I have been impressed with the Ridgid tools that some carpenters I know have purchased. They seem to be strong, quality tools. The lifetime warranty to the original owner is very impressive.
I need to purchase a portable table saw and a recip saw. Does anyone out there have an opinion on Ridgid tools?
James
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Replies
A lot are Chinese now, not at all like when they started out.
Have you ever actually read that warranty?
http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/RIDGID-Warranty/index.htm
Ridgid branded power tools sold at HD (not to be confused with Ridgid branded plumbing tools) are made by the same comapny that makes Ryobi and that company also owns Milwaukee Electric Tools.
They are able to offer a lifetime warranty because the tools are made in China for cheap.
(1) I would never spend Made in USA money on products made in China and (2) I always make a point not to buy made in China whenever possible.
Make sure you read the warranty (and extended service plan) legalese.
The store (HD) is under no obligation to exchange your tools on the spot after something like 30 days- they have to be sent in for repair. Can you afford to be without the tool while that process is happening? Some managers may exchange the tool for you in the store, on the spot, but they do not have to do it.
They may tell you otherwise to make the sale, but read the fine print and make your own decision.
For a point of reference, the Ridgid branded sump pumps used to be exchanged in the store, now the customer with the flooded basement must call the 800 number to the manufacturer, and if you don't register the product, you are SOL... and the "Lifetime Warranty" does not cover the non-replaceable switch....
Just like Craftsman hand tools, the HD Ridgid product is only warranted while HD is still around....
Do you remember the big deal HD made about their "Husky" hand tools, and they took Craftsman and others in for a warranty exchange? At that time, the Husky stuff was made by the same manufacturers as Craftsman (Wilton Forge and others). Some people bought the hype and traded their Craftsman (mostly, but they also took Snappy, Mac, etc) stuff for Husky. Now, the HD Husky stuff is made in China, and some stores do not offer the individual sockets and wrenches anymore... the Husky customer is SOL on a product that was marketed with a lifetime warranty exchange.
If you like the "quality" of those Ridgid tools, and if you can sleep at night supporting the Chinese economy, then go ahead and buy them. Just watch the fine print on that warranty.
Couldn't have said it better.
>>(1) I would never spend Made in USA money on products made in China and (2) I always make a point not to buy made in China whenever possible.
How successful are you at not buying Chinese made goods? They are EVERYWHERE. While I agree that we are cutting our own throats by importing so much of their product (in more ways than one), they make a lot of what you can buy in stores now, in every category.
i dont think any tool is made in the usa anymore... (makita- china, panasonic-china, dewalt-mexico, china....)
You might be surprised to learn that many Makita tools are made in Buford, GA.
It is quite difficult, but I try the best that I can.
(1) I would never spend Made in USA money on products made in China and (2) I always make a point not to buy made in China whenever possible.
Look, I see your point, but I suspect you're full of sh2t to be frank. That statement you made above directly contradicts itself..... unless of course you make some of your money outside of the US and you then allow yourself to spend just that money on products made outside of the US. Forgive me if I'm skeptical. In the first line you say you "NEVER buy made in China" and in the second line you avoid them "whenever possible".
So please do tell me..... what brand power tools do you own that don't have any Chinese parts in them? And how are you so sure?
Don't get me wrong... I stand with you on principle. But you're lecturing on something that is pretty much unavoidable at this point.
And for the record... I've been bitten by Ridgid before. I bought a bunch of Ridgid brand ladders when HD first started carrying them. They too had a no questions asked type of lifetime warranty. As soon as the ladders started getting returned, HD stopped carry the line. SOL. Once bitten, twice shy.
Even still that Ridgid tablesaw is a very nice unit and a good value. It was money well spent. My loyalties are to myself and my family first. I'm not going to buy a tool just because it's made in the USA if it's a POS that I'll be replacing again next year. So given the choices available in tools these days.... with many or most of them being at least partially built in China.... I'm going to weigh my options and needs... and buy the best value for myself..... and that Ridgid saw is a very good value. And that's really what this thread is supposed to be about, isn't it?View Image
I should clarify "Made in USA money".
That is my reference to the retail price, not where the money is made.
Ridgid power tools are made in China, yet the retail price point isn't much below something like Milwaukee Electric, which (for now) remains US made. Therefore, I will not pay almost "made in USA money" for something made in China. If I *really* want to save money and support the Chinese govenment, I will buy from Harbor Freight.
Most of the corded power tools I own, I have had for a while- purchased before the massive outsourcing that exists today. I am usually the only person that uses them. The last corded tool purchase I made was a Fein Multimaster.
It has been just about impossible for me to locate US made cordless tools at any price. The Makita 12V impact driver I own used to be made in Japan, now it is China. The circular saw and Sawzall in my Milwaukee 18V kit are the only US made pieces in that kit. Last I looked, the Makita 18V Li-Ion stuff was made in Japan, but I have not looked recently. Metabo cordless used to be made in Germany, now it is China.
The last tool purchase I made was a PLS 180- same price as the DeWalt version. PLS is US made, DeWalt was not.
You are correct that I do not know the whole story on the parts content, either. Much like cars and trucks. Too many legal loopholes in the definition of US made and US assembled.
I also buy what I perceive to be the best value for my money. Sometimes, that leaves US made products off the list. The refrigerant gauges I recently bought were made in Switzerland.
I am not knocking the perceived value of your Ridgid tablesaw, but I also know that the saw today may not equal your 5 year old version. I almost bought one when the Emerson made models were closed out- it was a nice tool, but I really don't *need* one, nor do I have the space.
Your experience with the ladders is what I worry about with tools or anything else that is only carried by one company. I always worry that if I need a part or accessory a few years down the line that it won't be available because either the line of tools, that tool in particular or the accessory was not profitable. HD could very easily start to carry some other brand of tools rather than rigid and without any other dealer network set up, they probably would go bust.I follow your purchasing logic. I want to buy the best tool for the best price. I think its necessary to follow that logic at all times. If you buy American just because it is American then you are doing a disservice to you, the company and the country. Blind loyalty for whatever reason tends to make the company lazy in innovation and answering the needs of the consumer.My have a friend that is a sales rep for Hilti. It's a Germany company but they are employing an American. Manufacturing is just one aspect of the products sale, you have design/engineering, marketing, etc. and where are those jobs?
Yes, and some of the Hilti tools are now made in China. It's irretrievably a global marketplace.
For whatever it's worth... I've bought parts for Ridgid power tools off the internet. I use ToolPartsDirect.com for most of my tool parts. One of my guys got the axle of my compressor caught on the table saw which was strapped standing up in a corner of the trailer. It tore the metal tape measure off the rails and busted a plastic end cap. I figured I was just screwed and would have to live with it that way seeing as I knew HD wasn't going to be able to help me. But it wasn't a problem at all for me to find parts. I'd have to check, but I think parts may even be able on Ridgid's site. Don't quote me on that one though.View Image
Here is an excerpt from a rigid employee discussing their warranty on another message board. Read it and see if you still think the lifetime warranty is impresive. Sounds a whole lot more like a marketing gimick to me.
http://www.ridgidforum.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-5183.html
Edited 9/2/2007 8:05 am ET by TomW
Thanks for the info. My cargo trailer was broken into last week and most of my tools were stolen. I need to replace them and was looking at a lot of different brand tools.
I had all dewalt tools. My table saw, sliding compound miter, battery drills, jig saw, recip saw and senco duraspin were taken.
At any rate, I was really wanting to know about the quality of the tools. Anymore I do not know where any brand tools are made. I need to immediately replace the table saw and miter saw. The others can wait a little while.
James
The DW745 portable table saw is on sale at Amazon now for $288http://tinyurl.com/yp4nh8
yes i saw this. been wondering whether to get it or not. tired of carrying excessively heavy tools...
Lots of fans of it over at JLC:Article from Feb 2007 -- http://tinyurl.com/2grp7yForum -- http://tinyurl.com/2g5typBut since I see from the article that it's not really set up for a dado, I'll probably wait for the new Bosch.
deals are to be had on the older Bosch 4000T-X TS's now that their new generation is on the market....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 best information on that forum is:
http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/Calendar/EN/index.htm
Only $10 for a two year calender.
View Image
I have several xmas presents that are now covered.
{G}
Troy Sprout
"A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined, but they should also have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government." -- George Washington
Edited 9/2/2007 9:43 am by Hackinatit
The problem is that the employees at HD explain the Ridgid warranty (and ESP plans) in similar terms and conditions as the Sears Craftsman hand tool warranty, and that isn't the case.
The Ridgid warranty doesn't really cover anything but manufacturing defects, and excludes normal wear and tear, so it is all marketing.
PUT DOWN YOUR WALLET AND BACK SLOWLY OUT OF THE TOOL SECTION. THE ORANGE TOOLS ARE BAD AND OUT TO GET YOU.
Don't mean to hijack, but it's close. Yesterday I bought a RIGID 6" hole saw and driver from HD in a pinch. I like Lenox the best, but I was in a bind. Later on, I discovered the hole saw was machined "a little off" such that the driver pins wouldn't fit into the hole saw itself. I double checked the packages, and I did buy the right peices. Had to open the holes with yet another drill to fix the problem. Started cutting into beer-thirty, not happy.-D
Policies aside......... I've had the Ridgid jobsite table saw for about 5 years now. Bought it when they first came out and before they changed the base to that bright orange color. It's been one of the most reliable tools in my arsenal. It's built like a tank. Out of the box, it needed no adjustment and I've yet to adjust it in the 5+ years I've owned it. It rides around full-time in the back of my trailer so it hasn't seen an easy life. It's done everything I've asked of it from ripping PT framing lumber to knocking down sheets of MDO for finish work and it has a seen a ton of use thus far. The fence is the best I've seen in a jobsite table saw.
When I buy a tool, I don't think much about the warranty to be honest. At this point, most are just marketing gimmicks. I'll take a quality tool with a lame warranty over a lame tool with a killer warranty any day of the week. I try to buy a tool that won't need to call on it's warranty. So far, my Ridgid table saw has been just that.
I can't comment on any of their other tools though, as I don't own any. Nor can I comment on the current crop of available saws as I don't know what's changed and what's remained the same. But if you were simply looking for a tool review.... there you have it.
Good luck trying to find a tool that isn't at least partially made in China.... and good luck finding a tool with unconditional warranty that wasn't written up by marketing people. I'm not so sure such a beast exists anymore.
If I were buying a new jobsite tablesaw today..... I'd look very hard at the Ridgid once again. I'd also look at the Bosch as well. If you can get by with a 16" rip capacity, I'd look at that new little Dewalt too.
As far as mitersaws go.... if you're looking for a non-slider, my 10" Dewalt has been a well-built workhorse. And if I needed a new slider, I think I'd either buy another Makita LS1013 (which has provided me with the same service record as that Ridgid tablesaw) or possibly a 12" Dewalt.
When the HD Ridgid tools first came out, they were mostly made in the USA by Emerson Electric.
Not anymore.
When the HD Ridgid tools first came out, they were mostly made in the USA by Emerson Electric.
Not anymore.
That same holds true for pretty much every power tool manufacturer though, doesn't it? Why single out Ridgid?View Image
I have a Rigid Table saw as well. Not a job site one, but a shop saw.
It is around 5 years old too. It was the first Rigid tool I had bought. My review would mirror yours. Dead on and built to be used daily.
I was skeptical about it at first, but it is one of the best tools I have bought for the money. And will be for some time.
I have been doing alot of commercial work lately and I see more and more Rigid tools onsite. Cordless drills, circular saws trim nailers. Something is working for Rigid. Either the marketing or the tools. In my opinion it's a little of both.
Matt
same here. Shop table saw is the bomb, and the 14" Bandsaw is a pure joy. Both are almost ten years old tho' maybe now the newer stuff has gotten worse?
I don't have any of the cordless or handheld stuff, so I can't say anything either way. Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"
I bought my shop saw used about 5 yrs ago. Belt drive makes it very smooth.
The only other Rigid tool I have is their worm drive and I like that too.
Other than that my I can't comment either. But I am two for two on good tools of theirs.
Matt
Just an observation I made the other day while in Big Blue. Picked up a Bosch tool, made in China, Assembled and imported from Mexico.
Had me wondering if that was a scam by Bosch to get around import duties. Seems to me we have a better trade agreement with Mexico than China. Given it is all about corporate earnings and if that means it is cheaper for the corp to buy parts on one nation , and ship to another so as to take advantage of a duties break they will do it."Poor is not the person who has too little, but the person who craves more."...Seneca
I have both of those pre-one world tech versions. The TS is absolutely super, have not used the band much but so far impresssed. Also got the belt/oscilating spindle sander at the changeover.
I forgot I have the sander too...it is great.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"
The table saw is solid, definitely one of the better portable saws. Like Brian said, it takes a beating and keeps going strong.
The sliding compound miter saw is junk. The mechanisms are not smooth and the adjustment controls are irritating. It's bulky and if you put it on the Ridgid miter saw stand, you might as well buy an extra pickup just to haul the thing around.
I've also used the circular saw and found it to be decent. The fence feels solid and the adjustments are easy to control. Good sightlines.
The cordless drills are OK as well. They do the job as well as my DeWalt 14.4 XR. I'm not an expert on battery life, but it seemed comparable to other drills I've used.
I was saving my hidden money from my wife to buy a makita impact drill driver, We went to HD and they had a managers deal A drill plus the impact for 139.00 I bought it and have been real happy with it, To be honest i thought i was buying made in America plumbing type tools????
Except for the plumbing tools, anything else with the Ridgid name on it (power tools such as drills and saws, sump pumps and vacuums), sold at HD is essentially a licensing agreement.
Home Depot does not own the Ridge Tool Co.
Igot the new 6 1/2 circular saw Fuego I think it is it is a great lil saw but now I want to try the sawboss but it is really light weight and a great lil saw for sheathing and cutting rafter tails ect.
Table Saw .......go Bosch.
Recip Saw ......Milwalkie or Makita
Rigid ....not a huge fan. Not because it is a bad tool. It has a great warranty. I find the drills heavy and they don't fit my holster very well (sorry i'm fussy) Table saw and mitre saw are good I suppose. I just don't care for them. I don't really have a good reason for not liking them. Some people like Chevy's, some like Fords.
Dave
I am getting ready to find out how good that lifetime warrantee is. I bought a recip saw on sale for 99 bucks a year and a half ago.
I just started using it last month and sent my PC in for a new trigger and cord. The Rigid was only intended as a backup tool.
It is already to the point that it won't hold the blades in when the cutting gets hard.
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I really don't know about the warranty. I read it and I think I understand it. I still don't expect to much there.
I am looking for a good table saw. I loved my dewalt table saw and I had it for about 7 years. It was a work horse. I understand the new ones are not as good as the older ones. My son bought one and it was bad out of the box.
If I buy the rigid table saw I have 30 days to try it out. Believe me, I can know in 30 days if the saw is any good. If I don't like it I can take it back. It has a nice stand and a large surface top. I like that because we cut a lot of plywood. I don't think I can lose just trying it out.
James
I looked close at my ridged impacxt drill driver and yes it said made in China, I really thought it was a made in USA drill. I feel violated
If you are that violated, then take it back.
This is the problem with well known brands selling out their name, and products marketed with names that give the buyer an "American roots" impression.
i would return tool to white man who speaks with forked tongue and wears uniform that glows like the setting sun, But his trading post is as far as it takes for a Brave to lie with his woman and eat his supper, besides Woman likes to buy pretty things and Brave gets no knives when paper slip given back. Warrior tribe from south lands guard trading post and desire my woman, They do sell orange slurpies though, Worth the risk
ROFLMAO. You're a funny dude!
Rigid tools might be painted with lead based paint.
I need to watch for that. I chew on stuff a lot, including most of my tools. It helps relieve client-induced stress.
hahaha
it'd be no surprise....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!!!
When I first saw this thread title I thought someone was telling how they cured their ED or a link to the Viva Viagra band in the commercials. (;-)