I'd like to clear out the crap about Ridgid tools. It seems that a
while ago, Ridgid tools weren't any better than Craftsman or Ryobi.
Unfortunately, I'm not too aware of the previous line of products
because Home Depot opened up in Canada not long ago.

On the other hand, they introduced a new line of powertools recently
and based on my first impression, they look much better. In fact,
their hammerdril, jig saw and their 6" ROS is made by Metabo in
Germany. There's no crap here as far as I'm concerned.

Same thing for their line of nailers which seems to be very well done
and comparable to PC if not better.

Their miter saws look very decent, as well as other tools like their
impact drivers and cordless drills.

What's your opinion on their line of product? Pro, semi-pro or
hobbyist quality?

Thanks,

Greg D.

In article ,
Greg D. wrote:

What's your opinion on their line of product? Pro, semi-pro or
hobbyist quality?

I can only comment on what I have experienced and a few observations
around me.

I find their line of tools very uneven. A few winners and a few losers.
I see a lot of Ridgid cordless drills around when I install one of my
solid surface countertops. Cabinet installers, by and large, are a
either a fussy bunch on a bunch of 'rammers. My countertops tend to go
to a more 'quality' product. Ridgid has disappointed me lately with
their laminate trimmers and belt sander.

I always ask questions when I'm out in the field, especially from those
installers I have worked with since 1976. Ridgid runs hot and cold there
too.

I don't think there is a single brand which wins across the board
(keeping pricing out of the discussion for now). Big hitters like
Festool, Metabo, AEG, Milwaukee all have a few pieces which make me
wonder why they bothered.

Then there are those brands who hit a few high notes (The Makita Sliding
mitre saws come to mind..everybody I know who has them love them..)
Makita has a few other decent tools as well. I see their 3 1/4" electric
hand planers everywhere. ( I bought a Ryobi 3 1/4" planer. Came with
spare carbide blades, in a case, and the only one with some hope to hook
a vacuum up to it. It does the job for me (sleeps in the van) when I
don't feel like lugging my antique Porter Cable VersaPlanar around.

The bulk of my stuff is Milwaukee, with a smattering of Festool and Fein
tossed in. Oh.. and before I forget... I have a Ridgid jobsite tablesaw
R2400? I'm very pleased with it and I'm aware of its limitations. I'm
happy with the 6" ROS as well...that has got to be 'The Find' of the
last couple of years.

But...when you factor in cost/value...the whole thing rearranges itself .

"Greg D." wrote in message
...
I'd like to clear out the crap about Ridgid tools. It seems that a
while ago, Ridgid tools weren't any better than Craftsman or Ryobi.
Unfortunately, I'm not too aware of the previous line of products
because Home Depot opened up in Canada not long ago.

On the other hand, they introduced a new line of powertools recently
and based on my first impression, they look much better. In fact,
their hammerdril, jig saw and their 6" ROS is made by Metabo in
Germany. There's no crap here as far as I'm concerned.

Same thing for their line of nailers which seems to be very well done
and comparable to PC if not better.

Their miter saws look very decent, as well as other tools like their
impact drivers and cordless drills.

What's your opinion on their line of product? Pro, semi-pro or
hobbyist quality?

Do your self a favor and do not be a Brand Loyal consumer when it comes to
power tools. "Every one" builds a great tool and "Every one" builds a lousy
tool. As you pointed out some of the Ridgid tools are great, IMHO their
drills are WAY too heavy.

Hi Greg.
I'm a pro and use power tools on a daily basis. Although I'm not
completely brand loyal, I tend to buy more Bosch tools lately and have been
very pleased with them. I have on occasion in the past purchased Ridgid
power tools and my experience has been that you get more bang for the buck
factor, but less on the quality side. For example, about 3 1/2 years ago I
went to HD to purchase a DeWalt 12" MS. At the store, I also looked at the
Ridgid 12" MS and for the same money, the Ridgid came with a nice stand and
supposedly had a "lifetime warranty", so I came home with the Ridgid. I was
pleased with it for a while, but things went south pretty quickly and the
lack of quality became apparent. I should have stuck with the DW, they are
tried and true. Same went for their big 5" ROS. It got returned and
replaced with the Bosch, which I love. Today, my opinion of Ridgid tools is
still being right on par with Ryobi quality, hobbiest to semi-pro
rea. --dave

"Greg D." wrote in message
...
I'd like to clear out the crap about Ridgid tools. It seems that a
while ago, Ridgid tools weren't any better than Craftsman or Ryobi.
Unfortunately, I'm not too aware of the previous line of products
because Home Depot opened up in Canada not long ago.

On the other hand, they introduced a new line of powertools recently
and based on my first impression, they look much better. In fact,
their hammerdril, jig saw and their 6" ROS is made by Metabo in
Germany. There's no crap here as far as I'm concerned.

Same thing for their line of nailers which seems to be very well done
and comparable to PC if not better.

Their miter saws look very decent, as well as other tools like their
impact drivers and cordless drills.

What's your opinion on their line of product? Pro, semi-pro or
hobbyist quality?

Thanks,

Greg D.

One of my biggest concerns about any power tool regardless of brand is the
availability of parts or servicing. I don't know woh repairs Ridgid tools
but I know who can repair all the other brands I have.
Gene
"Greg D." wrote in message
...
I'd like to clear out the crap about Ridgid tools. It seems that a
while ago, Ridgid tools weren't any better than Craftsman or Ryobi.
Unfortunately, I'm not too aware of the previous line of products
because Home Depot opened up in Canada not long ago.

On the other hand, they introduced a new line of powertools recently
and based on my first impression, they look much better. In fact,
their hammerdril, jig saw and their 6" ROS is made by Metabo in
Germany. There's no crap here as far as I'm concerned.

Same thing for their line of nailers which seems to be very well done
and comparable to PC if not better.

Their miter saws look very decent, as well as other tools like their
impact drivers and cordless drills.

What's your opinion on their line of product? Pro, semi-pro or
hobbyist quality?

Thanks,

Greg D.

Thirty years ago, any tool need sent me to Sears. Those days are over. My
shop is fully integrated - tools of every color. As you make significant
purchases you need to do your homework and hold them in you hand before you
dial up Amazon, Woodcraft, Grizzly, Sears or any of the others. There are
good on-line resources for tool reviews but remember that many who post
reviews want to justify a recent expenditure; or are as mad as hell. You
have to be the moderator. It ain't easy but it is still up to you to do
your own source selection.

RonB

Ridgid USED to make quality tools, in the plumbing area only. Things like
pipe threaders, etc. Then the name started being used by Home Cheapo on
their STORE BRAND tools. I typically avoid store brand stuff. Buying store
brand stuff limits you to that store only. You cant price shop, etc. And
those tools are that butt ugly orange too.

Now, has Hitachi gotten in bed with Lowes? I think I have started seeing
Hitachi branded stuff there and only there. Shese.

I will not buy store brand stuff (Ridgid, Craftsman and ummm, that's all off
the top of my head)

-B


"Greg D." wrote in message
...
I'd like to clear out the crap about Ridgid tools. It seems that a
while ago, Ridgid tools weren't any better than Craftsman or Ryobi.
Unfortunately, I'm not too aware of the previous line of products
because Home Depot opened up in Canada not long ago.

On the other hand, they introduced a new line of powertools recently
and based on my first impression, they look much better. In fact,
their hammerdril, jig saw and their 6" ROS is made by Metabo in
Germany. There's no crap here as far as I'm concerned.

Same thing for their line of nailers which seems to be very well done
and comparable to PC if not better.

Their miter saws look very decent, as well as other tools like their
impact drivers and cordless drills.

What's your opinion on their line of product? Pro, semi-pro or
hobbyist quality?

Thanks,

Greg D.

No wrote:

Ridgid USED to make quality tools, ...

Ridgid STILL makes quality tools.

Unfortunately, the Ridgid name on the woodworking line isn't actually
Ridgid. Quality has been variable and the arrangement w/ the
manufacturer has changed at least twice that I know of already.

yea, thats what I meant. I've got a couple of really really old Ridgid pipe
wrenches and other plumbing things that are still going strong.
"Duane Bozarth" wrote in message
...
No wrote:

Ridgid USED to make quality tools, ...

Ridgid STILL makes quality tools.

Unfortunately, the Ridgid name on the woodworking line isn't actually
Ridgid. Quality has been variable and the arrangement w/ the
manufacturer has changed at least twice that I know of already.

"No" wrote in message ...
Snip

Now, has Hitachi gotten in bed with Lowes?


No, LOL, I think Hitachi has gotten in bed with Nike. Their tools are
looking more and more like tennis shoes.