Craftsman 19.2v C3 or Ridgid 18v compact??

[mojowojo]

I need some opinions on these two cordless drills before taking the plunge. The craftsman drill is 19.2v model #11910 which right now is on sale for $159. It's the compact version and comes with the two Lit-Ion batteries and a charger. To me it seems like a good buy but don't know much of it.

The Ridgid is a 18v model #R86006 compact version also comes with two batteries and a charge. Home depot is selling it for $199. Also, don't know much of this drill but love the lifetime warrantee on the batteries.
For me the purchase will be used manily as home project or repair and not commerical use.

What's your take on these two which one would you buy and why?? BTW I believed these two drills are made by the same company but just different packaging for different companies.....

 

[fordracing200]

I have a older 19.2 1/2" chuck 400in lbs drill. Works good, reliable, POS batteries both died in 2 or 3 years though, bought new ones. My friend just bought one, drill and 1/4" impact for 100 regular 150, not lithium, but 19.2 C3. Loves it. He bought the lifetime warranty, I believe it was 7 dollars....lifetime replacement for any failure, self inflicted or product failure

 

[mojowojo]

Fordracing, thanks for the info, i will look at the craftsman 19.2v line again. Also, when did Sears offer the lifetime contract for a fee on the tools?? Is this something that they just offered recently??

 

[mrb]

just an interesting note -these are both made by the same company, TTI

 

[Stuey]

I tried the 19.2V Cman drill about two years ago but didn't like much and ended up returning it. My major issues were its bulk and that the chuck slipped.

I ended up settling on an 18V Hitachi that hasn't disappointed me yet. If I had to choose between Cman and Ridgid, I'd go with Ridgid since I'm quite fond of their designers' attention to detail.

The Craftsman standard warranty on power tools is typically 1 year.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Ryobe also makes the Craftsman line the last I knew. Personally I like the Ryobe 18v because the batteries are only around $20 or so each. I have had two Craftsman cordless drills and both checked out early, additionally the Craftsman batteries cost way too much to justify replacing them.

There are I am sure several other brands of better quality, but for my around the house needs the 18v Ryobe has suited me just fine.

 

[Stuey]

Home Depot was recently offering an 18V drill + circular saw Ryobi combo for $90. Now that Father's Day has passed, it might be $20 more or so.

 

[Major Ramifications]

Stuey,
Did your Craftsman drill have a 2 sleeve chuck or a single sleeve like the one he is considering? The 2 sleeve chucks were just terrible. This one looks pretty good.

Mojowojo,
There have been posts on here discussing the problems with Ridgid's "lifetime" warranty.

Also, just because TTI owns Ridgid, Milwaukee, Ryobi, Homelite, Hoover, Dirt Devil, etc. Does NOT mean that they are all made by the same company.

 

[Stuey]

The one I tried was the one included in the 2-drill (standard and right-angle) kit, and looks to be the same as this one.

The one mentioned (11910) seems to be decent - somehow I missed the model number the 1st time thru the thread.

I have a few reservations about that, though. 340 in-lbs with included battery, 390 in-lbs with full-size separately purchased battery.

1. Why does the larger battery result in greater torque? Usually greater voltage results in greater torque, not greater capacity. So what is included, an 18V cell?

2. What's the capacity? 1.4Ahrs? More? Less? This information should be provided, at least on the packaging. It does have many great ratings, so how bad can it be?

Other compact drills, such as Makita's 18V offering, have a higher torque rating. Why a higher voltage on the Craftsman and lower torque rating? That always makes me question the quality of a tool's design.

Makita's offering runs $190-$200 and comes with a 3yr warranty.

Bosch's 18V offering is currently $170 and provides 500 in lbs of torque.

Just a few things to think about...

 

[Major Ramifications]

I didn't look at the drills you mentioned, Stuey, but the higher torque can always be achieved with lower gearing. Trouble is, the lower gearing gives a lower RPM, so the designer has to strike a balance between the two.

BTW, you can get a Bosch 36V lithium ion hammer drill for $179.99.
http://www.dryesupply.com/p-596-bosch-18636-02-36v-12-hammer-drilldriver-kit-18636-02.aspx

 

[mikemolzahn]

I have had good luck with my Craftsman 19.2v C3 tools. I have had only one battery fail to keep up under load so it was switched over to run the 19.2 v radio and maybe even the flashlight.

Have the 1/2" drill, 3/8" drill, angle drill, Circular saw (small), trim saw, cut-out saw, radio, flashlight, fan, 1/4" impact, and the inflator. All have worked out great with no problems.

Mike

 

[fordracing200]

Turns out the warranty is 3 years and 15 dollars...says it on the site...I was standing there with my friend...looks like the cashier lied. Jackass.

 

[petty4243]

personally, i think you will like the ridgid better.... i have not owned the 19.2v craftsman tools, but if they are like the 18v ones i have owned then they are short lived..... as for the ridgid, I recently was given a set of 18v ridgids, they had not been used for 4 years as that is when my wifes grandfather passed away.... when we went to pick up the tools the ridgids batteries still held a charge... ever since, i have been browsing for more ridgid 18v tools...... otherwise a good comparison would be Snap on to Blue point, both are good, but which would you rather have

 

[CamarosRus]

Using this thread to ask the following question.................

Guy in Seattle area has Craftsman 1/2" Cordless 11540 Drill, Two Batteries and Charger in Very Good Condition for $25.00.

I am a amatuer home owner user, not a pro

I dont know if the 11540 has double sleeve chuck, and if I can live with it or NOT ?????

Should I just buy and be happy.................or spend a lot more money to buy Lition Ion, yada, yada..........

Thanks for your immediate response..........I'll subscribe and wait ????????????
__________________

 

[Stuey]

Using this thread to ask the following question.................

Guy in Seattle area has Craftsman 1/2" Cordless 11540 Drill, Two Batteries and Charger in Very Good Condition for $25.00.

I am a amatuer home owner user, not a pro

I dont know if the 11540 has double sleeve chuck, and if I can live with it or NOT ?????

Should I just buy and be happy.................or spend a lot more money to buy Lition Ion, yada, yada..........

Thanks for your immediate response..........I'll subscribe and wait ????????????
__________________

I can't find the "11540" drill on Sears' website - maybe it was a clearance model?

If the drill works and the batteries aren't too old, $25 might be a good deal.

You don't *need* Lithium Ion. There are advantages that make it worthwhile if you have the extra coin, but if money is tight, do without it.

To be honest, I'd buy new - there's no telling how old those batteries are, and how much of their original capacity is left.

Personally, I like Hitachi drills for medium-duty usage.

If you can wait a few weeks, wait to see what the holiday sales bring. You can often find a Ryobi 18V drill + circular saw combo for $100 or so, and many more deals follow.