A Ridgid tool review

[email protected] <[email protected]> wrote:
> Home Depot is having a big tool sale on their Ridgid and Ryobi products.
> I needed a new compact drill/driver and impact driver.
>
> Got an email that had their newest GenX BRUSHLESS drill driver on sale
> for $179, and you can pick from a selection of additional tools. I am
> tired of wearing out DeWalts, and since they redesigned the handles on
> the Ridgids last year I decided to take a look at the deal. I took the
> compact drill which is also a hammer drill, and took the impact driver as the free tool.
>
> http://www.homedepot.com/b/Featured-Products-Free-Tools-Free-Ridgid/N-5yc1vZcgdx
>
> I was worried about the 2amp batteries that come with it as I always
> worry about enough power with the cordless offerings. So when I got it
> out the job, I tried out the impact driver in my "real world" test so I
> could see just how far I could push it. Driving 3" Deckmate screws with
> torx heads and no pilot holes, I drove a massive 160 3" screws flush into
> a 4x4, and removed each one! So 160 in, and 160 out. To add to the
> test, I only used 5 screws (to keep myself honest about the in and out
> numbers) to do the whole test. The 4x4 was hard and sappy, and the
> screws had their points worn smooth after about 10 "in and outs", and the
> screw bodies were really sticky with sap. Not a problem as the impact
> driver drove and removed them all.
>
> Then on the SAME charge, I continued. I was floored. I drove in and
> removed one 3/8" x 4" lag bolt flush to the head into a 4x4 7 1/2 times.
> No pilot hole, and no problem. I have had drills that were strong enough
> to drill lags before, but not one that would drill that much of a lag
> into solid wood. To be fair in reporting the lag test was the battery
> killer. The half mentioned above was that on the eighth drive, it
> flushed the lag, but couldn't pull it out. Practically though, I would
> never, ever, drive a lag or any other large shaft fastener like them
> without the proper pilot hole as it is too hard on the tools. And to
> remind myself why, when I was driving one of the lags it split the 4x4
> completely open from about 4" back from the edge. Impressive.
>
> No telling how many 2" to 3" screws that little battery powered monster
> would drive. I would guess 250 - 300. So it performed beyond
> expectations. I have read there are impact drivers with better specs out
> there, but in testing that I found online, only one driver beat this one
> out in performance.
>
> I like the 3 LEDs on the chuck, and it is variable speed, too. With the
> 2amp battery, it is very easy and convenient to handle, and the belt clip
> makes it easy to carry around.
>
> The hammer drill/driver that I bought to get the driver performs along
> those same lines. Plenty of drive power, pretty good fit in the hand
> (still like the DeWalts better for my paws)and the hammer drill does a
> great job. When using the hammer function, the drill has a high pitched
> sound to it, probably due its bpm function. It seems that actual impacts
> generated are small and fast, and it makes the drill aggressive and easy
> to control. It is a small tool and it is reported to develop something
> like 700 inch pounds of torque. It had carbide lined ratcheting jaws so
> it holds impact bit easily. It has a bright LED light in the handle that
> you can turn on by touching your little finger to it without turning on
> the drill. Same belt clip as the impact.
>
> Two things I don't like. All my DeWalts have a fine trigger, sensitive
> enough to reduce speed of driving or drilling to literally being hand
> speed. Excellent for fine work. On the low speed, it isn't too bad, but
> the drill will start with a small jerk instead of easing into the task.
> According to the Ridgid folks, that's the compromise they made to have
> the drill/hammer drill work properly. I'll get used to it, or when
> driving use the driver as its trigger is much smoother in power delivery.
>
> A comment on the "brushless" technology. It is supposed to deliver more
> power to the tools, make the batteries last as much as 35% longer, and
> all other kinds of wild claims. I actually believe it does. I have many,
> many cordless drill over the last 30+ years since they hit the open
> market. Most tools could never match their claims in performance, but
> none ever exceeded them. At this point, I don't know that I would buy
> another "Robert use" tool (as opposed the community tools used by my
> guys)that wasn't brushless. I actually purchased this same set except
> the 4amp batteries ($75 more), but was really put off by the size of the
> batteries. The batteries were big enough that it made the tools feel
> unbalanced, and hard to handle for finer work. I am delighted at the
> power from the 2amp batteries, and pleased that they are included in the LSA.
>
> I am pleased with these tools and have used them pretty hard for a couple
> of days repairing a deck after the field test, and I think they will fill
> my needs just fine.
>
> So for all you Dads out there looking for a practical gift, if you are
> looking for a lifetime combo kit that really performs, look no farther!
>
> Robert
>

Great review, thank you Robert. I believed eve to bought the same set for
my son last Christmas. I think the one I bought him had the larger 5 amp
batteries and also offered the choice of one of several bare tools.

A word about brushless tools. My wife bought me a Festool brushless drill
about 4 years ago and I have quit using my Makita impact driver. It is
shocking how much more this drill will do over the old Makita drill/driver.

On Thursday, June 8, 2017 at 1:12:55 AM UTC-5, [email protected] wrote:
> Home Depot is having a big tool sale on their Ridgid and Ryobi products. I needed a new compact drill/driver and impact driver.
>


About 2 yrs ago, I bought the Ryobi drill/drive set, $129.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-18-Volt-ONE-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Drill-Driver-and-Impact-Driver-Kit-2-Tool-P882/203406854

Lately, the drill's trigger seems to be failing (*3 yr warranty). Yesterday, I needed an immediate replacement, so went to get the same set and discovered the 4 tool set for the same price.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-18-Volt-ONE-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Super-Combo-Kit-4-Piece-P883/203466914

I like my corded circular saws and sawsall, but I'll give the cordless ones a try. I've never used the cordless ones, before, so I hope these have some reasonable power.

Sonny

On Thursday, June 8, 2017 at 11:15:17 AM UTC-5, -MIKE- wrote:
.=20
> Your review is right in like with what I've experienced... like to a T.
> :-)

Great minds and all that? LOL... Or maybe just two guys that use their tool=
s the same way.

> I look forward to my first brushless driver from Ridgid.
>
Truly and unexpected surprise in quality and utility.
=20
> BTW, I think you need to let us know what brand of deck screws you were
> using.
> I'm most impressed that you drove the same screws in and out that many
> times in a row without any of them snapping. *THAT'S* impressive!

You know MIKE, I didn't think about that since I was so focused in making t=
he drill fail. You're right, that IS impressive. Driving them in, then pu=
lling them out made them too hot to hold after about 5 minutes and it cooke=
d the sap onto the screws adding even more heat. I didn't really think abo=
ut it as I thought if I broke a screw I would just grab another.

I will say this, too. The finish on the screw bodies was probably 90% inta=
ct, coming off around the point as it drilled into the wood (these have the=
cutter tip) and then of course on the inside of the star head (a modified =
#25 Torx) from driving and removing.

I use these Deck Mate screws a lot for all manner of repairs and usually ha=
ve 3" and 2" on the truck. These are the ones I used in my testing:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Deck-Mate-10-x-3-in-Star-Flat-Head-Wood-Deck-Scr=
ews-5-lb-Pack-735003/202308666

Robert

On Friday, June 30, 2017 at 6:51:36 AM UTC-5, Sonny wrote:
=20
> About 2 yrs ago, I bought the Ryobi drill/drive set, $129.=20
> http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-18-Volt-ONE-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Drill-D=
river-and-Impact-Driver-Kit-2-Tool-P882/203406854
>
That's the one I started with as well. I was in HD and they had that set f=
or $99, which they do frequently. Father's Day, Labor Day, Christmas, etc.=
I bought it because I used a friends impact driver to run a bunch 3" scre=
ws into some hard yellow pine framing and it worked great. So I bought the =
set thinking I would use the impact driver as needed for my repairs, and th=
e drill as my gallon can paint mixer.

> Lately, the drill's trigger seems to be failing (*3 yr warranty). Yester=
day, I needed an immediate replacement, so went to get the same set and dis=
covered the 4 tool set for the same price.
> http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-18-Volt-ONE-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Super-C=
ombo-Kit-4-Piece-P883/203466914
>
Later, I was caught across town when I got an emergency repair call. I was=
weak... they waived a lot of money at me since the sale of their house req=
uired the installation of a new exhaust fan vent. I was an hour away from =
my tools, and that meant an hour back after I picked them up.

I bought that set for the same price you did. I took it to the job, and us=
ed the flashlight once I got in the attack to get back to the vent. I used=
the drill to run a bit through the bottom of the deck so I could find the =
hole when I got on the roof. On the roof, I changed bits and drilled a hol=
e large enough to get the recip saw blade in it. (BTW, it came with recip s=
aw blades, one metal and one wood.) I used the recip saw to cut the hole, t=
hen mounted the vent.

On the way off the job, I used the circular saw to trim the fence gate to m=
ake sure it would close.

What are the odds I would use them all on the same job the day I got the se=
t? Pretty slim. But it changed the way I do that kind of repairs, and now=
I keep it like a "go" bag, and just grab it for repairs knowing I have all=
I need in the bag.

The tools have plenty of power for most use. I have no complaints about th=
eir utility bang for the buck. I do have one gripe though. I think they s=
hould come with better batteries. I haven't killed the batteries doing repa=
irs unless I am using the circular saw, and if you rip wood, it dies pretty=
quick. Like just about all battery circular saws it eats its batteries an=
d this one is no exception. The low powered batteries don't help that situ=
ation.

I later bought their 4amp batteries after a big sale at 1/2 off and that fi=
xed that.
=20
> I like my corded circular saws and sawsall, but I'll give the cordless on=
es a try. I've never used the cordless ones, before, so I hope these have=
some reasonable power.

I am used to my heavy 15amp circular saws, and prefer them. But not all th=
e time. Same with the recip saws I have. My 15amp oscillating Milwaukee w=
ill eat any demo job alive. But... when we are roofing a house and the bra=
nches are low, the Ryobi goes on the roof with a pruning blade. When we ar=
e cutting loose equipment and need to cut bolts and all thread, the Ryobi g=
oes to work immediately, no need to string cords out. In fact, as part of =
a job I am working on now, the lady of the house had a new treadmill delive=
red and we cut her "gym" quality treadmill up with the Ryobi and a metal bl=
ade so it could be disposed of. It was a lot of 2" tube steel and square t=
ube steel, and the saw did quite well.

I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how useful they can be and how =
much power they have. I even used the drill to stir a 5 of paint on the jo=
b for about two weeks, and it did just fine. And here's my take on the whol=
e set; if I paid $129 for it 38 or so months ago, that means the convenienc=
e and utility of the tool set cost me less than $3.50 a month at this point=
. And they aren't dead yet.

The remaining tools I have from that set still work great and are in servic=
e as needed. My guys don't show them any special treatment, and I haven't h=
ad one fail. I wouldn't use them for heavy duty, daily hard work, but in th=
eir recommended frame of moderate use, they work just fine for me. I have t=
he other heavy duty stuff if I need to use it.

I was a convert by pure accident. I bought those tools knowing as a contra=
ctor I didn't even need a receipt to take them back for a full refund. Now=
, I just bought another set.

Robert

On Thursday, June 8, 2017 at 7:27:20 AM UTC-5, Leon wrote:
=20
> Great review, thank you Robert. I believed eve to bought the same set f=
or
> my son last Christmas. I think the one I bought him had the larger 5 am=
p
> batteries and also offered the choice of one of several bare tools.=20
>

This set is much more value than I could have imagined. As I said above, I=
tried the 4amp battery configuration which is on sale as well, but it made=
the tool a little more difficult to use and heavier than I wanted. That b=
eing said, I found a video that showed the difference in performance betwee=
n the 4amp and the 2amp batteries, and there is a difference in the long te=
rm torque of batteries over a day's use. But since I won't be driving lag =
bolts with the drill I am not worried. When we used the 4amp battery set t=
hough, we used the drill for 3 days off and on, and it only lost one bar on=
the battery's meter. If I was building decks or drilling a huge amount of =
holes every day, I would have stuck with the 4amp, no doubt. Especially si=
nce they are $99 a piece, and if bought in the kit, they are covered by the=
LSA.
=20
> A word about brushless tools. My wife bought me a Festool brushless dril=
l
> about 4 years ago and I have quit using my Makita impact driver. It is
> shocking how much more this drill will do over the old Makita drill/drive=
r.

I had heard stories about the power difference in brushless as well as the =
increased battery life. I had no personal experience with the brushless to=
ols, but figured there >>might<< be about 10% improvement. In use though, =
the difference is unbelievable. Unless similar tools were priced so inexpe=
nsively I couldn't say no, if there is a brushless model for a "Robert only=
" tool, that will be the one I buy. I am sold on brushless.

Robert

On 6/8/17 1:12 AM, [email protected] wrote:
> Home Depot is having a big tool sale on their Ridgid and Ryobi
> products. I needed a new compact drill/driver and impact driver.
>
> Got an email that had their newest GenX BRUSHLESS drill driver on
> sale for $179, and you can pick from a selection of additional
> tools. I am tired of wearing out DeWalts, and since they redesigned
> the handles on the Ridgids last year I decided to take a look at the
> deal. I took the compact drill which is also a hammer drill, and
> took the impact driver as the free tool.
>
> http://www.homedepot.com/b/Featured-Products-Free-Tools-Free-Ridgid/N-5yc1vZcgdx
>
>
>
I was worried about the 2amp batteries that come with it as I always
> worry about enough power with the cordless offerings. So when I got
> it out the job, I tried out the impact driver in my "real world"
> test so I could see just how far I could push it. Driving 3"
> Deckmate screws with torx heads and no pilot holes, I drove a massive
> 160 3" screws flush into a 4x4, and removed each one! So 160 in, and
> 160 out. To add to the test, I only used 5 screws (to keep myself
> honest about the in and out numbers) to do the whole test. The 4x4
> was hard and sappy, and the screws had their points worn smooth after
> about 10 "in and outs", and the screw bodies were really sticky with
> sap. Not a problem as the impact driver drove and removed them all.
>
> Then on the SAME charge, I continued. I was floored. I drove in and
> removed one 3/8" x 4" lag bolt flush to the head into a 4x4 7 1/2
> times. No pilot hole, and no problem. I have had drills that were
> strong enough to drill lags before, but not one that would drill
> that much of a lag into solid wood. To be fair in reporting the lag
> test was the battery killer. The half mentioned above was that on
> the eighth drive, it flushed the lag, but couldn't pull it out.
> Practically though, I would never, ever, drive a lag or any other
> large shaft fastener like them without the proper pilot hole as it
> is too hard on the tools. And to remind myself why, when I was
> driving one of the lags it split the 4x4 completely open from about
> 4" back from the edge. Impressive.
>
> No telling how many 2" to 3" screws that little battery powered
> monster would drive. I would guess 250 - 300. So it performed
> beyond expectations. I have read there are impact drivers with
> better specs out there, but in testing that I found online, only one
> driver beat this one out in performance.
>
> I like the 3 LEDs on the chuck, and it is variable speed, too. With
> the 2amp battery, it is very easy and convenient to handle, and the
> belt clip makes it easy to carry around.
>
> The hammer drill/driver that I bought to get the driver performs
> along those same lines. Plenty of drive power, pretty good fit in
> the hand (still like the DeWalts better for my paws)and the hammer
> drill does a great job. When using the hammer function, the drill
> has a high pitched sound to it, probably due its bpm function. It
> seems that actual impacts generated are small and fast, and it makes
> the drill aggressive and easy to control. It is a small tool and it
> is reported to develop something like 700 inch pounds of torque. It
> had carbide lined ratcheting jaws so it holds impact bit easily. It
> has a bright LED light in the handle that you can turn on by touching
> your little finger to it without turning on the drill. Same belt
> clip as the impact.
>
> Two things I don't like. All my DeWalts have a fine trigger,
> sensitive enough to reduce speed of driving or drilling to literally
> being hand speed. Excellent for fine work. On the low speed, it
> isn't too bad, but the drill will start with a small jerk instead of
> easing into the task. According to the Ridgid folks, that's the
> compromise they made to have the drill/hammer drill work properly.
> I'll get used to it, or when driving use the driver as its trigger
> is much smoother in power delivery.
>
> A comment on the "brushless" technology. It is supposed to deliver
> more power to the tools, make the batteries last as much as 35%
> longer, and all other kinds of wild claims. I actually believe it
> does. I have many, many cordless drill over the last 30+ years since
> they hit the open market. Most tools could never match their claims
> in performance, but none ever exceeded them. At this point, I don't
> know that I would buy another "Robert use" tool (as opposed the
> community tools used by my guys)that wasn't brushless. I actually
> purchased this same set except the 4amp batteries ($75 more), but
> was really put off by the size of the batteries. The batteries were
> big enough that it made the tools feel unbalanced, and hard to handle
> for finer work. I am delighted at the power from the 2amp batteries,
> and pleased that they are included in the LSA.
>
> I am pleased with these tools and have used them pretty hard for a
> couple of days repairing a deck after the field test, and I think
> they will fill my needs just fine.
>
> So for all you Dads out there looking for a practical gift, if you
> are looking for a lifetime combo kit that really performs, look no
> farther!
>
> Robert
>

Your review is right in like with what I've experienced... like to a T.
:-)
I look forward to my first brushless driver from Ridgid.

BTW, I think you need to let us know what brand of deck screws you were
using.
I'm most impressed that you drove the same screws in and out that many
times in a row without any of them snapping. *THAT'S* impressive!


--

-MIKE-

"Playing is not something I do at night, it's my function in life"
--Elvin Jones (1927-2004)
--
http://mikedrums.com
[email protected]
---remove "DOT" ^^^^ to reply

On 6/9/17 1:32 AM, [email protected] wrote:
> On Thursday, June 8, 2017 at 11:15:17 AM UTC-5, -MIKE- wrote:
> .
>> Your review is right in like with what I've experienced... like to a T.
>> :-)
>
> Great minds and all that? LOL... Or maybe just two guys that use their tools the same way.
>

I use the belt clips all the time, especially with ladder work. I have
two other Ridgid drills that don't have the clips and I really wish they
did.


>> I look forward to my first brushless driver from Ridgid.
>>
> Truly and unexpected surprise in quality and utility.
>
>> BTW, I think you need to let us know what brand of deck screws you were
>> using.
>> I'm most impressed that you drove the same screws in and out that many
>> times in a row without any of them snapping. *THAT'S* impressive!
>
> You know MIKE, I didn't think about that since I was so focused in making the drill fail. You're right, that IS impressive. Driving them in, then pulling them out made them too hot to hold after about 5 minutes and it cooked the sap onto the screws adding even more heat. I didn't really think about it as I thought if I broke a screw I would just grab another.
>
> I will say this, too. The finish on the screw bodies was probably 90% intact, coming off around the point as it drilled into the wood (these have the cutter tip) and then of course on the inside of the star head (a modified #25 Torx) from driving and removing.
>
> I use these Deck Mate screws a lot for all manner of repairs and usually have 3" and 2" on the truck. These are the ones I used in my testing:
>
> http://www.homedepot.com/p/Deck-Mate-10-x-3-in-Star-Flat-Head-Wood-Deck-Screws-5-lb-Pack-735003/202308666
>
> Robert
>

I've used those, too.
One thing about that particular screw head is that the star socket is
slightly tapered so that the bit gets tighter as you push. I've never
had one slip out.

The Spax Torx version is also nice. It has a nipple on the end of the
driver bit that goes into a small cup in the center of the screw head
socket which not only keeps it centered but it also seems to hold the
screw onto the driver.

Fastener technology has come a long way and I'm not complaining.


--

-MIKE-

"Playing is not something I do at night, it's my function in life"
--Elvin Jones (1927-2004)
--
http://mikedrums.com
[email protected]
---remove "DOT" ^^^^ to reply

On Thu, 8 Jun 2017 14:01:56 -0500, Leon <lcb11211@swbelldotnet> wrote:

>On 6/8/2017 11:15 AM, -MIKE- wrote:
>> On 6/8/17 1:12 AM, [email protected] wrote:
>>> Home Depot is having a big tool sale on their Ridgid and Ryobi
>>> products. I needed a new compact drill/driver and impact driver.
>>>
>>> Got an email that had their newest GenX BRUSHLESS drill driver on sale
>>> for $179, and you can pick from a selection of additional
>>> tools. I am tired of wearing out DeWalts, and since they redesigned
>>> the handles on the Ridgids last year I decided to take a look at the
>>> deal. I took the compact drill which is also a hammer drill, and took
>>> the impact driver as the free tool.
>>>
>>> http://www.homedepot.com/b/Featured-Products-Free-Tools-Free-Ridgid/N-5yc1vZcgdx
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>> I was worried about the 2amp batteries that come with it as I always
>>> worry about enough power with the cordless offerings. So when I got
>>> it out the job, I tried out the impact driver in my "real world"
>>> test so I could see just how far I could push it. Driving 3"
>>> Deckmate screws with torx heads and no pilot holes, I drove a massive
>>> 160 3" screws flush into a 4x4, and removed each one! So 160 in, and
>>> 160 out. To add to the test, I only used 5 screws (to keep myself
>>> honest about the in and out numbers) to do the whole test. The 4x4
>>> was hard and sappy, and the screws had their points worn smooth after
>>> about 10 "in and outs", and the screw bodies were really sticky with
>>> sap. Not a problem as the impact driver drove and removed them all.
>>>
>>> Then on the SAME charge, I continued. I was floored. I drove in and
>>> removed one 3/8" x 4" lag bolt flush to the head into a 4x4 7 1/2
>>> times. No pilot hole, and no problem. I have had drills that were
>>> strong enough to drill lags before, but not one that would drill
>>> that much of a lag into solid wood. To be fair in reporting the lag
>>> test was the battery killer. The half mentioned above was that on
>>> the eighth drive, it flushed the lag, but couldn't pull it out.
>>> Practically though, I would never, ever, drive a lag or any other
>>> large shaft fastener like them without the proper pilot hole as it
>>> is too hard on the tools. And to remind myself why, when I was
>>> driving one of the lags it split the 4x4 completely open from about
>>> 4" back from the edge. Impressive.
>>>
>>> No telling how many 2" to 3" screws that little battery powered
>>> monster would drive. I would guess 250 - 300. So it performed beyond
>>> expectations. I have read there are impact drivers with better specs
>>> out there, but in testing that I found online, only one driver beat
>>> this one out in performance.
>>>
>>> I like the 3 LEDs on the chuck, and it is variable speed, too. With
>>> the 2amp battery, it is very easy and convenient to handle, and the
>>> belt clip makes it easy to carry around.
>>>
>>> The hammer drill/driver that I bought to get the driver performs along
>>> those same lines. Plenty of drive power, pretty good fit in the hand
>>> (still like the DeWalts better for my paws)and the hammer drill does a
>>> great job. When using the hammer function, the drill
>>> has a high pitched sound to it, probably due its bpm function. It
>>> seems that actual impacts generated are small and fast, and it makes
>>> the drill aggressive and easy to control. It is a small tool and it
>>> is reported to develop something like 700 inch pounds of torque. It
>>> had carbide lined ratcheting jaws so it holds impact bit easily. It
>>> has a bright LED light in the handle that you can turn on by touching
>>> your little finger to it without turning on the drill. Same belt
>>> clip as the impact.
>>>
>>> Two things I don't like. All my DeWalts have a fine trigger,
>>> sensitive enough to reduce speed of driving or drilling to literally
>>> being hand speed. Excellent for fine work. On the low speed, it
>>> isn't too bad, but the drill will start with a small jerk instead of
>>> easing into the task. According to the Ridgid folks, that's the
>>> compromise they made to have the drill/hammer drill work properly.
>>> I'll get used to it, or when driving use the driver as its trigger
>>> is much smoother in power delivery.
>>>
>>> A comment on the "brushless" technology. It is supposed to deliver
>>> more power to the tools, make the batteries last as much as 35%
>>> longer, and all other kinds of wild claims. I actually believe it
>>> does. I have many, many cordless drill over the last 30+ years since
>>> they hit the open market. Most tools could never match their claims
>>> in performance, but none ever exceeded them. At this point, I don't
>>> know that I would buy another "Robert use" tool (as opposed the
>>> community tools used by my guys)that wasn't brushless. I actually
>>> purchased this same set except the 4amp batteries ($75 more), but
>>> was really put off by the size of the batteries. The batteries were
>>> big enough that it made the tools feel unbalanced, and hard to handle
>>> for finer work. I am delighted at the power from the 2amp batteries,
>>> and pleased that they are included in the LSA.
>>>
>>> I am pleased with these tools and have used them pretty hard for a
>>> couple of days repairing a deck after the field test, and I think they
>>> will fill my needs just fine.
>>>
>>> So for all you Dads out there looking for a practical gift, if you are
>>> looking for a lifetime combo kit that really performs, look no farther!
>>>
>>> Robert
>>>
>>
>> Your review is right in like with what I've experienced... like to a T.
>> :-)
>> I look forward to my first brushless driver from Ridgid.
>>
>> BTW, I think you need to let us know what brand of deck screws you were
>> using.
>> I'm most impressed that you drove the same screws in and out that many
>> times in a row without any of them snapping. *THAT'S* impressive!
>>
>>
>
>Not to mention hot'er'n a firecracker.

That's what snaps 'em. The heat hardens the steel.

On 6/8/2017 11:15 AM, -MIKE- wrote:
> On 6/8/17 1:12 AM, [email protected] wrote:
>> Home Depot is having a big tool sale on their Ridgid and Ryobi
>> products. I needed a new compact drill/driver and impact driver.
>>
>> Got an email that had their newest GenX BRUSHLESS drill driver on sale
>> for $179, and you can pick from a selection of additional
>> tools. I am tired of wearing out DeWalts, and since they redesigned
>> the handles on the Ridgids last year I decided to take a look at the
>> deal. I took the compact drill which is also a hammer drill, and took
>> the impact driver as the free tool.
>>
>> http://www.homedepot.com/b/Featured-Products-Free-Tools-Free-Ridgid/N-5yc1vZcgdx
>>
>>
>>
>>
> I was worried about the 2amp batteries that come with it as I always
>> worry about enough power with the cordless offerings. So when I got
>> it out the job, I tried out the impact driver in my "real world"
>> test so I could see just how far I could push it. Driving 3"
>> Deckmate screws with torx heads and no pilot holes, I drove a massive
>> 160 3" screws flush into a 4x4, and removed each one! So 160 in, and
>> 160 out. To add to the test, I only used 5 screws (to keep myself
>> honest about the in and out numbers) to do the whole test. The 4x4
>> was hard and sappy, and the screws had their points worn smooth after
>> about 10 "in and outs", and the screw bodies were really sticky with
>> sap. Not a problem as the impact driver drove and removed them all.
>>
>> Then on the SAME charge, I continued. I was floored. I drove in and
>> removed one 3/8" x 4" lag bolt flush to the head into a 4x4 7 1/2
>> times. No pilot hole, and no problem. I have had drills that were
>> strong enough to drill lags before, but not one that would drill
>> that much of a lag into solid wood. To be fair in reporting the lag
>> test was the battery killer. The half mentioned above was that on
>> the eighth drive, it flushed the lag, but couldn't pull it out.
>> Practically though, I would never, ever, drive a lag or any other
>> large shaft fastener like them without the proper pilot hole as it
>> is too hard on the tools. And to remind myself why, when I was
>> driving one of the lags it split the 4x4 completely open from about
>> 4" back from the edge. Impressive.
>>
>> No telling how many 2" to 3" screws that little battery powered
>> monster would drive. I would guess 250 - 300. So it performed beyond
>> expectations. I have read there are impact drivers with better specs
>> out there, but in testing that I found online, only one driver beat
>> this one out in performance.
>>
>> I like the 3 LEDs on the chuck, and it is variable speed, too. With
>> the 2amp battery, it is very easy and convenient to handle, and the
>> belt clip makes it easy to carry around.
>>
>> The hammer drill/driver that I bought to get the driver performs along
>> those same lines. Plenty of drive power, pretty good fit in the hand
>> (still like the DeWalts better for my paws)and the hammer drill does a
>> great job. When using the hammer function, the drill
>> has a high pitched sound to it, probably due its bpm function. It
>> seems that actual impacts generated are small and fast, and it makes
>> the drill aggressive and easy to control. It is a small tool and it
>> is reported to develop something like 700 inch pounds of torque. It
>> had carbide lined ratcheting jaws so it holds impact bit easily. It
>> has a bright LED light in the handle that you can turn on by touching
>> your little finger to it without turning on the drill. Same belt
>> clip as the impact.
>>
>> Two things I don't like. All my DeWalts have a fine trigger,
>> sensitive enough to reduce speed of driving or drilling to literally
>> being hand speed. Excellent for fine work. On the low speed, it
>> isn't too bad, but the drill will start with a small jerk instead of
>> easing into the task. According to the Ridgid folks, that's the
>> compromise they made to have the drill/hammer drill work properly.
>> I'll get used to it, or when driving use the driver as its trigger
>> is much smoother in power delivery.
>>
>> A comment on the "brushless" technology. It is supposed to deliver
>> more power to the tools, make the batteries last as much as 35%
>> longer, and all other kinds of wild claims. I actually believe it
>> does. I have many, many cordless drill over the last 30+ years since
>> they hit the open market. Most tools could never match their claims
>> in performance, but none ever exceeded them. At this point, I don't
>> know that I would buy another "Robert use" tool (as opposed the
>> community tools used by my guys)that wasn't brushless. I actually
>> purchased this same set except the 4amp batteries ($75 more), but
>> was really put off by the size of the batteries. The batteries were
>> big enough that it made the tools feel unbalanced, and hard to handle
>> for finer work. I am delighted at the power from the 2amp batteries,
>> and pleased that they are included in the LSA.
>>
>> I am pleased with these tools and have used them pretty hard for a
>> couple of days repairing a deck after the field test, and I think they
>> will fill my needs just fine.
>>
>> So for all you Dads out there looking for a practical gift, if you are
>> looking for a lifetime combo kit that really performs, look no farther!
>>
>> Robert
>>
>
> Your review is right in like with what I've experienced... like to a T.
> :-)
> I look forward to my first brushless driver from Ridgid.
>
> BTW, I think you need to let us know what brand of deck screws you were
> using.
> I'm most impressed that you drove the same screws in and out that many
> times in a row without any of them snapping. *THAT'S* impressive!
>
>

Not to mention hot'er'n a firecracker.