I have been watching the ads at HD. Rigid now (again) has a lifetime warranty on their tools. Been looking at the 18v cordless set(roto hammer, saw, light, 2 bat & charger). Also comes with a drill driver(14.4V) after rebate. All for 299.00.
I have really been looking for a cordless saw for small stuff and convienence. I figure if the tools is not up to par can return within 90 days.
Anyone have anything to say on the performance of the tools. I don’t expect it to be great but all things considered, could be a deal.
Thanks Paul
Replies
I've heard good things about Ridgid cordless and that dual battery charger that has a 30 min charge cycle means 4x's the charging capacity as a one battery, one-hour charger.
Edit to add: The coolest charger has to be the Bosch Jobsite CD/Radio w/ charger and cell phone charger. I really like my Bosch 14.4 volt compact driver/drill too.
Edited 5/7/2005 1:46 pm ET by basswood
That Bosch might be a cool charger, but it's a crummy radio/CD player. Mine stays parked in the trialer 99% of the time..... only time it comes out is for Red Sox day games cuz the Milwaukee doesn't get WEEI in very well.
But you didn't ask for all the info, did you?
I digress.
You probably need a radio you can crank up for framing. Do you think the
Bosch would be OK for quiet indoor finish work? Lately, I mostly install kitchen cabinets, so I just need to hear it over the hum of a cordless drill. Thought it would be nice to be able to plug my Bosch batteries and cell phone into the radio. Do you want to sell yours?
Paul,
I have the 3 pc kit. trim saw, light, and hammerdrill 18v. The Drill has 520 in/pd of torque compared to the 450 from the comparable dewalt. I use both but you can seriously feel the difference on the Ridgid. If you dont dim down the clutch on the chuck you can sprain your wrist.
i have only had the kit about a year, but no problems, I really am satisfied. I dont have the recip saw. And yes the batteries are ready quickly, the only time they couldnt keep up was when I had the speed on 2 and I was wire wheeling rusty metal, my corded drill had burned out.
I also like the heft, I dont have to hold a drill constantly so I get a bit of a workout.
-zen
>" The Drill has 520 in/pd of torque compared to the 450 from the comparable dewalt."Zendo, I've been on the Dewalt system for years, and those yellow 18v tools have done a lot of work with me. But now all the batteries have kicked it at the same time, and as you know, it's the batteries that cost the money. So I'm thinking about switching to Rigid based on what I've been reading here. I'm a one charger kind of guy, so if I buy anything red and grey, I'd have to collect 'em all . You say you have both - what do you think?
Saul,
First, I noticed I wrote that backwards. Its 520 pounds/ square inch.
As for the chargers and batteries.... Thinking back, I dont know that I have seen any more complaints about battery life then Dewalt. I cant totally bash them because the drill in my opinion is a good product, Ive had one for years. At the time that they came out, the charger was fast. I dont think the company has put any more time into new technology in that area, or the engineers got better offers elsewhere.
The engineering in the Ridgid battery in my understanding has to do with heat. The battery needs to keep a lower temperature to gain a charge. Dewalt accomplished this through passive, slower charging. Ridgid has used what I think of as motor or computer technology to speed the process up by fan cooling the batteries.
If you look at a Ridgid battery they have cooling ports all over them. The ridgid charger has a fan that blows air through the ports and keeps the charging temp down, therefore more charge can be accomplished in a shorter time. The fan makes a noise like a computer fan, thus the noise that a previous poster was talking about. I keep mine in the basement or on the job so no issue for me. It also reminds me that the thing is plugged in so I unplug it when they are through.
I really like the double side by side charger, Im not sure if you buy just a drill if its a single, but I commonly will have 2 going within an overlapping time of one another. As for the Dewalt in order to maximize, you have to be standing right there to load your next battery when one completes.
With the trim saw, the Ridgid may get a little less time in battery life, Im not sure but because they charge so fast its never been an issue, and if it was I needed the Rockwell Circ anyway.
The Ridgid when I bought mine had the hammer option standard, and a depth gauge, removable forehandle, and the trim saw has a guide. The dewalt you have to pay extra for all of that.
Oh one note about the charger and batteries, because they are fan cooled the directions say to try to keep them as dust and dirt free as possible. I do that anyway, and just dont let the sawdust, sheetrock dust get too backed up, and always clear the charger and immediate area before I plug it in.
So I cant compare to Red and Gray, but Im happy with the Ridgid set. As for all the tools, any that seem like they should have a cord, I get a cord.
-zen
Bass,
Thanks for the offer to unload it for me, but I'll have to decline. You really wouldn't want it anyway.... the reception is lousy, the sound is tinny, and it drains a battery if left in overnight unplugged. Brian's post above is very encouraging though.... sounds like I may get something worthwhile out of the deal after all!
I know the price tag on a new one hurts a bit, but it sounds like they've worked the bugs out somewhat. It is a very cool item... I was just turned off because of the performance problems with mine. Hope you have better luck.
Brian
Just curious....do you have the old model with no antenna or the newer one with the external antenna. I had the original the reception was garbage. When I saw they changed the model to include an external antenna, I called Bosch to complain and they quickly replaced my original unit with a newer model (with the old ones there was also a problem with the unit discharging the battery if left in an unplugged unit over night).
I use my (new model) Bosch Power Box every day and am very satisfied with it. I too have the Bosch 14v cordless drill and like it very much. Am considering the 18v cordless kit to round things out. Any experience with those?
Brian....Bayview Renovation
Brian,
I have the older one with the internal antenna. They gave you a new one, huh? Mine's over a year old... I was actually on a waiting list for them before they even came out.... wonder if they'll still honor that deal you got? I should definately look into that, thanks for the heads-up.
I've got a Bosch cordless 18v Brute Tough drill/driver and like it very much. It's been a very good tool, but to be honest I don't use it all that much as a framer. It sees more work this time of year as we'll do some decks and porches now that the weather is a little better. Even still, I've also got two Makita impacts and recently bought a Panasonic 15.6v Multi-driver just cuz it was a rediculously good deal.
So maybe I'm not the best guy to ask! LOL.
One more question for you.... does your Bosch power box drain your battery if you leave it in the unit overnight while unplugged? Mine does.
Definitely call Bosch customer service. They did REAL well by me. When I told them about the problem with the reception and the fact that the new model has an external antenna, they sent me a new one right way. Even paid for the return postage. The one I sent back was close to a year old with 99 miles of rough road on it. No questions asked.
Regarding the drained battery, that is a design flaw with the old model (the one I sent back). With the new model they have fixed that problem.
Good luck with the trade in. IMO, its definitely worth the call.
Brian....Bayview Renovation
I had one of the first radio power boxes and then had Bosch send me a newer version with the (wire) antenna and fixed the battery drain issue.My thoughts: "Bosch Sound" is very tinny - every time it turns on, it defalts to "Bosch Sound" and I have to push the button to goto reg sound. As a battery charger it sucks! No certain way of knowing when the battery is charged, like a tone or beep. I have the 15 minute charger so don't use the radio for a charger. The reception still sucks, and what's up with the cheesy antenna wire? Why couldn't they have used a nice flexi whip antenna like the new Dewalt.
The LCD screen is impossible to read unless you are dead on in front of it - very PITH when it's on the ground. It's a hell of a lot heavier than it needs to be. And ok, so it's a GFCI power box - that's pretty much useless because it has the cheapest 6' cord I've ever used. Every time I need a power extension, 6' isn't doing me any favors.
Let's see, what else... OK sound in general, I also thought I'd be able to charge my cell phone with the batteries, but not the case, has to be plugged in. When I first saw it, I had to have it, but they could have made it a whole lot better.As for the 18 volt kit - wonderful. Have all of the 18 volt tools, and have sold my corded jigsaw and planer. Wish the flashlight would aim downward as well as up. Also have the 24 volt 10" miter saw, and it kicks butt. Got the free 15 minute charger when I bought the initial 18vt kit - to me, you have to have it. I have 4 batteries, and with all of the different tools, you still need quick charging.Was in the market for an impact, bought the Panasonic - it fell apart in a week, and although thought I'd get the new Bosch, picked up the Makita 14.4 because it came with a free drill and better batteries and was $45 cheaper.JT
That is interesting to hear about the 24v 10" miter....HMMMMM...another toy for the truck??? I have had my eye on that. Is one battery enough? If I remember, it only comes with one (and extra battery would run another $75 or so, pushing the total cost up to well over $500.) The write up I read on it said it would cut 90 some odd 2x4's on one battery charge. True? What about the weight? That is one of my main concerns. I have a Dewalt 706 that I like alot, but it weighs a ton. I often have smaller jobs where I just don't need the 12" cutting capacity and a lighter/smaller unit would be nice.
Brian....Bayview Renovation
I have the Bosch 10" slider, and like your 706, it weighs a ton (although probably not as much...)Unlike most folks who start with a basic and drool over a fancy slider, I've had the slider for years and was looking for a lightweight saw for the basements and attics that I do as well as anything else where bringing the big beast of a saw was overkill.I picked up the Bosch 12 volt on Ebay new in the box with 2 (old style 2.0) batteries and 2 blades for $300. This saw is great! Weighs 26lbs, and will do for EVERY job where you don't need wide cross-cut ability or tall cuts, which is 90% of the time.It rips through 2x4 framing lumber with no problem, and even 2x4 PT is no problem. For trim work it is a joy to use and to carry.I work out of my trailer, and I have it hanging from the wall on one side, next to the Bosch table saw (on a ridgid roller quick stand).If you need a second, lighter weight saw for pickup or trim work, the Bosch 12 volt is perfect - Plus, no worrying about circuits blowing because your using a couple major pwr tools at once.I would highly recommend the 15 minute charger, though. I already had it, and it's nice to have, because there are times when you don't use it for a while (and I try and keep the batteries un-charged if they're sitting around), so it's nice to be able to have it up and running in no time.On Ebay, the 24 volt batteries can be had for as little as $55-65. Also, check the web for refurbished saws, I've seen it for as low as $229-249 refurb with one battery. Bosch service centers will also sometimes have them in stock refurb.It feels like it's plugged in every time I use it.JT
What Panasonic impact driver did you have that fell apart in a week?
Did you return it?
The charger is very quick ( 20 minutes ) but you need it. I have the 14.4 volt and the runtime compared to other trades on the job is noticeable. My plumbing sub bought two sets of the 18 volt and found the same problems with the runtime, so he just traded in on a Makita set.
I am quickly considering the same.
Run time should be comparable. For example, tests showed Rigid has longer run times than Dewalt, and Hitachi almost the same as Bosch and just less than Grey, Red and Blue (PC, Milwaukee, and Makita). The Panasonic with less volts, out lasts them all. Multiply amp hours (Ah) by volts to get power output which roughly translates into run time.Here is an interesting run comparison between the Makita 18v you mentioned and a Panasonic 15.6v.Makita: 2.6Ah x 18v = 46.8
Panasonic: 3.5Ah x 15.6v = 54.6If all I wanted is run-time, I'd go Panasonic. I like my Bosch (even though it has about the same run-time as your Rigid and takes 4x's as long to charge).
Thanks for the info Bass, quite interesting.
I have one battery that is noticeably less runtime than the other but of course the HD store wants to send the whole unit away for testing. So i basically have to buy a new set just to keep working right now.
I had the drill fall about ten inches and it died. So HD sent it away to get fixed on warranty but it took them three months to fix it! Service is a real issue with them.
My set is only eight months old so i have a little bit of a sour taste yet that i never had with a Makita or others.
cheers
Rigid ROCKS!!
I have an 18 volt drill, and at work we have the full 5 pc. package. I am VERY impressed with their power, the battery life, and the speed at which you can recharge batteries.
I have had the four piece 18 volt set for about a year or so.
All in all a pretty decent set.
Don't like the noise of the fan on the charger.
Don't like the safety on the recip saw.
Drill seems especially well made, though I don't use it much as I am spoiled with the Panasonic 12 volt drills and impact drivers.
I think you would be happy with this set.
I received a 12v, the HD version, drill as a gift. It has been over a year, the shine of a new tool is off, and I still consider it as good or better than any cordless drill in the same class. Every bit as good and solid as some many times more costly.
It has a very solid feel and, granted it is a subjective estimation, every bit as sturdy and powerful as its more expensive brethren with higher voltages. I chose 12v over the 14.4v or 18v models for its more compact size and handier weight. Often working over my head while hanging on to a ladder so mobility and weight are issues. Of course I don't often need a whole lot of power. Most of my work is relatively light and involves only a few dozen small fasteners.
For production jobs and brute force I keep a selection of corded drills. IMHO the key to making cordless tools last is to recognize their limitations and not using a cordless model where a corded tool would make more sense. When the tool starts heating up and straining excessively it is time to get a bigger tool.
This may not translate to the other tools in the Rigid line but so far I'm pretty well impressed.
Don't have one but I was looking at the Rigid tools during a demo last year they were having. According to the Rep they are made in Germany, supposed to be very high quality, a lot more steel parts than many of the others which have switched over to plastic for many of the internals. The whole speach sounded good but you'd expect that from a salesman.
I did a little looking around about a year ago on RIGID and learned that their original (and still primary) focus is industrial tools. I figured if they can make tools for the industrial environment then maybe they wouldn't be all bad on the consumer-side. Surprisingly, the only things I have are their shopvac and monster consumer tablesaw. I was really impressed with that tablesaw. The precision manufacturing of the components just surprised me to bliss.
Now, I haven't used their hand-tools, and esecially not their cordless power tools. I did notice HD had on displace some pneumatic nailers (one framing, two finish, and a brad) on display. I might try out their finish nailer ($119).
I purchased a Rigid 5" random orbital sander after going through Two Porter Cables. The bearing on the PC's kept clogging up with dust even caught the rep one day when buying new bearing at the repair center.He said that this was the first he heard of the problem and could do nothing that it was out of warrranty by a month. So I brought the rigid probably over a year old better then the Porter Cable. Purchased a corded 3/8drill also. The dust collection is increadble on it (the sander) it can also hook up to any vac without an adapter.
Edited 5/10/2005 11:19 am ET by wally
IIRC, Rigid tools are made by Emerson Electric. Emerson used to make Craftsman, but gave Sears the dump because HD is a better market.
"IIRC, Rigid tools are made by Emerson Electric. Emerson used to make Craftsman, but gave Sears the dump because HD is a better market."You are several cycles behind.Emerson was the prime supplier of Craftsman STATIONARY tools for 20 to 30 years.In recent years Ryobi appeared (by looks and features) to be the main supplier of portable tools.I am not sure who left who. However, BTW, Emerson is still the supplier of Craftsman shop vacs.Them Emerson started supplying Rigid to HD. I am not sure, but I think both making some stationary tools and sourcing others.Anyway the Emerson sold/licensed the the name to TTI (IIRC that is the name of the company). It is a large holding company that has Ryobi, Dirt Devil, and other brands. They also do some oem work for Boosch and some of the other mainline tool makers.Emerson still owns and makes Rigid plumbing tools, but I think that the spelling is slightly different.
I bought the Rigid RO sander a couple of years back when I painted my house B/C it was as powerful as any other sander and less expensive than the PC and DW. I have not been disappointed. Today I bought the Rigid sidewinder circ saw because it was 20 bucks cheaper than the others and I didn't want to buy a DW. On both, the 12' cord is a plus, especially when making long rips. I only make a few test cuts with the rigid today, but I'm cutting rafters tomorrow so I'll try it in place of the trusty Makita--ol' blue's been "given" to my helper.
Paul,
What impresses me about Ridgid's new lifetime service agreement is that they even cover the batteries for cordless tools and o-rings for pneumatics. If you use your tools a lot, those are two parts that your'e sure to wear out.
I'm going to write it up in the next Cross Section.
Brian P.
>"Ridgid's new lifetime service agreement is that they even cover the batteries for cordless tools..."< Brian, by "lifetime service" do they mean my lifetime, or the life of the batteries, or the tool itself? What tools does this agreement cover? If they replace 18v batteries, I'm sold.
They do replace 18v batteries. Basically they cover wear and tear for as long as you own the tool.
There are 400 or more service cneters nationwide where you can bring or mail a failing tool to be fixed. Don't waste money on postage if you drop your recip saw off a roof, they specify normal wear and tear.
Cheer,
BP