Ridgid 18v Lithium Tools

[brianss]

Does anyone know if Ridgid will be coming out with 18v lithium tool package? I know there is no mention to this on their website. I also watched the builder's show video and nothing was mentioned. I think the 18v lithium package would be the best compromise between weight and power. I spoke to Makita and the rep told me they have no interest of offering 24v lithium tools in the short term. They said their 18v lithium tools are the perfect mix for their contractors and I would totally agree. I handled a few of the Ridgid 24v XLI tools and they seem to bulky and heavy for everyday use. Yes, the 24v power is great, but pickup a Makita tool and they feel just about perfect. I can't image the new Impact Driver with a big 24V battery. Hopefully, they will be coming out with a 18v lithium line.

[Disaster]

The fact is the Ridgid 18 volt tools are amongst the heaviest in the industry. The 24 volt tools, in comparison, aren't much heavier. Having said that, I agree with you. It would be nice to see Ridgid come out with some lighter tools....18 volt or otherwise.

[FINER9998]

I'm confused. One of my sons has the 24 v lithium ion combo kit. I have the 18 volt ni cad kit. His 1/2" hammer drill and battery is lighter than my 18volt hammer drill and battery.

[Disaster]

I'm confused. One of my sons has the 24 v lithium ion combo kit. I have the 18 volt ni cad kit. His 1/2" hammer drill and battery is lighter than my 18volt hammer drill and battery.

I noticed the same thing...but the 24 volt kit doesn't have the depth gauge, a lighter handle clamp (because it doesn't need clamp for depth gauge) and it doesn't have any onboard tool storage. Those things make up the difference in weight.

[brianss]

Just to clarify... I was comparing the Ridgid 24v tools to other lithium based tools, like Makita. The 24v drill is nicely balanced in weight, but compared to the Makita 18v lithium drill, it's night and day. The new 24v Impact Driver might be light, but the size of the 24v battery will make the overall tool size extremely bulky. As a matter of fact, that's probably why Milwaukee came out with a new 18v lithium set.

[ARE1]

Ridgid is coming out with a 18v l-ion compact drill later this summer, it is said to be like the 18v litium Makita.

[humbletile]

Does anyone know if Ridgid will be coming out with 18v lithium tool package? I know there is no mention to this on their website. I also watched the builder's show video and nothing was mentioned. I think the 18v lithium package would be the best compromise between weight and power. I spoke to Makita and the rep told me they have no interest of offering 24v lithium tools in the short term. They said their 18v lithium tools are the perfect mix for their contractors and I would totally agree. I handled a few of the Ridgid 24v XLI tools and they seem to bulky and heavy for everyday use. Yes, the 24v power is great, but pickup a Makita tool and they feel just about perfect. I can't image the new Impact Driver with a big 24V battery. Hopefully, they will be coming out with a 18v lithium line.

I have a 24v set and yes I agree the 24v drill is bulky for everyday use, but for everything else (i.e. circ saw and rep saw) I wouldn't want anything else. I would love the see a 18v xli drill for wood working and small projects that I don't need enough power to rip my arm off.

As for the impact driver I don't think the 24v battery is going to be that bad other than the bulk. If you remove the battery for the XLI drill you will see that the most of the weight is in the drill body itself. The battery weighs very little. However a 18v xli pack would be more than enough power for an impact driver.

Also on my Maxselect jigsaw boxs it shows a 18v xli battery but on the impact driver site it only gives the specs for using 24v xli and 18v nicad. Who knows? I just want a impact driver for my 24v set.

[Steve Klyce]

I just love my 24 volt ridgid kit and I just hope they keep making it because I like the power it has and if I want something lighter than I'll buy a lighter drill like the lxt makita. I've had battery drills since the 7.2 volt Makita and this ridgid 24v kit is the first to really impress me with power and run time, I was so impressed that I gave my DeWalt 18volt XRP kit to my wife to use around the house. I love the lithium Ion batteries in my 24 volt kit, they are light and powerfull and I can use them non stop under heavy load until they are dead and put them right on charge! Try doing that with a Nicad! I was the first one at work to buy the Ridgid 24volt kit, every one else had dewalt 18v xrp. I put my ridgid 24 volt up against their 18volt dewalt drill and my ridgid was more powerfull and drilled more than twice as many holes than the dewalt. I also took my 24 volt ridgid drill apart and compared it to the XRP dewalt and the ridgid has a lot beefier gear train than the dewalt and the ridgid motor has ball bearings on both ends where as the dewalt only has one on the gear side of the motor. After showing this guys at work, they have bought ridgid 24 volt to replace their dewalts and they still thank me when they see me for opening their eyes to the Ridgid experience.:)
Sorry to rant and rave, it just seems like every time something really good comes out for a good price they discontinue making it. :mad:

[humbletile]

I don't think that the 24v is discontinued. I live within 30 minutes of 3 home depots in atlanta. One of them already has the new 3pc 24v set. All there are now stocking the battery and charger kits. The biggest problem is that the home depot employs get no information from the tool rep. I think the 24v will be here for a while. Just be glad you got a great deal on a 4pc set. I just wish Ridgid wasn't run by Home Depot. But I am thankful that Ridgid brought affordable really well built tools to the market.

[JWMustang]

Thanks for the info Steve. So far I have not had to charge mine as soon as they were dead because of how long they last but nice to know they will take a charge without waiting for them to cool down. Bearings on both side helps to make those longer run times & be more durable.
I too have seen the 3 combo kit & battery charger kits in FL.
So far I bought all the Max tools except the caulk gun. I don't think I will ever do that much caulking to justify that one. I will buy another drill if it was lighter had tool storage & LED light.

[roadrashray]

Does anyone know if Ridgid will be coming out with 18v lithium tool package? I know there is no mention to this on their website. I also watched the builder's show video and nothing was mentioned. I think the 18v lithium package would be the best compromise between weight and power. I spoke to Makita and the rep told me they have no interest of offering 24v lithium tools in the short term. They said their 18v lithium tools are the perfect mix for their contractors and I would totally agree. I handled a few of the Ridgid 24v XLI tools and they seem to bulky and heavy for everyday use. Yes, the 24v power is great, but pickup a Makita tool and they feel just about perfect. I can't image the new Impact Driver with a big 24V battery. Hopefully, they will be coming out with a 18v lithium line.
On each box of the MaxSelect tolls I have is listed three batteries, the 24V LI, the 18V NiCad and the 18V LI. This makes me assume they are planning to introduce a 18V LI sometime in the future. If the MaxSelect impact tool is any example they will probably tease us into a fever before they get it out. I have never asked anyone at Ridgid about this. In fact as soon as I finish this post I'm going to send them an email

[brianss]

At first, I thought it would be really cool to be able to switch out the 24v battery and use the 18v lithium battery for some of the smaller tools, like the impact driver. But another user brought up a good point, by the time you spend another $200+ for the 18v battery kit, you could simply buy a Makita drill/driver/hammer and impact driver kit. I like the 24v tools, but the battery is just to large for some tools, like the impact driver.

[roadrashray]

At first, I thought it would be really cool to be able to switch out the 24v battery and use the 18v lithium battery for some of the smaller tools, like the impact driver. But another user brought up a good point, by the time you spend another $200+ for the 18v battery kit, you could simply buy a Makita drill/driver/hammer and impact driver kit. I like the 24v tools, but the battery is just to large for some tools, like the impact driver.
I have a dream! In that dream I have charger which will charge both the 24 and 18V Li batteries. In the dream Ridgid will introduce a sweet little MaxSelect drill like the small Makita 18V LI. In the dream Ridgid will offer a nice light MaxSelect Right Angle drill. In my dream I will have the 24V batteries for the circ. and recip saws and the Hammer Drill. In my dream I can have it both ways. Cool!

[oldslowchevy]

I have a dream! In that dream I have charger which will charge both the 24 and 18V Li batteries. In the dream Ridgid will introduce a sweet little MaxSelect drill like the small Makita 18V LI. In the dream Ridgid will offer a nice light MaxSelect Right Angle drill. In my dream I will have the 24V batteries for the circ. and recip saws and the Hammer Drill. In my dream I can have it both ways. Cool!




yet it is just that.......... a dream




for now atleast:eek:

[ARE1]

The 18v l-ion compact drill is coming, just not soon enough, maybe Fathers day. It will cost about the same as the Makita. Then I can really take advantage of the impact driver, and replace my old 18v craftsman with a nice compact Ridgid.

[roadrashray]

The 18v l-ion compact drill is coming, just not soon enough, maybe Fathers day. It will cost about the same as the Makita. Then I can really take advantage of the impact driver, and replace my old 18v craftsman with a nice compact Ridgid.
ARE1........Are you talking about a drill or an impact driver? The impact driver is already out and I havn't seen anything about a drill here or anywhere else.

[ARE1]

It is a new drill, said to have a smaller body than the 18v ni-cad. I hope it will be close to the impacts size but I have not seen any pics.

[staab29]

It is a new drill, said to have a smaller body than the 18v ni-cad. I hope it will be close to the impacts size but I have not seen any pics.
i would love to see a compact drill, and a right angle drill would be awesome too

[humbletile]

As much bitching went on waiting for the impact driver. (me especially) I won't be suprised if Ridgid doesn't announce a compact drill before it ships. Until then I guess we will just keep dreaming. And keep working on my lottery retirement plan so I can buy one of every tool.

[roadrashray]

Ridgid is coming out with a 18v l-ion compact drill later this summer, it is said to be like the 18v litium Makita.
You continue to make that statement on several threads on this site. NO ONE ELSE is confirming that. I have asked you on other threads where your getting this info. Are you just making something up or passing on a rumor? Can you show us a link to this tool only you knows about?

[cellardoor]

Ok here is some concrete info on the new Ridgid Lithium Ion 18v I got from work. It's in the computer system just an inactive SKU so it has yet to be shipped and I can't determine when it will be shipped.

It is a Ridgid 18v Lithium compact Drill/Driver

SKU 906-747

Price $179


Hope this helps out everyone. So yes it's coming but when, I have no idea. The price is nice so I'm really looking forward to seeing this in my store. I'll keep checking the computer to see when it's supposed to be shipped and give updates when I learn something new.

[onlycordless]

Ok here is some concrete info on the new Ridgid Lithium Ion 18v I got from work. It's in the computer system just an inactive SKU so it has yet to be shipped and I can't determine when it will be shipped.

It is a Ridgid 18v Lithium compact Drill/Driver

SKU 906-747

Price $179


Hope this helps out everyone. So yes it's coming but when, I have no idea. The price is nice so I'm really looking forward to seeing this in my store. I'll keep checking the computer to see when it's supposed to be shipped and give updates when I learn something new.


Any info on what is included in the package? Such as batteries or just the tool

[cellardoor]

Any info on what is included in the package? Such as batteries or just the tool

Unfortunately not at this time. That was all the info that the computers at HD gave me. Now that school is out I'm working more days so maybe i'll be there next time my Ridgid Rep comes in (usually once every other week) and I'll ask him about it. I'm just assuming the drill, two batteries and the charger just like the compact Makita for $199 but I'm not sure.

[staab29]

this is good news, i cant wait for the 18 volt li drill

[ARE1]

You continue to make that statement on several threads on this site. NO ONE ELSE is confirming that. I have asked you on other threads where your getting this info. Are you just making something up or passing on a rumor? Can you show us a link to this tool only you knows about?

I get most of my info from talking with the reps/tool center people. I'm not BSing about what tools are coming, I visit the HD alot and ask questions. I saw a sku for the 18v l-ion an a thread so I too will hope it arrives in stores soon. I just put the word out because I would have bought a Makita 18v if Ridgid was not going to introduce one, now I will wait so I can keep building my 18-24v compatible set.

[onlycordless]

So it will be MaxSelect?

I am thinking that at $179 you would get 2 batteries and a charger and never have to use your 24 volt batteries from the combo kit for the current Max Select impact driver priced at $119.

If it is coming soon I will be returning the solo impact driver

[staab29]

So it will be MaxSelect?

I am thinking that at $179 you would get 2 batteries and a charger and never have to use your 24 volt batteries from the combo kit for the current Max Select impact driver priced at $119.

If it is coming soon I will be returning the solo impact driver
WHY WILL U BE RETURNING YOUR MAX SELECT IMPACT? AND I ALSO FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT IT WILL COME WITH 2 BATTS. FOR 179

[humbletile]

WHY WILL U BE RETURNING YOUR MAX SELECT IMPACT? AND I ALSO FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT IT WILL COME WITH 2 BATTS. FOR 179

It better come with 2 batteries. If you can buy the makita with 2 batteries for $199. I hope Father's day is the release date.

[onlycordless]

WHY WILL U BE RETURNING YOUR MAX SELECT IMPACT? AND I ALSO FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT IT WILL COME WITH 2 BATTS. FOR 179


The current max select impact driver comes with nothing except the drill for $119.00. Also, I am hoping that RIDGID will make the 18 volt impact lighter and currently the only way to get more 24 volt batteries is to buy the starter kit(1 battery and a charger) for $199 or buy an entire kit.


If RIDGID wants to competitive in the market it will come with 2 batteries if the price remains at $179 as cellardoor stated in his post.

On another note, I am glad RIDGID made the 24 volt line for the recip and circular because you need the power for those tools, however, an impact driver functions differently. Therefore it should be the lightest power tool you own.

[staab29]

The current max select impact driver comes with nothing except the drill for $119.00. Also, I am hoping that RIDGID will make the 18 volt impact lighter and currently the only way to get more 24 volt batteries is to buy the starter kit(1 battery and a charger) for $199 or buy an entire kit.


If RIDGID wants to competitive in the market it will come with 2 batteries if the price remains at $179 as cellardoor stated in his post.

On another note, I am glad RIDGID made the 24 volt line for the recip and circular because you need the power for those tools, however, an impact driver functions differently. Therefore it should be the lightest power tool you own.
I DONT KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT BUT THE IMPACT THAT U HAVE IS FOR 24 AND 18 VOLT, THEY ARE NOT GOING TO MAKE A 18 VOLT ONLY IMPACT THAT IS SMALLER. THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT A DRILL. AND I DONT KNOW WHAT U USE AN IMPACT FOR, BUT WE USE THEM FOR HEAVY DUTY JOBS LIKE PUTTING IN LAG BOLTS AND TIGHTENING NUTS, SO WHY WOULD SOMETHING THAT IS USED FOR HEAVY DUTY JOBS BE SMALL AND LIGHT WEIGHT. THEY NEED TO BE BUILT TOUGH SO THEY CAN WITHSTAND ABUSE. IF YOU NEED A TOOL TO PUT IN 1'' DRYWALL SCREWS JUST USE A DRILL, I DONT THINK YOU REALLY UNDERSTAND WHAT AN IMPACT DRIVER IS USED FOR.

[onlycordless]

I DONT KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT BUT THE IMPACT THAT U HAVE IS FOR 24 AND 18 VOLT, THEY ARE NOT GOING TO MAKE A 18 VOLT ONLY IMPACT THAT IS SMALLER. THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT A DRILL. AND I DONT KNOW WHAT U USE AN IMPACT FOR, BUT WE USE THEM FOR HEAVY DUTY JOBS LIKE PUTTING IN LAG BOLTS AND TIGHTENING NUTS, SO WHY WOULD SOMETHING THAT IS USED FOR HEAVY DUTY JOBS BE SMALL AND LIGHT WEIGHT. THEY NEED TO BE BUILT TOUGH SO THEY CAN WITHSTAND ABUSE. IF YOU NEED A TOOL TO PUT IN 1'' DRYWALL SCREWS JUST USE A DRILL, I DONT THINK YOU REALLY UNDERSTAND WHAT AN IMPACT DRIVER IS USED FOR.


LET ME GIVE YOU A LESSON ON TORQUE AND TOOLS FOR THAT MATTER.

AN IMPACT DRIVER HAS DIFFERENT GEARING AS OPPOSED TO A DRILL. A DRILL SPINS AND WILL STRIP SCREWS EASIER THAN AN IMPACT DRIVER WHICH SPINS A SPRING LOADED GEAR MECHANISM.

BECAUSE OF THE GEARING IN THE IMPACT DRIVER, YOU DO NOT NEED AS MUCH POWER FOR THE TOOL TO GENERATE A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF TORQUE. THEREFORE IT SHOULD BE LIGHT. AND LIGHT CAN BE STURDY(MAGNESIUM, GRAPHITE AND ALLUMINUM FOR EXAMPLE)

I HOPE THIS ANSWERS YOUR QUESTION.

ALSO TAKE THE "CAPS" OFF. IN COMPUTERS THIS MEANS YOU ARE YELLING.

So you learned two things today.

Good Day.


Tony

P.S. If you are tightening nuts you need a impact wrench, not a driver, so before you comment get your facts straight.

[onlycordless]

I DONT KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT BUT THE IMPACT THAT U HAVE IS FOR 24 AND 18 VOLT, THEY ARE NOT GOING TO MAKE A 18 VOLT ONLY IMPACT THAT IS SMALLER. THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT A DRILL. AND I DONT KNOW WHAT U USE AN IMPACT FOR, BUT WE USE THEM FOR HEAVY DUTY JOBS LIKE PUTTING IN LAG BOLTS AND TIGHTENING NUTS, SO WHY WOULD SOMETHING THAT IS USED FOR HEAVY DUTY JOBS BE SMALL AND LIGHT WEIGHT. THEY NEED TO BE BUILT TOUGH SO THEY CAN WITHSTAND ABUSE. IF YOU NEED A TOOL TO PUT IN 1'' DRYWALL SCREWS JUST USE A DRILL, I DONT THINK YOU REALLY UNDERSTAND WHAT AN IMPACT DRIVER IS USED FOR.


Also, if you read my previous post I stated, if the 18 volt lithium impact driver came with "2 batteries, a charger, and the driver it would be a better deal at $179.00" vs. $119.00 soley for the current max select impact driver available.

[Woussko]

Staab29 has in mind an Impact Wrench and not an Impact Driver. They are sure not one and the same tool. There are big differences.

[staab29]

Also, if you read my previous post I stated, if the 18 volt lithium impact driver came with "2 batteries, a charger, and the driver it would be a better deal at $179.00" vs. $119.00 soley for the current max select impact driver available.
where do you keep coming up with this. nobody has said anything about an 18 volt impact driver, ITS A DRILL, so get your story straight.

[staab29]

LET ME GIVE YOU A LESSON ON TORQUE AND TOOLS FOR THAT MATTER.

AN IMPACT DRIVER HAS DIFFERENT GEARING AS OPPOSED TO A DRILL. A DRILL SPINS AND WILL STRIP SCREWS EASIER THAN AN IMPACT DRIVER WHICH SPINS A SPRING LOADED GEAR MECHANISM.

BECAUSE OF THE GEARING IN THE IMPACT DRIVER, YOU DO NOT NEED AS MUCH POWER FOR THE TOOL TO GENERATE A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF TORQUE. THEREFORE IT SHOULD BE LIGHT. AND LIGHT CAN BE STURDY(MAGNESIUM, GRAPHITE AND ALLUMINUM FOR EXAMPLE)

I HOPE THIS ANSWERS YOUR QUESTION.

ALSO TAKE THE "CAPS" OFF. IN COMPUTERS THIS MEANS YOU ARE YELLING.

So you learned two things today.

Good Day.


Tony

P.S. If you are tightening nuts you need a impact wrench, not a driver, so before you comment get your facts straight.


oh, you are giving me a lesson? is this coming from a guy that probably works in wal marts tool dept.. if you cant put screws in with a cordless drill them you dont even need to own any tools. impact drivers are for tougher jobs.

[onlycordless]

oh, you are giving me a lesson? is this coming from a guy that probably works in wal marts tool dept.. if you cant put screws in with a cordless drill them you dont even need to own any tools. impact drivers are for tougher jobs.

Good job on learning what the "caps" means! Maybe you are trainable!

Now if only you could give facts and not some childish comments, you would seem more intelligent.

[brianss]

Not to change the topic or anything...

But I noticed that Ridgid has finally posted the compact lithium drill.

http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/R86006-Compact-Lithium-Ion-Drill/index.htm

So does anyone know if the 18v lithium batteries will work on the Max Select Tools? I have the 24v kit, but I would really like to use the smaller 18v lithium batteries, especially on the new Impact Driver.

So does this mean, I have to buy the compact drill, just to get the 18v batteries? By the time I buy the Impact Driver + the Compact Drill, that is quite an expensive investment. I really just want the 18v lithium batteries. Any thoughts?

[Velosapien]

Looks perty! Wonder what the weight is and if it will also run on the 24v batteries? Probably not.

[brianss]

Maybe I should start a new thread on this one...

[ridgiduser]

Regarding the new 18V lithium ion drills, they are awesome looking tools. I was at my local HD yesterday to check this item out, and they were all sold out except for a display one that they were playing with at the contractor's desk. I wanted to find out what the Ah rating was, and it didn't say anywhere on the box, or even on the battery anywhere, let alone in the manual. So the guys at the contractor's desk started calling Ridgid Tech Support, and they found out that it is indeed 2.9 Ah. Then I saw a listing on eBay this morning - same thing, 2.9 Ah. So I just called Ridgid three separate times (just to make sure), and each time I was informed of the same number - 2.9 Ah. Now, since I didn't get 10 different answers for asking the same question 10 different times, and it was always the same answer, I'm betting that Ridgid maybe/finally/hopefully got their crap together, and that this number is the real deal. Sounds awesome, as I was amazed at how light the stinkin' thing was - the drill itself isn't overly smaller than the standard 18V 1/2" drill (only maybe an inch shorter end-to-end and front-to-back), but it's the weight that makes all the difference. Still very comparable torque and speed ratings, too.

I saw it on Ebay this morning (eBay item number 290135652406). I hate how HD can't keep it's own shelves stocked of stuff like this, even considering the special arrangement that Ridgid and HD have. If more don't get to the stores ASAP, I might actually spend the extra money to get it off of eBay. :eek:

[Disaster]

Lets get these threads corrected on the battery power. Ridgid now says it is only 1.5Ah...a huge amount less than their original info. Based on that I posted this comparison.

I just did some comparisons of Ridgid's 18 volt "compact" drill vs. some competitors.

First lets look at weight.

Ridgid 18 volt compact = 4 lbs. 5 ounces.
Panasonic 14.4 volt = 3 lbs. 10 ounces.
Makita 18 volt compact = 3lbs. 9 ounces.
Hitachi 18 volt compact = 3 lbs 11 ounces.

Battery total power = Voltage x Ah

Ridgid, Makita and Hitachi = 27
Panasonic = 43

Max. Torque in.lb

Ridgid = 455
Makita = 450 (there have been reviews that say this number is optimistic)
Panasonic = 390
Hitachi = 374

Size - Length from chuck tip to back of motor

Panasonic = 8"
Ridgid = 9 3/4"
Makita = 8"
Hitachi = 9"** **Very approximate...need to recheck.

Features

Ridgid: worklight and bit holder
Makita: worklight
Panasonic: worklight and belt hook
Hitachi: belt hook and bit holder

Price, alone and in kit with impact
Ridgid: $180
Makita: $200, $270
Hitachi: $180
Panasonic: $270, $360

I bought the Panasonic kit. At the time, for me, it was the best compromise of weight, size, runtime and durability. I probably would have bought the Makita kit, if it had been available at the time.

Bottom line: The Ridgid compact drill is not that compact. Nor is it an great value compared to the competitive offerings...especially compared to the Makita kit that includes an impact driver.

[Frankiarmz]

If you are being told the truth 1.5 AH for the new 18 volt Lithuim Ion then it is worthless in my opinion. Ridgid had better go back to the drawing board and come up with the 3AH battery or they are going to lose a lot of faithful customers. I hate being mislead and between talking to the Ridgid techs and reading the comments on this site I felt confident I had the right information. I'm glad I put off buying that new drill, batteries and charger, but now what do I do? I like my Ridgid 18volt tools but wanted the advantages of the Lithium Ion battery, however 1.5AH is a joke! Maybe that's why the decided to omit the AH rating on the box and on their site? :mad:

[doubtingtom]

I have no disagreement with what you have stated and you are the only one who knows your requirements and preferences. For me, I get more frustrated than most when expectation and reality are not 'relatively' equal. Having said that, I find the new (B&W) Makita offering to be a very strong one and the fact that their new L-I batts are 1.5(6) AHr does not make them ineffective for many 'homeowner' tasks. The biggest issue is being told one thing and having 'reality' be something much less.

I have entered one additional strong inquiry to Ridgid Tech Support and will accept their response as valid. The Ridgid Lifetme Service is an overriding issue affecting my choices. I would be most pleased if these multiple inquiries disclosed a higher rating for the 18v L-I batts!

Regards,
Tom B

[doubtingtom]

This response was just received from Ridigid Tech Support.

" That is correct, according to the product manager, the 18V Lithium Ion batteries have 1.5 Ah cells. "

I accept this number and will make decisions based on this data.

Regards,
Tom B

[Disaster]

This response was just received from Ridigid Tech Support.

" That is correct, according to the product manager, the 18V Lithium Ion batteries have 1.5 Ah cells. "

I accept this number and will make decisions based on this data.

Regards,
Tom B

I was convinced when you mentioned earlier how little they weighed. I compared them to the 3Ah 24 volt battery. They should weigh approximately 30% less...actually a little less difference because the only savings would be the batteries...not the case or electronics.

They weigh half as much.

In fact, they weigh less than my Panasonic 14.4v 3Ah batteries by 2 ounces.

The other things that bother me about the Ridgid "compact" drill is it feels rushed.

It wasn't really designed much lighter than competitors...though it is lighter than Ridgid's own very heavy 18 volt and 24 volt hammerdrills.

Also, the charger only charges the new 18 volt Lithium and possible upcoming smaller Lithiums. Why not the 24 volt Lithiums and more importantly, why not a universal charger that charges the old NiCds. Both Panasonic and Ryobi released chargers with their Lithium tools that are backward compatible with their older non-Lithium batteries.

IMHO, Ryobi has leapfrogged Ridgid with their lithium battery and charger. It is more powerful at 2.4Ah, compatible with a wider range of tools, and the charger is universal...actually an improvement on their older NiCd charger. It is a smarter charger that isn't so gentler on the NiCds.