I bought a Ridgid 18V Lithium drill last August.
The reason I decided on Ridgid and not Makita was the alleged service. FREE BATTERIES?????????????????? Who can resist that offer. It is always the tool that will outlast the expensive batteries. Seems like a no-brainer, especially since HD is 10 minutes from my house and usually within 1/2 hour from work.
At the beginning of this year, one of the batteries refused to hold a charge.
No problem I thought.
Went back to HD, but they don’t handle the warranty, stupid.
Called Ridgid, but they don’t handle the warranty, stupid.
I was told to visit their authorized service center, they gave me a choice to either make 4 hour roundtrip or a 9 hour roundtrip to these authorized experts.
I decided to call and see if I could mail it to them
NO PROBLEM, they said, just send the drill, charger and batteries and we will check it out! It only took me 20 minutes to convince the guy that I bought this drill FOR WORK, and not having one was out of the question, battery or no battery.
this was SIX weeks ago. When I called he said that we are still waiting for Ridgid to send a replacement since they don’t handle the warranty, stupid.
I am just wondering if anybody else has bought into this ‘to good to be true’ warranty? Any suggestions?
Replies
Wow.
I could have written that post up until the point where you mailed the battery in. We had the 24v set and had three defective batteries, or at least they appeared to be defective or ruined.
We did the dance with HD and Ridgid, "sure, we have a service center in town". Call the service center up- "no, we don't service Ridgid anymore, the factory wouldn't ever get us the parts we needed". The closest service center is about 1.5 hours away from us.
Fortunately, the local HD manager told us he would give us a full refund. We took advantage of his weak moment and got rid of the whole set.
Still looking for the best replacement.
Jon Blakemore
RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
might I suggest the Milwaukee 28 volt system? I have it and love it. Plenty of power and great tools.
<!----><!----><!---->
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
That's what I'm leaning towards.How do cold temps affect the battery performance?
Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
they hate it....
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!!!
I imagine that all (NIMH, NICAD, LION, etc.) are pretty much cold-averse, right?
Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
mostly the LIon...
it takes a lot more cold to affect the others...
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!!!
The larger batteries of the Milwaukee 28v take longer to get cold, both becasue of the larger mass and since they make more heat when in use. Milwaukee 18v Lithium are supposed to have full run times down to -4*F (according to Milwaukee) that is better than Makita 18v Li during cold weather.NiCads are best in the cold (and as a plus are inexpensive--though relatively heavy).I use Bosch 18v cordless in the cold (during the MN winter).The Makita 18v stuff has been good for me, but I just use it in warm houses (and I lug it inside at night--no heated garage).Tools that will use both NiCad and Li-ion batteries are attractive for anyone that needs cold performance and wants the light weight and longer run times for warm work. Too bad Makita Li-ion batteries are not "back-compatible" with older NiCad or NiMH tools.Milwaukee, Dewalt and even Ryobi now offer back-compatible stuff in Li-ion (though I hear the Dewalt new batteries work on old tools, but the fit is off a bit).
Milwaukee claims their 28v
has some technology that overcomes the cold problem.
I don't know just what they claim. By the way I just picked up their 18v lithium. Kind of
a risk with the 1.4 amp hour battery.
So far it's great. Light, compact, with 18v power.
The run time is better than my old Porter Cable 14.4
Hammer drill. Just thought I'd mention it.
Really don't know... other than they've sat in my truck in the cold until I've used them.... Don't know what the difference is effectively as I have only had the set since july or august.
Although, Milwaukee is giving a 5-year warrantee on batteries and there is a Milwaukee service center right down the road from me.
I got the drill, circ saw, sawzall and light w/ 2 batt and charger, bag and belt clips all for like $600
<!----><!----><!---->
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Thanks for the story. It sounded too good to be true. A promise is only as good as the one who makes it.
Bill
yes...
don't do business with home desperate...
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!!!
This is what happens when tools made in China are marketed with a name known for making a premium product.
Anything sold at HD with the Ridgid name that *isn't* an honest to goodness plumbing tool is sold under a brand license.
Just so you know, if you actually read the fine print on the warranties offered by most toolmakers, you will find that they work the same- you have to send the tool in and they will fix/replace it.
Same thing goes for those "extended warranties". Go ahead, read the fine print there, too. Stores promise an on the spot exchange, but that usually isn't the procedure outlined in writing.
A good retailer will exchange it on the spot and send in the defective one. Problem there is dishonest people turning in stuff that has been abused so they can get a new one for free. Retailers got tired of holding the bag when the manufacturer refuses credit on something accepted in exchange for a new one.
I would take the whole thing back to HD and ask for a refund. Because it is after 90 days, you may only get a store credit, and make sure you get the price you paid. It is to your benefit to find a receipt or statement with the transaction, and have it in hand. If the store manager won't give you satisfaction, ask for the phone number of his boss. Note that I said store manager. Call ahead and make sure that person is there.
There is also the "Ben Hill" customer satisfaction number- that goes to the top.
Don't be a d i c k about it, either :) Game over once you lose composure.
back to HD ...buy new set...when battery appears...return "new set"
I appreciate your post.
It's long been one of my conclusions that, in order to get a fair deal, you need not know the product - you need to know the vendor!
Let's face it .... once a firm reaches a certain size, even managers become interchangeable peons, and the customer becomes a distant second to corporate politics. At that point, you can no longer rely upon them to have the slightest interest in your welfare.
There's another reason to deal with a local 'pro tool shop.' In addition to the owner being accessible, they often have tools, brands, and models not available at the big chains. Getting accessories ordered is a snap. The big chains are driven by large numbers .... which means they will always have plenty of "White Chevys," but you can forget about getting a 'Red Ferrari" there!
It's a real dilemma. My HD bought Porter Cable circular saw needs about $40 worth of parts to get it running. But those parts are a three hour round trip and a lot of head aches away. Everything for my new Makita is in the nearest town where I can also insult the owner, his brother and all our mutual acquaintances. However I couldn't buy the saw there. He only stocks parts as he found he couldn't get within $50 of their prices. I still ended up getting the damn thing at HD.
Have you ever done business at Fastenal?http://www.fastenal.com/web/storeInfo.ex?branch=BCVANThey seem to have reasonable (not cheap) prices on tools, and they provide parts and service.
fastenal...they had a sign outside of their store in Winnipeg advertising a "Bosch Blow-Out" and when i went in and checked the prices they were MORE money than the same damn thing at another tool wholesaler who was not advertising a sale...so they wasted my time and i'm never going back
They opened a Fastenall across the street from HDT and I asked Mark if it was hurting them. In his usual witty manner he replied that he sold more tools by accident than they did on purpose. I found them a little pricey on their whole line. However if one needed some obscure fastener they did have a good selection.
I never said they were cheap, just that they can also provide parts and service, something you can't get at a big box store.I have a couple of small local tool stores that I usually shop at too...but sometimes what I need they don't have and Fastenal often does. They also got me warranty coverage on a Bosch tool that was just past the warranty period. They didn't have to do that, I appreciate the take care of the customer attitude.Some people who want their tool prices to be as low as possible rip on homeowners who take the lowest bid contractors...I find that curious.My favorite tool store is Thomas Tool in Rochester, MN. They aren't cheap either, but they are good.
Different contractors give different bids for the same job. Customers don't like to see the same tool for drasticly different prices.
True, but I know I get better service at Thomas Tool or even Fastenal, so I'd rather pay more instead of buying from a Big Box.I also think I get work by being higher priced...because some customers value better work and service.Edit to Add:I do sometimes buy tools from Big Box stores and Amazon, etc. It is a challenge to balance tool quality, price, warranty and service, but they should all be considered.BTW, I own a Ridgid 13" planer and it is a good tool--but I try to avoid HD.Interestingly, some Ridgid tools (nail guns) are also available from other vendors as Milwaukee tools...I like red better than orange anyway.
Edited 3/8/2008 11:13 pm ET by basswood
I usually buy tools from my local guys if they will come anywhere near the big-box prices. They are willing to dicker a litlle bit. I don't bust their chops, I just tell them I would rather buy it from them, and ask if can they do anything on the price so that I can. Recently they matched HD's price on a Makita LI drill kit. Glad I got if from them, as I've had to have the charger swapped out 4 times in the last 6 months.Steve
My only problem with local suppliers, is that in a lot of instances - they never have prices marked - so you feel like a cheap a$$ cause you are asking the prices.Well dammit, I'm spending my own money, so I need to know how much stuff costs.I wouldn't buy rigid cordless tools any more than I would Ryobi. But these days, anyone can get parts for anything without the assistance of a local supplier. Personally, I'd probably never have anyone repair tools for me either, as I couldn't stand to pay someone $100 to put in a switch for me. I have a love/hate thing with the big boxes - on one hand they homogenize the mix of products in terms of low quality and selection, but then they clearly mark the prices and will let you stare all day long at the racks while you try to figure out how you are going to proceed with a project. I do appreciate good service, but not at the cost of paying $189 + tax for something I can get on Amazon for $138.If I was spending someone else's tool money, maybe the bottom line wouldn't matter as much to me.To me a premium of maybe 10-20% is worth the extra service - but in general, there's a much larger price to pay when buying tools at supplier houses. That - and you are in general dealing with old stock, not the latest available products.JT
Julian,I haven't see that around here. Prices are marked on stuff at my local yards, and the models available seem on par with the big boxes. Prices are generally higher at the local yards, but not always. One of them is a Festo distributer, which is really nice to have available locally.My general rule of thumb is I'm happy to pay within about 10%, and I'll ignore the fact that I have to pay sales tax versus online. Part of it is that I want to support my local guys. We went from no big boxes here 5 years ago to now having both Lowes and HD. Since then *$ lumber has given up here. There are 2 locally-owned lumber yards, two regional chains, and a locally owned Ace franchise left here. They all contribute different things to my mix of available options, and I would hate to say any of them fold.Steve
Wow, it really sounds like you have no decent tool stores in your area!
You would be amazed at the teeny, tiny profit margin the local stores make on the big ticket items. Most simply don't have the purchase power of the big box stores, as well.
Smart stores will overcome that by keeping a large stock of fasteners.
"He said "Buck up baby, it's okay. The sunlight on the floor will always fall." ~ Sarah Harmer
Try these two places, you'll have the parts within a week. I have had good luck getting parts from them. The last parts I ordered just happened to be for my PC circ saw; blade left that I couldn't live without.
http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/
Yea - I remember a year or 2 ago people here were raving about the Rigid warranty and how no one in their right mind could resist... I knew it was too good to be true. I didn't buy any. It's a shame that a respected tool mfg would sell out it's name to be slapped on stuff made in China (or wherever it is).
i bought a ridged drill at HD and was bragging how good a tool it was for the price till someone burst my balloon by pointing out it was a Made in China tool, I felt like i just bought a Beatles or Elvis album of discarded takes. That was some tricky chitt they pulled, sellouts, Ridged had a good reputation.
I have no problem with Chinese made goods. I here they make very good rice cookers... Did you want some duct sauce with your carry-out? :-)
it's the lead that gives thee grub that nice background flavor...
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!!!
My thinking, which some might take as advice, is to never expect a warranty to be worth crapp. It might end up being worth more, but don't expect it to be worth anything, it usually is not. If I consider a warranty at all it is a POSSIBLE indication of the relative quality of the product as it might indicate that a manufacturer does not expect to have to spend much on the warranty since they built a "great" product. Then again the mfgr might offer a "great" warranty knowing that it won't cost them anything, because they don't plan to honor it.
So we are back to don't expect it to be worth anything.
Word of mouth, word of mouth, word of mouth.
Case in point, your post.
Sorry to not be of any help.
"Then again the mfgr might offer a "great" warranty knowing that it won't cost them anything, because they don't plan to honor it.
So we are back to don't expect it to be worth anything. "I am beginning to think along those lines, if they sell alot of tools, make alot of money, they can go belly up instead of paying up for their warranties
This is why I'm waiting for the redesigned Paslode pneumatic framing nailer, released late spring: made is US, one year unconditional warranty, plus 5 yr.limited.Carl
It would be nice if the depot posted a list of current authorized service centers in their area before pushing the benefits of the rigid "warranty". A 4 or 9 hour trip is a bit ridiculous to expect anyone to go through to have something warrantied. That being said, my personal experience with Rigid's warranty was a positive one. My oscillating spindle sander quit on me, I had not registered it and had no receipt. There was a authorized repair center 25 minutes away, so I brought it there and was told it would be 4 days till they looked at it and more if parts needed to be ordered. 2 days later they called and said it was done. They figured out the age of the machine by the date code and a new motor assembly was 100% covered by warranty. Everything breaks eventually, I think the key to the warranty issue is reasonable access to an authorized service center. If Joe-schmo tools required you to send your stuff to Abu-Dhabi for warranty work, you would tell him to pound sand and you'd go elsewhere. Same goes for the depot, the best bet may be to check out local service centers before buying any Rigid stuff, and for them to properly represent ALL their warranty rules before the sale.
Lord, I was born a Makita man.
i hear they have medicine for that now
Barry E-Remodeler
A few years back I bought 6 of the 18 volt Rigids for my crew of 5. The sixth one was supposed to be for me, but once I found out how the warranty worked, mine became the rotating spare. I then had to go out and get myself a Dwalt. The process is a pain, but boy have we got our monies worth! New chargers, batteries, and drills have all been replaced free of charge. Before we bought the Rigids, we had been replacing cordless drills every 18 to 24 months. The service center is only 10 miles away, so .....so far so good.
Recently Hilti called on us and offered a lease program for their cordless drills. It was a three year lease for about $ 14 per month for the 18 volt cordless hammer drill / driver. Loss, abuse, and complete replacement warranty included. They also offer a loaner when yours breaks. Anybody try this yet?
Ask HD to let you know when a Ridged rep will be in town. Go there and jump his butt about their junk.
I looked at Rigid before I bought and there are some things that just don't add up. Maybe 10-20 years ago a company could have such inconsistencies but these days?
have you visited their website? Like I said there are just some weird stuff with Rigid.
I can't remember the specifics right now but was put off of them. Now It's coming back. I remember that it seemed like you had to buy combo kits with them. I like to buy one tool at a time and add on as I go.
I'd buy the 18v li-ion Ryobi before I'd buy the Rigid. Ryobi has a lot of cordless tools.
That's what has bothered me about the Makita line. Not enough different tools in the line.
I went with Makita 18V li-ion and am happy.
Edited 3/8/2008 11:46 pm ET by popawheelie
speaking of funny things.
went to their website to register my tool. when I called I mentioned that I had not received a confirmation . I was told that theY hadn't gotten to me because they had a SIX MONTHS BACKLOG FOR REGISTERING ONLINE!!!!!
how is that for being up to date! The government can do better than that.
Will I shop Ridgid again? LOL
Actually - I was thinking of going Bosch just because their boom box kicks a$$
If it means anything all my cordless stuff is bosch (want that radio too but its expensive) VERY HAPPY with all of it.
I had to have the hammerdrill fixed (I beat the livin heck out of it) I sent it in to the service center and If I had given them my correct phone number (my bad) I would have had it back to me in 5 days or less.
I bought the 18v 6 tool kit to start then added an impact and pocket impact later.
The saw and sawzall dont get used much except in a pinch they are nice not to have to drag out the cords and all that.
The two most usefull features of the 6 tool kit are the jigsaw and planer. Its great not to have to use a corded jigsaw because you only use it in 5 second bursts. I love the planer too because it can be difficult to balance your peices and the cord dosent get hung up.
I dont see anybody else I work around with the bosch stuff but If we get to talking about it they seem sold on its advantages.
One more point is Im impressed by the battry life compared to other 18v nicad batts
If you need to know check out http://bosch.cpotools.com/?ref=ysm1080&OVRAW=cpo%20bosch&OVKEY=cpo%20bosch&OVMTC=standard&OVADID=8932267011&OVKWID=57262121511
Ridgid/ Home Depot SUCK:
I got screed on the battery deal Also. Bull No lifetime warrentry I have four dead 18 volt batteries two only six months old, used about 10 to 12 hours. Now electronic waste due their ineffective warnty policies, a joke on us. nothing but a technical LIE. Its only effective at not replacing defective or poor quality parts. No incentive to improve their products or engineeting. Screew them I will never by from such scum again. I also Bought one of their twain blade saws, Guess what Home Depot Does Not carry the replacement blades.... WTF. I had a dozen carbi teeth missing dangeous.. Home Depot whwere I bought it says They dont sell the blades, i have to order them from the manufacter.
Sears Craftsman, Had an honorable lifetime policy, I will try to buy their products from now on, anyone want to buy the dozen Ridgid power tools I currently own? BTW Craftsman carried the Twin blade saw blades, so I bought them at Sears..
Ridgid/ Home Depot SUCK:
I got screwed on the battery deal Also. Bull No lifetime warrentry I have four dead 18 volt batteries two only six months old, used about 10 to 12 hours. Now electronic waste due their ineffective warnty policies, a joke on us. nothing but a technical LIE. Its only effective at not replacing defective or poor quality parts. No incentive to improve their products or engineeting. Screew them I will never by from such scum again. I also Bought one of their twain blade saws, Guess what Home Depot Does Not carry the replacement blades.... WTF. I had a dozen carbi teeth missing dangeous.. Home Depot whwere I bought it says They dont sell the blades, i have to order them from the manufacter.
Sears Craftsman, Had an honorable lifetime policy, I will try to buy their products from now on, anyone want to buy the dozen Ridgid power tools I currently own? BTW Craftsman carried the Twin blade saw blades, so I bought them at Sears..
sorry to hear that............
I guess that's why I have no Rigid tools of the new variety-
nothing but good quality pipe wrenches from long long ago.
Wish I still had some of those calendars though.................
priceless.
Calvin,
They still put out calendars! Old ones are available on Ebay too.
You ready for spring?
KK
Ken
Ready for Spring?
You kidding? I was ready the end of January. Record snow totals and record cold. That was for Jan.
Feb? More record snow and cold totals for the month again.
End result? 4 more inches on March 1st along with more below zero.
Grand end result-Record since record keeping-most snow ever for winter season...............ever.
4th or 5th coldest (can't prove it by me)
This has been one heck of a long winter. Todays high in the 20's, currently 13 and flood plain flooded, so 20 some deer digging around for anything remotely close to green (and that's right outside our window).
So yeah, ready.......................but
Haven't hit a golf ball since December 1st, not sure if golf league will start on time. They put up a large low tent on the Mudhens field in hopes of getting the snow to melt and the grass to grow so there's a green field (not frozen) in early April for the opening ballgame.
Last yr at this time, we were getting ready to go to Spring Training in Arizona...............left Detroit in a snow storm, landed in Phoenix and it was 90.
Oh to be taking that trip again.
Still got firewood, kindling holding out, and most of the thick ice chopped off the drive so there's a good chance you won't fall on your azz if you come up to fish the Walleye run. Hold off though-river is still froze.
And you wanted to know if I was ready for Spring? Fuck that, I'm getting ready for next winter.
Those calendars are a part of Americana............next to Rockwell, my favorite garage art.
Ebay
Just for you. MIght have to get me one for the shop.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=ridgid+tool+calendar&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l3201&_nkw=ridgid+tool+calendar&_sacat=0
KK
thanks
Let's see if the image plants itself here
There, now that's a tool company. I can't see what the complaint would be. Problem with the tool, just get the calendar.
Those 60's calendars-man! the only cheesecake I like.