Battery Powered Tool Brands

[Duds13]

Does Rigid replace their batteries for life? If so I don't see how they won't eventually get everyone's business.

Yes they do, just have to register them.

 

[92blacksunshine]

If you're not opposed to registering the tool and batteries when you first get them, it's hard to beat the Ridgid lifetime warranty

Rigid 18V have been good to me. Lifetime warranty, even on the "starter" batteries; but, there isnt as many counterfeit tool/battery options as there are with Milwaukee and Dewalt. Counterfeit isnt even the right term, imported "compatable" batteries and tools. Rigid has a pretty good line up of tools, but not as wide as Dewalt.

I used to use Dewalt tools, they were great until the batteries wouldnt hold a charge. I switched to Ridgid and haven't looked back.

My 20+ year old Rigid drill died on me recently. No problem at all getting it warrantied, was sent an updated model with no issues.

My impact driver recently died, I sent it in to Ridgid with a prepaid shipping label, and in 1½ weeks it arrived back at my door repaired.

Does Rigid replace their batteries for life? If so I don't see how they won't eventually get everyone's business.

Yes, and batteries are the first thing to go on cordless tools.

The original batteries as part of a kit are life time replacement. Other batteries have a slightly more limited warranty, like 3 years?

Edit: the lastest warranty info is life time, provided to register the tool, serial number, ect. In the past batteries bought outside of a kit where not lifetime

I had 2 batteries that started to depleat very quickly driving screws while building our deck. I called the number, they asked me a few questions, and they immediately shipped out 2 new batteries free of charge. I had the batteries in 2 days. I registered the new batteries, and they are covered under the lifetime warranty.

 

[John0829]

Don’t see any mentions of Bosch. Pretty happy with mine; driver is strong and tough - I’ve dropped it from heights way too many times but it keeps working. Right angle grinder is smooth but uses proprietary blades. Circular saw kinda wimpy but serviceable. If starting over I’d look for a great deal on batteries with a brand that has a wide array of tools and go with it.

I have a Bosch 4.5 angle grinder that has worn me out, cord has been replaced I don't know how many times, used it hard so many times till it got to hot to hold and yet it still is going strong. And has lasted though several other brands I bought to have for spares dues to its age. It is one tool that has well paid for its self even though I did not buy it, it was given to me by dad.

 

[Rustyiron]

Corded grinders? How bout this one, lol. Inherited it from my father-in-law when he passed

View attachment 5336715

This is what B&D used to be.
They devolved to kitchen appliances until a marketing genius decided that the name Dewalt (that they already owned) would be a way to bring back B&D's line with a new name (Dewalt) and a catchy yellow color!
The old Dewalt only made stationary super solid tools, the very old radial arm saw at the local lumber yard comes to mind for me.
As Eddie mentioned early on, many of these selections are made (offered) buy the same ownership. Makita is still family owned by the same family and I'm not beating on the others.
YouTube has an interesting video of the very limited ownership of tool manufacturing especially in the competitive big box retailing world.
I've been 100% makita for 30 years, much of the older corded tools still work but are getting tired or the designs/operation has become out of date.
Lately (and at my age) I've been buying into the "Hercules" line at HF. The warranty is better although I haven't had the need to put it to the test. It started with my interest in a cordless grease gun. Makita wanted $350, HF buy a $100 battery and get a free tool.
Now that my "charging station" that forever was just a single makita double charger, there's a HF charger sitting next to it. Something that I had been avoiding forever.

 

[MotorSeven]

I switched from Dewalt to Ridgid & some of my batteries are over 10 years old & still strong.

A few years ago I bought a Ryobi skeeter fogger, and accumulated a few more tools and batteries. I have 3 dead batteries already & what I have learned is that Ryobi's will not charge if run down too low......Nuts!

 

[JohnP3616]

Dewalt here. Old ones are 18v with adapters, new ones are 20v. Some adapters are junk, get good name brand ones.

 

[HFK Farms]

Another vote for Ryobi, being a farmer and rancher, they have never let me down, reasonable price.

 

[Duds13]

Another vote for Ryobi, being a farmer and rancher, they have never let me down, reasonable price.

I have some Ryobi stuff too. Hasn't let me down yet either!

 

[SPYDERLK]

I switched from Dewalt to Ridgid & some of my batteries are over 10 years old & still strong.

A few years ago I bought a Ryobi skeeter fogger, and accumulated a few more tools and batteries. I have 3 dead batteries already & what I have learned is that Ryobi's will not charge if run down too low......Nuts!

There should be an automatic cutoff to prevent any of the series cells from inadvertently being charged in reverse by it going dead and the pack still being used. Some tool - battery pack combos may not support this sensing function. ... Try interrogating the charge level during use occasionally. If it gets down to one light set it aside for charging.