After spending about a month researching different major tool brands, going to the big home stores to see how they feel, comparing features and warranties, I settled on Ridgid as my default tool brand. This does not mean I will automatically choose Ridgid, especially when I get to the more expensive tools. Each tool gets researched, but Ridgid gets an advantage when I’m deciding what to buy.

The tools felt comfortable in my hands. They have all the features I could ask. Most importantly, though, is the warranty. Almost all of the tools get the lifetime service agreement. Batteries get replaced for free. Parts and service are free. And this is true for life. That was the feature that finally put me over the top for Ridgid.

Having that feature, though, is meaningless unless the company backs it up. I recently managed to overheat the cordless drill so much that the lubricant liquefied and ran out. I sent the drill in (only the drill, not the battery/etc), and 3 weeks later I had a new drill (plus battery, plus charger). Turns out the parts were on back order, so they sent me brand new.

All in all, I’m pleased. They honored their warranty better than I’d hoped, especially for a problem that might well have been outside of their warranty. Their advantage just got bigger in future tool purchases.