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.