Opinion on Kobalt 24v brushless vs Rigid

[avmaine]

So I'm a Service Operations Manager for a loading dock company. I cover the whole state and deal with business dev as well as what my title says. As that, my team doesn't do anything that i wouldn't do, so I still get my hands dirty.

I'll start by saying I'm an auotmotive hobbyist and have snapper impacts for that stuff, so i'm not afraid of spenidng money. Work is a tough environment and I loan my tools to the men sometimes if they forget or break one of theirs on a job. Hence my reason for looking at a quality cost effective brand. I've always run Dewalt and they're okay. I have the 20v max 1/4 impact and a drill. I need a hammer drill so I started shopping and saw many options.

My father bought a 1/4 Kobalt 24v brushless impact. It's really nice. I also love they have a 1/2 impact 24v brushless. My holdup is they don't have a hammerdrill. Side note, it's pretty cool they have a 3/8 impact.

So has anyone used the rigids? I'm worried because they're only 18v but they have a pretty cool battery warranty. thoughts? Options?

 

[crewchief888]

there are several threads about ridgid's warranty (or lack of).

too many hoops to jump through,
i'll never buy another cordless tool from ridgid.

if/when my corded tools bite the dust, i'm not sure if it's even worth the hassle to try to get anything replaced OR repaired.

local ridgid service center doesnt like to deal with ridgid either

 

[Showkey]

Skip them both and go with Milwaukee........

 

[Aqua-Andy]

For the hammer drill I would go with a proper rotary hammer and not a do all cordless drills that come in the combo kits. There is no comparison between the two tools.

 

[tarbellb]

Meh, I have had no issues with my Ridgid branded tools so far. They are built pretty well and for the price are typically a good buy.

Factor in the warranty and they can become a excellent choice for some.

But, as with any warranty based tool you have to complete and comply with the terms. And there is always the chance they change something or might may even try to screw you over.

The jury is still out on the newer Kobalt stuff, could be a sleeper?

 

[kctyphoon]

I would go Milwaukee for the impacts.. The kobalts are new, will never have a serious following, so nobody can really tell you anything about durability or longevity.

The Milwaukee on the other hand has a proven track record, protective boots, and a 5 year warranty. Not to mention, they probably have the best system to pick from when you consider everything else they have

 

[rice rocket]

Who builds the Kobalts? TTI?

 

[wait4me]

I like my Ridgid stuff. I've never had any problems with the warranty that so many people here like to ***** about. I would note though, that if you're interested in the 1/2" impact, the Ridgid and Kobalts are in totally different leagues. Ridgid is 325 ft/lbs and Kobalt is 650.

 

[CJM8515]

very happy with milwaukee. Every single tool I have used by them has given me no issues at all and the battery life is insanely long even using them regularly.

 

[jd_1138]

Those 24v Kobalt batteries are certainly cheap at $20 a pop for the 2.0 amp hour ones and $50 for the 4.0 amp ones. Wow.

http://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-24-Volt-2-0-Amp-Hours-Lithium-Power-Tool-Battery/1000061657

That's a hell of a deal. I wonder if the tools would hold up for professional use. Every pro I know has Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, or Bosch.

 

[kctyphoon]

Those 24v Kobalt batteries are certainly cheap at $20 a pop for the 2.0 amp hour ones and $50 for the 4.0 amp ones. Wow.

http://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-24-Volt-2-0-Amp-Hours-Lithium-Power-Tool-Battery/1000061657

That's a hell of a deal. I wonder if the tools would hold up for professional use. Every pro I know has Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, or Bosch.

That has to make you wonder what cells they are using, and why they are so cheap.. Kobalt is bargain basement as far as power tools go..

 

[fourjeepin]

I picked up the Ridgid brushless hammer drill just after Christmas and love it. Amazing power and quality. I have not tried any of the Kobalt cordless stuff so I can't make any comparisons.

I bought in to the Ridgid line because of the warranty and they have kept the same battery attachment for years. I really want a 1/2" impact, but am hoping they will come out with a brushless model soon.

 

[avmaine]

For the hammer drill I would go with a proper rotary hammer and not a do all cordless drills that come in the combo kits. There is no comparison between the two tools.

We have a variety of high end rotary hammers, etc that our techs carry. Being the boss man, i'm just back up. I would likely use it to set tapcons to hang up safety signage or junction boxes. Pre drilling for anchors etc are what the lads have the rotary hammers for.

 

[avmaine]

Who builds the Kobalts? TTI?

Not sure, I've done some half hearted digging around with no luck et.

 

[avmaine]

Yeah, I noticed one had a lot more sack than the other. I'm wondering how much i'd notice dropping from dewalt 20v to rigid 18

 

[avmaine]

That has to make you wonder what cells they are using, and why they are so cheap.. Kobalt is bargain basement as far as power tools go..

They seem pretty rugged. My father was doing a project repairing his fence and was going to use some hex head lags. He bought the Lowes impact with the big battery. I used it to fix his deck and was really impressed. It seems pretty stout too. Like I said though...no hammer drill so i'm a bit leery

 

[rustyshakelford]

I ran into the rep at HD for all the big brand except dewalt. He said the ridgid is the one to go with even over Milwaukee when you factor in the warranty. It was between those two and the gen 5 hammer drill and impact combo is what I bought. They came with two 4ah batteries and I still haven't had to charge them with sporadic use in the last month.

Brett

 

[rice rocket]

What makes you think he was looking out for your best interest?

 

[rustyshakelford]

What makes you think he was looking out for your best interest?

We went shopping while I was at work. Generally people are nice and forthright with us. I couldn't establish what he would gain by selling me on the ridgid over the Milwaukee. He showed the specs between the dewalt and ridgid and the ridgid was clearly the better choice. He told me between the red and orange, they are both great but the lifetime warranty on batteries and the tools can't be beat. He was very persistent in instructing me to register them as soon as we got back which I did.

Brett

 

[jd_1138]

We went shopping while I was at work. Generally people are nice and forthright with us. I couldn't establish what he would gain by selling me on the ridgid over the Milwaukee. He showed the specs between the dewalt and ridgid and the ridgid was clearly the better choice. He told me between the red and orange, they are both great but the lifetime warranty on batteries and the tools can't be beat. He was very persistent in instructing me to register them as soon as we got back which I did.

Brett

Yeah Ridgids are nice. A friend of mine had a $400 gift card and wanted power tools. I suggested Ridgids but the guy at Home Depot told him to get Ryobis. Sure both are good for the homeowner or DIY'er, but I don't see anything wrong with paying 20% more for a better product.

 

[outdoorspace]

Who builds the Kobalts? TTI?

Early suspicions were Chevron but I don't think anything conclusive was found.

 

[Showkey]

Who builds the Kobalts? TTI?

Don't think it really matters ............as their going to be built to Lowes specs and price point.

 

[winlinmac]

I believe its TTI or the same folks that make Rockwell Tools.

Really have to go by the reviews, not by the numbers here. Sometimes if its too good to be true, better off just moving on to something else.

Don't think it really matters ............as their going to be built to Lowes specs and price point.