Which 18v cordless tool set should I keep

[cmf21]

I have two brand new 18v cordless tool sets sitting in the garage. I want to get rid of one of them. The Dewalt set has been sitting their for a little over a year while the Ridgid set I just acquired about a week ago. Both sets are 18v. The Ridgid set is lithium ion, and a 5 piece, while the Dewalt set is a 6 piece set with a cut off tool and has those xrp batteries.

http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/R963-Combo-Kit/EN/index.htm

http://dewalt.com/tools/cordless-combo-packs-18-volt-combo-packs-dck655x.aspx


I can't decide. The extra tool is nice but so are the lithium batteries. Or should I ditch both and get something newer?


What would you choose and why.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I don't know about Ridgid but I had a Royobi drill once that was complete garbage. I'd go with Dewalt. I have a 14.4V Dewalt I've had for probably close to 10 years now and I've never had any trouble with it. The Royobi had a weak chuck (would not hold drill bits worth a damn), which I replaced at my own expense, and the batteries wore out quickly to the point they wouldn't hold a charge. I bought new batteries and then the charger died. Total piece of crap.

 

[*kjm]

I would keep the Ridgid because the set comes with a lifetime warranty, including the batteries... and I also like the job sight radio better.

That X3 set has better tools in it than the new X4's do... or so I have been told.

 

[paperfist]

I love my Ridgid cordless tools, but hate the batteries. Mine are a couple of years old now and the 24v 'lock' up all the time and the 12v lithium ion batteries both died with in the year. They (batteries) carry a lifetime warranty, but you need not only the receipt, but the UPC code from the original box. So for me I'm screwed and very unhappy.

If you hit up google with their lifetime warranty on the batteries you'll also see a lot of unhappy campers.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Send me whichever one you don't want

I'll pay for shipping.

 

[BoomerD]

I picked up a Ridgid cordless drill (x3 Fuego) a couple of months ago. I'm VERY impressed. I used it to drive about 100 3" screws and it never missed a beat, never ran the battery low, and it's not too heavy.

As much as I like Dewalt tools, the XRP NiCd tools are "outdated" and the Lithium-Ion tools are lighter, have a much longer battery life, and have more power.

Add to that the life-time warranty for the Ridgid tools, including batteries, and IMO, you've got the winner.

If you decide you don't want the Ridgid set...send them to me. I'll give you $50 (shipped) for the set.

 

[edro]

Ew, get rid of the NiCD.

Lithium is much much better as well as Rigid's warranty.

I'll give $100 for the set of Rigid!

 

[vi edit]

I've had the old 18v (non-lithium) version of that Ridgid set for 5 years now. It's been a trooper. I've got a couple nagging complaints, but I think the Dewalt will have similar issues. The drill is VERY heavy, and tall. It's awkward trying to work over your head or on a ladder. My Dad's Milwaukee drill is much lighter and compact for an 18v.

I also am not a fan of the reciprocating saw in the bundle because of the safety button. It's a pain to engage in awkward positions and far too overweighted to depress.

But looking at the pictures the Dewalt stuff looks similar in size/use.

My stuff has held up great over the years, and much beyond a "weekend warrior". I've done a decent amount of construction, renovation, and projects over the years.

I also absolutely love two add on pieces that I picked up that use the same batteries. The cordless jig saw is one of my most prized tools in the garage. It's just so damn handy. I also really like the cordless shop vac. That's been great for cleanup workspaces without hauling around a full sized 5 gallon one.

 

[swanysto]

Keep the rigid. I work for a construction company(mostly drywall and metal stud framing), and we have started replacing all our dewalt tools with rigid cause they take the beating much better. Obviously your sets won't get the use ours does, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't keep the more quality product. When it comes to tools, we have found that Rigid for most things is the best. For saws I suggest Milwaukee.

 

[Tiamat]

both are good. The waranty on the rigid might be enough to swing towards choosing that to keep. I have the Dewalt set and it has served me well so far! Sell the other set you aren't using and make some money!

 

[BoomerD]

Ew, get rid of the NiCD.

Lithium is much much better as well as Rigid's warranty.

I'll give $100 for the set of Rigid!

Back off...I spoke first.

This ain't Ebay.

 

[Texashiker]

From my experience with the 2 brands, Rigid is good for industrial and commercial applications, dewalt is good for residential and commercial applications.

When I was working in a welding shop (14 years total), we used rigid pipe threaders, rigid chop saws for cutting steel bars, rigid magnetic drill presses and milwaukee portabands.

When I was working for a construction company (early 1990s), we used mostly dewalt and skil drills and saws.

For home use, I think either one will do.

 

[Specop 007]

Milkwaukee is my go to drill. I'd love to get one of the new lithium versions. I use a 14.4 Milwaukee now but would be perfectly fine with a 12V drill.

Honestly unless you are drivin screws for a living the 18V are just too cumbersome for those around the house and shadetree carpenter jobs IMO.


ETA:

Sell both and get this, thats what I would do.

http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-249...CQ/ref=sr_1_26?ie=UTF8&qid=1323888389&sr=8-26

 

[paperfist]

Hope you guys with the Rigid tools and warranties went and registered them and sent in your UPC and receipt for coverage...

 

[vi edit]

Hope you guys with the Rigid tools and warranties went and registered them and sent in your UPC and receipt for coverage...

Yep. They are registered under Ridgid's support site.

 

[BoomerD]

Hope you guys with the Rigid tools and warranties went and registered them and sent in your UPC and receipt for coverage...

Damned straight I did...just like I did for the lifetime warranty on my EVGA video card.