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-...d/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

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-...d/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 7:27:20 AM UTC-5, Leon wrote:

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.


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 being said, I found a video that showed the difference in performance between the 4amp and the 2amp batteries, and there is a difference in the long term 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 though, 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 since they are $99 a piece, and if bought in the kit, they are covered by the LSA.

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 6/8/17 1:12 AM, 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-...d/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

---remove "DOT" ^^^^ to reply

On 6/8/2017 11:15 AM, -MIKE- wrote:
On 6/8/17 1:12 AM, 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-...d/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.

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, 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-...d/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 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 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...5003/202308666

Robert

On 6/9/17 1:32 AM, 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...5003/202308666

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

---remove "DOT" ^^^^ to reply

On Thursday, June 8, 2017 at 1:12:55 AM UTC-5, 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-...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-...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 Friday, June 30, 2017 at 6:51:36 AM UTC-5, Sonny wrote:

About 2 yrs ago, I bought the Ryobi drill/drive set, $129.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-18-...P882/203406854

That's the one I started with as well. I was in HD and they had that set for $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" screws 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 the drill as my gallon can paint mixer.

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-...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 required 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 used 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 hole large enough to get the recip saw blade in it. (BTW, it came with recip saw blades, one metal and one wood.) I used the recip saw to cut the hole, then mounted the vent.

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

What are the odds I would use them all on the same job the day I got the set? 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 their utility bang for the buck. I do have one gripe though. I think they should come with better batteries. I haven't killed the batteries doing repairs 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 and this one is no exception. The low powered batteries don't help that situation.

I later bought their 4amp batteries after a big sale at 1/2 off and that fixed that.

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.

I am used to my heavy 15amp circular saws, and prefer them. But not all the time. Same with the recip saws I have. My 15amp oscillating Milwaukee will eat any demo job alive. But... when we are roofing a house and the branches are low, the Ryobi goes on the roof with a pruning blade. When we are cutting loose equipment and need to cut bolts and all thread, the Ryobi goes 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 delivered and we cut her "gym" quality treadmill up with the Ryobi and a metal blade so it could be disposed of. It was a lot of 2" tube steel and square tube 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 job for about two weeks, and it did just fine. And here's my take on the whole set; if I paid $129 for it 38 or so months ago, that means the convenience 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 service as needed. My guys don't show them any special treatment, and I haven't had one fail. I wouldn't use them for heavy duty, daily hard work, but in their recommended frame of moderate use, they work just fine for me. I have the other heavy duty stuff if I need to use it.

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

Robert