[njvagabond]

Rigid is a junk manufacturer, Probably more like a supplier.
For 100 years Rigid only built plumbing tools, They were the best money could buy.
In recent years somebody bought the company out, Now they sell everything. Banking on that name.

Good calendars.

 

[njvagabond]

Project Rarm has lots of comparison testing. There is also Torque Test Channel that does good quantitative testing of tools, mostly impacts but some other stuff too. Also sometimes some good insights into the differences of the internals of the tools.

Personally, I am happy with my 18V Ryobi brushless drill. Not daily professional us but I work it hard sometimes. Run wire wheels in it, so extended run times and high side loads. This past summer I used it to put in 832 Camo deck fasteners. I am guessing that I bought it about 6 years ago on Black Friday for less than $100 in a kit with 2X2ah batteries and a charger. The following year I spent $100 for their most basic 1/2" impact with 4ah battery and charger. Very happy with it too.

 

[njvagabond]

hard to beat ryobi on value especially for intermittent use. and if anything dies after heavy use - it might be a sign to move to the next level of tool options.

Or maybe listen to my wife to don't be so cheap start spending some money and pay someone else to do some of the heavy lifting.

Meanwhile... probably going to buy one of those oscillating tools to repair a rotten window sash that needs to be done in situ. Good luck finding someone to do a job like that. Contractors will all want to replace the whole three wide window assembly for thousand$. Lots of open box Ryobi one on e-bay for about $40 ... 1/2 of the HD price.

 

[njvagabond]

LSA thru Rigid.

FWIW - When I looked at Rigid warrantee, I concluded not much value, since the defective item must be taken to service center (which is not Orange Store). 40 min drive each way for me in central NJ. I suppose YMMV depending on your location.

Whenever I consider the warranty as a factor in a buying decision, I will do a quick internet search on what the claim process is. Some brands actually stand behind there products and make the process easy (like e-mail us a picture) where as other have practices/procedures that essentially make the warranty just marketing puffery. Same thing when choosing retailers/locations. I am fiercely loyal to businesses that have good policies or have had good experiences with. Corollary is also true.

 

[njvagabond]

HART which allegedly is made by the same folks that make Milwaukee.

Correct, Techtronic Industries (TTI) is the company.