Ridgid 24V Lithium Tools

[cellardoor]

I was at work today (Home Depot) ;) and was looking up something in the computer and this caught my eye.

The new Ridgid 24v Lithium ion tools are comming soon and will come to the home depot in a piece kit (Most likely drill, circ, recip, flashlight) and will cost $649 i don't know a date of shipment but i'll check the computer often to see when they are ordered so i can give a heads up to check them out.

In case anyone is wondering or want to see if thier local home depot is getting them in the sku number is 635-617. Just take that number to any HD tool associate and ask them to look it up and they can tell you if it's on the way or not. I search the web but couldn't come up with any pictures of them yet.


Also i came across the 36V DeWalt Lithium ion tools that my DeWalt rep told me HS isn't going to carry but they were also in my computer as a 4 piece kit for $799. The sku for that set is 431-931

[swoosh81]

thanks for the info.

[Frankiarmz]

I was in the market for a new set of cordless tools and after checking out the Dewalt 18volt kits and the Milwaukee 24volt, I purchased the Rigid 18volt five tool set today at HD. Research tells me that lithium Ion batteries are superior to the ni cads but I just think the Rigids will not only hold up well for my use but the extra cost for the other tools is a waste. I'm sure there are pro's out there who like these latest battery tools as for me the Rigid tools appear to be very good quality, very strong and a good bargain. Not to mention the warrantee. I cut through a 9/16 threaded rod in a matter of seconds, no more dragging cords around. I wonder why Rigid just didn't come out with a 18volt lithium Ion battery for their existing 18volt tools? The 24's have got to be bigger and heavier? I like the impact driver but would like to see them offer a 1/2 impact gun for the 18volt series. Rigid could bury Dewalt with a tool like that.

[Info Man]

The new 24vkit will be in Home Depot stores in June!

[Lee M]

There is an excellent, lengthy article on lithium-ion batteries and cordless tools in the June/July 2006 issue of Fine Homebuilding Magazine. According to the article, lithium batteries are clearly better and the way of the future.

As to why companies don't make lithium batteries to fit their existing tool lines, Metabo does and Milwaukee will. Apparently the difficulty lies with having the proper battery cell monitoring electronics in the battery would be difficult. Bosch claims that doing so will create battery temperature problems and could be dangerous. Plus, you would need a different charger.

The article says that Ridgid plans to extend its free lifetime service agreement to its new lithium cordless tools (and batteries). I just bought almost every cordless tool Ridgid makes to take advantage of the lifetime service agreement that includes battery replacement. I'd have certainly waited if I'd known that these lithium tools were just around the bend.

It also says that the technology will continue to develop and improve (no surprise there), so the only reason I'd switch over to these new lithium Ridgid tools anytime soon would be to make sure that I got the free lifetime replacement on the batteries (and service on the tools). I'm guessing Ridgid won't always offer this agreement.


As an aside, I saw and tested the new DeWalt 36 volt lithium tools at a DeWalt event at a local HD today. They were powerful, though I did not notice much of a power difference between them and my v28 Milwaukee tools. What I noticed most was how cheap they looked and felt. Poor fit and finish, which always makes me think that they aren't going to last (I have some corded benchtop DeWalt tools I like, but I've never been much impressed by their hand-held power tools (whether corded or cordless). The Milwaukee tools are much, much nicer.

[Kilroy377]

I went over to Lowes today and looked at the 36 volt Dewalt tools. Too big! That battery is huge and the drill was quite heavy. If the new Ridgid stuff comes out that heavy, I'll stick with the 18v stuff.

Kilroy was here!

[RedBaron]

Lowes is actually carrying the 36 volt tools in store now?

[Kilroy377]

Yep, I don't know how many they had in stock, but they had a display. Home Depot had a few boxes, but no display...I never checked the price.

Kilroy was here!

[Kilroy377]

I talked to my favorite tool guy at HD and he said he didn't figure on seeing the new 24 volt Ridgid stuff until sometime in July. My question is "Why can't the fans here in these forums and on the Ridgid website get a peek?"


Kilroy was here!

[Polar Sparky 1224]

I talked to my favorite tool guy at HD and he said he didn't figure on seeing the new 24 volt Ridgid stuff until sometime in July. My question is "Why can't the fans here in these forums and on the Ridgid website get a peek?"

Yet another great idea! But does this fall in front of blind eye's?

hey Kilroy if go open your "user cp" and then select "edit signature" you won't have to type in "Kilroy was here" every time.

[RedBaron]

Accoring to the website they are the same price as home depot.

Expect to see the 24v out by the end of this month from what I hear selling for $649.00. Also apparently they have a new feature that could not be shared until they launch.

As far as this website except for this foruum it is so far behind new tools are not even listed under new tool section even though they have been out for quite a while.

[Kilroy377]

Sparky, Your a gentleman and a scholar and their isn't many of us left. Lets see if it worked.

[bjrenn]

Everyone can sneak a peek at the Ridgid 24v Li-ion tools in the July 2006 PM magazine. They list the set @ $599, and I think the new feature, as discussed in the article is the "fuel gauge" - similar to the new Milwaukee Li-ion batteries. Everyone should read the article and reply to the thread that I posted in the "Give Us Your Tool Ideas" forum. Hope this helps....

[ijones]

Am I wrong to say that lithium batteries don't last very long in cold weather. I use them in the RC hobbies and my lithiums dont last at all unless they are at proper operating temperatures.

[Polar Sparky 1224]

The v 28 batteries have faired pretty good in the cold as one plumber has told me.
http://www.ridgidforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7540&page=2&highlight=dewalt
read PLUMBER's posts.

[mr man]

The 24v Ridgid tools are hitting HD stores now :)

[Kilroy377]

Reports of tools hitting the HD shelves, no pictures or spec's on this website to be found. Give the Ridgid marketing folks a F.

[PhilG.]

The new 24vkit will be in Home Depot stores in June!


Well,
June's almost over and nothing.

Of course, here in South Texas, we just got the news "Lindberg Made It"

[PhilG.]

Am I wrong to say that lithium batteries don't last very long in cold weather. I use them in the RC hobbies and my lithiums dont last at all unless they are at proper operating temperatures.


Don't confuse lithium with lithium-ion batteries!

The two animals could not be more different. Lithium technology has been around a long time. Lithium-ion is quite recent tech.

[Josh]

Eyes wide open... seeing what I can do.. this type of stuff is tricky ;-) As soon as I get the stuff I promise I will post it and you guys will be the first to know.

Josh

[Polar Sparky 1224]

Well,
June's almost over and nothing.

Of course, here in South Texas, we just got the news "Lindberg Made It"

Really I would have thought he'd hit something since he is sitting right behind a large fuel tank. And can't see to well when taking off and landing.

[Park]

i just bought the combo kit.24 volt Hammer drill/ Circular saw/Sawzall/ and Flashlight with single battery charging station. comes with two 24 volt batteries. it says they are 1 hour charging but theres no way it took that long to charge.
tried them out tonight cutting a cupboard out for a built in dish washer. ended up here in the forum searching for info all over ridgid site.
i found the saws and drill very comfortable, never even noticed that feeling of holding a new tool. boy do they ever cut.
good stuff.

[Polar Sparky 1224]

So what kind of bag/case does it some in? And is it Heavier of lighter than a an 18v drill?

[Polar Sparky 1224]

OK i took the wife and kid to home depot and discovered that the 24v set comes in a RIDGID MAN PURSE and will also accept the 18v batteries in the tool. But using the 24v batteries in your 18v Doesn't sound to smart, but i wonder if you can use your nicads in these tools? The 24v are quite a bit lighter than the 18v batteries and have only three prongs for charging. +,-, & T

It costs $649 and it appears to be designed to use your old batteries too, But someone from Ridgid should say if that is true or not. Hint hint:p :p

[Park]

yes it comes with a man purse. but its definately better than carrying a big plastic trunk. i did pay 649 for the combo kit, then duty at the border.
i used every one of the tools in the kit today and they're very powerful and comfortable to use.
definately worth the ridgid name.

[PhilG.]

OK,... the wife and kid set comes in a RIDGID MAN PURSE... Doesn't sound to smart, but i wonder if you can use your nads in these tools? i have only three prongs for charging. +,-, & T

It costs $649... say if that is true or not. Hint hint:p :p


Warning...creative quote editing above!:D Ummm, he said it, but not necessarily on that order:D

MAN PURSE...:D

PS1224, you crack me up...

[dingus]

The website has been updated, with a separate subsite for the new XLi 24-volt tools/batteries.

edit: I read somewhere that the new LXi 24v batteries will work with the old 18v line of Ridgid cordless tools. Anyone know if this is this still the case, or was this idea scrapped at some point?

[Polar Sparky 1224]

The man purse is something i heard on a talk radio show. And my wife liked the tools too....
As for my son he almost succeeded in pulling the display drill off the shelf.

PhilG, you need help.... To clear the record the supposed "nads" (which was originally nicads) you miss quoted is compatible with the wife and produces children that will soon be trained in the art of shin kicking and then let loose in your neighborhood. :D :D :D :p :p

[PhilG.]

The man purse is something i heard on a talk radio show. And my wife liked the tools too....
As for my son he almost succeeded in pulling the display drill off the shelf.

PhilG, you need help.... To clear the record the supposed "nads" (which was originally nicads) you miss quoted is compatible with the wife and produces children that will soon be trained in the art of shin kicking and then let loose in your neighborhood. :D :D :D :p :p

Hey man, I had the disclaimer in place...:D

Send the tyke, I'll grant him a shin target or two.:D

'sides, it's hard work making sure you guys keep posting. BTW, you're asking for trouble letting the young'un get his hands on tools this early. Pretty soon, you won't be able to find any of your tools - unless you look in his room.

[Polar Sparky 1224]

When we were at HD looking at the 24v drill...
305
he (my 8 month old son) was already trying to pull it off the shelf.

[Kilroy377]

It looks like a close fit. Has anyone looked to see if the 24 volt battery is the same size connection as the 18 volt. If it is, I can't see any real harm in getting a battery or two to put toward my 18 volt collection. I've seen it done with some difficulty to Dewalt tools. I was also a little disappointed that there wasn't anything new in the collection. I'm happy with my 18 volter's, so I guess I'll wait.

[cellardoor]

Ok the other day when i was at work i opened up the new 24V set and tried to interchange the batteries. Here's the results.

The 18V Ni-Cads WILL fit in the new 24V tools and work just fine from what i tested but the 24V Lithium Ion batteries WILL NOT fit into the 18V tools.

So i haven't heard any offical word from Ridgid if thats the way it should be but i'm assuming it was designed like that.

[ProBrand]

Your 18v NiCad batteries will work with the XLi tools. While the tools are optimized for 24v, you should be satisfied with with their performance should you find the need to use the 18v pack. You are also correct in saying that the XLi battery will not retrofit into any existing 18v tools. Thanks for your support of RIDGID.

[PhilG.]

Ok the other day when i was at work i opened up the new 24V set and tried to interchange the batteries. Here's the results.

The 18V Ni-Cads WILL fit in the new 24V tools and work just fine from what i tested but the 24V Lithium Ion batteries WILL NOT fit into the 18V tools.

So i haven't heard any offical word from Ridgid if thats the way it should be but i'm assuming it was designed like that.


That's good.

Voltage/battery less than tool designed for - quite possibly no damage*, but much less power and stamina

* although probably ok for occassional use. extended use would have similar results of using a too light gauge extension cord such as motor overheating from excessive current draw. (Voltage drop - bad.)

Voltage/battery greater than tool designed for - BAD! ie voided warranty.

Better to use them (batteries) where they are designed to be used.

[Kilroy377]

I'm not an engineer, but I doubt there is much dif between the 18v set and the 24 volt set.

Santa,

Please send me a 3rd party willing to build me an adapter for my 18 volt drill and my 24 volt battery. Although I'm sure this would void my warranty...I promise not to tell:rolleyes:

[PhilG.]

I'm not an engineer, but I doubt there is much dif between the 18v set and the 24 volt set.

Santa,

Please send me a 3rd party willing to build me an adapter for my 18 volt drill and my 24 volt battery. Although I'm sure this would void my warranty...I promise not to tell:rolleyes:

That idea will never come up unless you make it.:eek:
The problem is, as soon as something like this becomes available, (the powers that be) will have some way of tracking (electronically) the last thing that happened just before the unit died; ie right before you sent it in for warranty. They may already have in place some way of verifying events such as this, but might just be a "dumb," cheap component like a fusable resistor and tamper evident seals. Of course, with the price of the new Li-ion stuff, you can add more componentry to track stuff, especially if you are going to give an extended warranty. I recently read that the Milwaukee battery records it's "born on" date and number of successful charges.
Bottom line: any unusual anomoly = varranty void.

[Kilroy377]

Phil, I'm sure you're right more than you know. I've never opened any Ridgid tool up (I have had nothing but quality so far) but there is always a few things companies put in to check for abuse.
This is somewhat related, my cell phone stopped charging the battery. I took it to Nextel and they opened it up. There was some sticker that was blue. "Sir, you got this phone wet. This sticker should be red". Bottom line, no warranty service. BTW, a year earlier the phone had fallen into the toilet while I was doing a pull up. I didn't argue.

I'd still take the chance on the 24volt. Dollars to donuts there is very little difference between what I have and what they just put out. (I want to even say none!)

[PhilG.]

...some sticker that was blue. "Sir, you got this phone wet. This sticker should be red". Bottom line, no warranty service. BTW, a year earlier the phone had fallen into the toilet while I was doing a pull up. I didn't argue.

I'm still trying to figure out how (& why) you're doing pullups by the toilet:confused:; come to think of it, never mind.:p

See - here's the idea - it's called the RESTroom:D

[Kilroy377]

Phil, Its pull up, singular. I like to pull up my pants before I exit the stall. Its been my observation that when you don't...others get real nervous.;)

[Dawg]

I'd still take the chance on the 24volt. Dollars to donuts there is very little difference between what I have and what they just put out. (I want to even say none!)[/QUOTE]


Kilroy 377,
24 DC volts is 33% power voltage than 18 DC volts. Or 160 AC volts is 33% more Voltage than 120 AC volts. That being said, what would happen to your corded tools if you plugged them into a outlet charged with 160 volts?

answer: It will work real good unitl the smoke comes out.

[jstew]

The website has been updated, with a separate subsite for the new XLi 24-volt tools/batteries.

edit: I read somewhere that the new LXi 24v batteries will work with the old 18v line of Ridgid cordless tools. Anyone know if this is this still the case, or was this idea scrapped at some point?
I heard the same thing from an HD sales rep, I spoke to Ridgid tech support and was told that they WERE NOT compatible with the 18 volt tools, but that they were coming out with an 18 volt lithium ion battery but there was no date to when that would happen.

[Kilroy377]

Dawg, You may be right. I don't think the AC comparison really works. I can tell you that I have a buddy that took his 12 volt (give or take a volt) Dewalt, cut some plastic off the bottom and is still running 18 volt batteries in it. The problem there is, that on occasion, the battery falls out because it doesn't seat as well.

I would like to see one of the electrical experts take a part the new stuff and tell me if they see anything differant besides the battery slot.:o

[Kilroy377]

Well, today was the first time I saw the tools on display. I have to admit they look a tad dif. I like the bigger blade on the saw. For me its just a hobby, so I didn't really see anything that would cause me to make the jump from my 18's. For you professionals out there it may be the right move. I know I'll buy in if they start producing some tools I don't already have that are cordless.

[Lee M]

I have a Ridgid 18v set (with the batteries that are marked "Max HC" on the side) that is about 6 mos. old, and just purchased the new 24v Ridgid combo.

The 18v batteries fit the 24v tools perfectly (no gaps, no falling out--just like they were made for the 24v tools), and they do work, although the tools have noticeably less power than with the 24v batteries. I don't know if it is a bad idea to run the the 24v tools with the 18v batteries. I'm thinking it can't be coincidental that 18v batteries fit on the 24v tools, so it must be okay? Opinions?

However, the reverse is not true. The 24v batteries do not fit the 18v tools at all. You cannot slide them on the tools, unless you were to modify the tools or the batteries.

(I've posted a separate thread in this forum with comparisons of the 24v Ridgid and V28 Milwaukee tools.)

[Josh]

From a few pages back

Your 18v NiCad batteries will work with the XLi tools. While the tools are optimized for 24v, you should be satisfied with with their performance should you find the need to use the 18v pack. You are also correct in saying that the XLi battery will not retrofit into any existing 18v tools. Thanks for your support of RIDGID.

Later,

Josh

[Battery Guy]

Is the Milwaukee charger record success charge cycles? Or it just record how many times that the battery connected to charger! May someone try to connect the battery to the charger for 2,000 times and send to service station and see whether it is truth......Just wonder what conditions for Milwaukee counting the 2,000 cycles.

[Dawg]

Battery Guy, - good question on the charge cycle numbers. I do not want to be the one who finds out the hard way. However I have always heard that you should leave the battery on for the full charge whenever possible. Doing a quick 5 minute charge to finish the day won't hurt the battery, but will count as a charge cycle am sure. The Nice thing about the Milwaukee 28 Volt batteries is that the warranty does start until the first time you charge the battery, regardless of the date of purchase. They are supposed to come out with a battery reader for all of their authorized service centers that will be able to tell you how many time the battery was charged and when it was first charged to start the warranty. I have held back on charging two of my five 28 volt batteries as long as possible to delay the warranty start date.

[Paladin2025]

Everyone can sneak a peek at the Ridgid 24v Li-ion tools in the July 2006 PM magazine. They list the set @ $599, and I think the new feature, as discussed in the article is the "fuel gauge" - similar to the new Milwaukee Li-ion batteries. Everyone should read the article and reply to the thread that I posted in the "Give Us Your Tool Ideas" forum. Hope this helps....


Can you guys tell me what the going price for the Ridgid 24V tools (R932) are in the states? I'm up in Canada, and I'm deciding whether I should buy 'em up here, or down there.

Thanks.

[oldslowchevy]

down here they are around $650 i think but please don't quote me on that

[Paladin2025]

One last question before I take the plunge on these tools. Does anyone owning them not like them? I haven't seen too many reviews on these tools yet. I'm particularly concerned about the "plastic" looking base on the new circ. saw.

[RedBaron]

it is a composite material that will bend like aluminum base used by some tool companies or break it you drop it. Carbon fiber I believe I may be mistaken. ANyway it is definitely not plastic. Also it has an rpm rating of 3900 RPMs thats only 100RPMs less than that yellow 36v. Also from my experience using it during demos in store having the blade on the right side is very convienent and easier to use.

Also the new Max Select tools are on the site but what is up with the recip saw description did not get excited while typing and double type everything.

[Paladin2025]

it is a composite material that will bend like aluminum base used by some tool companies or break it you drop it. Carbon fiber I believe I may be mistaken. ANyway it is definitely not plastic. Also it has an rpm rating of 3900 RPMs thats only 100RPMs less than that yellow 36v. Also from my experience using it during demos in store having the blade on the right side is very convienent and easier to use.

Also the new Max Select tools are on the site but what is up with the recip saw description did not get excited while typing and double type everything.
RedBaron-

I'd really like to hear what some guys who own this have to say about it. When I looked at it, I definitely didn't think it was Carbon Fiber (I could of course be wrong). It just seemed pretty flexy to me. It's making me lean towards the new Milwaukee 18v lithium instead, or even Ridgid's old 18v 5piece if they came out with lithium batteries (I hate the recip saw in that one though).

[Velosapien]

RedBaron-

I'd really like to hear what some guys who own this have to say about it. When I looked at it, I definitely didn't think it was Carbon Fiber (I could of course be wrong). It just seemed pretty flexy to me.

It's some sort of composite plastic. It's not carbon fiber for several reasons, number one being cost. A realy carbon plate would cost more than the saw. CF is also an extremely stiff material, you would not feel any flex. Lastly CF is NOT suited for that application. It is highly prone to failure due to impact and doesn't take well to being scraped over things like a baseplate sliding over a piece of wood.

[Velosapien]

RedBaron-
It's making me lean towards the new Milwaukee 18v lithium instead, or even Ridgid's old 18v 5piece if they came out with lithium batteries (I hate the recip saw in that one though).

Why not also consider Makita's LXT line? They specifically redesigned all their 18v tools for their new 18v Lithium batteries and weigh about the same as 12v tools. I've been eyeing those tools out for a long time. Seems to me makita was the only one to get a clue when it comes to lithium and do what many people really want. A lot of people don't want anything more than 18v. They want 18v that is lighter and smaller! I checked out Ridgids 24v and the MilwaukeeV28 and while I did like the weight, the honking massize size of the batteries really turned me off. Dewalt did the same with huge 36v batteries although I will probably end up going that route with the saws simply because they are the first cordless tools to really offer power that can rival that of a corded tool.

[Paladin2025]

Why not also consider Makita's LXT line? They specifically redesigned all their 18v tools for their new 18v Lithium batteries and weigh about the same as 12v tools. I've been eyeing those tools out for a long time. Seems to me makita was the only one to get a clue when it comes to lithium and do what many people really want. A lot of people don't want anything more than 18v. They want 18v that is lighter and smaller! I checked out Ridgids 24v and the MilwaukeeV28 and while I did like the weight, the honking massize size of the batteries really turned me off. Dewalt did the same with huge 36v batteries although I will probably end up going that route with the saws simply because they are the first cordless tools to really offer power that can rival that of a corded tool.

Velosapien-
Yes, I looked at them too. They're a little pricey in Canada. Their 18v system is more expensive than the Milwaukee, or Ridgid's 24v system. What I didn't like about them is that they didn't feel as well made as the Milwaukee, or Ridgid tools.

[Dawg]

We had a bad experience with the Makitas batteries getting hot. I believe this is why they put a fan on the charger. I have always been told that heat will take down a battery quickly. Just another note: makita lithium batteries do not fit an their old tools, so you will need to buy all new tools if you want lithium Makita. I have not seen Milwaukee's lithium (18 volt) but I heard that you will be able to put them on any of their 18 volt tools. You are right about Dewalt 36 volt Lithium are too big and bulky.

[Velosapien]

We had a bad experience with the Makitas batteries getting hot. I believe this is why they put a fan on the charger. I have always been told that heat will take down a battery quickly. Just another note: makita lithium batteries do not fit an their old tools, so you will need to buy all new tools if you want lithium Makita. I have not seen Milwaukee's lithium (18 volt) but I heard that you will be able to put them on any of their 18 volt tools. You are right about Dewalt 36 volt Lithium are too big and bulky.

No, the Makita batteries will not fit their older tools but that was sort of the point. They built their 18v Li-Ion tools from the ground up specifically to optimize them for the new technology. The specs for the newer tools are much better than their older parts. Merely building new batteries for the old tools would not improve the performance, just life and weight. I didn't know about the heat problem, although I have to wonder if not all Li-Ion batteries would suffer from the same problem under extended use. Its the price to be paid for packing so much energy into a small space (as the exploding Li-iom laptop batteries of late have proven :D ). Dewalts Li-Ion batteries are pretty huge, although I have not compared them side to side with the V28 batteries and the Ridgid 24v which to me seemed equally monstrous in size. At least they still do weigh less than their standard 18v batteries and if they can compensate for their size with significantly increased power output, they might just be my next cordless purchase.

[Sceeter W Wheels]

One might be tempted to ooogle and awe over the so called "560in-lbs" of the Makita LXT drill, but they achieved that torque by gearing it down to 300RPM not by increasing the motor power. You can take any DeWalt or Milwaukee drill, say, and gear it down to 200RPM and your torque will be up to 6-700 in-lbs. Big friggin' deal. You're getting more torque at the expense of a much slower drilling speed.

The torque ratings are a marketing sham. It's all about the "bigger number" that they want you the buyer to latch on to in the store at the nice shiny display shelf.

When they say marketing shamisms like "Makita-built from the ground up", it's total BS. In fact, Makita had a NiMh drill that was identical to the LXT in spec. I think it was the "MXT". lol Basically the same design, different battery.

No, the Makita batteries will not fit their older tools but that was sort of the point. They built their 18v Li-Ion tools from the ground up specifically to optimize them for the new technology. The specs for the newer tools are much better than their older parts. Merely building new batteries for the old tools would not improve the performance, just life and weight. I didn't know about the heat problem, although I have to wonder if not all Li-Ion batteries would suffer from the same problem under extended use. Its the price to be paid for packing so much energy into a small space (as the exploding Li-iom laptop batteries of late have proven :D ). Dewalts Li-Ion batteries are pretty huge, although I have not compared them side to side with the V28 batteries and the Ridgid 24v which to me seemed equally monstrous in size. At least they still do weigh less than their standard 18v batteries and if they can compensate for their size with significantly increased power output, they might just be my next cordless purchase.

[Velosapien]

Actually makita updated their NiMH drills to match up all the LXT's specs. Its pretty much identical except for the shell. I am aware of torque being a pretty useless unit of measure and the slow 300rpm speed they achieved it with but even so their older NiMH units seemed a bit substandard IMO in performance compared to the competition. I think the real key to the LXT was that it brought a wider selection of tools that are likely to be more useful based merely on the extended battery life rather than any increase in power. I might understand why they did it (beisdes making you buy another tool). Merely making retrofitable batteries might mean people might use the older batteries in tools that will drain them too fast like 18v rotary hammers, giving a bad impression. Eh, anyway, what do I care. My 18v dewalt tools still suit me just fine and I have no real intention of replacing them.

[Sceeter W Wheels]

That's right Makita don't care about having the biggest tools on the block which is maybe a good strategy for them to play. They're banking on the fact that 18V is good enough for what a contractor does probably 90% of the time. From what I hear Makita LXT is selling pretty well, probably better than V28 or the others.

As far as 36V being bulky.. everything over 18V is "bulky" so to speak, so is V28 and XLI bulky actually. you don't buy them if you're looking for a compact lightweight tool for screwing in electrical outlet covers. DeWalt's 36V is IMO the best high powered cordless on the market now. Milwaukee is okay, but they kind of botched because their circ saw is only 6 1/2".. Milwaukee tried to make a 7 1/4 but said it performed too much like an 18V saw, so they had to back it off. DeWalt are probably the only ones right now that can claim real corded performance.

[Velosapien]

From what I hear Makita LXT is selling pretty well, probably better than V28 or the others.

As far as 36V being bulky.. everything over 18V is "bulky" so to speak, so is V28 and XLI bulky actually. you don't buy them if you're looking for a compact lightweight tool for screwing in electrical outlet covers. DeWalt's 36V is IMO the best high powered cordless on the market now.

EXACTLY my thoughts. I'm sure the Makita is selling well because it's really what most people are going after. 18v is right now is the sweet spot for just about anything, so why not just make it smaller and lighter and keep the power the same?

DeWalt went towards the opposite end of the spectrum. They are going for a more industrial and construction site market. They have the technology now to double the power at the same battery weight. The tools are a fair bit heavier as they need to be beefier but still in the range of a corded tool such as the circular saw. The drill is pretty hefty at almost 7 pounds but its power output according to their own measurement is exactly the same as their largest high end corded hammer drill. If you need to do heavy duty masonry drilling that is likely the only drill you will be looking at if you want cordless power. Its not intended to be a wood shop drill.

Tools like the XLI series are nice but still IMO so close in performance to the 18V that its hardly worth the upgrade in most circumstances. If you're in the market for a completely new set of cordless tools around that range then it should be one of the top contenders.

[Paladin2025]

i just bought the combo kit.24 volt Hammer drill/ Circular saw/Sawzall/ and Flashlight with single battery charging station. comes with two 24 volt batteries. it says they are 1 hour charging but theres no way it took that long to charge.
tried them out tonight cutting a cupboard out for a built in dish washer. ended up here in the forum searching for info all over ridgid site.
i found the saws and drill very comfortable, never even noticed that feeling of holding a new tool. boy do they ever cut.
good stuff.

Park-

Did you end up getting another bulb for the flashlight? I tried to find the extra bulb, but couldn't find one in the box. It wasn't in the flashlight, like the manual indicated.

[JWMustang]

Can you guys tell me what the going price for the Ridgid 24V tools (R932) are in the states? I'm up in Canada, and I'm deciding whether I should buy 'em up here, or down there.

Thanks.

Its $400 in Florida for the 4 Combo.

[Orange Apron]

As of tonight the 4 piece 24v Ridgid combo is going down from $597 to $397. My Dept Head told me it wasnt doing so well and they are blowing them out

(I havent read this whole thread to see what the general consensus of them was)

[CheekyMonkeyWrench]

i just found out about a rebate if you buy the XLI 4 tool combo. You can get an additional tool for free, ie a cordless jigsaw, planer, etc.

i just sent it in today for the jigsaw.

http://www.homedepot.com/cmc_upload/HDUS/EN_US/pc/common/pdfs/102606_010307_RidgidComboKit.pdf

not a bad deal, i ended up paying ~$360 for 4 tools and a flashlight.

[gabebeta]

i just found out about a rebate if you buy the XLI 4 tool combo. You can get an additional tool for free, ie a cordless jigsaw, planer, etc.

i just sent it in today for the jigsaw.

http://www.homedepot.com/cmc_upload/HDUS/EN_US/pc/common/pdfs/102606_010307_RidgidComboKit.pdf

not a bad deal, i ended up paying ~$360 for 4 tools and a flashlight.

This is a smokin' deal. I bought the same thing and chose the jigsaw... last week. Now I have to go back and get a $200 price adjustment. I can use that to epoxy my garage floor now though :) .

[JWMustang]

Feels good & I think they will last. I like the charge meters. I wish the saw had a laser and the drill had a built-in light.

[low c1500]

I work with a guy that has made the 24v batterys work in the 18v stuff.

Its pretty simple, the batterys don't have to modified, only the 18v tools. A little plastic has to be removed to allow the battery to slide in, and also some new indents have to be made to allow the battery "hooks" to seat in the tool so it doesn't some out.

His 18v drill (510 in lbs) with 24v battery outperforms the 24v drill (615 in lbs). Its not a huge diifernce, but its noticable. I bought a 18v drill (the 585 in lbs) off Ebay, and plan on modifeing it to accept the 24v battery.

I used the 18v drill with 24v batterys today at work, it ran very strong, and didn't get as hot as normal when drilling some big holes in sheet metal. Also there wasn't any burning smell that some times has happend to me when working a 18v drill very hard.

Also the 24v batterys have built in overload protection (I found this out when working the drill very hard). The overload just shuts the battery down until you put it on the charger for a few seconds.


Bottom line: I'm not too impressed with the 24v tools, but I am impressed waht the 18v drills are capable of doing with a 24v battery.

BTW: I've always ran my 120v workbench tools (drill , angle grinder) off 140v. I have a nice little 120v/140v 15amp transformer. They all run much cooler.

[JHE]

i just found out about a rebate if you buy the XLI 4 tool combo. You can get an additional tool for free, ie a cordless jigsaw, planer, etc.

i just sent it in today for the jigsaw.

http://www.homedepot.com/cmc_upload/HDUS/EN_US/pc/common/pdfs/102606_010307_RidgidComboKit.pdf

not a bad deal, i ended up paying ~$360 for 4 tools and a flashlight.

Thank you very much!!!! I just picked up a 24V LXI combo today and didn't know a thing about this offer until I logged on this fourm... I just printed out the form and will be sending it out tomorrow. I was needing another cordless drill set to back up my DeWalt 14.4 . So I figured I would step up to an 18v or a 24v. HD had the 4 tool combo for 397.00...The drill with 2 batteries was 289.00 by it's self. So I get three more tools for 100.00 bucks. Not to shabby!!
:)

[Disaster]

I bought the 18volt set a couple months ago (the one with the impact wrench...not the reciprocating saw) when it was on clearance for $209. Just picked up this 24volt set a two days ago. Here is my impression...from a comparison standpoint.

The drill is actually a bit lighter (half a pound) than the 18V but this is probably because it doesn't come with a depth gauge or bit holder...questionable omissions on such a high end tool. The depth gauge is something I'd probably only use occasionally...the bit holder is something I use all the time...switching from drilling to driving.

The saw is lighter too, 8lbs 13oz vs. 9lbs 11oz. but again it does this with questionable changes...substituting a glass-filled nylon platform for the aluminum one on the 18V saw. It also switches the blade from the left hand (my preference as a right hander) to right hand side. Blade size is the same.

I don't have the 18V reciprocating saw for comparison but read the 24V one is a big improvement. It certainly is a beast. It weighs in at 9lbs 4oz. and runs incredibly smoothly. I have only owned cheap, tooth rattling, portable reciprocating saws (Black and Decker 14.4v Firestorm, Ryobi 18v OnePlus) and this thing is leaps and bounds better than them.

I read, on these forums, that some people were having very low runtime issues with the 24V set. I thought I discovered what was going on with the charging issue some people are having...but now I'm not so sure. The batteries have a charge level indicator on them. When they are plugged into the charger the indicator stays on. After only 5 minutes the indicator indicated full charge. However, the red charging light, on the charger was still on. I pulled the battery and it drained to nothing in a couple minutes. I then left the battery on the charger until the green, fully charged, indicator light came on. This took much longer...at least 30 minutes. Though I haven't done a rigorous discharge since then I have used them quite a bit and the batteries are still going strong.

Update on the charge issue. My drill suddenly died....the charge indicator only lit one light. Based on my usage it should have been nearly full. When I stuck it back in the charger it immediately gave a green light. Put it back in the drill and it worked fine after that. Something got messed up in it's little computer brain that the charger was able to fix. That is a little scary. Thank goodness for the lifetime warranty.

[Scott K]

Man, they sure improved the 18 volt DeWalt Drill. A guy on one of my sites bought the 6 piece Dewalt 18 volt set the other day. So I got to try the new DC925 or whatever model it is, 18 volt Drill. I've used the old 988, which was a pretty good 18 volt drill, but this new drill, with the new chuck, blows it out of the water. How the hell did they get so much more juice into this drill?

[Velosapien]

Man, they sure improved the 18 volt DeWalt Drill. A guy on one of my sites bought the 6 piece Dewalt 18 volt set the other day. So I got to try the new DC925 or whatever model it is, 18 volt Drill. I've used the old 988, which was a pretty good 18 volt drill, but this new drill, with the new chuck, blows it out of the water. How the hell did they get so much more juice into this drill?

They really did an incredible improvement on it. The 988 was a pretty good drill itself. I got the tool only from ebay to replace the DC988 that came in my 4 piece kit. The power claims for the new DC925 are pretty high but after testing its clear its no marketing bull. This thing outdid the 988 in every sense and put some of my older corded hammer drills to shame. I can comfortably drill holes with ease into reinforced concrete where I would normally break out the corded roto hammer. The drawback is its a little larger but I'll take it with all the extra power. I'm pretty sure this drill just got all the internal guts and technology that went into the 36v drill scaled down to 18v.

[Sceeter W Wheels]

I really like the DC925 design..that is one nice drill. Played around with one in Home Depot the other day and it feels really good ergonomically. Feels more solid than the old model. Plus the motor seems a little smoother than the 988.. The body is a little bulkier now, but honestly it doesn't feel that way in-hand. Barely any weight difference. How much of a difference in power do you guys find?

[Scott K]

It feels like a 20% difference. The motor sounds as lot different too. The sound is sort of like going from a stock exhaust system, to a really burbly aftermarket exhaust on a V8 with big pipes.

[chic]

Yes the motor has changed,and there was a change in the transmission(at least both the part no.s have changed)they have changed the switch,and it seems a little cheaper than the old one.Just had one in for repair and the switch was bad.

[Velosapien]

Externally its about the same as the 988. The motor housing is a little wider and longer from the transmission and back. Weight increased by 0.15 pounds which is insignificant. I actually didn't realize it had changed externaly until I held them side by side and noticed the larger top. Internally the motor and transmission are redesigned and obviously quite a bit more efficient. 20% more power with slightly improved battery life. Power wise it really packs a punch. I would dare to say it can easily match or even outclass many higher powered drills. I've used it for mainly concrete and its amazing how much power it has for an 18v drill. Also used it for some 3" hole saws and it handled with no sign of choking.

[Sceeter W Wheels]

That's incredible that they managed to squeeze that much more power out of the 18V XRP.

Actually according to DeWalt's power rating article

http://www.dewalt.com/us/cordless/powerrating/?p=1

This 925 XRP is more powerful than the V28.

Now THAT'S one thing that I have a hard time believing..I would think the V28 is more powerful than that. But.. We can only assume DeWalt is being honest on that one. Definitely deserves verification..

But another note, I had the opportunity a while back to compare, side-by-side, the Milwaukee Lok Tor 18V to the 988 and can say that the 988 has more balls than the Lok Tor for sure. Actually the Lok Tor I always found disappointing in power, in the context of how heavy it is. Very poor balance on that drill to, unless you put the battery on backwards, but then it always falls over when you put it down standing on the battery.

[Velosapien]

Dewalts 3 speed cordless drills (not the wimpy 2 speed compacts) have always been well reviewed. The main complaint was battery life before they had the 2.4ah XRP batteries. They are pretty good in that respect now. They have always been quite powerfull for their class. I remember before the 988 I had the 14.4v DC984 XRP and it was nearly as powerfull as the 18v. It was pretty much exactly the same drill beyond the battery and it blew away all but the best 18v drills out there. As a matter of fact the 984 still has higher torque and power rating at higher speeds than most 18v competing models.

I saw that chart and I'm also a little skeptical about their claim its a bit more powerful than the V28. It is their website after all but it's entirely possible at the point at which they measured it peaked higher. Hard to say without testing side by side. That said the voltage rating not a good indicator of how a drill actually performs. Its entirely posible the 925 could outclass the V28 in some respects. The V28 would undoubtedly outlive it in battery life. In terms or raw power I don't think there's much, if anything in the 18v field right now that can touch the DC925. The chuck design is also in my opinion a few steps above the rest.

[Scott K]

I used to own a 983KA DeWalt XRP 14.4 Drill Driver which was an awesoeme drill, and as mentioned, a true 18 volt in disguise in my opinion. When that got stolen, I bought the 984 KA which is the exact same drill as the 983 only it has the hammer drill function. I wanted the hammer function to use for drilling small holes in concrete to anchor brass screws for toilet flanges and it works pretty descent there. The 984 and 983 DeWalt's have the exact same power rating. Very good drills. Only issue I had with these drills is you CAN notice the fade of the battery life from full chage down to half charge to nothing. I could almost guess just by how the drill ran how much battery life it had left. Also, Dewalts previous Jacobs chucks blew, or maybe not the chucks, but how they were installed as part of the package perhaps. I can't speak of the new self tightening chuck on Dewalts new 36 Volt and 18 volt offerings (the 925), but the chucks they used to have in my opinion are no comparison to the trueness and smooth operation of the Milwaukee chucks. They just spin truer and that is critical in some instances. The only other issue with the 983's and 984's I had was the transmission can be finicky. So much so that both drills now needed transmissions replaced, which was done under warranty after several monthes of regular use which I guess isn't bad. The problem ends up that overtime/use/whatever, the drill's transmission will lose a gear and you can't move into one of the gears, typically 3rd gear, I can't explain why, but it's happened twice. Also, the clutch on the Dewalt drills is pretty good, but the clutch can seize here and there too, which eventually somehow works it's way out and seems to work again. I had my 983 clutch seize completely which was promptly repaired by Dewalt in about 5 minutes at their shop.

As for the 28 Volt Milwaukee verus 925 KA comparison, the 925 very well could be a very close competitor. Sometimes it's not how much voltage you have, but also the efficiency of the overall package. I will say this - the Milwaukee 28 volt drill is very very smooth. You definately also need the handle too, if you want to turn the big bits with it because if it does catch it will spin you pretty hard if you don't brace yourself properly. But DeWalt has put out some good motors in their drills with lots of balls. But I Think the 3 speed transmission on the Dewalt 925 with the nice low RPM gear (450 RPM's for 1st gear) will give it the ability to turn some of the larger bits. My biggest gripe with the MIlwaukee 28 volt as I"ve said in the past is the lack of a lower 1st gear, like 0-400 or 500 RPM's to make things easier on the engine and turn the bigger bits better as far as improved torque is concerned.

[Sceeter W Wheels]

Unfortunately DeWalt didn't fix the sticking gearshift problem on the new 3-speeds like the 36V and the DC925 I played with in the store. :( It's a royal pain in the a$s that they couldn't design it so you don't have to rev/blip the trigger sometimes to be able to shift from gear to gear. Does anybody know what causes that problem?

I can see that through forcing it and maybe running the drill with the gear shift not fully engaged in position that it could damage it over time. Makita's 3-speed seems to shift fine from what I could tell by playing with it..why DeWalt hasn't addressed this problem yet is strange.

Definitely Milwaukee's chuck/gear shift designs on the Lok Tor and V28 are great, and I agree that their chucks are always bang on espcially from a drilling true perspective. Fortunately DeWalt's new self-tightening chuck is a huge improvement over the wobbling problem they had on the 988. It's about time they addressed that.

[Velosapien]

Well the old dewalts used the standard Jacobs 700 series used by many others. I guess they must have had quality problems with them (Fortunately I never had trouble with mine) because they went with the new self tightening chuck on the hammer drills, and a new style locking chuck on the non-hammer models, both of which I'm pretty sure are in house designs.


The issue with the transmission not smoothly shifting always is because the gear teeth don't always align. It depends on where they land when it stops. I suppose they could solve this with some synchronizing system which would undoubtedly make the drill more complicated, heavier, and expensive. The damage problem occurs when the switch doesn't shift all the way, and people power the drill to force them to fall into place and take the shift fully. The gears will end up getting ground up. The correct way to switch is if the gear shifter doesn't engage at first, set it back fully into one of the speed settings, not halfway, and burst the trigger to full speed then try again. Most of the time this will land the gears in a position that will align. I've been using them long enough to make it a reflex that before I switch the gear I burst the drill and then shift. I noticed on the 925 manual they finalluy added that detail. New drills also shift a lot harder. With a few hours of use the mechanism gets smoother.
Dewalt uses the forward style flip switch like Makita on their cheaper models but not on the high end ones. I think (I'm just guessing here)the flip style switch doesn't allow for a much gear shift movement so the gears have to be narrower. It might not be as practical for three speed transmissions either. Most other drills are 2 speed. I also wonder if some of those really easy fliping switches in fact changing gear ratio's or if they are just electric switches that electronically alter the speed.

[Velosapien]

Forgot to mention, I also have the Makita LXT kit with the 3 speed drill. The gear switch has a longer range of movement that typical for that type and also has the same behavior as the dewalt 3 speeds. I need to burst the trigger to get it to shift most of the time. In particular from 2 to 1, almost every single time. I'm sure this has more to do with the amount of gears that need to be moved on a three speed drill compared to a two speed. There's just more stuff in there.

[Scott K]

Velosapien - I think you are probably bang on as far as how you can lose a gear on your DeWalt XRP Drills with the 3 spd transmission. I had that happen to me a few times - it would be between gears and wouldn't shift all the way, so I had to back track it to the previous gear, power the drill, and then re-try. I've accidently run it a few times, and it makes this weird sound like it's hitting the teeth and you know right away it's not in gear. I can say I think this may be related to my problem, and I do my best to try and avoid this. Good on DeWalt for finally putting this in their owners manual. Too bad they couldn't rectify it in their drill design though.

BAck to the smoothness/trueness of the higher end drills and such - you know you as a tradesman could be in a store and you're looking at all the drills, trying them out, looking at prices, pacing back and forth. You pick up the inexpensive drill and justify in your mind that it will do the trick, that it's "just as good," or whatever. But when you pick up a drill like a Milwaukee, or DeWalt, or even the Ridgid drills which are pretty good too, and you see how smooth and seamless it runs, how much power it has, the battery life, all the little details, it sure adds up to worth the cost over more inexpensive drills. Especially in the long run. I guess everyone has values, but I like having a drill that I can take for granted if that makes any sense.

[billie_bob]

I did quite of bit of research the last couple of weeks on cordless drills, namely because I was in desperate need of one. In response to the 18v dewalt having more torque than the milwaukee V28 I specifically recall the milwaukee V28 (724-24) has a max of 600 in-lb. It appears dewalt is not being very honest or has skewed the numbers heavily to their favor; they don't even refer to in-lb they are comparing uwo(unit watts out). What the heck is a unit watts out? Now the 624-24 with Ni-Cad batteries has 490 in-lb; heck even the new Milwaukee 18V Li-Ion drill has over 500 in-lbs of torque. I guess anything to make the competition look bad.

[Velosapien]

I did quite of bit of research the last couple of weeks on cordless drills, namely because I was in desperate need of one. In response to the 18v dewalt having more torque than the milwaukee V28 I specifically recall the milwaukee V28 (724-24) has a max of 600 in-lb. It appears dewalt is not being very honest or has skewed the numbers heavily to their favor; they don't even refer to in-lb they are comparing uwo(unit watts out). What the heck is a unit watts out? Now the 624-24 with Ni-Cad batteries has 490 in-lb; heck even the new Milwaukee 18V Li-Ion drill has over 500 in-lbs of torque. I guess anything to make the competition look bad.


This was discussed a while back. UWO is just another way of measuring power. SOme argue its more accurate. Accuracy aside its not any more irrelevant than a fraction of a second burst of max torque in the lowest gear by any other brand. The last drill dewalt rated in in/lbs was the DC988 and it did 500in/lbs at 450rpm. There's no doubt the newer models are well above that. They are immediately niticeably more powerful than the older models.

[Disaster]

I did quite of bit of research the last couple of weeks on cordless drills, namely because I was in desperate need of one. In response to the 18v dewalt having more torque than the milwaukee V28 I specifically recall the milwaukee V28 (724-24) has a max of 600 in-lb. It appears dewalt is not being very honest or has skewed the numbers heavily to their favor; they don't even refer to in-lb they are comparing uwo(unit watts out). What the heck is a unit watts out? Now the 624-24 with Ni-Cad batteries has 490 in-lb; heck even the new Milwaukee 18V Li-Ion drill has over 500 in-lbs of torque. I guess anything to make the competition look bad.

UWO is Power. Torque is almost a meaningless number unless it is clear how it was generated. DeWalt explains pretty well why torque is less important (once you have the minimum you need to do the job...which pretty much every 14.4V and above drill has.) It is easy to generate more torque...just gear lower and slower. Of course, then the job would take lonnnnngerrrrr.
http://www.dewalt.com/us/cordless/powerrating/?p=5

Having said that, I am concerned with how UWO is measured and interpreted. If you assume UWO is constant across all torque ranges, DeWalts comparisons are fair. However, I suspect, just like in engines, you get more "power" at higher revolutions. If the test load is such that the DeWalt can spin the load faster because it is geared higher, the DeWalt will get the higher UWO rating. DeWalt can optimize their transmissions to deliver higher UWO ratings by increasing the gear ratio to produce the highest speed in the test. The other manufacturers might have optimized their transmissions to produce the highest torque...since that is what they were advertising.

The reality is DeWalt probably ends up with the better design...because, as they say, time to get the job done is what people care about (once they have enough torque to get the job done.) Perhaps the Milwaukee V28 would be a better drill if they regeared it for more speed....instead of torque bragging rights.

[Velosapien]

Another issue with torque is its measured at the lowest gear which is many times useless. A also think torque seems to have topped out at its practical limit around 600 in/lbs. Notice every manufacturer regardless of the power level is sticking around 600 in/lbs. 600in/lbs is already high enough for it to be almost unmanegable by any user. It also doesn't say at what torque the drill can actually SUSTAIN operation continuosly rather than at what point it peaks for a fraction of a second just as the chuck stalls and then levels off overheating the drill. This is the advantage using UWO, it measures drill ouput that can actually be sustained continuosly at a given speed (that is what they don't tell you though). You dont actually get the rated torque values, and you certainly cant ever use them at that level if you could handle it without almost certainly damaging the drill.

[Disaster]

Torque and Power are important...would like to still see both. I'd like to see them advertise torque and power. Another thing that is important, as mentioned is how long the drill can sustain a torque. If you are driving in lag bolts will it overheat. Cooling performance...both for the motor and battery are important considerations.

I bought a really cheap Impact wrench at PepBoys that has gotten some glowing reviews. It is a 24V 1/2 inch driver rated at 180ft.lbs with a 1.9AmpHr battery. Sells for $80 bucks. Nothing comes close to that level of torque for the price. Works great pounding off lug nuts. However, I noticed the battery pack is pretty light and doesn't have any cooling vents. I suspect if you worked it hard you would might run into issues.

There are a lot of aspects to good design. I'm satisfied with the torque/power of the 24V Ridgid. Now I'm looking for a small drill/driver that is comfortable for small jobs...but tough enough to not melt down if I get a little carried away.

[Velosapien]

That's incredible that they managed to squeeze that much more power out of the 18V XRP.

Actually according to DeWalt's power rating article

http://www.dewalt.com/us/cordless/powerrating/?p=1

This 925 XRP is more powerful than the V28.

Now THAT'S one thing that I have a hard time believing..I would think the V28 is more powerful than that. But.. We can only assume DeWalt is being honest on that one. Definitely deserves verification..

But another note, I had the opportunity a while back to compare, side-by-side, the Milwaukee Lok Tor 18V to the 988 and can say that the 988 has more balls than the Lok Tor for sure. Actually the Lok Tor I always found disappointing in power, in the context of how heavy it is. Very poor balance on that drill to, unless you put the battery on backwards, but then it always falls over when you put it down standing on the battery.


Since I recently got the makita drill I thought I'd test it out against the Dewalt 925 and get my first impressions. I actually wasn't interested in the drill, just the other tools but its cheaper to buy the kit than buy them individually so... Anyway, at least as far as hammer drill performance there's no question that with the Makita unit, the measurements seem spot on. Powerwise the BHP451 hardly felt any different than the DC988. I had to drill 5/16" holes into reinforced concrete. Did half and half with each drill. The DC925 pretty clearly dominated the BHP451. Not only was it faster but it felt like it required less effort. The catch was that as soon as the Dewalts performance started dropping off due to NiCD battery drain the Makita started to keep up and stay up and eventually outdo it. In the long run the Makita will outperform the DC925 unless you are constantly swapping fresh batteries. This is really not a flaw of the Dewalt drill itself, just a limitation of the battery technology. If they offered retrofitable Lithium-Ion batteries that thing would be unstoppable. Another interesting thing also is while the Makita unit is light, its all due to the battery. The drill itself is not only a little heavier, but also taller and wider than the DC925. It is shorter though. It also came with a lower grade Jacobs 500 chuck instead of the better 700 series which Dewalt used on the DC988, and according to jacobs is the recommended model for hammer drills. The battery life on the Makita tools was nothing short of remarkable. I put them into the charger out of habit usually around the same time I found the NiCD tools to start feeling the first noticeable drop in performance only to find out they were usually still at over 80%. The circular saw feels average, as most 18v saws pretty gutless. Comparable if not maybe a little less powerfull than the dewalt 18v circular. Once again though, remarkable battery performance. Did maybe 25-30combined cross cuts and rip cuts of treated 2X8 and 1 X12. Battery was topped off in about 10 minutes when done on the standard charger.

[Disaster]

Been trying to decide between the LXT202 Makita kit with drill and little impact ($330) or the 14.4V kit which is only available in Canada for $350 and includes the little light. Like the smaller size of the 14.4...especially since I already have a monsterous 24V Ridgid kit. However, I'm having a hard time coming to terms with paying more for the 14.4V....and having to drive over the border to get it. Wonder when or if they will sell it in the U.S.?????

[Velosapien]

Been trying to decide between the LXT202 Makita kit with drill and little impact ($330) or the 14.4V kit which is only available in Canada for $350 and includes the little light. Like the smaller size of the 14.4...especially since I already have a monsterous 24V Ridgid kit. However, I'm having a hard time coming to terms with paying more for the 14.4V....and having to drive over the border to get it. Wonder when or if they will sell it in the U.S.?????

I heard they were going to announce the 14.4v products for the US at the start of January so they will probably be available soon after that.

[Sceeter W Wheels]

Very interesting comparison, Velosapien. That seems to sound about inline with DeWalt's power rating comparison article. The BHP451 is more or less on the lower end of the 18V NiCad drill pack in terms of power. The 925 is head and shoulders above everything else.

but yeah, that's the beauty of the lithium batteries is that the power fade is much less noticeable. There's still a little bit of fade, but the voltage droop on lithium is far less noticeable than nicad and barely significant, I've found.

I'm really wondering if DeWalt will make an 18V lithium XRP battery.

Since I recently got the makita drill I thought I'd test it out against the Dewalt 925 and get my first impressions. I actually wasn't interested in the drill, just the other tools but its cheaper to buy the kit than buy them individually so... Anyway, at least as far as hammer drill performance there's no question that with the Makita unit, the measurements seem spot on. Powerwise the BHP451 hardly felt any different than the DC988. I had to drill 5/16" holes into reinforced concrete. Did half and half with each drill. The DC925 pretty clearly dominated the BHP451. Not only was it faster but it felt like it required less effort. The catch was that as soon as the Dewalts performance started dropping off due to NiCD battery drain the Makita started to keep up and stay up and eventually outdo it. In the long run the Makita will outperform the DC925 unless you are constantly swapping fresh batteries. This is really not a flaw of the Dewalt drill itself, just a limitation of the battery technology. If they offered retrofitable Lithium-Ion batteries that thing would be unstoppable. Another interesting thing also is while the Makita unit is light, its all due to the battery. The drill itself is not only a little heavier, but also taller and wider than the DC925. It is shorter though. It also came with a lower grade Jacobs 500 chuck instead of the better 700 series which Dewalt used on the DC988, and according to jacobs is the recommended model for hammer drills. The battery life on the Makita tools was nothing short of remarkable. I put them into the charger out of habit usually around the same time I found the NiCD tools to start feeling the first noticeable drop in performance only to find out they were usually still at over 80%. The circular saw feels average, as most 18v saws pretty gutless. Comparable if not maybe a little less powerfull than the dewalt 18v circular. Once again though, remarkable battery performance. Did maybe 25-30combined cross cuts and rip cuts of treated 2X8 and 1 X12. Battery was topped off in about 10 minutes when done on the standard charger.

[Woussko]

Sceeter

If DeWalt is smart they will make 18 Volt Li-Ion batteries and a new super charger that can charge up almost all of their different batteries and with enough microprocessor so it knows just which battery you are charging. It will be multi bay charger too. I really think all of us need to sit back and wait this out for a year or two. We are only beginning to see where all of this is headed. With all the big tool companies at war with each other it's going to be wild to see who comes along with what.

I'm waiting and hoping to see Makita do some super power Li-Ion batteries and tools. What I really want to see is someone use their engineering skills and do a super cordless Sliding Compound Miter Saw and who better than Makita to take their nice corded model and work it over. Think of what it would be like if there were several new super Li-Ion battery packs in the base of it. They best be the same battery packs used in a line of their cordless tools.

All the tool companies best get off the ground with multi bay super chargers with the ability to charge up several different batteries in any combination. Such may well require that new batteries have chips inside them to tell the charger needed info. Anymore having to have too many different batteries and chargers must come to an end. One super charger and they really need to figure out how to work out their lines so there would be only 2 batteries. A big beefy super powerful one and a nice lighter weight one for their smaller cordless tools. I'm thinking of say 18 and 36 Volt Li-Ion batteries. Then based on the tool it would take (1) 18 Volt or (1) 36 Volt or several 36 Volt batteries for the bid benchtop type tools. I can see all kinds of wild new tools in the works. Besides the cordless miter saw, a super cordless portable band saw that really cuts. A super recip that really does the work of corded. A nice big spade handle drill with serious power. Big deal if it has 10 pounds of batteries. Those big drills are heavy in the corded versions. Then how about a nice little shop vac that's cordless and has some real suction? Yes it can be done. The issue is how much are customers willing to pay for all the R & D needed to produce such tools. Several people have asked about a cordless hedge trimmer. Well, DeWalt (Black & Decker) already has junky ones but it the DeWalt team took over they could produce a pretty good one using the 36 Volt Li-Ion battery. So could Makita. They make a little baby cordless chain saw and several not bad corded ones. Now they (both companies) need to work on more serious cordless models. I think there is a demand for such by true commercial users. Time will tell, I guess.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL

[Disaster]

Sceeter

If DeWalt is smart they will make 18 Volt Li-Ion batteries and a new super charger that can charge up almost all of their different batteries and with enough microprocessor so it knows just which battery you are charging.......

True for every cordless manufacturer. They could make a fortune in battery and charger sales if they'd just sell a Lithium battery upgrade package for all their existing tools. I bet they could still make a handsome profit if they charged $200 dollars for a charger and a pair of batteries.

P.S. Ridgid shows an 18V Lithium Ion battery on their MaxSelect tool display at my local HD. Wonder when we'll see that coming and if it will charge in the 24V charger or if a new charger will be necessary. For that matter, I wonder if it will fit in the older 18V tools....or require a little creative plastic removal.

[low c1500]

I had to return my 24v LI drill today, I must say the thing is a POS. It worked well for light an medium duty usage, and the batterys did last longer than the 18v. But as soon as you try to do some heavy duty work, the batterys just shut down, even if they still have 99% of there charge, and they don't work agian till you put them back on the charger ( I can't tell you how frustrating this is on the job site, when your not close to the charger). Even my Max select recip saw made the batterys shut down. And when I tried to use them when it is -10 deg c outside they were even worse for shutting down.

Maybe in 6 months they will have the battery problem fixed, but for now I'll keep using my 18v X2 drill.

[Velosapien]

I had to return my 24v LI drill today, I must say the thing is a POS. It worked well for light an medium duty usage, and the batterys did last longer than the 18v. But as soon as you try to do some heavy duty work, the batterys just shut down, even if they still have 99% of there charge, and they don't work agian till you put them back on the charger ( I can't tell you how frustrating this is on the job site, when your not close to the charger). Even my Max select recip saw made the batterys shut down. And when I tried to use them when it is -10 deg c outside they were even worse for shutting down.

Maybe in 6 months they will have the battery problem fixed, but for now I'll keep using my 18v X2 drill.

There certainly has been a fair bit of complaining about the batteries but just out of curiosity, how cold was it when you tried to use the battery? Even Li-Ion has a certain operating temperature range, and its well above 0 deg. Too cold and they simply do not work, regardless of the battery. Some batteries probably have thermal control to shut them down and protect them if they are well out of range.

[Disaster]

I had to return my 24v LI drill today, I must say the thing is a POS. It worked well for light an medium duty usage, and the batterys did last longer than the 18v. But as soon as you try to do some heavy duty work, the batterys just shut down, even if they still have 99% of there charge, and they don't work agian till you put them back on the charger ( I can't tell you how frustrating this is on the job site, when your not close to the charger). Even my Max select recip saw made the batterys shut down. And when I tried to use them when it is -10 deg c outside they were even worse for shutting down.

Maybe in 6 months they will have the battery problem fixed, but for now I'll keep using my 18v X2 drill.

I had that happen with the drill once...when I was switching trans gears and locked the drill up. Instant shutdown. Battery disabled till put back in charger. Great to have battery overload protection but not when it is so sensitive it will go off under normal loads.

As you suggest, it is a battery issue. The smart protection logic is built into the batteries. The good news is Ridgid could release new batteries with a more robust logic. They should be replaced free under their lifetime service. However, I can see why you'd return it now. The tools have to work NOW...not 6 or 8 months from now.