Which Screw Gun for Jacks?

ScottG wrote:
I have a couple of 18V Dewalts. One is 20+ years old and they both work perfectly for the job.

It seems 18v is the magic number (generally speaking). I loved using my DeWalt 14.4v over any other I've tried. Great features. However, it just didn't have the poop for this particular job long term. My Ryobi is not as refined, but has held up very well. And it's awesome having so many different tools that use the same batteries.

j-d wrote:
There seem to be some cut rate replacement batteries for some LIon products. Probably NiCd, too, but I'm thinking of LIon because my SIL found some for a RIDGID 1/2" cordless drill. WHY, when they're Lifetime Warranted?

Well, he forgot to do the supplemental warranty registration and when he tried for a policy exception the reply was to the general effect of "Too bad so sad." Then he found some batteries, China, I'm sure, bought a couple and is at least back in business.

I hate it when a company hides behind fine print like that. They claim it isn't "their" warranty, but a third party, so nothing they can do...

Anyway:

1. Alternate battery sources are out there
2. RIGID is great but
3. Do all the homework/paperwork

Not all Rigid cordless tools have a Lifetime Warranty. And, some mfgs. of things put an age span on their goods as the "Expected Lifetime" of the item. Try getting a tire warranty enforced from Discount Tire or Tires Plus on a five yr old tire with lifetime warranty. I tried, it didn't happen.

I was happy with the customer service from Rigid. They answered the phone with a human and the whole process of ordering a new free battery took the time of confirming my address. The battery arrived three days later.

I have a couple of 18V Dewalts. One is 20+ years old and they both work perfectly for the job.

There seem to be some cut rate replacement batteries for some LIon products. Probably NiCd, too, but I'm thinking of LIon because my SIL found some for a RIDGID 1/2" cordless drill. WHY, when they're Lifetime Warranted?

Well, he forgot to do the supplemental warranty registration and when he tried for a policy exception the reply was to the general effect of "Too bad so sad." Then he found some batteries, China, I'm sure, bought a couple and is at least back in business.

I hate it when a company hides behind fine print like that. They claim it isn't "their" warranty, but a third party, so nothing they can do...

Anyway:

1. Alternate battery sources are out there
2. RIGID is great but
3. Do all the homework/paperwork

I have several different cordless drills, all but the 4 volt have adjustable clutches all but the HFT 12v are two speed all except the 4 volt are variable. All but HFT have lithium ion batteries.

My Makitas were all the long battery packs and after twenty or so years the batteries were unavailable at a reasonable price. They were the best I ever had.

Now everything I buy is Ryobi and the 1/2", 18v drill/driver is so powerful on low speed it will , could actually, twist your hand around at the wrist. I bought the 1/2" drill for the batteries. On sale it was cheaper than just buying two batteries. The 3/8" was a set with a flashlight and small saw from my brother.

There are I believe three different levels of Ryobi power tools, buy the 18 volt w/lithium batteries in black and chartreuse, great tools.

The best all around flashlight I have is the HFT that comes with on battery and the 3/8" drill for $16 on sale.

I use a 24 volt, 450 inch pound DeWalt. I bought it to raise the roof on the pup. and it would...2 times before battery drain. then it would need to be recharged.

when using it to lower the stabilizer jacks. I have to be careful NOT to lift the TT off the ground

I own both DeWalt and Milwaukee potable powered hand tools.

We all have our personal preferences when it comes to powered hand tools. I know this thread is about portable power tools but when it comes to corded 120V tools I think Milwaukee power tools are the best. Although I have a DeWalt table saw and Rigid shop vacs. All great products. I have no first hand experience with Ryobi or Makita.

When comparing performance, apples to apples, ie. 12v to 12v, 18v to 18v, or equal 120v HP, etc., I doubt there is much difference between them all.

I use cordless tools for a living. I was a long-time Makita user since they made a good tool that held up to tough use. When my last Makita Nimh set went belly up from bad batteries and charger, I started shopping. At the advice of a friendly HD sales guy, I opted for the Rigid set. Rigid has a lifetime warranty on batteries, tools, and chargers. They state their 18V impact has the most torque in similar voltage tools.

I recently enforced the warranty on a bad battery. A phone call and my new battery was shipped. Another phone call had a new lifetime warranty on the new battery. That warranty is gold for a guy that uses these tools almost daily.

Just throwin a little wood on the fire. We used a 14.4v DeWalt for a couple years. It died due to lack of smoke. The 18v Ryobi we replaced it with has been bullet proof, as have all our other 18v Ryobi products that use the same batteries.

3oaks wrote:
I've been using my 18V Dewalt for years.

me 2