm thinking Ridgid is still a good bet.

Rgds, D.

 

[Industrial Toys]

YES, registering all your tools with Ridgid does take up a significant percentage of the limited time you have on this planet. Fortunately, last time I bought a como kit, half a year ago, I had a really nice lady help me on the 800 line.

My LED light crapped out, and I got another within a week.

NOW, if only Home Depot would have a sale on ALL individual (18v) tools and not just and endless sale of the drill and driver combo or five or so piece combo.

EDIT, Post below. I loved my 9.6v Makita. Especially the right angle drill, but finallly gave up on the batteries.

 

[PILOON]

Probably have 12 cordless drills gathering dust but no batteries
One winner has been a Makita 9 volt 'stick' that has been around for eons but so abused that it merely holds together.

Got a flier yesterday that simply sucked me in!
We'll call it a delayed Xmass present to myself.

Often I break open batteries, locate bad cells and re wire myself a good battery pack. (that was with nicads)

I hope this Dewalt Li-Ion drill kit will be a winner as I sure like cordless.

Dewalt drill + driver+charger+2 batteries+tool bag, all for $159.97 (Canadian), OK, this was not the biggest Li-Ions batteries but should do me not being 'retired'.
Also the kit was not the newer brushless technology but again 'retired'=no more decks or tin roofs.

I did call to be sure they were in stock. NB, with Cdn $$=70 cents US I can't go wrong.
At worst that nice little tool bag could serve as a lunch bag. LOL.

LOL, cordless sure beats the forerunner. Yankee pump driver, remember them? or those speed reducers you added to a power drill (no clutch) and probably broke 1 of every 10 screws?
Am I showing my age?

 

[QRTRHRS]

Not sure what the original warrenty was on my only Hitachi Li 14.4V tool but I am still on the original two batteries going on seven or eight years of hard use. That includes leaving the tool in my unheated garage. Actually, it is the only Hitachi tool I have ever purchased, (an impact driver). Based on my gut feeling, the batteries are starting to not last as long but I still can keep going charging one of the two while working.

I have had Dewault, Porter Cable and of course Milwaukee battery powered tools. These were Nicad powered so maybe I am not making a fair comparison but I felt that the life was just too short. I gave the first two to my stepson to mess around with, the Milwaukee went to the flea market. Even the lowest Ebay prices did not in my mind make it worth the investment.

 

[3930dave]

And if you were like me and did not register the stinking Rigid tool, you are on your own.

I'm not really impressed with the big business push in the last 15 years - which basically amounts to getting us consumers to do all of their keyboarding..... but in this case I made an exception - I traded my keyboard time feeding their marketing database for a great warranty.

But yeah, coming from my era, as a consumer I'd like to think that as long as I have the original receipt, I should be good to go....

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

Given today's battery tech, and very efficient motors, it's relatively easy to design an ultra-compact drill now.

Years ago, I bought the smallest Makita drill I could find with a replaceable battery (cartridge style), for the company I worked for at the time. NiCd, maybe even just 7.2v, but definitely not more than 9.6v. Picked it up on a roadtrip in Newfoundland. It was great for doing re-work in equipment cabinets - small enough to sneak into tight spots, with enough torque for drilling metal panels quickly. Really liked that drill.

Later years, came across a Black & Decker compact driver I liked, in their VPX line. Very small, 3.6v lithium, with a 2 speed gearbox.

I always have bigger drills around too, but like the utility of the compact ones....

One thing I too liked about NiCd packs was that they were relatively easy to rebuild. And, if you had a tool you really liked/used a lot, you could often throw a few more $ at the re-build cells, and get a higher capacity pack to use. Always liked NiCd for it's toughness, resistance to overcharge, and great low-temperature performance. One of the things going against NiCd lifespan (other than choosing really cheap cells), was that low-end tools often came with really cheap chargers - you can't get away with that approach with Lithium cells - assuming you don't want to start fires.....

Given the stability issues, I wouldn't want to see most people re-building Li packs.

Wish the OP hadn't started this thread ( ), as it's now got me thinking about right-angle drills...... :cloud9:

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

Not sure what the original warrenty was on my only Hitachi Li 14.4V tool but I am still on the original two batteries going on seven or eight years of hard use. That includes leaving the tool in my unheated garage. Actually, it is the only Hitachi tool I have ever purchased, (an impact driver). Based on my gut feeling, the batteries are starting to not last as long but I still can keep going charging one of the two while working.

I have had Dewault, Porter Cable and of course Milwaukee battery powered tools. These were Nicad powered so maybe I am not making a fair comparison but I felt that the life was just too short. I gave the first two to my stepson to mess around with, the Milwaukee went to the flea market. Even the lowest Ebay prices did not in my mind make it worth the investment.

A buddy of mine does a lot of installation work - has good things to say about the Hitachi cordless tools he's used.

Rgds, D.

 

[joefromga]

I also have had the full line of Hitachi 18v lithium tools. All they offered at the time. Circular saw, hammer drill, impact wrench, driver, shop light, jig saw, reciprocating saw, large heavy drill, 4" grinder and for 3 years doing home remodeling the same 3 batteries have never failed me.

I have started migrating to the Ryobi 18v line because they have more tools available. I have the chop saw and the finish nailer, Brad nailer, and crown stapler as well as vibrating multi tool. Their batteries will work with all the current and old 18v tools from nicd to lithium one+. They are amazing tools and the batteries charge fast. . The Nailers are awesome because air hoses destroy interiors and compressors are loud and require electric service.
Ryobi makes a 12v car charger as well as a 6 port charger. Their small weed Wacker works great also and weighs about 3lbs with battery.

Very happy with them. Lithium has changed the construction world. And with brushless motors it's getting even better.

 

[3930dave]

Probably have 12 cordless drills gathering dust but no batteries
One winner has been a Makita 9 volt 'stick' that has been around for eons but so abused that it merely holds together.

Got a flier yesterday that simply sucked me in!
We'll call it a delayed Xmass present to myself.

Often I break open batteries, locate bad cells and re wire myself a good battery pack. (that was with nicads)

I hope this Dewalt Li-Ion drill kit will be a winner as I sure like cordless.

Dewalt drill + driver+charger+2 batteries+tool bag, all for $159.97 (Canadian), OK, this was not the biggest Li-Ions batteries but should do me not being 'retired'.
Also the kit was not the newer brushless technology but again 'retired'=no more decks or tin roofs.

I did call to be sure they were in stock. NB, with Cdn $$=70 cents US I can't go wrong.
At worst that nice little tool bag could serve as a lunch bag. LOL.

LOL, cordless sure beats the forerunner. Yankee pump driver, remember them? or those speed reducers you added to a power drill (no clutch) and probably broke 1 of every 10 screws?
Am I showing my age?

Cordless tools sure have come a long way in the last 3 or 4 decades. I still have my Dad's brace and bits, in good condition, but can't say I've used them in a while..... probably what I'd take building a cabin at the end of a 10km hike though....

I sold Dewalt in a store for a good two years - good drills, lots of torque, and I don't recall ever hearing any customer complaints. Swinging those big 18v hammer drills around with NiCd packs on 'em was a good substitute for barbells though - you'll enjoy those Lithium ones I'm sure Piloon :thumbsup:

Rgds, D.

 

[PILOON]

Cordless tools sure have come a long way in the last 3 or 4 decades. I still have my Dad's brace and bits, in good condition, but can't say I've used them in a while..... probably what I'd take building a cabin at the end of a 10km hike though....

I sold Dewalt in a store for a good two years - good drills, lots of torque, and I don't recall ever hearing any customer complaints. Swinging those big 18v hammer drills around with NiCd packs on 'em was a good substitute for barbells though - you'll enjoy those Lithium ones I'm sure Piloon :thumbsup:

Rgds, D.

On most of my old brace bits I have cut off the square ends and chuck them to drill holes in studs to pull wiring and plumbing.
Combined with my Milwalkee pole drill I make short work of running wire and Pex.