FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Ridgid, Bosch, DeWalt, or others?

Charles_Wilson | Posted in General Discussion on May 16, 2006 05:44am

I also posted this on Kots ut am interested in what you have to say.

I am interested in getting some better tools then what I currently have. Particularly, I am looking at some cordless tools (including a drill). I see that the new Ridgid deal is that they offer a lifetime warranty with the tools. Its pretty hard to pass up.

Anyone had any luck or problems with a particular brand of tools? How about Ridgid tools?

Thanks in advance,
Chuck


Edited 5/15/2006 10:48 pm ET by Charles Wilson

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. JulianTracy | May 16, 2006 06:04am | #1

    Do a little digging and you'll hear of batteries that don't last, triggers that go bad and service parts taking months to come in.

    Stick with Bosch, Milwaukee, Makita or Dewalt and you'll be better off IMO.

    JT

  2. toolbear | May 16, 2006 06:07am | #2

    I own Bosch, DeWalt, Ridgid, Makita, etc.

    Owned DeWalt stuff for years.  The trigger on my 14v drill is getting iffy after ten years.  Not too bad.  I would buy any of them.  Depends on the tool and $.

    If you've got the hots for Rig., go for it.  Their new framing nailer has a better feature set than the Max, for less $$.  We have used their 10" table saw, hard, for years.  We have not had any issues with them.  Some of those intro offers are really good.

    The shame is that I have all that stuff and can't justify buying what I have - and still works.  (Let me work on this a bit.  Saving up for the JLC Expo on Thur.)

    The ToolBear

    "Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.

  3. User avater
    Pondfish | May 16, 2006 01:41pm | #3

    My cordless is a 5 y.o. DeWalt that works like a champ; most all my other tools are Bosch.

    But I feel that DeWalt is losing it's edge--the newer tools don't impress me as much.  I have their laminate trimmer and it could be much, much better.  Saw some really bad reviews for their rotary hammer, too.  I got the Bosch SCMS instead of the DeWalt and I'm really glad I did.

    As a woodworker, 20 years ago Ryobi was good stuff.  Now their tools are junk (I got their 5" ROS, it's falling apart after a month).  I no longer buy it.  Avoid it.

    To replace said ROS, I picked up the Rigid (with great fear it was a boneheaded move).  I'm very pleasantly surprised--well thought out design with some nice features (I like the light in the plug--it helps when the site you are working on doesn't have all the outlets wired on yet).  I am inclined to give Rigid more of my future business.  If they have a lifetime guarantee that applies when using the tool commercially, I'll be sure to buy more.

    The last point is key: I replaced my ShopVac (dies in less than a year) with a new ShopVac, mostly because of the "2 year warranty" printed on the box.  Reading the stuff inside, the warranty is 30 days if you use the vac in a commercial setting.  Last ShopVac I'll buy (yep, the next try will be a Rigid vac).

     

    Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005
    1. CCI | May 17, 2006 03:43pm | #9

      This may be a really stupid question - If something has a short commercial warranty but a long homeowner warranty how does the manufacturer know how it was used?  If I as a homeowner gut and rebuild my house is that still homeowner use?  I could use the vacuum every day and beat the heck out of it, but since I did not charge myself for its use I am not using it in a commercial setting.

      I feel that a 30day warranty on any item is bogus and would have no problem "fudging" how it was used.  Since we are all "homeowners" is it just up to our honesty to eat the cost of a unit that failed prematurely in a "commercial" setting?

      1. User avater
        Pondfish | May 17, 2006 05:50pm | #10

        I guess it's a question of ethics.  I prefer not to commit fraud; I'll just not buy again from a company that makes a lousy product.Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005

      2. philarenewal | May 17, 2006 06:13pm | #11

        >>"If something has a short commercial warranty but a long homeowner warranty how does the manufacturer know how it was used?

        Good question.  Answer is they don't for the most part.

        After a quick and dirty survey of warranties, if the warranty makes a distinction between homeowner and commercial use, it's not a pro tool (check Ridgid, Dewalt, Bosch -- all are warranty, no distinction about type of use).

        So if you want a commercial grade tool, don't buy it if the manufacturer is afraid to warranty for commercial use same as any other use. 

        "Let's get crack-a-lackin"  --- Adam Carolla

  4. mark14 | May 16, 2006 11:23pm | #4

    I've been a Milwaukee & DeWalt user for years. In fact I have a Milwaukee 9.6v cordless drill & 7 1/4" circular saw that are 26 years old and work just like the day I bought them (just a few batteries later on the drill). No I am not a contractor, so it's not 8 hours/day, just the homeowner who has built a bunch of stuff - wooden swing sets, deck & gazebo, room additions, garden framing, etc. over the years. My latest tools are DeWalt & more Milwaukee.

  5. cliffy | May 17, 2006 01:42am | #5

    I have to admit that having the Dewalt radio really comes in handy.  I switched a few things over and it sure is handy to have a fresh battery at all times and listen to the tunes as well.  I absolutely could not function without my Dewalt impact driver!

    Have a great day

    Cliffy

  6. user-142008 | May 17, 2006 02:18am | #6

    If its in your budget, the Milwaukee 18v combo pack for around $475-500 would be my suggestion. 1/2" hammer drill, folding recrip.saw, circ. saw, charger and 2 batteries. Cloth carrying case built extremely well also. Had very long life w early 9.6v model Porter Cable drill also.

    One of our site plumbers swears by-and at- his HD Ryobi combo kit. He feels if he gets 1-2 yrs. from it for only a couple hundred $ he's ok w/that deal.

     

  7. User avater
    BruceT999 | May 17, 2006 08:29am | #7

    You don't say whether you will be using the tools occasionally or all day. If you use them all day, consider the weight of the tool (Ridgid tools seem to be heavier than Milwaukee in most cases) and battery longevity.

    Also, look at the whole family of tools and check their handle comfort and convenience features, like safety buttons on both sides of the circ saw handle so you can use it left-handed or folding handle on the recip saw to enable working in cramped spaces.

    Milwaukee now has 28V lithium ion batteries the same size as their old 18V NiCads and the new ones have an LED "fuel gage" to tell you how much charge they have left. 28V tools run at higher speeds - more like corded tools - and go about twice as long as their 18V brethren.

    This summer there will be 18V lithium batteries available that will work with the older tools.

    BruceT

    1. User avater
      xxPaulCPxx | May 21, 2006 04:56am | #16

      "This summer there will be 18V lithium batteries available that will work with the older tools."

      Where did you hear this?  That info goes against everything I've heard so far.Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA

      Also a CRX fanatic!

      1. User avater
        IMERC | May 21, 2006 05:09am | #17

        heard the rumor that Bosch was going to do that also...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

        WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->

        Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

      2. User avater
        BruceT999 | May 21, 2006 06:02am | #18

        I read it on Milwaukee's websiteBruceThttp://www.milwaukeetool.com/us/en/news.nsf/vwPressReleases/059B31AAB51AFF74862570ED005C1404?OpenDocument"Now Milwaukee is taking its exclusive Li-Ion technology even further with introduction of V™ technology, a trademark for the proprietary technology encompassing a complete range of Li-Ion voltage platforms providing the Milwaukee Li-Ion Advantage, and the unveiling of its V18™ system, a new line of 18 volt Li-Ion cordless tools. The V18 battery system gives tradesmen all the features and advantages of Li-Ion technology like up to 40% longer runtime, allowing more work to be done per charge at 25% less battery weight when compared to an 18 volt NiCd. The new V18 Li-ion batteries also retrofit onto existing Milwaukee 18 volt NiCd tools allowing users to upgrade to Li-Ion power without the need to invest in new tools."http://www.milwaukeetool.com/us/en/news.nsf/vwPressReleases/C467C2658E9A992D862570ED005C92AB?OpenDocumentTools included in the new V18 Li-Ion System include: ½” Hammer-Drill, ½” Driver-Drill, 6-1/2” Circular Saw, 6-7/8” Metal Cutting Circular Saw, ½” Impact Wrench, Impact Driver, Sawzall¯ Reciprocating Saw, Rotary Hammer, Job Site Radio and Work Light. The V18 Li-Ion tools will be available mid-summer 2006

        Edited 5/20/2006 11:04 pm ET by BruceT999

        1. User avater
          dogboy | May 22, 2006 04:17am | #20

          thats very cool , i just read link to mill site . good news for my tired batteries.

           and better for me instead of buying new tool as mine are still strong  for now.

           dogboy woof woof Carpentry and remodeling

           Vic Vardamis

          Bangor Me

          http://www.ravengrove.com

          1. Charles_Wilson | May 22, 2006 05:03am | #21

            Thanks all! I just broke down and bought a load of Bosch tools from CPO Bosch:18 v Cordless Drill, barrel grip jig saw (1591), the 3 1/4 plunge router (refurb), and the new jobsite radio (didn't need it but . . . ).Going to pick up my Ridgid TS 3650 this week - on sale for $499, got a 10% off coupon, and some gift card money. :)Thanks again,
            Chuck

          2. User avater
            zak | May 22, 2006 09:33am | #23

            CPO bosch is a good place.  I bought a router there, and it was FUBARed though.  I called them up, they shipped out a new one that day, and included a return shipping label for free.  Give your refurb tools a good look when you get them.zak

            "so it goes"

          3. JulianTracy | May 22, 2006 05:06pm | #26

            Make sure you got the new radio with the remote control. Search for previous threads, but I've had the 3 versions of this radio, and the new one (they call it Powerbox advanced) is the only one that gets decent reception - it finallly has a standard rubber whip antenna.It also sounds better, has an LCD you can read from above, and has a handy remote.If you bought yours from CPO - they may have dumped off the older version on you at a great price - you'll end up being unhappy with it - it's a pc. of crap.JT

          4. Charles_Wilson | May 24, 2006 05:02am | #29

            Got the new one and paid full price. Looked at the specs and saw that the older model radio did not charge the batteries on the drill that I bought. Thanks,
            Chuck

          5. JulianTracy | May 24, 2006 01:39pm | #30

            As far as I know - the charging specs haven't changed. They all will charge from 7.2 volts to 24 volt batteries.JT

          6. User avater
            BruceT999 | May 22, 2006 08:06am | #22

            Glad this southern Californian could be of service to a Maine-iac. I got to visit your beautiful state last summer - saw 5 of the last 10 remaining covered bridges and spent two days in quaint Lubec, easternmost place in the US. I even tried drinking Moxie - now THAT has to be an acquired taste!BruceT

          7. User avater
            dogboy | May 22, 2006 01:47pm | #24

            wow you went all the way to lubec, and drank moxie and saw 8 covered bridges. you did a lot while you were here.  Ive only seen 3 covered bridges here in my whole life and im 49 ys old. and ive only tried moxie once and thought it had to be made out of tree sap and old motor oil with a little vicks cough syurpto sweetin it Ayah. blah tast.

             my frind Robert across the river from me drinks it but i think he forces himself to like it. and the covered bridge we had here in Bangor while i was growing up (right) was set on fire years ago (sucks) .  

            I'm glad you got a chance to do a few of the things here in Maine were famous for..................did you go to the national parks along the coast Bar Harbor/Acadia National Park......eat lobster?   see any moose . did you see Steven Kings house/ no big deal.

             have a good one. Vic Dogboy woof woof Carpentry and remodeling

             Vic Vardamis

            Bangor Me

            http://www.ravengrove.com

          8. User avater
            dogboy | May 22, 2006 01:49pm | #25

            sorry i mean 5 covered bridges .just reread your post

            woof woof Carpentry and remodeling

             Vic Vardamis

            Bangor Me

            http://www.ravengrove.com

          9. User avater
            BruceT999 | May 23, 2006 06:33am | #27

            ...eat lobster? see any moose .Now ya tell me! I think I got that backward - saw a lobster and...That's an apt description for Moxie's taste. Anything that awful should at least be able to cure cancer, don't you think? :)My friends were skeptical when I told them I had driven from Denmark to Norway and then to Mexico, all in the space of a couple of hours.BruceT

          10. User avater
            dogboy | May 24, 2006 01:49am | #28

            what you didnt go to Paris............MECarpentry and remodeling

             Vic Vardamis

            Bangor Me

            http://www.ravengrove.com

  8. User avater
    gdcarpenter | May 17, 2006 03:20pm | #8

    My two cents, for cordless drills I love my Porter Cable drills. Heavy as all get out, but over 7 years later I'm on my second set of batteries and they are still going strong, and they do not get babbied.

    Let's not confuse the issue with facts!

  9. user-121922 | May 17, 2006 10:27pm | #12

    Each manufacture has their premium tool/s that defines  an application. Milwaukee has the sawzall and industrial drills..., Skill/Bosch the worm drive saws and variants, Dewalt has a lock on the cordless tools marcket, Hilti has rotary/hammer drill etc...etc.

    Homeowner/professional, buy the best tools you can afford given your expected use.

     

  10. daveinnh | May 18, 2006 03:41am | #13

    As a hobbist WW, most of my portable tools are Bosch, with P-C circular saw & biscuit joiner, and Fein 3.5 HP router and vacuum.  I've been pleased with all these.  Just that my Makita SCMS isn't dead true when pushing thru a cut and raising blade, but good enuff for most trim cuts. 

    1. Charles_Wilson | May 19, 2006 01:23am | #14

      I am really looking hard at the Makita cordless drill (get a impact free with purchase) and the Makita industrial routers. Anyone have any positive/negative comments? I have been all over looking for feedback and there are very few (if any) who have knoked Makita products. For example, on Amazon the 18V drill that I am looking at has 4.5 stars and the routers are at 5 stars.Chuck

  11. Ben2554 | May 19, 2006 03:57am | #15

    Well, I've seemed to have the best luck with Makita and Hitachi. My father owns a Makita circular saw, a Hitachi circular saw, a Makita chop saw, a Makita recip saw, a Makita belt sander, and a Makita cordless drill. The only thing that has gave him a problem so far is the cordless drill...but that was about 8 years old when it died...he certainly got his use in it (considering how many times it's been dropped and beaten).
    I also have a Hitachi grinder and I find that it works great. Good luck with the tool search.

    -Ben

  12. User avater
    dogboy | May 22, 2006 04:13am | #19

    hey man , i have millwaukee and DeWalt tools and a few ridgid . got ridgid at great clearence price so couldnt pass up home tools. but if you want a good deal go to makita site and do a little searching you can get the circ drill with impact drill inc. for around 650.00  at home depot and it comes with a 100.00 gift card and makita will give you a free recipro saw in mail if you send tag off box after you get it.   these are the lithium ion batt. sets lot of power and nice. for the total price. check it out for actual deal. but its a good set electrican fried just got it and loves it.

                         woof woof     dogboy

     

     

    Carpentry and remodeling

     Vic Vardamis

    Bangor Me

    http://www.ravengrove.com

  13. user-128445 | May 25, 2006 02:49pm | #31

    I haven't been in the business all that long, but have come to rely and respect DeWalt above all other tools. They're durable, precise and typically well thought out in their designs. I have/had a number of Porter-Cable tools, as well, and every one has had to go into the shop on at least one occasions -- often when I need it most.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Mortar for Old Masonry

Old masonry may look tough, but the wrong mortar can destroy it—here's how to choose the right mix for lasting repairs.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • xoxo test post 3
  • xoxo test post 2
  • xoxo test post 1
  • Midcentury Home for a Modern Family

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 333 - August/September 2025
    • A Practical Perfect Wall
    • Landscape Lighting Essentials
    • Repairing a Modern Window Sash
  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data