combo kit

I'm interested in a cordless combo kit.

1) dewalt (trimsaw, Drill, Saw's all and light) $319 19.2 volt


2) Rigid (homedepot's kit lifetime gaureentee) (trim saw hamerdrill, light, recip saw) $479 on sale for $344(grand opening of new store)

3)...or craftsmen combo (drill, trim saw, light, Saw's all,nailer,, stud finder, and laser level) 19.2 $269.

Please help me out.....I like the lifetime gaurenntee on rigid and the price on craftsmen and I know dewalt is a good brand...

Thanks

 

ThomasB:

I't's hard to make a comparison without actually handling them.
I would guess that because Craftsman is giving you a large number of tools that the quality of each would be lower.

Between Dewalt and Rigid I would say that if you handled them you may get a better feeling about one or the other.

I'm sure Rigid and DeWalt are on the same level but the Rigid name for power tools is capitalizing on their "industry standard" reputation for plumbing tools.
In researching Rigid for another post I found information that people were less than happy about the hoops you go through to get their warranty honored.
Also there was some discussion that this warranty would soon be dropped.
Reasearch this and read the fine print carefully.

 

Ridgid is making a major move into the tool market and from what I hear, they make good professional grade tools. I've had their floor model drill press for about a year and I'm quite pleased with it.

I've heard that their lifetime guarantee on electrical tools will end early next year. Not surprising, really. No one else guarantees electrical tools forever, anyway.

You don't say what your usage level will be. Professional or DIY'er? If you're a DIY'er, the Ridgid, DeWalt and Milwaukee tools are probably overkill. They're great tools, but would you need that level of durability?

I've been quite impressed with the Ryobi line of cordless tools. My buddy bought the four tool 18v combo (drill, saw, sawzall, and light) over a year ago and it's still going strong. His usage level is very near professional level. I bought a 14.4v circular saw and drill combo about a year ago and love it. I use them in my woodworking shop building cabinets and furniture. The 14.4v tools are perfect for me since I'm always near the charger and have an extra battery so I never run out of gas.

Like Greg says, you need to handle the tools and see how you like their "feel". That's one of the most important factors in tool selection. Several years ago - after much comparison shopping - I bought the Craftsman plate joiner just because of the location of the power switch.

 

Thanks guys thats a lot of help... have a good holidy