Ridgid Tools

[RichZ]

I was at Home Depot today, and there was a sales rep from Ridgid Tools today. He was giving out 10% rebate forms, and he claims that Ridgid powertools have a lifetime warranty if you register them on-line. He claimed that if you have problems with the tools, all you have to do is bring it to a service center to be replaced.

Does anyone have any experience with Ridgid Tools? I'm paritcularly interested in their 18 volt cordless drill. The batteries for my cordless drills usually last no more than 2 years, and it's never worth getting new batteries, so I generally buy a new drill every 2 years. If Ridgid replaces the batteries when they die, the drill would be well worth the $189 minus the 10%.

Thanks for any opinions!!

 

[Shimon]

I would be surprised if they cover batteries under warranty. They would consider battery failure as normal "wear and tear".

Check out their warranty:
http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/RIDGID-Warranty/index.htm

 

[Shimon]

Also, check out the forums on that same site. You will see that the Ridgid batteries pretty much suck. And you will read all sorts of problems people have with warranty work.

Personally, I would stay away from Ridgid. I work on boats and have a variety of cordless tools. I have Makita, Milwakee and Dewalt tools. I find that the Makita cordless tools are best built and their batteries last the longest. That Makita can drive 2" hole saws through fiberglass all day long.

Not trying to start a brand war but you (generally) get what you pay for.

 

[ronjhall]

According to this page from the site you listed, batteries are included. Click Here

 

[Shimon]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( According to this page from the site you listed, batteries are included. Click Here )</font>

I stand corrected!

 

[ronjhall]

My son came over the other day with his new Rigid drill. His first comment was, Dad it's got a lifetime warranty. My comment was sure until you need it. He then showed me the page I posted. Darn kids. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Code54]

Yep the batteries are covered, and yes they do not last as long as some other brands BUT the charger takes 20 minutes and I have both the drill and the impact drivers so I can flip the batteries and keep on working while it charges. For heavy home use I see no problems with them at all. I got the 14V drill and the impact gun for $139 total so I don't think you could touch any other major makes for that price. I have done a grat deal of work with the driver and some work with the drill, NO problems what so ever. I also have a small Ridgid compressor and a shop vac and none have had a single problem and everything works very well.
Good luck on whatever you pick...

 

[Birdman]

I bought a whole set of Ridgid cordless tools about a year ago. Hammer drill, sawsall, circle saw, flashlight, two 18V batteries, and a dual battery charger. All came with a lifetime warranty that includes batteries. I am very happy with the quality and performance of these tools, just hope I am as happy when the time comes to use the warranty. The hammer drill is great for putting screws into metal barn roofing and battery life is better than my old Makita, with 12V battery.

 

[Dargo]

I have relatives who work both as carpenters and HVAC. They generally use DeWalt 18 volt tools, but they begin buying Rigid about 6 months ago because of their warranty and because when they go to rough neighborhoods, their Rigid tools don't get stolen. They told me that they have had DeWalt tools and other name brand high quality tools stolen right out of their van while they were in a house working. I guess from what they say, it's fairly easy to pry open the rear doors on their work vans with a crow bar.

Anyway, they tell me that the Rigid batteries have some venting (I don't know, I've never seen one) that helps them run cooler and are indeed warrantied for life. The report from them is that the Rigid battery powered tools are not quite as strong as, nor holds a charge for as long as, their DeWalt and Milwaukee tools, but don't do bad at all. And, since they have the lifetime warranty and generally don't get stolen, that's all the better. The bottom line is they both tell me that they'd buy them again. Based on what I know now, I'll consider them when I next need something.

 

[gsganzer]

I need to check into that warranty. I have a 10" Ridgid power miter that I bought about 5 - 6 years ago. A couple of weekends ago, when I was cutting trim, the motor arced, threw pretty blue sparks and caught fire.

Personally, I haven't been real impressed with the saw from the start, but then again it was one of the first homeowner grade tools they brought to market.

The Rigid commercial tools like the pipe threaders and stuff are top notch, but I've been a little disappointed with some of the homeowner/contractor stuff.

I'll stick with Milwaukee, Bosch and Makita. I've been real happy with the Milwaukee 18V drill. I finally wore out the batteries after 5 years of hard use (actually one of the batteries is still pretty decent).