Queried a while back about the Ryobi impact driver. (I’m not a pro but do want to purchase tools that will last.) Readers gave it good marks and I was all set to go with it but fate intervened. Wife got me an 18 volt DeWalt for father’s day – big day not here yet so it is still wrapped up & unused. She got it at HD (Canada) for about $200 – HD claims that it is on sale from a regular price of ~$330 (impact driver, 2 batteries, charger & plastic case) and there will be a $25 gift card rebate as well (this would also be available for the Ryobi so there is no gain one way or the other).
Anyway, the “end user” went to have a look. Ryobi driver + 2 Batteries + charger comes within $20 of the DeWalt’s sale price (has a plastic case that the Ryobi doesn’t but this is not a make or break by itself).
Is this formerly “expensive” DeWalt truly a better deal or is it merely optics or merchandising? Reading thru many posts it seems there are champions of every major brand. Want to get a good one that will provide trouble-free use. Looked at the Makita Li-ion as well but its a wee bit too expensive. I have a driver drill but I’m not into getting a whole array of battery stuff so expandability is not a major criterion.
Thoughts appreciated.
Replies
I think your wife made a good choice.
I'd stick with the Dewalt if you got it for the same price as the Ryobi (more or less).
Some of the Ryobi cordless tools are a good deal for the money. "For the money" being the operative phrase. If you can get a better name brand (such as Dewalt) for the same money than that's the deal I'd take 99% of the time.
Well gee, look what just happened to pop up on the thread right after the first post...
Sponsored Link:FREE DEWALT Battery InstantlyGet With The System, 38 Tools One Battery Ends June 30th with select purchases View Image
be pretty interestingAt length, in the beginning of May, with the help of some of my acquaintances, rather to improve so good an occasion for neighborliness than from any necessity, I set up the frame of my house. No man was ever more honored in the character of his raisers than I. They are destined, I trust, to assist at the raising of loftier structures one day. -Thoreau's Walden
They are good impact drivers, I have 12 and 14.4v. The 18v is a bit heavy for many tasks. Will take the lugs off your truck. I use the 12v ones most (have gone over to Bosch as primary, but still use the DWs).
I have a couple Dewalt impacts and they are good. The best part is the batteries go in their (my) radio which is always on on my sites.
Plus it is good to like the presents from your wife and kids, for tons of reasons.
Have a good day
Cliffy
Yes, cliffy, I agree about the better half comment. Right on. Best to go with the flow.
for 200 you could get ryobi 7 piece kit
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&productId=100377378&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&cm_sp=THD_Marketing-_-dadsday_ryobi_07-_-scroller-_-100377378
or for 159 a 5 piece kit
http://www6.homedepot.com/fathersday/ryobi.html
with a coupon for free tool of choice which includes impact driver
Ive been satisfied with my Ryobi tools .
my first ryobi drill 10 years or so ago replaced a dewalt
Only thing missing off the dewalt is the work light. Other than that its a great unit.