New Ridgid - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

rayh78 · 08-09-2006, 10:16 PM

Suggestion?
Never really considered Ridgid real pro tool but they say a lifetime warrenty on batteries. Like others I will move to the lithium ion soon and they have a new 24 volt.
I have liked my makita 14volt tools which I use most of the time because smaller size and weight and fits most of my jobs. Have 18 volt milwakee tools use for larger jobs if need more power but find I just dont use as much because of size and weight. Have about 4 batterys for each kit but still find have to replace avg. of 2 batterys a year with each brand. I know it does not help I have to charge and store in shop without heat or AC.
Was hopeing to go with the new Makita 18 volt with all the tools but then saw this ridgid which if I do the same would maybe save me replacing batterries.
What do you think.
Thanks

IHI · 08-10-2006, 01:23 AM

I would'nt put too much stock into the lifetime warranty claim, like any other lifetime warranty gimic give it a few years and they'll discontinue or change battery designs/styles and you'll be hosed. there's sure to be fine print even ants would squint to read that wont help your cause in the future when batteries take a crap on ya.

**slickshift** · 08-10-2006, 05:20 AM

Good points IHI

Lifetime warranties are generally a marketing ploy to convince consumers it's OK to buy cheap products
They do not cover labor or time lost when the item once again fails
Home Depot isn't going to drive to the site and drop off a few when yours die, that's for sure

Like my buddy with the Autozone lifetime warranty starter for his Jeep
Every 3 months I get to change out a new one for him
"It's free"
Yeah, but why am I always changing it out in a parking lot somewhere...in the rain...at 8:30 PM....

That doesn't mean the cheap tools won't work out for you, just don't use the warranty as a reason

And don't think for a moment they are as good as your M brands-they are not