Still Waiting For 24volt Impact Driver

[onlycordless]

Here's the RIDGID math

1) Bought the 24 volt set around Christmas

2) Read the rumors of the release of the Impact Driver in January

3) No information from Home Depot and/or mislead

4) Still waiting

I guess in RIDGInomics 1+2+3+4=Great Marketing for the company and successful buzz for from the consumer




Hey RIDGID, what more can the consumer do before they switch to the many other competitors?

[mrsocks]

i am waiting for this too!

whaaat's the deal?

[ProBrand]

The MaxSelect Impact Driver, which works with both 18 and 24 volt batteries, is hitting stores now. We've got it on the website at http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/R8823-Dual-Voltage-Impact-Driver/index.htm

Thanks for your support of RIDGID.

[brianss]

ProBrand - How usable will the Impact Driver be with that big 24v battery? The 24v battery almost seems to big and bulky for the Impact Driver tool. Also, do you know if there is any talk about a 18v lithium line? It would only make sense based on what other companies are doing, like Makita and Milwaukee. Thanks!

[brad873]

I just called my local HD and they told me the max select impact driver has been discontinued at the store level and can only be purchased through the HD web site. so i go to the HD web site and dont see any of the max select tools.....

What's going on here?

[Jamiaz]

What i've been told from some reliable sources is that the impact driver has been having production problems, and they aren't releasing it until it is perfect. It was suppose to be out In January, then March, then April, now I'm hearing sometime in the summer. I really want ones of these too as I have the 24 V set too.

Jamiaz

[Disaster]

I just called my local HD and they told me the max select impact driver has been discontinued at the store level and can only be purchased through the HD web site. so i go to the HD web site and dont see any of the max select tools.....

What's going on here?

This is similar to what a clerk told me at a Home Depot. He actually said the whole 24 volt line was discontinued by Ryobi. When I pushed him he said "Well, maybe they are on the website but we don't sell them anymore."

Home Depot is bad for Ridgid. They need to find another partner.

[onlycordless]

The MaxSelect Impact Driver, which works with both 18 and 24 volt batteries, is hitting stores now. We've got it on the website at http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/R8823-Dual-Voltage-Impact-Driver/index.htm

Thanks for your support of RIDGID.




Will look for it in stores,

Thanks :D

[roadrashray]

Originally Posted by brad873
I just called my local HD and they told me the max select impact driver has been discontinued at the store level and can only be purchased through the HD web site. so i go to the HD web site and dont see any of the max select tools.....

What's going on here?
I went through this a couple of weeks ago at my Home Depot. When I inquired about the status of the MaxSelect Impact gun they went to the computer and told me "it said" that product was dicontinued. I made them go to the Ridgid web site where "it said" the product was just being released. Got the tool department manager who called somebody at Ridgid and was told that the MaxSelect impact gun would start shipping to the stores in April.
When I was in the store yesterday she told me she had received soem kind of shipping notice that the tools were being released and would be in the store within a week. stay tuned

[humbletile]

Why does everyone keep talking about the 24v line being cancelled? Proband just stated that beginning of this thread that it was coming out soon. HD is not the best source for tool information.

[brad873]

Humbletile, I believe the above posts say the information we were given from our local HD reps said they had been "discontinued" at the store level, and were only available through the HD web site. Not canceled.

[brianss]

Time to vent... I have had just about enough of the run-around regarding the R8823 Impact Driver. I spoke to 2 different Custom Service people at Ridgid that said the tool is widely available at Home Depot. I stopped at 3 different HD stores and the tool manager said they have never heard of it. And good luck trying to find the tool at the HD web site. This is absolute bull****. If the tool is not out or available, be honest and tell everyone. Additionally, why are the people at HD and Ridgid so clueless when it comes to these tools. Whenever I call Makita, I get nothing but professional answers. I have the 24v combo kit, but thankfully, it's still in the box. If I don't see something soon, it will be going straight back to the store...

[CWSmith]

Other than what I've read here, I know nothing about the 24-volt tools. However, I do know that Home Depot often doesn't have a clue and they do a great dis-service to both the Ridgid and Ryobi brands that they carry. With rare exception will you get a definitive answer.

The origins of these stories is a mystery. But I've too often found that if you ask three different "Orange Aprons" in the store, you're likely to get three different stories. In my local store, even the manager of the department doesn't have a clue and on many occasions doesn't even know what products he's responsible for.

In the past four years, I've heard enough "stories", to write a book of Home Depot "Fairy Tales". I'm not sure who handles the Marketing of these products (Ridgid, Ryobi, or TTI), but their lack of understanding the importance of their respective websites results in product information that is too often late and/or incomplete.

CWS

[Disaster]

Here is my latest Home Depot story. After looking around for 10 minutes to get someone to help me get a tool down from the overhead I found the portable ladder and pushed it over to the rack myself. Sure enough, that got someone over to chastise me that the ladder was for "associates" only...but he did get my tool so it was a success.

I joked with him that I figured since it was a do-it-yourself store I was supposed to get my own items off the shelf...after all I was going to check myself out at the register. I told him I drew the line at stocking the shelves...but I might want to be there when they get new products in....just to see what comes in before they hide it in an overhead.

I expect the new MaxSelect tools will show up at a few Home Depots and the "associates" won't have a clue. You will have to keep an eye on the shelves...especially the overheads where all kinds of goodies can be found.

[roadrashray]

It has now been eleven days since the tool dept mgr in the Auburn,NY Home Depot told me she had received notice of the shipping of the Impact Driver and expected delivery within a few days. I talked with the Pro Desk at the same store Monday and he assured me he would notify me as soon as the tool arrived.
I don't know why Ridgid and to a lesser extent HD are being so coy regarding the availability of the Impact Driver. Being obtuse about the availability of consumer products is a fairly common marketing ruse to build demand among the masses. ie: music CDs, new car models, clothes, etc. This approach would seem to be irritating and counter productive as a tool needed by professionals.
Maybe ProDesk could provide some insight?

[mdm]

I just got back from HD. I went in to check if they had the impact driver. When I asked about it, I got the response "There's a Max Select version?" He did look it up. It's in the computer but the store has 0 in stock and 0 on order.

[brianss]

I called Ridgid again (for the last time) and demanded to speak with a manager. At first, the customer service person told me again, for the 100th time, to go to Home Depot. After I explained again, for the 100th time, HD does not have a clue about this tool, I was put on hold for about 10 minutes. She finally came back and said someone will call me back with an answer. Good news, right. Well maybe, I called at 8am this morning and no one has called me back yet and it's now 6pm. Amazing. I have never been so dissapointed in a company's lack of customer service and product direction. Maybe this is an indication of how this company does business, which would be right in line with the clueless orange aprons at HD. :(

[screwit]

what is going on with Ridgid and HD? Its really to bad that customer service has gotten so much worse over the years. Ridgid is nice but not nice enough to deal with crappy customer service. no company is!

[onlycordless]

I was in a Home Depot in New Jersey and I saw the sign, price and the sku for the max select impact driver. There was even an spot on the shelf where the price tag is located however, the shelf was empty. I thought, maybe they are just sold out.
I located an associate and he entered the information into the computer. I waited...then he came back, he said the computer states, not available.

To everyone who is waiting, this is marketing "buzz" and sooner or later we will see the max select impact driver in stores.
How do I know?
Its free marketing for the company.
How did you feel to see the the advertisement and an empty shelf with the price tag. A pefect recipe for marketing buzz.

Also, to my knowledge, there has been a 12, 14.4 and 18 volt impact driver. Ridgid only has to do some modifying on existing equipment.

P.S. Still waiting and we are still buzzing about it. RIDGID loves it!

[Disaster]

I suspect Ridgid is going to win the booby prize, once again, for heaviest impact driver. They will sell these, to people with the 24 volt sets, but they'd do much better if they developed an 18 volt lithium impact driver that didn't weigh more then 3 pounds.

24 volts is more suited to an impact wrench....where weight is more in line with the competition. I bet they'd sell a few of those to mechanics. I'd sure as heck buy one.

As far as impact drivers. I wouldn't buy a heavy 24 volt one...even though I already have the other 24 volt tools. I'm only interested in tools that aren't going to be too heavy at 24 volts, and that could use the power. I'd like to see these tools added to the 24 volt lineup....

grinder

random orbit sander

impact wrench

hedge trimmer

grass trimmer

nailer (that performs as well as DeWalts)

AC/CD vacuum that includes battery charger.

[onlycordless]

.

As far as impact drivers. I wouldn't buy a heavy 24 volt one...even though I already have the other 24 volt tools. I'm only interested in tools that aren't going to be too heavy at 24 volts, and that could use the power. I'd like to see these tools added to the 24 volt lineup....

grinder

random orbit sander

impact wrench

hedge trimmer

grass trimmer

nailer (that performs as well as DeWalts)

AC/CD vacuum that includes battery charger.


I agree, I have read many posts here by people requesting the tools you have listed as well.
Possibly have a self propelled lawn mower with 2 batteries for 48 volts. Black and Decker has one running at 24 volts.

The demand is there but no supply.

[Disaster]

Possibly have a self propelled lawn mower with 2 batteries for 48 volts. Black and Decker has one running at 24 volts.


A little cordless lawn mower would be the bomb if you lived in a city. When I lived on a 60 foot wide, 1/4 acre lot I used to mow my lawn with an electric corded mower. It worked great and I never had to deal with gas smell and hassle. You quickly develop a strategy for working away from the cord so you don't cut it.

http://www.amazon.com/Yard-Machines13-Inch-Electric-Mower-18A-C06-700/dp/B0001AU2N4/ref=sr_1_6/104-7556554-1144751?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1176914646&sr=1-6

The biggest inhibitor, of selling a cordless mower would be cost. There are a couple pretty nice cordless mowers out but they are real expensive. The B&D one is $400 at Amazon. That is a big step up from the $150 dollar MTD or Yard Machines, gas mowers most people buy.

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-Cordless-Mulching-CMM1200/dp/B000NJTFPE/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-7556554-1144751?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1176914341&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Yard-Machines-20-Inch-Mower-021G/dp/B0009XB33G/ref=sr_1_21/104-7556554-1144751?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1176914646&sr=1-21

[brianss]

Okay - I finally got a call back from Ridgid today. After hundreds of phone calls and emails, here is what they said...

** The MaxSelect Impact Driver R8823 should be available at Home Depot on Father's Day, June 17th. **

[onlycordless]

A little cordless lawn mower would be the bomb if you lived in a city. When I lived on a 60 foot wide, 1/4 acre lot I used to mow my lawn with an electric corded mower. It worked great and I never had to deal with gas smell and hassle. You quickly develop a strategy for working away from the cord so you don't cut it.

http://www.amazon.com/Yard-Machines13-Inch-Electric-Mower-18A-C06-700/dp/B0001AU2N4/ref=sr_1_6/104-7556554-1144751?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1176914646&sr=1-6

The biggest inhibitor, of selling a cordless mower would be cost. There are a couple pretty nice cordless mowers out but they are real expensive. The B&D one is $400 at Amazon. That is a big step up from the $150 dollar MTD or Yard Machines, gas mowers most people buy.

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-Cordless-Mulching-CMM1200/dp/B000NJTFPE/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-7556554-1144751?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1176914341&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Yard-Machines-20-Inch-Mower-021G/dp/B0009XB33G/ref=sr_1_21/104-7556554-1144751?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1176914646&sr=1-21


In a perfect world we would have a 60 volt(Lithium or ultracapitors) 24" cut self propelled lawnmower for $200.00(someday).
It would charge in about an hour
The lawnmower would charge via cigarrette lighter in a vehicle(no cost to operate)

I would open up my own landscaping business with an electric vehicle that charges through kenectic energy and regenerative braking and all electric lawn equipment.

Its almost all profit.
(In a perfect world)

[onlycordless]

Okay - I finally got a call back from Ridgid today. After hundreds of phone calls and emails, here is what they said...

** The MaxSelect Impact Driver R8823 should be available at Home Depot on Father's Day, June 17th. **

RIDGID does make the best quality tools in my opinion. I hope RIDGID knows what they are doing as many people will have bought competitors products by then.
If they are waiting to release the driver until June 17th, it will be a good product. It is good to know that a company still makes a good product, however, the question is how long is the consumer willing to wait? And will the 'buzz' be gone by then?

[brianss]

As I said in an earlier post, if I was a contractor, I would have bought another tool brand without question. This amount of effort and lack of tool availability is not worth it, at any cost. I feel good that I was able to get a great deal on the 24v set, plus the lifetime warranty, and since I don't use these tools for a living, I'm okay with it, for now. But the warranty is also questionable because most of the service centers I talked to are taking months to get the tools and batteries replaced and/or repaired. We will just have to see how this shakes out.

[humbletile]

June 17th? I remember when Ridgid said march and then it was april and now June 17th. I love my 24v set and I think ridgid tools are great but I'm not going to rely on them for my everyday tools. With cordless tools today there are so many additional tools and I want a set that I know I can get what I need when I needed it. I am a contractor and a impact driver is something I can live without but it would make my life easier. I have passed up buying other brand impact drivers because I don't like having 3 or 4 different batteries for everything. How hard is it to make a impact driver? I think I'm doing to start a Makita 18v lithium tool collection. I can go to anyone of a dozen sites and buy whatever I want. Or go to HD. Ridgid isn't even selling replacement batteries for the 24v. I know the batteries are garanteed for life but sometimes you lose one. The tools are reliable but the product line just isn't. I'll still buy Ridgid tools when they are availible but I'm not waiting for new products.

[onlycordless]

Okay - I finally got a call back from Ridgid today. After hundreds of phone calls and emails, here is what they said...

** The MaxSelect Impact Driver R8823 should be available at Home Depot on Father's Day, June 17th. **


Ok, I am confused. Probrand stated on this forum on 4/05/07, the impact driver is hitting stores now.

[brianss]

I'm not sure who Probrand is. I spoke to the Ridgid Customer Support Manager yesterday, who told me the 17th. But like others have pointed out, this is just another date they threw out. Apperently, they have given out a number of dates and they keep pushing it out, once again. I'm not holding my breath this time. If I see a good deal come through with Makita, I will be returning my 24v set ASAP. When Amazon runs a good sale, the Makita 18v lithium set is only a $100 more as compared to the Ridgid set. And all of the Makita tools are now available and you get great customer service.

[Disaster]

I'm not sure who Probrand is. I spoke to the Ridgid Customer Support Manager yesterday, who told me the 17th. But like others have pointed out, this is just another date they threw out. Apperently, they have given out a number of dates and they keep pushing it out, once again. I'm not holding my breath this time. If I see a good deal come through with Makita, I will be returning my 24v set ASAP. When Amazon runs a good sale, the Makita 18v lithium set is only a $100 more as compared to the Ridgid set. And all of the Makita tools are now available and you get great customer service.

You might want to do some reasearch before making that decision.

There was a posting here about Makita lithium tools, and several other reviews that place them considerably below other brands. The Makita impact driver gets great reviews. The drill gets mixed reviews...biggest issue is it's lack of power compared to the competition. The reciprocating saw fairs much worse...low power and low battery life. I've not heard good stuff about the circular saw either.

On the other hand, I've heard pretty good reviews of the Milwaukee lithium tools (though some issues with overheating of the drill.)

Likewise, DeWalt gets great reviews but they haven't got their 18 volt lithium line out yet (supposedly soon...possibly batteries compatible with existing tools.)

Hitachi gets good reviews but I steered clear of them when I read about drills breaking when dropped. New lithium drill doesn't have notches around grip so they may be stronger.

Woops...edit. Found this not so glowing review of Hitachi reciprocating saw at Amazon.

"I bought this kit for electrical work. The sawzall won't cut through 3/4 inch conduit without binding and stopping the motor. When I put the same blade in an old DeWalt sawzall, it cuts through the pipe like it was butter. Save your money and get a Milwaukee or a DeWalt combo kit instead."

One thing I can say about the 24 volt Ridgid reciprocating saw is that it has power. I bound up a blade pretty bad when cutting down a tree and it kept pumping.

[brianss]

Yes, I would tend to agree with your comments. I have read similar reviews regarding the Makita lithium tools. I love their light weight, but I also need some power when using certain tools, like the recip saw. For now, I plan to hold on to my 24v set, until I finialize my decision.

[Velosapien]

Forget waiting for the impact driver, when are the batteries going to become available? Any dates on that yet? That was the single thing to scare me off from getting a 24v combo and going for Makita set instead. I make it a point to always at least get a third and fourth battery for any set I buy. Given that almost always two cordless tools are used frequently at the same job that means I'd be stuck with no third spare battery charging. Swapping one battery continuosly on several tools is also quite annoying.

[Velosapien]

You might want to do some reasearch before making that decision.

There was a posting here about Makita lithium tools, and several other reviews that place them considerably below other brands. The Makita impact driver gets great reviews. The drill gets mixed reviews...biggest issue is it's lack of power compared to the competition. The reciprocating saw fairs much worse...low power and low battery life. I've not heard good stuff about the circular saw either.

On the other hand, I've heard pretty good reviews of the Milwaukee lithium tools (though some issues with overheating of the drill.)

Likewise, DeWalt gets great reviews but they haven't got their 18 volt lithium line out yet (supposedly soon...possibly batteries compatible with existing tools.)



The Makita circular saw is actually rather decent. Not particularly powerful but then again most 18v saws aren't. Its light and well balanced and the run time is very respectable. One plus to the Makita line is an extensive tool lineup. Unfortunately a lot are not yet available outside of Europe and Japan like the Jigsaw, impact wrench, and compact rotary hammer.

Dewalt announced the 18v lithium will be fully compatible with the existing line. I doubt they will reintroduce a new 18v line as they have started to heavily promote the current 18v line again recently, probably in preparation for the new battery releases. They also have the most extensive 18v lineup so it would be a waste to redesign every single one. I think they make pretty much every single tool in their lineup in 18v variety. Even more obscure stuff like plate joiners soon.

[onlycordless]

Forget waiting for the impact driver, when are the batteries going to become available? Any dates on that yet? That was the single thing to scare me off from getting a 24v combo and going for Makita set instead. I make it a point to always at least get a third and fourth battery for any set I buy. Given that almost always two cordless tools are used frequently at the same job that means I'd be stuck with no third spare battery charging. Swapping one battery continuosly on several tools is also quite annoying.


There is a "starter kit" available for the 24xli line. It includes one battery and a charger. $199
However, if you can find the 24volt drill kit, it comes with the drill, 2 batteries and a charger for $199

[humbletile]

Who wants to pay $200 dollars just for one battery and a charge you don't need?

Like I stated earlier I am about to invest in some Makita LXT. I am probably giong to buy the impact and drill combo. But I am still glad I got my 24v set. There is no comparison between 24v and 18v power when you are using the hammer drill (for hammer drilling), circ saw or rep saw. I just don't want to have to depend on my 24v set because you never know if you can get anything for it. I am looking foward to some light weight tools.

IF you are looking for makita tools tylertools.com has some good deals on them and reconditioned tools.

[Steve Klyce]

Hello, I'm also waiting for the 24 volt impact driver, and I hope that it runs cooler than the 14.4 volt ones that me and my buddies at work own. we were assembling some 1/2npt. brass compression adapters into brass reducing bushings and we assembled about 200 of them. I was using the hi cap. 14.4 volt battery. It would take about 4 seconds of impacting to get the torque that I needed and the impact driver never stalled during the tighting process but I noticed after about 30 fittings that the motor was getting really hot but I figured it's fan cooled and I'm not overloading it so it should maintain a safe temprature ,so after about 5 more fittings I started to see and smell smoke coming from the vent holes of the motor. So I switched to the other ridgid 14.4 volt impact driver that I had and let that one cool ( both are pretty new, maybe 4 charges run through them) and after about 35 fittings it started smoking to. I find this unacceptible, my old trusty 18 volt Ryobi did the last 140 of the fittings on 3 batteries and did not overheat. I hope the ridgid 24 volt impact driver has better cooling and a bigger motor and can see substained use without over heating especially with the 24 volt battery having twice the watt hour capacity as the hi cap. 14.4 volt ni-cads, if not their going to be a lot of warrenty claims with burnt up motors. After all, the 24 volt line is represented as professional tools. By the way I have the 24 volt set and I just love the power of the tools and have not had any problems with overheating of any of them. And I must say that 24 volt sawzall is a beast, if that blade hangs up, you've got blurred vision until you release the trigger:p . I have run that saw for a solid hour and went through 4 batteries cutting several sticks of 11/4 in electrical conduit into 11/2 in pieces and the saw got warm but never got hot:) . I would love to see a 41/2 in angle grinder in the max select line:) .

[Phone Guy]

One can assume that there is a problem with the impact driver or they would be selling them now. No one waits months to release something knowing there is a demand. I figure there is a copyright infringement or too many problems. That would also answer why you can't get a straight answer from Ridgid. I'm getting a little fed up myself.

[Disaster]

One can assume that there is a problem with the impact driver or they would be selling them now. No one waits months to release something knowing there is a demand. I figure there is a copyright infringement or too many problems. That would also answer why you can't get a straight answer from Ridgid. I'm getting a little fed up myself.

They might be running into issues on how the extra voltage and power is effecting the ram/impact assembly. They might have hoped to just the motor on the older 18 volt but found they needed to do more extensive design changes. When Ryobi introduced their 18 volt impact it looked exactly like their 14.4 volt model...save the battery. The Craftsman C3 19.2 volt looks exactly the same as the Ryobi 18 volt model.

I wouldn't be surprised if they have some in longer term testing...possibly even with some contractors somewhere.

I don't mind waiting if it means they will get it right the first time.

[Skydivewags]

Okay - I finally got a call back from Ridgid today. After hundreds of phone calls and emails, here is what they said...

** The MaxSelect Impact Driver R8823 should be available at Home Depot on Father's Day, June 17th. **

I see you got your response after mine, and that disapoints me, as they told me that it would arive in stores by the end of this month. And our replys were only a week apart. Here is the response I got.

RIDGID Response: (04/12/2007 07:32)

Mark:

The 1/4" drive, Max-Select impact driver is not available yet, it is due to hit Home Depot store shelves around the end of this month. Your local stores special services desk should be able to tell you whether thay have a stocking order placed for it or not.

Best regards,

Tom C.
Consumer Response
One World Technologies, Inc.

[brianss]

I think the keep word in his response "due to hit Home Depot store shelves around the end of this month" is the word "around". Perhaps "around" means anytime this coming year. I'm sure some Product Manager within Ridgid knows, but everyone else is just clueless. I don't even bother asking anymore at THD. I just think Customer Service at both Ridgid and THD has really declined over the years. It's a shame that we actually have to give these places our business, but until there is more competition, that's the way it goes.

[ProBrand]

All,

Some interesting posts here. Great feedback both positive and negative.

Sorry for any confusion. The MaxSelect impact driver is in some stores now. At The Home Depot, the SKU is 593085. The site for the product is http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/R8823-Dual-Voltage-Impact-Driver/index.htm

I'll be curious to hear what people think of the tool.

[Disaster]

All,

Some interesting posts here. Great feedback both positive and negative.

Sorry for any confusion. The MaxSelect impact driver is in some stores now. At The Home Depot, the SKU is 593085. The site for the product is http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/R8823-Dual-Voltage-Impact-Driver/index.htm

I'll be curious to hear what people think of the tool.

Any clue which stores? Still nothing shown on the Home Depot website whether you search for 593085, R8823 or impact driver.

P.S. Links on that webpage, for manual and parts list, are for 12 volt right angle impact...the only one sold on the HD website.

http://www.ridgid.com/ASSETS/37FF4C43C7634EA0AA9DAED428B76474/R8823.jpg

[mdm]

I got a call from one the HD's in town saying that they have them ordered and it's scheduled for delivery to the store on May 8th. Hopefully next Tuesday I'll have one in my hands. :D

[brianss]

It would be nice if Ridgid would throw out some coupons or have a good sale for all of the painful postings we had to make on this site for this tool. Also, I never did hear of any other tools that will be offered on the MaxSelect line. God knows, that would take a lifetime for them to release that information.

[roadrashray]

It would be nice if Ridgid would throw out some coupons or have a good sale for all of the painful postings we had to make on this site for this tool. Also, I never did hear of any other tools that will be offered on the MaxSelect line. God knows, that would take a lifetime for them to release that information.
MaxSelect line:http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/Dual-Voltage-Tools/index.htm
Called my HD in Auburn,NY and they told me scheduled delivery for MaxSelect Impact Driver is Friday, which if true I will have mine that day. It is also the day Mr. Ridgid will be in the store and I will hit him up for some kind of a deal.

[Disaster]

It would be nice if Ridgid would throw out some coupons or have a good sale for all of the painful postings we had to make on this site for this tool. Also, I never did hear of any other tools that will be offered on the MaxSelect line. God knows, that would take a lifetime for them to release that information.

Patience will be rewarded. In a year, after HD hides these things on the shelf and because of that, sells about 20 of them, they will deeply discount them. That is the time to buy.

Home Depot and Ridgid are their own worst enemies.

[Skydivewags]

I just checked with my HD store, and they now have 4 on order due to arrive in the store May 8th. I paid for one up front, so I will get one when they come in. I would still like to know how long it is. I doubt it will be as short as the Makita at 5 3/4", but by the pictures, it doesn't look like it will be much longer.

It would be nice if they had more detailed specs on the Ridgid site. The correct manual would be nice also.

[brianss]

If you happen to get the Impact Driver soon, it would great if you can post some pictures of the tool using the 24v battery. My only concern, at this point, will be the size of 24v battery. Impact Drivers are usually small as compared to a drill, but that 24v battery is pretty large. Hopefully, it won't impact the usability of the tool. Also, I'm not sure why they included a light on the tool. I have seen this on the Makita line, but it seems strange. It almost looks like they are trying to mimic another vendor.

[Skydivewags]

Also, I'm not sure why they included a light on the tool. I have seen this on the Makita line, but it seems strange. It almost looks like they are trying to mimic another vendor.

I wouldn't call it mimicking any brand, a lot of small tools have this feature, if the Ridgid didn't have it, that would be one vote against it for me. I am hoping this driver is small enough to get in to some tight areas, and these are the areas that the light is needed. A few weeks ago I was using my Bosch 10.8V lithium driver to drive several screws in a very tight area, I just got the Bosch, and wasn't used to it yet, and almost went for a flashlight to get some light in there, then I remembered it has a light. A light press on the trigger, and the area was lit, I could see where to put the screw. Life was good.

I see they have the correct manual on the web site now. I guess they do pay attention to what we post here. Now if they would just list the length of the driver.


Blue Skies,
Wags

[Akita]

Makita makes excellent cordless tools escpially impact drivers. Makita is a good company to emulate to make improvements to tools.

[Disaster]

I wouldn't call it mimicking any brand, a lot of small tools have this feature, if the Ridgid didn't have it, that would be one vote against it for me.

Blue Skies,
Wags

Agreed. A tool light is incredibly helpful. I'd like to see them on more tools. For example, sometimes when I'm cutting with a sabresaw the shadow of the tool can make it difficult to see the cutting line. A light, right at the blade, would help.

Another thing that I'd like to see, on more tools, is air directed at the blade/drill. You see this on some saws...specifically tabletop jigsaws, but it would be helpful in other tools...like drills. It'd be nice to have an option, on a drill to blow air on the drillbit to keep it the surface clean and help cool the bit. It would be nice to see air directed at a circular saw blade to keep it's path unobscured by sawdust.

[Skydivewags]

Another thing that I'd like to see, on more tools, is air directed at the blade/drill. You see this on some saws...specifically tabletop jigsaws, but it would be helpful in other tools...like drills. It'd be nice to have an option, on a drill to blow air on the drillbit to keep it the surface clean and help cool the bit. It would be nice to see air directed at a circular saw blade to keep it's path unobscured by sawdust.

That would be cool, I would have loved to have that on my Roto Zip today. The drywall dust piles up in a hurry. But then again, I may have had a dust cloud I couldn't have seen through.

[humbletile]

I got mine this morning. Pretty cool. Its a little heavier than i would like it to be. But it seems to have plenty of power. In the picture it is sitting on a 8x8 tile.

[Skydivewags]

Thanks for the picture, I still haven't found the dementions of the driver. What is the length from the tip of the chuck, to the back of the driver? I am guessing by the photo it's about 7 1/2". If it's that long, that kind of sucks, as it will be one of the bigest impact drivers on the market.

As far as the weight thing goes, maybe Ridgid will come out with a compact battery like Makita. That would be nice.

[humbletile]

I think the overall length is probably about 6-6 1/2". It is not much longer than the battery. It was good to see that they still have the 18v xli battery on the box. A small battery will help but the tool itself weighs as much as the makita tool and battery. This is the perfect tool for building a deck but if your building cabinets then you probably want to look at Makita. My next purchase is still the makita compact drill.

[Disaster]

I think the overall length is probably about 6-6 1/2". It is not much longer than the battery. It was good to see that they still have the 18v xli battery on the box. A small battery will help but the tool itself weighs as much as the makita tool and battery. This is the perfect tool for building a deck but if your building cabinets then you probably want to look at Makita. My next purchase is still the makita compact drill.

Do you have a scale where you can weigh it? I'm curious the actual weight. The 18 volt NiCd weighs about a half ounce more than the 24 volt Lithium battery.

[brianss]

humbletile (http://www.ridgidforum.com/forum/member.php?u=13937) - Thanks for the picture. If you can provide any feedback after using the tool, that would be great. I'm holding on to my receipt for my 24v kit. I figure that I still have 90 days to decide if this is the kit for me. Man, that battery looks gigantic on the impact driver. I love the 24v power, but you really need a smaller battery for those tight places.

Do you think that Ridgid will eventually release an 18v lithium battery? I haven't heard anything yet. That would be pretty cool to be able to interchange the batteries on the 24v tools. Of course, that would assume the 18v batteries don't cost a fortune.

[humbletile]

Do you have a scale where you can weigh it? I'm curious the actual weight. The 18 volt NiCd weighs about a half ounce more than the 24 volt Lithium battery.

I put it on my bathroom scale with the battery and it came right in at 5lbs. Which is almost 2lbs more than the full size makita lxt. I used it to put some 1 3/4" subfloor screws in, which was no problem. When I got home the biggest thing I had was some 3 1/2" galv deck screws which went in like there was nothing to it. I had put them in with my hammer drill before, with this thing it was much easier. This is my first impact driver so I can't really compare it to others. The light is nice and bright. I will post more as I get a chance to use it more. My Dad is going to be helping his neighbor put up a deck this weekend and he is going to barrow it. I will let ya'll know what he finds out. But right now I am just tired of everything in the Ridgid line being so heavy. I have to take outlets on and off a lot and 5lbs really starts to suck after a while. I might just have to get a little bosch drill driver. I look foward to hear what everyone has to say about the new driver as they get them. I still can't believe they are here.

Brianss- I think the fact that they left the 18v lion battery on the new impact box is a good sign. If they had killed that plan surely with all the time they had before they released it they would have changed it. But that would be Ridgid not too. Who knows. But just think one battery and a charger for the 24v cost two hundred dollars. And who know if the same charge will work with both if they ever come out. Another $200 investment.

[NavyBuck]

I have to take outlets on and off a lot and 5lbs really starts to suck after a while. I might just have to get a little bosch drill driver. Here is a big vote for the Bosch PS 20. I picked one up recently and absolutely love it. It comes with two batteries and the charger, which is nice. The reality is 80 percent plus of what I use a driver for is more than adequately handled by the PS 20. Just about my favorite tool.

[brianss]

Yes, I'm pretty tempted to take back my 24v kit and just get a good cordless drill/driver/hammer and impact driver. I can then just purchase the corded tools, like the recip, circular, etc, as I need them.

[Disaster]

Here is a big vote for the Bosch PS 20. I picked one up recently and absolutely love it. It comes with two batteries and the charger, which is nice. The reality is 80 percent plus of what I use a driver for is more than adequately handled by the PS 20. Just about my favorite tool.

The Bosch is OK, for tiny screw chasing (like with cabinets) but it is considerably underpowered when it comes to anything larger. The Bosch impact (PS-40??) should be better. Also, I don't care for drilling with 1/4" driver bits. There is limited selection, the quality of the bits is usually so-so, and they are costly. I'd like a small drill and a small impact. Panasonic made a drill that had an impact mode which was neat....but expensive and not as light as the little Bosch.

[Disaster]

Yes, I'm pretty tempted to take back my 24v kit and just get a good cordless drill/driver/hammer and impact driver. I can then just purchase the corded tools, like the recip, circular, etc, as I need them.

I think the kit is a good enough deal to own it, AND a smaller drill/impact driver set. You need the power with the reciprocating saw and circular saw and it is nice to have a beast of a drill when you need it. Couple that with a lightweight drill and impact set, like the Makita, Panasonic or new Hitachi, and you have it all covered.

[roadrashray]

humbletile (http://www.ridgidforum.com/forum/member.php?u=13937) - Thanks for the picture. If you can provide any feedback after using the tool, that would be great. I'm holding on to my receipt for my 24v kit. I figure that I still have 90 days to decide if this is the kit for me. Man, that battery looks gigantic on the impact driver. I love the 24v power, but you really need a smaller battery for those tight places.

Do you think that Ridgid will eventually release an 18v lithium battery? I haven't heard anything yet. That would be pretty cool to be able to interchange the batteries on the 24v tools. Of course, that would assume the 18v batteries don't cost a fortune.
I drove a few three inch coated deck screws which it blew in with no effort. Tried a couple of 1/2" lag bolts which made it huff a little more but still ran them in. Yeah, it looks a little big but the balance is very nice so it didn't feel clumsy. Of course I haven't done any real work with it yet, so stay tuned.
Speaking of work, I finally put a little under the shoe of the MaxSelect jig saw I bought a month ago. Nothing complicated, just cutting an arc in several 1" boards. Good power, tracked well, little tit on front of plastic guide was nice for tracking, wish it had a trigger lock but trigger being large enough to hold with two fingers helped. I had posted a problem earlier that I couldn't get the shoe level. I found that if I grab the front of the shoe and wiggle it as I shove it into the detent it will align and then I can close the locking lever and the blade is verticle.

[Skydivewags]

I think the overall length is probably about 6-6 1/2". It is not much longer than the battery.


Can you measure it please? In your picture, it's almost as long as your 8" tile. I am courious about the length from the tip of the chuck to the back of the tool. Thanks.

[oldslowchevy]

those are 6" tiles

[Skydivewags]

those are 6" tiles

I just redid my math using a known length, the battery, and their is no way those are 8" tiles. I came up with 6 1/2" for the tiles, and 6 1/8" for the length of the driver. That is more like it.

Their will be some distortion since he probably had his Blackberry very close when taking the picture, and it has a wide angle lense, this would make the tiles look a little smaller then they are, but still they can not be 8".

Have I beat this up or what? Could we get a measurement please?!?!?

[oldslowchevy]

wow that was indepth



but i was just tring to make a funny............. glad i didnt say that it was a 4" tile

[Skydivewags]

My anal-retentive side is showing through, and my impatience. I want my impact driver!!!

[humbletile]

All i can say is you don't realize how much the optical allusion, of the camera and the shadow, effects how big it looks. Just trust me the impact has almost a inch on both sides when sitting on the tile. I'm sorry but I am in pensacola now and can't measure it for you. And it is cinqo de mayo!!! Anyways hope the lack of exact information does not cause you too much frustration Skydivewags. But let's be honest if I told you it was 8" long you are still going to go buy it. We have been waiting too long for this thing. I still plan on buying a Makita but I had to have the ridgid too. I think I had to own it just to believe it was really there.

[roadrashray]

OK,OK,OK already....Lets go to the tape. 6 7/8 from tip of chuck to back of motor housing. 10 1/2 from bottom of battery to top front of motor housing.
Small compared to hammer/drill. Kinda makes me wish for a switch to lock shaft and make a light drill and drive without all the rat-tat-tat. Never happy

[Skydivewags]

Thanks roadrashray, now I can quit beating this to death.

It's a bit bigger then I would like, but it is a brute, and will get the tough jobs done. I just might get the 12v Ridgid right angle impact for the tight spaces. These two will complement each other well.

There is no doubt that the Makita is the best all around impact on the market.

[Disaster]

There is no doubt that the Makita is the best all around impact on the market.

I wouldn't go that far. I prefer the Panasonic which is nearly as small and light but includes variable impact force. I've used the Panasonic for several jobs now and I've found the variable impact force to be even more useful than I thought it would be when I first bought it. It really helps control how quickly you get "in trouble"...making the tool more controllable...easier to use.

[Skydivewags]

I have heard good things about the Panasonic's. A local dealer here says the people from the Hutterite colonys buy only Panasonic. They say they last for ever.

[staab29]

just saw one on ebay for 149 and 30 shipping. little steep. they are 119 in stores that have them. called my home depot today and they said that they would order one for me

[Disaster]

just saw one on ebay for 149 and 30 shipping. little steep. they are 119 in stores that have them. called my home depot today and they said that they would order one for me

Funny, that is typical with the new Ryobi tools too. People looking to make a quick buck grab them up when they first come out and sell them on Ebay. I wouldn't be surprised if they weren't HD employees taking advantage of the situation.

[Skydivewags]

My HD had, and still has a delivery date in the computer of the 8th, so I paid for one up front, so I would get one of the 4 coming. I called today, and they said they haven’t been shipped yet, but will on the 10th, and will arrive here on the 22nd. I guess they must be coming across the country on a slow boat.

I used to work retail, and the company I worked for could get any item from any store in the country to any other in 3 days. This doesn’t make me feel good about the HD world.

The Panasonic or Makita are looking better all the time.

[roadrashray]

My HD had, and still has a delivery date in the computer of the 8th, so I paid for one up front, so I would get one of the 4 coming. I called today, and they said they haven’t been shipped yet, but will on the 10th, and will arrive here on the 22nd. I guess they must be coming across the country on a slow boat.

I used to work retail, and the company I worked for could get any item from any store in the country to any other in 3 days. This doesn’t make me feel good about the HD world.

The Panasonic or Makita are looking better all the time.
Skydive.....Just noticed you are from South Dakota. Sorry to have to tell you, but I think Ridgid announced they were going to send the Impact Drivers to South Dakota on one of those wagon train re-enactments.

[Skydivewags]

Skydive.....Just noticed you are from South Dakota. Sorry to have to tell you, but I think Ridgid announced they were going to send the Impact Drivers to South Dakota on one of those wagon train re-enactments.

At this point that wouldn't surprise me.

I looked at the Panasonic, and it’s very enticing. It has almost the same torque as the Ridgid, and is very lightweight. I also like the belt clip, and of course the variable speed would be nice. Paying an extra $200 for more batteries and a charger doesn’t excite me any.

[staab29]

well i stopped in hd today to pick up some stuff and i saw ten of these sittingon the shelf for sale. its funny because i called the other day and they told me that they did not have a delivery of them coming but they would order one for me. needless to say, i bought two

[Disaster]

At this point that wouldn't surprise me.

I looked at the Panasonic, and it’s very enticing. It has almost the same torque as the Ridgid, and is very lightweight. I also like the belt clip, and of course the variable speed would be nice. Paying an extra $200 for more batteries and a charger doesn’t excite me any.

From a torque standpoint there isn't much advantage to going over 1,000-1,100 in-lbs. In fact, when you start driving at 1,200-1,400 in-lbs you are much more likely to shear a screw. Most of the impact drivers on the market run between 800 and 1,400 in-lbs. Above that and you are getting into impact wrench territory.

The difference comes down to comfort, features, speed and run times.

The 24 volt, 3 amp hour, Ridgid should run all day....maybe several days. It should drive a screw faster before hitting the impact feature.

The Panasonic runs a good long time too, with it's 3 Amp Hour battery. The really nice thing about the Panasonic is it runs about 700-800 in-lbs in soft mode up to a bit over 1,300 in-lbs in hard mode. I use the soft mode all the time.

The Makita compact has a slightly smaller battery at 18 volts and 1.5 Amp Hours. The Makita wins in size and weight but the Panasonic isn't far behind.

I'd much rather lug the Makita or Panasonic around than the Ridgid. On the other hand, if my job was driving in a thousand deck screws I might not mind the Ridgid (assuming it can be controlled. It isn't fun having to run multiple screws in the same hole when you shear every third one off.) Also, it is nice to run all the tools of the same batteries and charger.

[Skydivewags]

The difference comes down to comfort, features, speed and run times.

The Panasonic runs a good long time too, with it's 3 Amp Hour battery. The really nice thing about the Panasonic is it runs about 700-800 in-lbs in soft mode up to a bit over 1,300 in-lbs in hard mode. I use the soft mode all the time.


I couldn’t wait any longer, I bought the Panasonic, and I love it.

I was not excited about paying the extra money, but I know I will be very happy with it. I like how lightweight it is, (3.1 lbs.), and still having good high-end torque.

The three speed settings will come in handy. Panasonic is the only one I know of that has this feature.

The belt hook, what a simple concept. This will come in very handy, they should all have one. The Makita has one, but I like the Panasonics better, I can hook it in a pocket easy.

So I take back my statement from earlier. I now believe the Panasonic is the best all around impact driver. Good by.

[onlycordless]

I skimmed over this thread and may have missed it.

Anyone know the total weight of the impact driver with 24 volt battery?


Thanks

[oldslowchevy]

i belive it is about 8.5 pounds, rigdig mad it like this to keep the cry babys crying and to make the men stonger

[ARE1]

I got mine today, it weighs about 5 lbs with my 24v battery. I got a 24v battery from a rep. who stated they will be about $150 each. Ouch. So far I really like the set and am waiting for the ridgid 18v compact l-ion drill due around Fathers Day, to add to my set.

[onlycordless]

I got mine today, it weighs about 5 lbs with my 24v battery. I got a 24v battery from a rep. who stated they will be about $150 each. Ouch. So far I really like the set and am waiting for the ridgid 18v compact l-ion drill due around Fathers Day, to add to my set.


Thanks for the info,
with the hammerdrill weighing in at almost 7, the impact is probably more practicle in most applications.

[brianss]

Has anyone else picked up the new 24v impact driver? Just looking for some more feedback and pics. I haven't had a chance to check my local HD store yet. I'm still concerned about the size and usability of the 24v battery on this tool. I wish they would announce an 18v lithium battery soon.

[FINER9998]

I purchased a Max Select impact driver last week and have been using it with 18v batteries. It makes mincemeat out of driving screws. Where was this tool when I built my deck? Oh, the profanity that would have been avoided!

[onlycordless]

I got mine today, it weighs about 5 lbs with my 24v battery. I got a 24v battery from a rep. who stated they will be about $150 each. Ouch. So far I really like the set and am waiting for the ridgid 18v compact l-ion drill due around Fathers Day, to add to my set.


Did the RIDGID rep give you the battery at no cost?

[cactusman]

I don't understand this....home Depot is clueless
but if you do a search on E-bay ...presto the 24v impact driver is available
and starting bids run around $40-$60. I found 4 of them yesterday.

Now..where are these E-bay sellers getting all this Ridgid stuff????

I have yet to find an 18v 2.5ah battery at home Depot but on E-bay they are in mass!

Cactus Man

[roadrashray]

I don't understand this....home Depot is clueless
but if you do a search on E-bay ...presto the 24v impact driver is available
and starting bids run around $40-$60. I found 4 of them yesterday.

Now..where are these E-bay sellers getting all this Ridgid stuff????

I have yet to find an 18v 2.5ah battery at home Depot but on E-bay they are in mass!

Cactus Man
It probably shouldn't make any difference but the tool is actually a Maxselect impact driver that runs on either 24 or 18 volt batteries.
The MaxSelect impact driver is in some stores now. At The Home Depot, the SKU is 593085. The site for the product is http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/R8823-Du...iver/index.htm
Go to customer service and tell them this is what you want.

[ARE1]

Did the RIDGID rep give you the battery at no cost?

Yes, I was talking with them about how long new products were taking and whats coming in the near future. He said thanks for your patience and using our products and tossed me a 24v battery.

[onlycordless]

Yes, I was talking with them about how long new products were taking and whats coming in the near future. He said thanks for your patience and using our products and tossed me a 24v battery.


When I was in Home Depot talking to several employees, they stated that RIDGID reps throw the batteries away when they display the tools. INCREDIBLE

Home Depot employees apparantley are not authorized to give the batteries away....Nice job on getting a battery...Maybe I will run into a rep some day;)

[ARE1]

That seem odd, I have bought many display/demo tools with all the parts and batteries included. This may vary from store to store, but it seems ridiculous to me, the tools are cheap to buy, the batteries are what cost the money.

[onlycordless]

That seem odd, I have bought many display/demo tools with all the parts and batteries included. This may vary from store to store, but it seems ridiculous to me, the tools are cheap to buy, the batteries are what cost the money.


It is ridiculous. Could it be Home Depot employee's are wrong?LOL

[Disaster]

Now..where are these E-bay sellers getting all this Ridgid stuff????

I have yet to find an 18v 2.5ah battery at home Depot but on E-bay they are in mass!

Cactus Man

The tools you see on Ebay are sold from kits that people divided up. I'm not sure what is going on with the 24v impacts because I haven't seen those in kits.

[Newman]

Kind of unrelated, but I ran into a Milwaukee rep yesterday at the lumber yard, and we started talking. He said they have some sort of promo where you can trade three used 18V Milwaukee NiCad batteries for 2 new 18V LiIon batteries and dual port charger. That sounded interesting. I guess you can run the new LiIon batteries in your old NiCad tools.

[brianss]

Just to add to the Home Depot comments. Our local TV stations have been running stories all week about complaints that people are having with Home Depot and their install department; roofing, carpets, tile, etc. I was surprised how upset people are with them and how they refuse to shop there again. I'm sure the TV stories will somehow affect local HD businesses here. It's one thing to buy tools and supplies, but I have had horrible experiences working with the install people and the orange aprons, in general. I wish Lowes or someone else would step up, so Home Depot can start treating their customers better.

On a side note, I visited three local HD stores and I still can't seem to find the Ridgid 24v Impact Driver. I'm sure it's just a matter of time. I would like to see the 18v lithium batteries soon or at least know that they are coming. Gee, Ridgid could really use a marketing department. Although, I did see an ad for the 24v Recip Saw in the latest issue of HandyMan mag. Still no mention of an 18v lithium, just the 18v ni-cad.

[roadrashray]

Just to add to the Home Depot comments. Our local TV stations have been running stories all week about complaints that people are having with Home Depot and their install department; roofing, carpets, tile, etc. I was surprised how upset people are with them and how they refuse to shop there again. I'm sure the TV stories will somehow affect local HD businesses here. It's one thing to buy tools and supplies, but I have had horrible experiences working with the install people and the orange aprons, in general. I wish Lowes or someone else would step up, so Home Depot can start treating their customers better.

On a side note, I visited three local HD stores and I still can't seem to find the Ridgid 24v Impact Driver. I'm sure it's just a matter of time. I would like to see the 18v lithium batteries soon or at least know that they are coming. Gee, Ridgid could really use a marketing department. Although, I did see an ad for the 24v Recip Saw in the latest issue of HandyMan mag. Still no mention of an 18v lithium, just the 18v ni-cad.
Brian.....Check out #42 in this thread. Don't know why they don't have them in your area, although my store had the entire inventory at the Contractor Desk. They told so many contractors were waiting for them that they just dropped the whole load there. While your at contractor desk ask them to check computer and find out when they will be in. I did that for the Maxselect planer when the tool guy told me they didn't have any. Pro desk guy checked computer and said we have five in stock....turned out to be true