Makita vs Ridgid Cordless Tool Combos

[JimmyOdass]

Hi,

I scored a few deals leftover from Black Friday at HD this morning. I picked up the Makita xt505 18v LXT Lithium-ion 5-pc combo kit (hammer drill, impact, circular saw, reciprocating saw, and light (not LED)) for $267 and a blower for $30. After paying and on the way out, I noticed the Ridgid 9214 3-pc combo (hammer drill, impact, circular saw) for $250. I figured both were good deals and I will return the set I decide against later.

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Now to determine which set! I am a DIY/homeowner that is entering a new cordless line after my Ni-Cad batteries from my DeWalt 18v drill/driver combo kit finally bit the dust after 8 years. I like the idea of brushless motors and the LSA from the Ridgid set. While the Makita set doesn't include brushless motors and only comes with a 3 year warranty, I like the feel and weight better. Given the price and intended use, what are yin thoughts on which set to keep? Thanks!

 

[tarbellb]

That is a tough one. Makita is a better cordless mfg period. But the Ridgid w/ brushless and LSA is a nice combo.

I guess it would come down to two things:

_ wanting to expand your tool selection - go Makita, huge range of tools

_ see yourself actually needing and using the LSA for years- Ridgid.

 

[JimmyOdass]

I should also add that I plan to supplement these combos with a 12v drill/impact combo - may or Bosch or Ridgid - for lighter duty work. I don't plan on expanding to other 12 volt tools though.


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[CTyankee]

Don't own either, (Panasonic/Milwaukee myself)...but I've seen both used in the field by co-workers. Must say the Ridgid stuff impressed me..even the skill saw. I'm guessing the difference would come down to durability. I know Makitas can take some serious abuse..the Ridgid...not so sure. In a shop/home environment I think the Ridgid stuff would be fine.

 

[gdocktor3]

I own both right now, just not brushless. Bottom line, for a home owner, either set will do. The Makita is a better deal simply because of the number of pieces you got in the set. With that said, if another 8 years goes by and something craps out, Ridgid should have your back. I don't know the ins and outs of the LSA, but I'd read it front to back if I were you. Manufacturers defects warranty isn't really a lifetime warranty. Not saying that's what Ridgid offers, but that's a common warranty with many brands. About 15 guys at work share that same Makita set doing maintenance in a hospital and it's been through everything. Still going strong for about 3 years now, with the exception of the light. The head snapped off.

 

[peteco]

Bought into the Ridgid system 10 years ago. Followed LSA registration rules. Just had two 10 year old NiCad batteries replaced free. Two chargers also replaced. And a couple of Li-Ion batteries a few years ago. And triggers on a drill and impact. Not happy that the triggers failed and I have an impact drill with a flaky trigger that needs repair. Nonetheless the Ridgid warranty is great for me, though others have reported problems, but probably because they didn't register the tools properly. For long term, I suggest Ridgid.

 

[jd_1138]

Either brand will be fine for a homeowner. Though I'd probably lean towards Makita (more tools available), and the Makita comes with more included tools to get started with.

 

[red94chev]

I like all my Makita stuff (impact, drill, recip saw, grinder, flashlight). I've only had 1 battery go bad after 4 years. Don't have a reason to try anything else.

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[4 Ever-Fish N]

I have two cordless Makita drill motors and a oscillating multi-tool. Planning on getting an impact soon. Never had any problems with them. Batteries on the oldest drill are probably 7 or 8 years old and they may be getting a little weak. Great tools.

 

[Voi]

Tough one. I assume those Ridgid tools are the X5 and I believe that impact is getting some very positive reviews. And if this will be your only circular saw the fact that the Ridgid is brushless is appealing.

I'd stick with that set unless you plan to expand into other tools. Makita has a large line up. If you have ageing gas yard tools Makita has some cordless yard tools that work on the same battery. Some even run on 36V with two 18V batteries in series.

Since you mention 12V tools I'd also check and see if either company makes a dual voltage charger and I'd also check the torque specs on their 12V drill/driver. I own 18V and 12V tools from different companies. Being able to transport and use only one type of charger would be nice.

 

[jd_1138]

Since you mention 12V tools I'd also check and see if either company makes a dual voltage charger and I'd also check the torque specs on their 12V drill/driver. I own 18V and 12V tools from different companies. Being able to transport and use only one type of charger would be nice.

The Makita charger should be able to charge 7V to 18V batteries. My friend has Makita tools, and his charger charges both 12V and 18V. My DeWalt charger also charges both 12V and 18V.

 

[PureLeaf]

Because Ryan won't let user's control their own posts for editing, deleting, etc

 

[Voi]

My friend has Makita tools, and his charger charges both 12V and 18V. My DeWalt charger also charges both 12V and 18V.

I've seen that in the Dewalt chargers.

Are the Makita 12V batteries post style? So the charger has different ports so the 18v and 12V batteries can be charged at the same time? Like Milwaukee?

 

[thickhead]

I would return everything and order this brushless 18v 3 piece Milwaukee kit instead for $250.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M18-18-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Compact-Brushless-Hammer-Drill-Impact-Combo-Kit-2-Tool-with-Free-M18-Hackzall-2799-22CXP/300833661

 

[dar24601]

I purchased the rigid set a few weeks ago. Used it to build a dog house and a new wooden fence gate. Worked great of course as with every circular saw the included blade isn't that great. Batteries still have half their charge so far I'm loving it. Registered for LSA took 2 weeks got approved. That said modern lineup of cordless tools are all good and will serve you well. If you like the feel of makita tools then I'd go with those

 

[jd_1138]

I've seen that in the Dewalt chargers.

Are the Makita 12V batteries post style? So the charger has different ports so the 18v and 12V batteries can be charged at the same time? Like Milwaukee?

No, the Makita batteries are the newer slide on type -- not post. It only has one port, and it's for both 12V and 18V so you can only charge one at a time.

 

[buckwheat_la]

I have extensive experience with both. 4 years ago I got rid of our old Dewalt 18volt stuff and got Makita for my construction crews and Rigid for my landscaping crews. 2 years in we had one failed drill and battery with Makita which was repaired under warrantee. As for the Rigid, numerous tool failures and batteries that were ****. I didn't fill out the life time warrantee on the Rigid but they still fell under the regular 3 years. Sometimes they repaired them (usually took over a month) and other times they said it was abuse. Year 3 I scrapped the Rigid all together and got both landscape crews Makita. Last year I only had 1 impact failure between the construction and landscaping crews. Rigid isn't even in the same ball park as Makita for quality.

 

[Knucklescrape]

I have all Makita - hammer drill, impact, sawzall, angle grinder, and circular saw. Some brushless, some not, but like them all and use them often. I was at my Home Depot yesterday and they also had those blowers on clearance - $39 normally $99. On a whim I bought one, took it home and tried it and was initially disappointed at its air output. Then I read the manual and learned it had 3 power settings, doh! So I put it on the highest level (3), and now I think is an awesome blower, very powerful airflow for the size.