Replies

1. 
   bd | Oct 10, 2009 08:52pm | #1

   If your Dewalt stuff is still good, you can frequently find the batteries in two packs for $119. I think Sphere just posted about buying a couple in the last week or so. If you have a Batteries Plus near you, they will rebuild the 18v for $50.

   That said, no first hand experience with the Rigid, but I've talked to a couple of people that have them. They like them & think the battery guarantee is legit.

1. 
   KWOLSEN | Oct 11, 2009 03:20am | #18

   thanks for the info

2. 
   Ted W. | Oct 10, 2009 09:17pm | #2

   You can get those batteries about $50 a pop on ebay, brand new, not refurbished.

   I like most of the Ridgid power tools I've used. The spiral cutter on their cordless plane is awesome! I don't know their drills and drivers, but I wouldn't scoff at them if they were on sale and I needed to replace my DW. But as I'm using the tools professionally, I would be more likely to upgrad to Bosch, Milwaukee or Makita. One thing about Ridgid power tools is they always see a bit heavier and kind of clumsy to work with. I returned their worm drive saw for just that reason. But for drills, planes, recip saws.. I don't really see it as being a big issue.

   ~ Ted W ~

   Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.net
   See my work at TedsCarpentry.com

1. 
   DanH | Oct 10, 2009 09:19pm | #3

   Of course, refurbished might be better. Rechargeable batteries have a definite shelf life, and "stale" ones don't work as well as new ones.
   As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz

1. 
   Ted W. | Oct 10, 2009 09:59pm | #4

   Good point!

   Sure am glad I don't follow my own advice.~ Ted W ~

   Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.netSee my work at TedsCarpentry.com

3. 
   Huntdoctor | Oct 10, 2009 10:49pm | #5

   Laugh all you want!

   RYOBI - Dollar for dollar I think it's the best buy.

   I am in year nine of my refurbished set. And I us them almost daily.

1. 
   DonCanDo | Oct 10, 2009 11:53pm | #6

   I have no complaints with my Ryobi tools.  In fact, for the price, they're quite impressive.  But I am very dissappointed in the batteries.  They don't last nearly long enough for 18 volt batteries.

1. 
   Huntdoctor | Oct 11, 2009 12:34am | #10

   I keep 6 batteries going with 2 chargers.Good blades and sharp drill bits are a must.Russell

2. 
   alwaysoverbudget | Oct 11, 2009 12:36am | #13

   i have some ryobi tools, the tools are pretty good, but the standard batteries are junk.

   if you can make yourself buy the li ion bat and charger you will be amazed at the difference.

   awhile back they had a deal if you bought the 90.00 drill you got a free tool, they would let you get the li ion bat and charger for a tool. makes a real  good cordless with that bat.

    the older i get ,

   the more people tick me off

1. 
   Huntdoctor | Oct 11, 2009 01:14am | #15

   My co worker has li ion batteires. Has to take them in from his trailer at night during the cold season. When using outdoors in the winter they do not last as long as the ni cad batteries.Russell

2. 
   DonCanDo | Oct 11, 2009 01:41am | #16

   Thanks.  I've hesitated buying lithium-ion batteries because my batteries live in the van until I need them.  It's not like I can bring them inside first thing on the job site because my work is varied, I may not even know I'll be needing them until the last minute.

   I've heard mixed reviews about using lithium-ion in the cold.  Some say the effect is overblown and others say they MUST be warmed up first.  Average winter temperatures around here are probably a a little below freezing.

   Of course, I could have the best of both worlds by have some nicads and some lithium-ions... maybe I'll do that.

1. 
   logcrafter | Oct 11, 2009 05:13pm | #21

   i live in northern idaho and my batteries live in my pickup or an unheated shop.18volt li-ion makita out lasts dewalt ni-cads of coworkers.

2. 
   junkhound | Oct 11, 2009 12:19am | #8

   Agree. 

   Was surprised, picked up a couple of Ryobi 18V (FIRST RYOBI cordless tools) at garage sales for $5 ea with dead batteries, swapped out cells with cells from $8.95 HF 18 V battery.

   Also have 18 V Dewalt, the Ryobi performance even with just the HF cells are,  IMO, much better than the Dewalt. 

1. 
   Huntdoctor | Oct 11, 2009 12:35am | #11

   Great idea on the batteries.Russell

3. 
   Dave45 | Oct 11, 2009 12:30am | #9

   Me too, Doc. I've had the Ryobi 18v Li-ion set for almost two years and use the drill every day, and the circ saw almost daily. My only problem is having to frequently re-tighten the drill chuck. When the brake engages, the chuck's inertia "bumps" it and it loosens. I would like to see them make the brake adjustable - or just eliminate it.I've used Ryobi tools for several years and think that they're the best bang for the buck out there.

1. 
   Huntdoctor | Oct 11, 2009 12:36am | #12

   I do have that problem with the drill.That is my only complaint so far.Russell

4. 
   coonass | Oct 11, 2009 12:07am | #7

   KWOLSEN,

   If your Dewalt set is 18 volt Home Despot has a sale on a drill, 2 batteries and charger for $99.

   KK

1. 
   KWOLSEN | Oct 11, 2009 03:18am | #17

   my old 18V dewalt is the XRP (or XRB?)type, so do you know if the newer dewalt batteries have the same type of mounting mechanism ? if so, your idea of getting the new drill with 2 batteries makes a lot of sense.

1. 
   coonass | Oct 11, 2009 04:53am | #19

   Don't know but might buy one Sunday and let you know.KK

2. 
   coonass | Oct 13, 2009 12:47am | #22

   I bought the 18 volt Dewalt today and the batteries look the same. Guy with the orange vest said they will fit. Will try one at work to see.KK

5. 
   crazycorms | Oct 11, 2009 01:07am | #14

   I too am in the same boat.  I have a DeWalt kit with all the saws, drill, impact, light, vac, and grinder.  Down to one battery and it is hurting.  I am satisfied with the impact,  light, and vac.  I use them all on a regular basis indoors and out in the weather.  I am wondering if I would be wise to spend extra money on the Makita or Bosch kits.  I have used both and feel they are far better tools than DeWalt.  I really am disappointed in only getting two years out of the DeWalt kit.  One battery only lasted a year.  The sawzall is hurting , as is the drill. Rather than buying a complete kit, I may buy a couple DeWalt batteries and a smaller kit from a better brand.  I am interested if anyone operates more than one brand of cordless?  Also, your thoughts on Milwaukee cordless tools.  Consider my budget to be $500 total.

   Thanks for your insight,

   Mike

6. 
   Waters | Oct 11, 2009 07:13am | #20

   I've had many--last got rid of my heavy, bulky 18v dw ni cad and got makita 18v Li Ion. 

   Tools are far smaller, lighter and have great power and longevity.

   Very happy.

   Wish the radio was a charger too, though, as the dw was.