RIDGID
Recommended 57× on r/BuyItForLife
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18V Brushless Cordless Battery String Trimmer (Tool Only)
RIDGIDs brushless motor technology delivers maximum performance and longer runtime. Simply insert any RIDGID 18V battery and pull the trigger to start. This string trimmer features...
18V Brushless 14 in. Cordless Battery String Trimmer and Leaf Blower
RIDGID’s brushless motor technology delivers maximum performance and longer runtime. The string trimmer has an adjustable 12-14 in. cut swath. It features a bump feed head that inc...
18V Brushless 14 in. Cordless Battery String Trimmer
RIDGID's brushless motor technology delivers maximum performance and longer runtime. The string trimmer has an adjustable 12-14 in. cut swath. String Trimmer comes with a bump feed...
Ridgid 18v Brushless 14in String Trimmer Kit 2 Batt Charger Max Power
18V Brushless 14 in. Cordless String Trimmer and 130 MPH 510 CFM Cordless Battery Leaf Blower
RIDGID introduces the R01201B 18V Brushless 14 in. RIDGID's brushless motor technology delivers maximum performance and longer runtime. This brushless string trimmer features an ad...
Ridgid 18V Cordless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench Kit with 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger
I have been extremely impressed with the performance of this RIDGID impact wrench. The battery life is great, it's powerful enough for automotive use, and the build quality is top-...
18V 4.0 Ah MAX Output EXP Lithium-Ion Battery
18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Compact Jobsite Blower with Inflator/Deflator Nozzle
RIDGID introduces the 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Compact Blower with Inflator/Deflator Nozzle (Battery and Charger Sold Separately). You can add this compact blower to your RIDGID 18...
18V Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit
This 2-Tool Combo Kit features the 1/2 in. The 1/2 in. Drill/Driver features a powerful motor, delivering 525 in./lbs. of torque and 2 speed-settings with up to 1,800 RPM via varia...
Ridgid 18V Cordless 6-1/2-In. Circular Saw Kit with 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger
Circular Saw Kit with 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger is compact and lightweight but still provides up to 3,700 RPM for fast, powerful cuts through tough material. The large, stamped fo...
18V Brushless SubCompact Drill/Impact Kit
The RIDGID Subcompact Brushless lineup pairs powerful brushless motor technology in a compact tool design. The 18V SubCompact Brushless 1/2 in. drill/driver delivers 500 in./lbs. o...
18V SubCompact Brushless Cordless 2- Tool Combo Kit
RIDGID introduces the R9782 18V SubCompact Brushless 2-Tool Combo Kit. The RIDGID Subcompact Brushless lineup pairs powerful brushless motor technology in a compact tool design. Th...
Why r/BuyItForLife recommends RIDGID
57 mentions from real owners
- #1Dec 28, 2025
Cutting Board Recommendations
A while ago I found a Ridgid 13 inch thickness planer at the side of the road. There was nothing wrong with it, worked fine, blades still sharp enough. It makes a huge mess with shavings but I usually set it up outside. Now I have a super power. Any wood chopping board I find in the trash or cheap at garage/estate sale, I can pick up and resurface really easily. The thickness planer can take a millimeter or two off, removing all the knife marks and blemishes and leaving a new surface. I have done a ton of old boards like this. I don't need any of them so I just oil them up and give them away. If a board is splitting apart along the joints I carefully run it through the table saw and reglue it. Sometimes I have to make it smaller to leave a clean fix, but that is fine. Anyway, my advice is to find a thickness planer at the side of the road and than suddenly wooden chopping boards are everywhere. You have to be really open to serendipity for this strategy to work.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #2Dec 7, 2025
What brands/products do you AVOID because of their poor longevity?
SOG Black and Decker Some Gerber Chicago Cutlery (so sad…used to be amazing) Expensive non-stick pans. We have a SS all clad set we’ve had for years, it’s amazing. We buy a cheapo Teflon pan every 6mo or so for eggs over easy Most craftsman tools Harbor Freight Icon ratchets…they don’t sound good…not satisfying to wrench with…my ASMR is showing I don’t like dewalt ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Love Ridgid and Milwaukee Echo gas tools…own a lot of Stihl…gas and battery Cheap Christmas lights Inferior foods when there is a better alternative available…I’m not a trash disposal…garbage in, garbage out Off brand paper towels and asswipe Cheap fabric softener Cheap tires I’m a buy once, cry once guy
View on Redditopen_in_new - #3Dec 2, 2025
which cord vacuum has this sub deemed the best?
I'm just going to add Clarke and Sanitaire to your list for the commercial options. Windsor is also a good choice, because they are often rebranded Sebo's at half the price. Orek is a good buy if you want something lightweight. My mom's XL has been going for 28 years now without needing repair. It's very easy to do stairs with, except it has no hoses or attachments for nooks ans crannies. Shop vacs (and rigid) are also built like tanks. You can use those for nooks and crannies as well as cleaning up liquids and larger chunks that would kill typical vacuums. They are cheap too. The only thing is you have to set them up for their purpose. You can dual filter with a bag and a HEPA filter to get just as precise cleaning as you get on a house vacuum, despite what some people say, but you need to take those off for liquids and use the sponge filter instead.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #4Oct 4, 2025
What’s something you’ve bought once and never had to replace?
Rigid shop vac. Bought it 20 years ago when we built our first house. I’m now building another house and after many years of abuse it works like the day I bought it.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #5Oct 1, 2025
Portable car tire inflator that's ideally cordless and has a dial/indicator to show tire pressure?
I have the Ridgid 18v cordless inflator. It's awesome
View on Redditopen_in_new - #6Aug 6, 2025
$2K Amazon Budget—Help Me Turn Digital Money Into Sawdust
A good place to start educating yourself is the project farm YouTube channel. He does excellent reviews, buying the products instead of receiving free items from manufacturers. Some companies don't extend warranty to tools purchased on Amazon, so shopping locally is the smart move. If you choose that option, use your Amazon card for consumables like blades and bits or non-powered tools like wrenches. Cordless is the way to go with most power tools. Your first decision is which company you want to purchase. DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Makita are the top brands. Batteries do interchange between brands. Ryobi and Rigid are both manufactured by the company that owns Milwaukee. Ryobi has a bunch of gadgety tools. Rigid isn't as refined as Milwaukee, but has a lifetime warranty, including batteries. They are the only company to have a lifetime warranty. The only way to get this warranty is to purchase tools from Home Depot. Bosch and Metobo are somewhat second tier, not always having the best/latest features. Though some Bosch corded tools are very good. The best jigsaw I have is a Bosch. Their corded miter saw is very nice. Between the big three they all have certain tools that are best in class, which makes it difficult to decide which brand to purchase. Your primary tools will be a drill, a ¼" impact for driving screws and bolts, a circular saw, and a sawzall(reciprocating saw). In addition, you will find a power miter saw useful. An orbital sander is handy. I prefer corded for the sander as batteries either don't last long enough or the batteries that last longer make the tool heavy and awkward. If you purchase a reciprocating saw, invest in carbon toothed blades. They last a long time and power through wood and metal faster than standard blades. They go through metal extremely fast. For a shop vac Rigid is top of the line. While they share the same name as the power tools, the vacuums are made by a different company, Emerson Electric. Continuing with the Rigid name, their plumbing tools are top notch. Again, made by a different company. Their pipe wrenches are excellent. It is handy to have two pipe wrenches, one to hold the stationary pipe and the other to tighten the fitting. If you have pedestal sinks where the plumbing is visible, a smooth jawed pipe wrench won't mar the plumbing fittings. Other top tier brands of tools include Knipex, Fein, Festool(makes the best power miter saw but is very expensive), and Wera.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #7Aug 6, 2025
$2K Amazon Budget—Help Me Turn Digital Money Into Sawdust
Depends on what kind of woodworking you want to do. I’ll throw a general list of the stuff I have below. Didn’t get all of it from Amazon. Pick a brand of tool you want to use before anything else for your battery powered stuff. Buy only that brand for battery powered. Corded can be any brand. Bosch ROS20VSC palm sander I generally go for Rigid for most of my tools except for anything that uses a round blade. So the reciprocating saw from rigid is good but their table saws aren’t great. If you’re going to get a table saw, prepare to spend a bit chunk of change to get a good one like a jet. Also recommend jet for a jointer if you get one. Rigid 18v drill and driver set, plus some 4a batteries for it, and a spare charger. Dewalt 12” planer, and do yourself a favor and shell out the dough from the beginning to get the helical cutting head. Bosch routers plus a router table. If you do get a table saw, it might have a router table built into it.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #8Aug 1, 2025
Cordless Tool System: Bosch, Makita, or something else?
If you’re buying cordless, buy Ridgid. As someone said, there’s no BIFL because of batteries, but Ridgid provides a lifetime service agreement on batteries. TTI manufactures them. They make great tools. Unless you’re building for a living, I’m very confident in this answer.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #9Aug 1, 2025
Cordless Tool System: Bosch, Makita, or something else?
Not sure if they still offer it but Ridgid had a lifetime battery warranty. I replaced a set of failing/weak Bosch tools with Ridgid starting about 12 years ago. Not a single battery has needed replacing and the tools are in incredible shape. I’ve been extremely happy with them. I know dewalt are reliable but when I worked in the trades I never liked the feel of them. That’s a lame criticism but they always felt and sounded shitty, even though they absolutely were high quality.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #10Jul 1, 2025
Looking for a quality hand vacuum
Following up to say we chose the Rigid hand vac model and love it! Got a refurb model that still appears to have warranty coverage (I didn't get denied when I submitted my receipt). I think the game changer on this one is that you can stand and use it to hit the kitchen (or other) floor all over with that extended tube as opposed to having to use another tool to sweep dirt into a pile and then stoop over and hand vac it. It's the little things! Thanks!
View on Redditopen_in_new - #11Jun 13, 2025
I have money to spend. Advise me.
Mac Mini Ridgid Shop Vacuum Knipex pliers Milwaukee 12v Fuel Impact Wrench
View on Redditopen_in_new - #12Jun 5, 2025
These are the 25 most recommended vacuum cleaners on Reddit (based on 1,821 users, in the past year) wdyt?
I’m kinda impressed that only one shop vacuum (Milwaukee) made it onto the list, and it’s not even all that nice. Fein, Festool, Starmix, all make very popular vacuums. They’re like super fancy versions of Rigid or Henry. Some of them even are even cordless as well.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #13Jun 2, 2025
What are your favorite niche BIFL items that are currently available?
Ridgid 10” sliding miter saw. The only miter saw I know of that goes up to 70 degrees, most are 45 max. I’ve used it almost everyday for about 5 years and it keeps on cutting great. The company has a lifetime service agreement, which isn’t technically a warranty, but I called for a replacement shadow light for it and no questions asked had the part in the mail after a few days.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #14May 10, 2025
What are some items under $500 you’ve made so far that changed your life?
A Simplehuman trash can and Ridgid shop vacuum.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #15May 8, 2025
Looking for a good air compressor, primarily to use for car tires. Any recommendations?
I second this. I have the Ridgid 18 V digital inflator. It’s compact, battery operated with an optional 12 V cigarette lighter adapter, auto setting and shutoff, has a max PSI of 150, and comes in under CAD 100. Plus, it’s backed by the outstanding Ridgid warranty; their customer service is excellent. When I compared the other options, specifically Viair, the maximum psi, particularly for trailers, was the limiting, and very expensive, factor.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #16May 6, 2025
What’s the best electric weed wacker?? Suggestions needed
Do you already have a battery system from dewalt, ryobi, rigid, milwaukee etc? If you do, that's the trimmer to get - the one with matching, swappable batteries. They all have a few different models. The biggest failure point will be the batteries.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #17May 6, 2025
My dad's drill. 40 years and still going strong!
I buy Ridgid cordless tools. They come with a lifetime exchange warranty, including the batteries. This means I can exchange these tools and batteries for a free replacement when they die, until I die. That is true BIFL! Yes Ridgid can change the terms of the warranty, but that is a risk I am willing to take.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #18May 1, 2025
What's one item you've owned for years that's still going strong-and was totally worth the money?
My Ridgid pipe wrenches.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #19Apr 9, 2025
Items that made your life so much easier/saved time?
I gotta disagree here for the most part. Hand tools built for tradesman are bifl. Matco, snap on, Knipex, wera, wiha, klein, vaughn, stiletto, ridgid (aluminum pipe wrenches are second to none). A 60+ year old screwdriver is inferior to wera screwdrivers in every possible way.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #20Apr 4, 2025
I’ve always been a Makita guy without knowing anything about the corporate side. My tools always just felt more solid and durable than coworkers’ Dewalt or Milwaukee. Then I saw this in r/construction.
I've owned plenty of corded Makita stuff. I also used to have a set of 18V Makita with the NiMH batteries. I had 3 batteries and all died pretty prematurely IMO. I went to get new batteries and realized for not much more than getting Makita batteries, I could get a whole kit of 18V Ridgid tools. The kit included hammer drill, impact driver, sawzall, circular saw, LED light and 3 batteries. The total price was $399 and Makita batteries were $100ea at the time. The Ridgid tools have lasted 14 years and that includes the original batteries. I'm a homeowner but I built my own house and I used these a lot. They were also better tools compared other the Makitas at the time.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #21Apr 4, 2025
I’ve always been a Makita guy without knowing anything about the corporate side. My tools always just felt more solid and durable than coworkers’ Dewalt or Milwaukee. Then I saw this in r/construction.
I'll add this to every tool discussion: Rigid tools have lifetime service agreements on their tools and batteries. I've had two fixed in the last 20 years. Both for free. The batteries get replaced too if they fail or wear out. It's really BIFL but people swear their DeWalt with a three year warranty is better.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #22Apr 4, 2025
I’ve always been a Makita guy without knowing anything about the corporate side. My tools always just felt more solid and durable than coworkers’ Dewalt or Milwaukee. Then I saw this in r/construction.
Rigid makes some heavy duty tools and specialty cams and sensor stuff for big boy trades too, I'd never buy most of their home owners grade stuff though....
View on Redditopen_in_new - #23Apr 3, 2025
I’ve always been a Makita guy without knowing anything about the corporate side. My tools always just felt more solid and durable than coworkers’ Dewalt or Milwaukee. Then I saw this in r/construction.
Same maker does not mean the same tool or any cross over. I sold all my old Ridgid battery tools and bought Ryobi. My thinking at the time was that I'm old and won't need lifetime tools anymore. I could buy a lot more Ryobi with my rather nice retirement Home Depot gift card than I could replacing my Ridgid. So I did. And I regret that decision. The Ridgid tools were simply more robust. The trigger sensitivity was also better on every Ridgid tool. And I much preferred the smaller battery format that fits in a cargo pants pocket. Some Ryobi tools are as good or better. Like the one handed reciprocating saw and their lights. But the tools I use the most (drill, impact driver, and impact wrench) are all pure crap compared to even the worn out Ridgid versions I sold. Yet they are from the same parent company. I wish every time I use the Ryobi stuff that I had my ratty old Ridgid tools back.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #24Apr 3, 2025
I’ve always been a Makita guy without knowing anything about the corporate side. My tools always just felt more solid and durable than coworkers’ Dewalt or Milwaukee. Then I saw this in r/construction.
I have lots of Ridgid and Milwaukee I like them more than DeWalt counterparts. Just speaking from experience. I've seen more dewalt with loose parts and impacts that crack in half upon dropping. Milwaukee batteries have cracked but I took them apart and they still worked. Even bought battery rebuilt kit for one for real cheap
View on Redditopen_in_new - #25Apr 3, 2025
I’ve always been a Makita guy without knowing anything about the corporate side. My tools always just felt more solid and durable than coworkers’ Dewalt or Milwaukee. Then I saw this in r/construction.
Harbor Freight's warranty is great. Rigid and HD is great because Home Depots are everywhere and if the tool breaks you can bring it to them to fix.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #26Apr 3, 2025
I’ve always been a Makita guy without knowing anything about the corporate side. My tools always just felt more solid and durable than coworkers’ Dewalt or Milwaukee. Then I saw this in r/construction.
I mean if we are going by warranty services then even harbor freight would be a strong pick... I do like my ridgids, though.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #27Apr 3, 2025
I’ve always been a Makita guy without knowing anything about the corporate side. My tools always just felt more solid and durable than coworkers’ Dewalt or Milwaukee. Then I saw this in r/construction.
The truth is, no power tool will work forever. It's about serviceability, warranty, build quality, durability, etc. Ridgid is great in this regard. They have schematics of most of their tools hosted online. It will show you every single part and screw on a tool, with part numbers for purchasing purposes. Decent warranty, too. Milwaukee also has schematics with part numbers and a decent warranty. Great quality and durability on the FUEL line of tools, be it M12 or M18. I'm sure there's other brands, but i typically use these 2.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #28Feb 2, 2025
Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?
Yeah it sounds like Rigid has the best one. I believe Milwaukee’s is 5 years. We go through them pretty quick in my trade so they’re usually getting sent back within a couple years.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #29Feb 2, 2025
Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?
I've tried the Kobalt and they're unfortunately limited to three years and Milwaukee was even less. Glad you got it to work for you though, that's awesome! Dealing with them is actually what pushed me to Ridgid, they're lifetime on everything and have already swapped out a few batteries for me and took care of a messed up Sawzall.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #30Feb 2, 2025
Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?
Lifetime on everything, battery and the actual tool also.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #31Feb 2, 2025
Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?
Ridgid had a lifetime warranty on the batteries if you register your warranty
View on Redditopen_in_new - #32Feb 2, 2025
Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?
Been happy with all my RIDGID stuff and since its a home depot brand all I have to do is go down the street for warranty things.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #33Feb 2, 2025
Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?
The answer is Rigid. Not sure if they are the best but they are BIFL because they have a lifetime warranty. Not even sure how this is a real question. What other brand will fix or replace your tools, including the batteries, forever?
View on Redditopen_in_new - #34Feb 2, 2025
Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?
Ridgid, hands down. It has the best warranty in the business, and they replace batteries for life. That's as close as you'll get to BIFL with battery-powered tools. If you're looking for a budget-friendly platform for light home projects, Bauer is a great option.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #35Feb 2, 2025
Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?
I use Dewalt for cordless. Drill, impact gun reciprocating, saw blower grinder, etc.. but I bought most of that when I was working in a supply house so I got it cheap If I’m doing a project and need a specialty tool, I have no problem going to Harbor freight and buying the cheapest version I can get. The idea of being that this a one time use and if you break it doing your project, you can return it. That’s never happened though. For a homeowner hobbies Ryobi Makita rigid kobolt all very very good options. If you’re looking to buy a tool, that’s gonna outlive its current battery technology aka last forever. You can buy Milwaukee or Dewalt. As long as you’re not using it in a trade to make money and you’re just using it for your uses. They will last for an extremely long time. I still have my original 18 V NiCad cordless running off lithium with a converter piece.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #36Feb 2, 2025
Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?
I had to make this choice last year when I purchased my first home, and went with Ryobi. I choose them because of the Direct Tools Outlet store near me that sells Ryobi and Rigid tools at major discounts for factory blemished and refurbished tools. I started with a 6 piece set that included battery, charger, drill, driver, circular saw, reciprocating saw, flashlight, multi tool. From there I have added a few batteries and another charger while getting items I needed for particular projects (cultivator, Hammer drill, laser level, caulking gun, angle grinder). My next tool is going to be a table saw.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #37Feb 2, 2025
Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?
For me the only issue that I have had is the size of the impact driver and cordless ratchet. Don’t get me wrong both my Ryobi impacts and my cordless ratchet work great, but if space is an issue I have to grab my work bag with my M12 series. Actually now that I think of it my only M12 stuff I have is the ratchets, tiny impact driver, and heated vest (which is amazing). I use Ryobi for most everything else that’s not plugged in. The nice thing about Ryobi is their huge catalog with each tool having multiple levels. But the thing I will stress is to use the right tool for the job. A hammer drill for instance has multiple different types that are different internally to do different things. Also good accessories really help any tools. My 30 year old Craftsman table saw has Forrest blades and it cuts like a dream, and my Ryobi sanders use 3M Cubitron sandpaper. Good accessories will help with any tool perform to the best they can. As for your specific tools you are looking at, I own everything but their pressure washer. That I have a Powerhorse from Northern Tool, so I can’t give you any advice on that. But the other stuff I own and use and are more than happy with. My caveat with the shop vac is don’t expect the Ryobi or any battery powered one to compete with a good plug in model (which if you need one Ridgid and Craftsman make top notch wet/dry vacs). If you have anymore questions let me know.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #38Feb 2, 2025
Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?
Real answer is what tools do you need? Almost everyone makes a good drill, impact, and sawzall. I now have an unholy amalgamation of battery systems. Framing nailer, you need ryobi, ridgid, or Milwaukee. Plunge/tracksaw you might want Bosch, makita or Milwaukee, but not ryobi. 1/2 impact for cars, Milwaukee, ridgid, ryobi. Tree lopper(amazing tool) only dewalt. I haven’t run into anything “bad” The other trick is sometimes the tool on sale is cheaper with the batteries than the one that is on the platform you have. I have a ridgid framing nailer because it is the same as the ryobi and Milwaukee and was 200 dollars cheaper with the batteries, then bare tool on the other platforms.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #39Feb 2, 2025
Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?
Rigid has a lifetime warranty on everything including the batteries no other brand does that. You have to register the tools online within 90 days of purchase
View on Redditopen_in_new - #40Feb 2, 2025
Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?
Ryobi's carpentry tools are absolute trash. If you expect any accuracy or consistency, you won't get it with them. The foot of the circular saw is thin stamped steel that flexes while you cut. The miter and sliding saws don't stay true through their movement. The router collet slips. The motors and such seem fine, but the tools are built poorly and it shows. Ridgid is my go-to for good price/performance, but a lot of my hand tools are stuck with Ryobi. My plan is to scrap the whole set and replace with Ridgid for corded, Milwaukee for battery once all the batteries finally die.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #41Feb 2, 2025
Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?
Because you’re already in the ridgid world, I’d say stay there. If you want to have access to the widest range of used tools I’d go Dewalt. If you’re a low impact user starting from scratch but wanting a lot of the lesser used tools, go Ryobi.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #42Feb 2, 2025
Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?
Ridgid. Look into the lifetime service agreement. I've used a lot of different brands over the years professional and home DIY. Ridgid seems to me to be a very high quality product. I bought my first set around 2012 on a black friday deal that included Drill, impact, circular saw, etc.. I take good care of my stuff but batteries don't last forever. I was having issues with a couple batteries not lasting very long in the circular saw or reciprocating saw. I submitted a claim with Ridgid LSA and mailed them in. A couple weeks later brand new ones showed up in the mail. To me, the lifetime service agreement is worth the extra money over ryobi. (Not bashing them, great cheap option.. but I do like the quality of Ridgid better too)
View on Redditopen_in_new - #43Feb 1, 2025
Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?
If you're buying for life you have to go with ridgid. Lifetime warranty on all tools and batteries. Overall they are excellent for the vast majority of people.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #44Feb 1, 2025
Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?
I'm a full time builder, and all my tools are RIGID. I started on them 10 years ago and I've been happy ever since. I own ~30 of their power tools and have only had a few issues over the years, and considering the abuse I put them through, I'm beyond pleased.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #45Feb 1, 2025
Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?
Ryobi is perfect for weekend warrior stuff. Plus they have an insane amount of tool options. I sometimes use my tools heavily so I opted for Rigid Brushless tools and love them. Pro-tip - there's an adapter for $20 that allows Ryobi tools to accept a Ridgid battery! I bought a couple and they just snap into the Ryobi tool and can just stay there. Ridgid also has great battery warranty as long as you register the tools. With my Ridgid Tools/batteries/chargers/Ryobi adapter combo, I can purchase any tool from either the Ridgid or Ryobi lineup!
View on Redditopen_in_new - #46Feb 1, 2025
Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?
Ridgid because of the lifetime warranty and how easy it is to use it.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #47Feb 1, 2025
Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?
I've gone in on the Milwaukee M18 Fuel system. Previously had DeWalt (the 20v Max line) with roommates and left it when we moved out, hence the switch. The Milwaukee stuff feels much better to me. It's probably overkill for my use case, but I also don't think it'll ever die on me? Also tends to have pretty good resale value and be in-demand, so I feel like the long term cost of ownership is lower too. Not that DeWalt isn't, but I see much lower prices on used dewalt gear. I've heard great things about Ryobi / Rigid / etc. too for most home DIYers, so I guess it depends a bit on what you're doing
View on Redditopen_in_new - #48Feb 1, 2025
Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?
I’m all over the place with my tools. Milwaukee M18 line: drill, driver, impact wrench, angle grinder, circular saw, hackzall. Porter Cable 12” miter saw Dremel rotary tool Ridgid oscillating saw Bosch jig saw and 12v interchangeable head driver I like the battery operated Milwaukee tools for things I use a little more often. I’m a fan of corded tools for things that only may get used a couple of times per year.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #49Feb 1, 2025
Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?
agreed. either pony up for milwaukee if you're a pro and need the performance or stick with ryobi imo. rigid is cool if you really like air tools OR if you really like their warranty. if i was to use rigid i would use air simply because air can't die from being in storage and having a compressor is surprisingly useful. hercules is also worth considering if you're a fan of harbor freight and really value their easy to use warranty. i am flipping an entire house right now using nothing but ryobi. i bought all of it used off marketplace and none of it has let me down.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #50Feb 1, 2025
Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?
If you’re an occasional user, consider just getting corded tools. I have some battery tools but the tools which I use infrequently I buy corded models because they last longer and the convenience isn’t worth the cost. For example I have a corded oscillating tool, pneumatic nailers, etc. I use these tools once a year at most… it’s not worth investing in a battery system for them. I have an 18v Rigid system I love but I try to keep the tools in there to those I use the most.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #51Feb 1, 2025
Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?
You already have ridgid, and ridgid has a lifetime warranty, so I'd just stay there. I have mostly Milwaukee tools, but I found such a killer deal on a ridgid cordless air compressor that I couldn't pass it up and ended up with a few ridgid tools as well. They're excellent. For a casual diyer, they're more than adequate. For your lawn tools, go for ego. I've had stihl, Milwaukee and ego. Ego wins.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #52Feb 1, 2025
Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?
Maybe it is. Most brands have switched to 18v as their main line. But if it works for you just keep it. That said I have rigid 18v tools and absolutely love them. I have the Drill, Impact, Circ saw, and 1000ftlb Impact wrench, they’re all wonderful tools.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #53Feb 1, 2025
Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?
Honestly if you already got two Rigid batteries, why not just go with that? As you said, if you’re not a professional, the brand is kinda irrelevant. Most of the big names have a lifetime warranty these days, Rigid included (although I have no experience with them) and it’s unlikely you’re gonna run them down with moderate usage. Most expensive part is the battery so if you have two, you can likely find whatever tools you need with just the tool for surprisingly cheap.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #54Feb 1, 2025
Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?
Ryobi. Cheap and reliable enough. Quality is way above what people think it is. If you refuse Ryobi then rigid. Get air powered stuff it's cheaper and no batteries to worry about. Rigid has great warranties.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #55Feb 1, 2025
What’s one item you bought that has lasted for YEARS and was worth every penny?
Snap-On 3/8" Flex-Head Ratchet from the 90's. Craftsman sockets from the 60's and 70's that were my Dad's. Williams 1/2" SuperRatchet Snap-On screwdrivers from the 90's Klein Side-Cuts from the 60's - 70's Ridgid Pipe Wrenches Wiss Tin Snips 4" Wilton Bullet Vise Wilton C-Clamps Stafford Boxer Briefs Carhartt Jeans Eddie Bauer Henleys Nike All Conditions Gear Coat - 15 years and still looks like new
View on Redditopen_in_new - #56Jan 2, 2025
They don't make them like this anymore
I have a Ridgid shop vac for 15 years now. Shop vacs last a long time unless you purchase the bottom of the line ones.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #57Jan 2, 2025
They don't make them like this anymore
I don't think the standard Ridgid shop vac (or any typical shop vac) has changed much at all in at least 20 years.
View on Redditopen_in_new