Modular Tools?

[Stuey]

What are your thoughts on modular power tools?I find myself thinking about it from both sides of the fence.

Ridgid's new modular cordless tools, via TG

Ridgid RA Drill, Impact, RATCHET!

 

[GT89mustang]

I guess if you definitely wanted all three of those pieces, otherwise just seems kinda gimmicky to me. I like the oscilllating tool but would probably just buy the dremel version, I have no use for the hammer and I think theres better options out there for that drill.

(IMO)

 

[Stuey]

It looks like there are additional attachments coming out as well. I dunno, I'm still on the fence, I like standalone tools, but if one can swap batteries between tools, it shouldn't be that much more complicated to swap motor attachments.

 

[Joe B.]

It might get you more tools for less money. However, the one motor will wear out faster. It will probably be good for light users but not so great for heavy/pro users.

 

[Stuey]

There's also going to be a combo with a RA drill, impact driver, and ratchet! Updated 1st post to reflect this.

 

[tonydanzah]

i really like that angle drill/driver/ratchet. But since i already have all three and multipe batteries its not useful now.

 

[Stuey]

i really like that angle drill/driver/ratchet. But since i already have all three and multipe batteries its not useful now.

If you already have standalone tools, then no, it's not going to be much useful. But one 3-in-1 set will definitely cost less than 3 standalone tools for those that have none of them.

I dunno, the more I think about it, the better I think about the new lineup. I'm usually able to detect BS and have accurately predicted the failure of over-ambitious tool releases in the past, but I don't sense any of that here.

 

[bchee]

Personally I think it looks cool and would consider it

Looks like it's going to be $200 for the base set

 

[rslaback]

I know this is an old thread but I thought I would resurrect it. I have the JobMax lineup from Ridgid. In the course of 2 weeks I actually picked up both kits so I have all the options. It includes the compact drill, right angle drill, oscillating multitool, ratchet, hammer and impact. So far I love it. It got pretty good reviews from what I read before I bought it as well.

 

[mrholeshot]

1 motor,1 trigger and plastic couplers. I think it would be OK for occasional use. I think if used often it would wear quickly. You would also nave to change heads between tools. Most kits have at least two batteries which would allow the quick use between tools. I like the size but rather see it in just battery swap. Where the head attaches to the motor looks weak. I think if you used the ratchet it would break easily the first time you used it to break a bolt loose. Maybe not designed for that it would happen out of instinct for anyone who has used a ratchet for more than 5 minutes

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I was expecting this to be a thread on broken spark plug removers and Helicoil kits!

 

[mrholeshot]

I was expecting this to be a thread on broken spark plug removers and Helicoil kits!

Yeah I was about to show off my homemade 4.6/5.4 Valve spring compressor

 

[mrb]

i think its ok for weekend warriors, but not for anyone actually doing something. I just built some shelves and I used three different drills so I didnt have to keep changing bits. I could only imagine the PITA it would be if I had to take the saw head off my tool and install a drill head every time I needed to alternate between cutting and drilling.

 

[rslaback]

The way I look at it there really isn't going to be much need to ever change toolheads midjob.

I can't think of too many applications where I would need a ratchet followed closely by a right angle drill. Repeatedly anyway...

The attachment of the parts is actually quite beefy. I am not worried about any side pressure.

They are actually pretty heavily built. The heads are pretty dang heavy in and of themselves. The drive mechanism is a six pointed male female coupler with a rubber boot like a lovejoy coupler.

One thing that I really like about the tool set is that the coupling between the powerhead and the attachments can occur in 4 locations. You can put the trigger to the side or back if you desire.

Not sure how you all feel about Popular Mechanics: here is there review: http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/reviews/power-tools/ridgid-jobmax-versus-the-world