Milwaukee vs. Ridgid vs. Craftsman Brushless Drill / Driver

[winlinmac]

Early Black Fridays Deals are very tempting. Especially Ridgid's R9205 GEN5X (with Impact Driver and Craftsman C3 (without Impact Driver).

Can't decide between all three, though the Ridgid's offering seems more versatile with lifetime warranty.

Would greatly appreciate everyone's opinion, thanks.

 

[anndel]

It depends what are you going to use it for? Daily carpentry or at work? Home use only? etc...

For me it's just occasional home use either home repair or building tables, shelves so I would go with the Rigid due to the lifetime warrany or what Rigid calls it "Lifetime Service Agreement."

 

[ganymede]

Is Milwaukees target market still mostly contractors ?
If so I'd go with them.

 

[winlinmac]

I'm the occasional DIY type of person doing work in and around the home. Looks like Ridgid is for me.

This might be off-topic, but for Impact Wrench, though I Milwaukee's 1,200 foot lbs model, is another manufacturer that currently sells an impact wrench long those lines for a lesser price? Or should I just wait for the Milwaukee Impact Wrench's price drop?

 

[Voi]

Early Black Fridays Deals are very tempting. Especially Ridgid's R9205 GEN5X (with Impact Driver and Craftsman C3 (without Impact Driver).

Can't decide between all three, though the Ridgid's offering seems more versatile with lifetime warranty.

Would greatly appreciate everyone's opinion, thanks.

I'm the occasional DIY type of person doing work in and around the home. Looks like Ridgid is for me.

This might be off-topic, but for Impact Wrench, though I Milwaukee's 1,200 foot lbs model, is another manufacturer that currently sells an impact wrench long those lines for a lesser price? Or should I just wait for the Milwaukee Impact Wrench's price drop?

If you're a DIY around the house type then definitely get a kit with an impact driver. If you're on a budget and thinking you can get away with just the drill I'd actually encourage you to just get the impact driver, especially if you already have a corded drill.

If you're really wanting a high torque impact wrench I'd also strongly consider picking one battery system for all of your tools. With modern lithium ion technology it's amazing how much work you can get done with just a battery or two. Combined with brushless motors it's even better. Point being you can save a lot of money by picking up a drill/driver kit with two higher amp-hour batteries and then picking up other tools you need in bare tool form.

 

[winlinmac]

Thanks again Voi, you certainly nailed it again. The only impact wrench which seems to attract me at the moment is the Milwaukee one. I'd go with with the Ridgid Drill / Driver combo and the get the Impact Wrench when more time is put towards the car (typically during the summer months).

If you're a DIY around the house type then definitely get a kit with an impact driver. If you're on a budget and thinking you can get away with just the drill I'd actually encourage you to just get the impact driver, especially if you already have a corded drill.

If you're really wanting a high torque impact wrench I'd also strongly consider picking one battery system for all of your tools. With modern lithium ion technology it's amazing how much work you can get done with just a battery or two. Combined with brushless motors it's even better. Point being you can save a lot of money by picking up a drill/driver kit with two higher amp-hour batteries and then picking up other tools you need in bare tool form.

 

[Voi]

Thanks again Voi, you certainly nailed it again. The only impact wrench which seems to attract me at the moment is the Milwaukee one. I'd go with with the Ridgid Drill / Driver combo and the get the Impact Wrench when more time is put towards the car (typically during the summer months).

I don't pay as much attention to the high torque impact wrenches but it seems like Dewalt, Makita and maybe Bosch are starting to catch up to Milwaukee. So by the time you're adding a cordless impact wrench to your tool collection it may not matter as much as it did two years ago.

But again I'd encourage you to pick a drill and impact kit that will make it easier to add an impact wrench tool in bare form to in the coming months/years.

I think you're doing the right thing by starting with the impact driver. I would also immediately get hex to square impact rated adapters in 1/4", 3/8" and maybe even 1/2". Get the shortest ones you can find. Also pick up some impact rated sockets.

Then go and test that driver with the adapters and sockets in as many places as you can. Pull the blade off your mower, run lags into scrap pieces of lumber, trying to mimic a tight fit. Likewise, see what fasteners you can reach in an engine compartment. See if you can rotate your tires with just the impact.

I think then you'll have a better idea of what you need in a wrench. In my case I think compactness would serve me better than brute strength. You might be the opposite.

I'm intrigued by the new Rigid stuff but I don't know if the rumored impact wrench is going to be more like some of the compact wrenches out there or more like the high torque stuff. I don't mean to steer you away from Rigid but if you really think you need a high torque wrench I don't know if their plan is to compete with that market.

 

[anndel]

Is Milwaukees target market still mostly contractors ?
If so I'd go with them.

Sorry I didn't mean it that way that Milwaukee is reserved only for contractors though I see many with rigid, Makita, DeWalt or Milwaukee. But the features and warranty are what is a great incentive to look into. The only 2 Rigid power tools I own are a wet/dry vac and 10" compound miter saw.

 

[lightning02]

id get the Ridgid combo over the CM anyday of the week. if HD is still doing the sale you can get that Ridgid combo for like $180-190.

 

[winlinmac]

I'd agree, please let me know how I can get it for between $180-$190; every time I add to the cart the price spikes to beyond $280. Thanks

id get the Ridgid combo over the CM anyday of the week. if HD is still doing the sale you can get that Ridgid combo for like $180-190.

 

[lightning02]

I'd agree, please let me know how I can get it for between $180-$190; every time I add to the cart the price spikes to beyond $280. Thanks

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=309445

if you read this thread you will see how its done. im not sure if there still offering the same deals tho so it might work or might not. worse comes to it you get the combo with 2 more free batteries (4 in total) or some other tool they offer you might need.

some people have returned the other tool they bought to get the better deal and got there money back there for only spending $200 bucks

 

[winlinmac]

Awesome, Thanks! That worked.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=309445

if you read this thread you will see how its done. im not sure if there still offering the same deals tho so it might work or might not. worse comes to it you get the combo with 2 more free batteries (4 in total) or some other tool they offer you might need.

some people have returned the other tool they bought to get the better deal and got there money back there for only spending $200 bucks

 

[lightning02]

No problem

 

[jerseykat1]

Milwaukee has a huge selection of tools for there batteries.. Go with the brand with most tool selection.

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[jerseykat1]

BTW i have used all brands and they are all great. So it just boils down to available tools.

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[lightning02]

Milwaukee has a huge selection of tools for there batteries.. Go with the brand with most tool selection.

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out of the 3 listed Milwaukee is forsure top dog but they come with a price tag. i wouldnt even put CM in the mix. iv had there cordless drills before. there nothing to call home about. to me CM cordless drill is a step above dollar store drills.

me personally i dont look who has the most tools in there line as 90% of the stuff they offer ill never need nor buy. ill buy whoever makes the best in the tools ill be needing. for EX- if makita had the best (not saying they do or dont) drill/driver/light/impact ill buy them even tho lets say Milwaukee had more tools in there line. i wouldnt care for what tools in there line. i care for the best in what i need.

 

[f575gtc]

holy **** did I just get quoted in another thread?!? WOOT!

btw the Impact Wrench offering from Ridgid right now is still the X4 Gen and non brushless, when they release their X5 brushless, Im sure it will be more powerful than their 325ftlb current model.

but Milwaukee and Dewalt do have two crazy powerful impact wrenches, If we see 400ftlb out of the Ridgid I would be surprised.


I made the switch from Craftsman to Ridgid and the Ridgid drills definitely feel better built.

 

[jerseykat1]

out of the 3 listed Milwaukee is forsure top dog but they come with a price tag. i wouldnt even put CM in the mix. iv had there cordless drills before. there nothing to call home about. to me CM cordless drill is a step above dollar store drills.

me personally i dont look who has the most tools in there line as 90% of the stuff they offer ill never need nor buy. ill buy whoever makes the best in the tools ill be needing. for EX- if makita had the best (not saying they do or dont) drill/driver/light/impact ill buy them even tho lets say Milwaukee had more tools in there line. i wouldnt care for what tools in there line. i care for the best in what i need.

All 3 make great tools.. Not saying you should choose ryobi because they have a huge selection (even though they are not bad) I'm saying given the fact that Dewalt, makita, rigid, Milwaukee all make great drivers. Choosing the brand with the biggest selection just makes since to me. Your needs may change with time, as mine does.

I have ryobi, Milwaukee, and Dewalt cordless stuff.

Milwaukee bare tools (no batteries) are only slightly more expensive than it's competitors. But the amount of high quality tools got can add to your collection is amazing. They don't make any bad tools, so IMO if I had only one brand to choose it would be Milwaukee.

My second choice would be ryobi, because they have battery operated lawn equipment that works pretty good.


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[gahrajmahal]

Mechanics illustrated magazine tested the brushless drills this month.

 

[lightning02]

Mechanics illustrated magazine tested the brushless drills this month.

have a link?

 

[jerseykat1]

Something similar.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/hom...er-drills-and-impact-drivers-comparison-test/

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[exmaxima1]

Early Black Fridays Deals are very tempting. Especially Ridgid's R9205 GEN5X (with Impact Driver and Craftsman C3 (without Impact Driver).

Can't decide between all three, though the Ridgid's offering seems more versatile with lifetime warranty.

Would greatly appreciate everyone's opinion, thanks.

All three brands are made by the same company (in China), so it is tough to choose. I like Milwaukee, but could be persuaded to choose Home Depot's brand (Ridgid) over Sears (Craftsman) based on warranty and likelihood that support will be available a few years down the road.

 

[jerseykat1]

I find it hard to believe that sears is still in business. Maybe it's the tools keeping them relevant.

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[kctyphoon]

Craftsman would be at the bottom of my list.. Milwaukee at the top.. Who makes whoever's brand is basically meaningless. Tool lines are made specifically for target markets - the prices reflect what u can expect in terms of quality. You very much get what u pay for, but it seems Ridgid has stepped its game..

 

[67King]

Craftsman would be at the bottom of my list.. Milwaukee at the top.. Who makes whoever's brand is basically meaningless. Tool lines are made specifically for target markets - the prices reflect what u can expect in terms of quality. You very much get what u pay for, but it seems Ridgid has stepped its game..

+1. I would add, though, that you may underestimate how much you would potentially be able to use the Milwaukee bare tool stuff. You mention doing stuff around the house. Turns out an oscillating tool with a saw blade is great for trimming door molding flush against floors. If you even do any cabinet installation, a right angle drill and/or impact driver is invaluable. Separate tools all fo them with Rigid, different battery shapes, etc. Wiht Milwaukee, everything is modular, so you buy a bare tool for a lot less money.

My old Rigid drill also had a chuck that was very out of round. But that was my only bad experience with it.

 

[lightning02]

My old Rigid drill also had a chuck that was very out of round. But that was my only bad experience with it.

That can be said for every brand at some point had chuck problems. The Gen 1 Milwaukee drills had a ****** chuck as well. Very will known problem.

 

[f575gtc]

I don't know why Ridgid isn't higher on the list, they have the most torque in class for their impact driver (2,500in lbs) and for their hammer drill (700in lbs), they are well built, feel balanced have high capacity batteries, they have a more affordable price point, lifetime warranty on everything including batteries.

The only thing I don't like about them is they dont have a full line of brushless tools and high torque impact wrench like dewalt, i/r and Milwaukee

 

[exmaxima1]

Who makes whoever's brand is basically meaningless. Tool lines are made specifically for target markets - the prices reflect what u can expect in terms of quality.

Sure, except when it comes to proprietary technologies it can make a difference. And when it comes to leading edge brushless technology and batteries it's good to know that Milwaukee's motors & red lithium cells may find their way into lower lines.

 

[67King]

I don't know why Ridgid isn't higher on the list,

Because

they dont have a full line of brushless tools like Milwaukee

 

[winlinmac]

I find the Ridgid line of power tools appearing more rugged compared to Milwaukee's, but perhaps the color combination is just playing with my perception, haha.

 

[f575gtc]

Because

Can you re-quote me so I fixed the lime I meant to say "like"


but that is the last issue, if RIDGID expands their lineup which they are slowly doing, I can't imagine them being regarded as a budget line brand, I don't know if the X4 gen was cheaply built, but the X5 is amazing, and has torque for days. I was trying to loosen the oil pan bolt on a auto transmission and I couldn't budge it with my hands, severely rusted, figured let me just try the impact driver, and it ripped the bolt right out.

 

[justanengineer]

Milwaukee hands down.

 

[lightning02]

I find the Ridgid line of power tools appearing more rugged compared to Milwaukee's, but perhaps the color combination is just playing with my perception, haha.

Maybe the outside shell with all that rubber over mold that ridgid uses lol time will tell how the insides hold up now that they are stepping there game up.

 

[67King]

Can you re-quote me so I fixed the lime I meant to say "like"


but that is the last issue, if RIDGID expands their lineup which they are slowly doing, I can't imagine them being regarded as a budget line brand, I don't know if the X4 gen was cheaply built, but the X5 is amazing, and has torque for days. I was trying to loosen the oil pan bolt on a auto transmission and I couldn't budge it with my hands, severely rusted, figured let me just try the impact driver, and it ripped the bolt right out.

Anybody with your handle, absolutely.

I was very happy with my X2 Rigid tools, until the (NiMH) batteries became junk, and new batteries were almost as much as new tools. Obviously I did have issues wtih the out of round chuck (bought a new chuck, but couldn't get the old one off!!!!). I ended up replacing them with a set of Hitachi, with which I'm very happy. But I ended up buying an X4 drill/impact combo for the Li batteries, and I keep that at our lake house. So far very happy with them. But all my 12V stuff is Milwaukee, which has been fantastic. If I could go back, I'd do the 18V stuff in Milwaukee, too.

 

[lightning02]

Anybody with your handle, absolutely.

I was very happy with my X2 Rigid tools, until the (NiMH) batteries became junk, and new batteries were almost as much as new tools. Obviously I did have issues wtih the out of round chuck (bought a new chuck, but couldn't get the old one off!!!!). I ended up replacing them with a set of Hitachi, with which I'm very happy. But I ended up buying an X4 drill/impact combo for the Li batteries, and I keep that at our lake house. So far very happy with them. But all my 12V stuff is Milwaukee, which has been fantastic. If I could go back, I'd do the 18V stuff in Milwaukee, too.

I thought they replace batteries for life?

 

[Kensgarage]

I thought they replace batteries for life?

:NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR:

Commonly, our tools are used on job sites in the most demanding applications and environments. Under these conditions and over time, the RIDGID product may experience normal wear and tear and require service. While normal wear & tear is not considered a "defect" and is not covered by the RIDGID Lifetime Warranty, it is our goal to get your tool back in service a soon as possible."

I'd imagine estimated charge-discharge life cycles of a battery over time get figured in too.

 

[lightning02]

:NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR:

Commonly, our tools are used on job sites in the most demanding applications and environments. Under these conditions and over time, the RIDGID product may experience normal wear and tear and require service. While normal wear & tear is not considered a "defect" and is not covered by the RIDGID Lifetime Warranty, it is our goal to get your tool back in service a soon as possible."

I'd imagine estimated charge-discharge life cycles of a battery over time get figured in too.

I'm sure they say that to alot of people. That's why you hear either good or bad about its warranty. There is no constant. Like for example- 90% are happy and 10% aint. It's like 50-50 with that. For every 10 good reviews about that warranty you see 10 bad ones.

 

[f575gtc]

Yeah their Lifetime service agreement is a pain in the *** to sign up for, I just got an email from RIDGID saying they didn't verify my purchase with the receipt number I gave them, so now they are requesting the original receipt, at least I have 90 days to return everything.

 

[oldldh]

At my age, 70, I want everything to work...I don't have time to wait for repairs and replacement...

The Brushless Drill/Driver was my Birthday present...

The Fuel (1st Generation) Hammer Drill and Impact Driver is my Christmas present...

So far, these are the best power tools I've ever used...

Are they more expensive than the rest---pretty much, however you do get what you pay for in cordless power tools...

Buy whatever you feel will do your job the best...

You're really splitting hairs when you get the top of the line power tools...

Homeowner DIY jobs can be handled by Craftsman C3 tools...and save you a bunch of money...It's really about how much you want to spend...and Ridgid's free maintenance and free batteries for life are very attractive to many of us...

Good luck on your purchase...All of them are good tools, and will do your job...

 

[f575gtc]

I would consider returning the Ridgid kit for Milwaukee but I like using the impact driver around automotive bolts and screws and the 2,500inchft translates to 205ftlbs which sadly is more than my C3 impact wrench and makes a big difference, the Milwaukee impact is only 1,800inchft which is just 50inchft more than my Craftsman impact. With this strong of an impact wrench from Ridgid I can have just one 1/4 impact and hopefully a strong 1/2 inch impact wrench, and not have to also spend money on a 3/8th impact.

I still have 77 days to return the Ridgid and the Homedepot sale runs until the end of January so I have time to make up my mind, but this Ridgid impact is extremely impressive.