A reader wrote in with a great question about which brushless cordless combo kit might be best for his needs.
Right now (Holiday 2015 season), Home Depot is offering a fantastic cordless combo kit bundle discount, where you can get $100 or $150 off the price of a Milwaukee, Ridgid, Dewalt, or Makita cordless combo kit and an additional tool.
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Sanket wrote:
I’m home owner “prosumer” I think is what you call it… I do basic projects, build small stuff like wooden shelving etc.
I’m looking into the HD deals and debating whether to get the Rigid Gen 5X impact & hammer combo, or the Milwaukee Fuel impact/hammer combo.
I already have Ryobi stuff so I’m adding the Ryobi bluetooth radio to get the 100/150 off. Basically I can get the Rigid combo for $238 or the Milwaukee for $308.
Is the Milwaukee Fuel combo worth the extra $70 and loss of lifetime warranty? The $70 isnt deal breaker… just curious if it is worth getting Fuel? Like I said, I am more of a weekend warrior type guy doing stuff around the house, not using every day for construction.
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Frankly, I think that Milwaukee M18 Fuel tools are great, but I think they’re more capable than a weekend warrior needs. For a weekend warrior, the jump up in price might be better used for additional tools, accessories, or supplies, at least that’s how I consider my own purchases.
A few readers have said that Ridgid specs appear to be inflated, but for the most part Ridgid cordless tools are quite decent.
If you have to ask whether Milwaukee M18 Fuel tools are suited for your needs, that might be a good test for you to judge whether you really need them or not.
It’s compelling to go for the latest and greatest, but that’s not always the best way to go.
If there’s something you might want to buy later on that’s in Milwaukee’s M18 ecosystem, that’s a different story, but beyond what you were asking.
If the question was whether to go for Milwaukee’s compact brushless kit or Ridgid’s, which are both eligible for the $100 bundle savings, I’d spend the extra $20 and go for the Milwaukee.
Milwaukee’s compact brushless tools aren’t as premium featured as their Fuel brushless tools, but are still very good, and they are appreciably more compact, probably a bit lighter too – although I haven’t checked numbers recently.
The downside is that the M18 compact brushless impact doesn’t offer multiple speed or torque settings. But on the upside, the M18 compact kit comes with a compact 2.0Ah battery pack and an XC 4.0Ah battery pack.
It’s a tough choice.
If you want (or decided you need) the latest and greatest: Milwaukee M18 Fuel Brushless
If you want a great combo and entry into Milwaukee M18 platform: Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless
If you want a great combo and aren’t looking to buy into another cordless ecosystem: Ridgid 18V Gen5X Brushless
Of the 3 choices, unless I wanted an impact driver with multiple speeds (which I often do prefer), I would go with the Milwaukee M18 compact brushless kit. But that’s also because I like a lot of Milwaukee’s other M18 tools. Ignoring that, I would go for the Ridgid combo.
But then again, I am quite fond of Milwaukee M18 Fuel… decisions, decisions.
Which option do you think would best suit a DIYer’s needs? Or would you go for D: None of the Above?
Buy Now(Milwaukee M18 Fuel Brushless Kit)
Buy Now(Ridgid 18V Gen5X Brushless Kit)
Buy Now(Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless Kit)
See More(Home Depot Cordless Combo Bundle Holiday 2015 Promo)
fred
Stuart as you say:
“If there’s something you might want to buy later on that’s in Milwaukee’s M18 ecosystem, that’s a different story”
But that “different story” might be the deal maker if there is a projected tool that is not in the Ridgid lineup. Maybe a look at the Milwaukee or Ridgid websites might add some insight about a next tool purchase.
I’m also a bit surprised that Ryobi is not in the hunt – since the question comes from someone already invested in that platform. Are Ryobi tools not up to the questioner’s DIY needs – or are the Black Friday deals just too compelling ?
Sanket
I decided to try a new tool company out. My Ryobi treated me well..got a combo deal back in 2005 or ’06…everything still works, just needed to buy new lithium batteries about 4-5 years ago when the ni-cad went out. The drill has been used & abused and still runs, but I really need to push on it to drill holes & such. The other items from combo set work. I’m sure if bought a new Ryobi impact driver & drill it would be just fine for my needs but I just wanted something new I guess…plus it seems like I’m using my tools more and more as I get older. I bought the Ryobi kit back when I was ~27 – 28 and single home owner…now I’m a 38 yr old married w/ 2 kids home owner which means alot more stuff to build, assembly and repair. I still have my Ryobi set and will continue to use the other stuff (circular saw and saw zall) until they or the batteries go out.
Jon
I’m similarly situated in terms of tools (started with my Ryobi kit about 10 years ago, now with house and family I needed an upgrade). I bought into the Ridgid 18v line last year around this time. I’m very pleased with the drill and impact driver, both have served me well and the drill is light years better than the old blue Ryobi drill I had been working to the bone.
Milwaukee gets rave reviews and has an extensive line of tools in its 18v portfolio. Ryobi may not have as extensive a line of tools but I have no issues with the quality and performance of the products in the line itself.
I chose Ridgid because of the lifetime warranty on tool AND batteries (kit batteries). I hated that my Ryobi set was essentially worthless without buying brand new batteries for old tools. At least with Ridgid, the batteries can be replaced if (when) they cease to perform up to snuff. I don’t want to have to go out 3-4 years from now and buy a new drill yet again because of the battery. With Ridgid, I won’t have to.
You can’t go wrong with Milwaukee or Ridgid, it’s just a matter of how you value the lifetime warranty. For me, peace of mind tipped the scales towards Ridgid.
Sanket
You probably have same blue Ryobi drill I have – the P201… It’s def durable… Beat the snot of the drill for 10 years and still runs, granted not as well. Hopefully my Milwaukee will exceed the Ryobi!
Scott
Great article and great questions. I never saw a mention about Ridgids, what I determine, an unbelievable lifetime warranty program? This has to weigh heavily on any decision that would be made.
Gilbert
Milwaukee M18 Fuel all the way. Even if you describe yourself as a weekend warrior, you won’t regret the M18 Fuel line. One’s needs sometimes change after the fact. What that means is that maybe in the future you might want to expand by adding another tool, M18 is definitely the way to go.
mike aka Fazzman
I think it all depends what you really wanna do,better tools allow for more projects to be done quicker. I too am not a pro contractor type but I am a toolnut like many others around here,I buy the best I can.
Right now with holiday deals its not hard to find good pricing on Milwaukee and such, plus you can ad on to your kit easier with the multitude of tools they have for their line. You dont necessarily need brushless either,but if you are buying new you might as well.
mike aka Fazzman
Forgot to mention,dont shun out Makita. They have a good following.
Chris
Note sure about anyone else but I always feel like Ridgid is quick to change/abandon old product lines. But at least they always make the batteries interchangeable.
The X5 line hasnt been out for very long, yet I see HD discounting the sets by 100.00 already, and thats not even a Black Friday deal
A lot of my stores still have the X4 stuff too. It all seems pretty confusing, especially when its not the easiest thing in the world to differentiate the two (it looks like they changed the X4 packaging at one point to something that looks just like the current X5 packaging)
Jason
Yea, they are clearancing out the cordless sander and fan Ridigd just released. Like you said if you want additional tools it might be gone when you want to buy it with Ridgid. Check out the Ridgid forum for people that like the tools Ridgid offers but hate the direction the brand can take at times.
Dylan
Ridgid tools are fine if you don’t plan on using them often. I’ve seen more than a couple professional contractors using Ridgid and Ryobi quality tools. However high quality tools are more enjoyable to use and get the job done faster. Personally I’d buy a Makita kit but whatever
SawdustTX
I can’t provide any Milwaukee vs. Ridgid comparison, but I can say I have been very happy with my decision to go M18 Fuel. I’m a similar DIY/Prosumer, with the additional factor that my son frequently borrows my tools to use in his work doing Home Automation system installs.
I bit the bullet and decided to jump to M18 Fuel about 18 months ago. Over that time I’ve now bought a pretty good set of M18 Fuel tools, including drill, impact driver, circular saw, SawzAll, grinder, vacuum, blower, and a couple others.
Looking back now, with a year plus of real use, I’m very pleased I went the M18 Fuel route as the tools perform extremely well and have held up well. And, Milwuakee has reinforced my choice with the constant addition of new tools to the lineup. in fact I’m already upgrading, as I’m picking up the new 7 1/4″ circular saw and selling off my current 6 1/2″.
And to be honest, I just like red more than orange. 🙂
Brian Inigo
Aren’t Milwaukee and Ridgid made by the same company?
Stuart
Yes, but no.
TTI owns Milwaukee Tool and Ridgid’s non-plumbing-specific power tool segment. But they have their own designers and I believe different factories and facilities as well.
It’s like considering 2 siblings. Just because they have the same parents doesn’t really say much about who they are.
will
haha love that analogy, but more in the fact that they are step siblings rather blood related!
Nathan
I was looking at similar things, and ended up with the holiday sale $199 on the M12 Fuel hammer drill + impact driver combo. No, in terms of percentage, it is not nearly as good of a deal as those $100 and $150 off combo kits, but it still shook out to being at least $20 cheaper than stretching to one of the combo kits in the $100/$150 deal, and the M12 Fuel has specs that keep up with many other competitor’s non-brushless offerings.
Additionally, I really like the form factor of the M12… very maneuverable and easy to one-hand in tight spaces. Heck, my toddler is freaking obsessed with tools and he can hold up and trigger the impact driver with the compact battery loaded (don’t worry, I’m not the worst dad ever, I didn’t load any bits and of course supervised him).
I would not consider myself quite a “prosumer,” so maybe my needs aren’t quite up to what you have, where the M18 is justified. But really, these M12s are very powerful, the metal construction feels a lot nicer than many competing solutions. I don’t think it leaves you wanting in the power department, and the kit does come with a M12 extended battery. But that would be my main concern… I haven’t had occasion to use these for an extended, single-day project just yet (e.g. in the garage all day building something). But given the usability of the form factor, I’ll happily buy another battery or two in the future if I feel I need to have a backup of juice beyond the two batteries the kit came with.
Brian
I buy whatever I can in Ridgid. Very pleased with the lifetime warranty and the quality. I bought the 18v Impact Driver/Drill Combo, and then bought the 12V Impact Driver/Drill Combo. Incredibly pleased with both.
George W
I too am a “prosumer”/avid amateur and like having solid tools for when I want them, but don’t specifically need to spend the most on the best. I am debating my first foray into a cordless system and liked Ridgid until I read the Lifetime Service Agreement (https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/three-year-limited-lsa) and saw under the “How to Obtain Service” section the sentence: “If a cordless tool kit requires a battery/charger replacement, the tool console, battery and charger purchased together must be present for proper diagnosis and warranty verification.” With no service within less than 85 miles, that’s going to cost way more in shipping than replacing batteries. Does anyone have any experience to share invoking the Ridgid LSA/battery warranty?
I’ve been eyeballing the Dewalt Bolt-On promo on Amazon + the $25 off $100. Annoyingly the deal with the 6.5″ circular saw is currently unavailable which would give the brushless compact hammer drill, impact driver, and circular saw for ~$260.
M13579
I invoked the LSA for a set of 8 year old NiCAD battery replacements last year. The nearest service center was my local Home Depot so that was convenient. They did ask me to bring one of the tools (not the entire kit) along so they could get the SN from it. They did not do any “testing” or do anything beyond that though. No hassles or questions asked.
They kept the “bad” batteries and new ones were mailed to me a week later with instructions to call to register the new batteries to continue the LSA coverage.
Overall I thought it was a good experience. Though I could see where it would be a pain if you had to ship them.
George W
I *wish* it was as simple as going to Home Depot for Ridgid. The other problem with shipping is that if I have to send the tool, battery, and charger, I’m out not just the tool, but the only charger I’d have as well. I doubt the turn-around is lightning quick either.
However after reading this thread and running the numbers, I may go M18 (not Fuel) instead since it’s the same price as the Dewalt, but seems to have a better following and tool choice. Not that Dewalt is bad, but at equal price points …
Jim D
The best thing to do in my opinion is to get the better tool, Milwaukee, but wait for a good sale. At my work, Bay Verte Machinery, we have a sale on the 4th and 5th of December where you get the Gen5x Drill and Compact Impact kit (2897-22) for $299 after a trade in, or $359.99 without a trade, and you also get a free 4ah battery (48-11-1840) and a free brushless sawzall (2720-20).
That’s $720 of product for as little as $299… kind of a no brainer in my opinion.
Sanket
Wow – I’m surprised my question lead to a post and the comments have been great. BTW – this site is great – I’ve learned a lot. In case your wondering, I went with the Milwaukee the other day for following reasons –
– I compared the available tools for future purchase and Milwaukee wins hands down vs Rigid
– I’m an engineer, so I tend to be picking and need to question and want to learn everything about a purchase like this. The more I read about Milwaukee tools, the more I started to lean in that direction. The review on this site for the impact driver (which is the main tool I’ll be using) really pushed me to Milwaukee. I wanted the multiple speeds & the 4th mode (self tapping screw) on the Fuel really caught my attention. I didn’t see this option on any other tool. Here is the article that really pushed me to the Milwaukee
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/milwaukee-m18-fuel-impact-driver-compact-wrenches-gen2/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
– I went to HD and actually held the tools and looked over them. The Milwaukee is felt better ergonomically. I felt the Rigid was “over – designed” – like they tried too hard to design the shell of the tool to be unique / futuristic. I preferred the clean look of the Milwaukee
– The warranty – I read alot of horror stories about Rigid’s lifetime warranty…on the other hand read some good and some bad stories about Milwaukee warranty. Hopefully I wont need to worry about it.
– Hard case in the combo – this wasnt a big deal, but I like the hard case over the soft case offered in Rigid
-Everyone’s comments – I read alot of the comments on this site whenever the M18 or Rigid was mentioned. And the overwhelming consensus is that Milwaukee makes good products.
Sorry about the long comment …but THANK YOU to everyone who posted and comments on this site. Keep up the good work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Stuart
It sound to me like the M18 Fuel might actually be the better choice for you after all. The Ridgid also has multiple speed and torque settings, but no “4th mode” like the M18 Fuel 2nd gen’s smart self-tapping screw setting.
If you’re already favoring Milwaukee’s ergonomics and features, price is the only thing left. 2 years from now, 1 year from now, 6 months from now, maybe even 1 month from now, you’ll have forgotten about the difference in price between Ridgid and Milwaukee M18 Fuel.
But the ergonomics and features? That’s something that’ll matter long after the purchase is made and credit card bill paid.
Sanket
Exactly! Which is why I bought the M18 Fuel. Thanks!
will
I agree that this is a great site and always the first tool site I open up at the end of a long work day. Keep up the great work stuart and the great comments everyone else!
Matt
Very well said Stuart. I could not agree more.
moneyintebank
milwaukee hold their value better , and a home owner often sells his “pro” tools . 12v / compact 18v drill driver is a better option. Used even better.
Justin
When I was in the remodeling business, I carried an 18 volt dewalt kit and the 12 volt milwaukee kit. Each had their own strength, depending on the task. Now that I’m out of it and just working around my house, I use the M12s for everything. Typically, if I need more power than the 12, I can step it up to corded tool (which happens, but not that often).
The deal on the M12 Fuel kit is really tempting me at the moment!
tony macchio
They’ll both work, they both make great stuff, it’s a Ford vs GMC type deal.
The new M18 Fuel looks nice and packs power, but Ridgid’s new stuff is probably good too. If you doing commercial stuff, drilling 100 holes a day or what have you, the Milwaukee might take the advantage. But in that situation I use a corded hammer drill. I use Ridgid stuff on a daily basis and the only qualm is the batteries, but that’s probably all companies. The Ridgid impact driver is exceptionally loud though.
For wood working at home they’ll both be fine and will last forever. I’m still waiting for my gun to go out so I can get an X% or M18 Fuel. But it never stops working.
tony macchio
Blackstonehomeservices.com
Daniel de andrade
https://www.instagram.com/p/9z0bShux_3/
See for yourself. The only complaint I’ve had with Ridgid is the protection kicks on too early and you have to remove and reinsert battery. After two or three times you switch to low and rip your arm off.
Jay
Buy tools, not warranties. Buy the best tools you can afford. Properly maintained tools work faster and safer. Listen to your intuition.
Richard G.
I think it should depend on your own priorities and financial capabilities. I put myself as an example. I am DIYer but I am not rich enough to buy cheap things, but even with saying that, I am not needed to go above and beyond. It is like if you can afford a Mercedes but buying a Lexus, just because it is cheaper, at the same time, if after buying a Lexus you are constantly looking at Mercedes with thinking, that you should have bought it instead of what you drive now, then, you better buy better thing at the begining, so you won’t regret it later. If you can afford better now and their tool line seems to expanding in future even greater that it is now, spend little bit extra and be happy. If you are too practical and need only tools that works, then, there are many other options to chose from, even mix and match. Something like that I think.
Sanket
Just a quick heads up — if you have a Discover Card, use their deal site (https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/deals/), sign in, and search for home depot and click the “Shop” button to take you to HD’s website. By going thru Discover’s site, you can get 10% cash back and $5 off $50!! This is only from 11/23 – 11/30 and works on sale items and the tool combo packs.
The code for the $5 off $50 is “HDHOLIDAY” (w/o quotes) — and this works for any online purchase – doesnt need to be Discover card.
Jerry
If you really plan on using the tools hard, and don’t blink at the price, the Milwaukee has super performance, and good ergonomics. Ridgid tools seem good as well, but no experience with the newest generation.
One thought, just for serious DIY projects rather than the kind of job where you drill holes or run screws one after the other all day, maybe look at the new line of Ryobi tools, since he already has the system. Never will be mistaken for the Fuel line, but they are pretty decent. I’ve gotten a couple, and they really impressed me for the price.
What I have done with the last Ryobi tools I purchased, was to buy the extended exchange warranty. When you buy the tool, Home Depot also sells an extended warranty, good for 2 years, which is among the best I have used. I only ever had one Ryobi tool fail in less than 2 years (inflator) but it was as painless as it gets. Brought in the broken one, they exchanged it for a brand new one. My understanding is that if they don’t have one on the shelf, they refund your original purchase price, or credit it towards a new one. The last couple tools I got, we’re still about half a Milwaukee, even after the warranty. I was told it even covers normal wear and tear, but not abuse. It seems like new innovations are coming out so fast, that after 2 years, there will probably be an improved model out anyway.
Hugh
Looks like the happy customer made his purchase already, I would have gone with Milwaukee as well.
The thing I like the most about Milwaukee is the battery tech lets you leave them in your vehicle in the cold winter and hot summer and it doesn’t break them. It is exhausting to have to baby the batteries in the extreme elements.
I owned a rigid recip saw in the past. It was a good tool but the battery stopped charging in the middle of a project, costing me time and money.
I kid around with the granite guy I use about getting some real tools. He has their 12v impact says he has broken it 3 times and they have replaced it 3 times.
Ken
Techtronic Industries, owns Ryobi, and Milwaukee Electric Tool, which under a licensing agreement makes Rigid Tools. I own a Milwaukee fuel hammer drill which has been my go to for red heads, with that being said the new rigid feels sounds and even looks the same Im sure the gear ratios are not the same and i know the BPM are different but these tools are too close in performance now imo to justify spending so much more on the milwaukee tools. This is an all-round amazing thing for the consumer!
T8r
I’ve had the same Ridgid drill and impact for the better part of a decade working in a metal shop drilling holes in steel plate and running self taps screws through aluminum.
Those first two tools still run strong, even if the batteries have been replaced a few times. They were refurbs too – bought them for dirt cheap on sale. They’re tougher than I would have believed, and the drill will still rip your arm out of it’s socket at the bottom of a 1/2″ hole through steel plate. The little decade old refurb skill saw still mows through 1/8″ aluminum like a champ too, btw.
I have used Milwaukee and Ridgid in similar conditions – and they’re both rock solid choices.
The Dewalt stuff doesn’t seem to last quite as long… but it’s easier to find if you have to replace something on a job site or it’s just going to get abused and lost by negligent employees.
The main reasons I went with Ridgid were a sale price on a big set of refurbished tools – and because the orange made it easy to spot my tools in a shop where everyone was always ‘missing’ their Milwaukee batteries and ‘borrowing’ an impact from whomever they thought had theirs.
I’m completely happy with them after all these years. I finally started using a newer Ridgid impact because the light is handy in cramped dark work spaces. The ‘old’ one is still on the truck for daylight work.
I also kinda enjoying collecting the fuego tools with interchangeable heads and bodies. (Air line, battery, jig saw, soft saw, body saw, etc)
If I had to start from scratch tomorrow – I’d be tempted to go Red, because the customer service is slipping at my local Home Depot…. but I’d be a sad every time I walked by the isle with the mix-&-match ridgid stuff.
William
TECHTRONIC INDUSTRIES (TTI)
Makes both Milwaukee and Ridgid tools.
Shane Smith
Rigid gen 5x combo kit $400 Milwaukee combo kit $1000
Both 5 piece brushless
Rigid has a better warranty both are compatible as far capability.
For me it was a no brainer and personally I think Milwaukee is off there rock and a bit full of themselves with there surge in popularity. $1000 really Milwaukee?