Stoney,
I've had a 14.4 Firestorm set for at least 6 years. I've tried really hard to tear them up, but can't. You will wear out batteries and they're damned expensive, but the tools will hold up just fine.

Save the money.

I know DeWalt and some of the other brands are perceived to be "better," but I can't argue with what works.

Aaaggghhhh!! MORE info to process. I'm never going to be able to make up my mind!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/baby.gif" alt="" />

Well, regardless of what you do, just go prepared.

You will not save any money having to replace batts all the time.

If your tools don't get much wear and tear you are just not using them to their full potential. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> My Craftsman 19.2V drill is about 2 yrs old now, both the batts still work great, so does the charger, and light, and the only wear and tear is the grip is coming off the handle from use. By the way, in my line of work I go through 1 tape measure every couple of weeks, and the screw gun gets just as much use.

Sorry, dude. Didn't mean to cause you any stress. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

If you had your heart set on DeWalt, just do it. They're fine tools.

Hmmm...leaning toward the Cman again now. lol I'm heading over to Sears in a few.

Anybody try to make good on the free Ridgid lifetime service contract for the batteries? The service contract says all normal wear and tear things are covered for life, including batteries.

Got the 19.2 drill and impact drill combo (Cman). 2 batts and a charger for 130-somethin'. I did shell out the xtra 20 bucks so that if ANYTHING goes wrong with anything, I get a free replacement...for two years. I used it tonite tearing down and putting back together my dirtbike, and I really like it so far. Thanks again for all the advice guys.

the eadiest way to some this one up is "you get what you pay for" Take it from a guy that uses power tools every day, ive tried bout anything worth trying and wasted time and money.... then i bought Bosch. Has a three yr waranty weather you run over it with a truck(speaking from experience) or the switch goes bad you get new. The only other thing i reccomend is going to a tool store and not the Depot. Most of your tool companies make a lower grade of tools for depot and lowes, same with lawn tracters and mowers. As for craftsmen, all i can say about that its not what it used to be. I have also had good luck with makita though. you might want to consider a cordless impact if you havent bought yet, its is the most versitile tool in my arsinal. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> best of luck

Woohoo!! Took my receipt back to Sears today, and got 46.87 back!! It went on sale yesterday. 19.2 cordless drill, 19.2 cordless impact (900 somethin' somethin'?), 2 batts, and a 30 min. charger. Good enough for this cracker.