Home Depot Tool Haul #1: Empire, Milwaukee, and Ridgid

[@michaelhoye6549]

The inflator is good. Reasonably fast with at least a 10 minute duty cycle. My only complaint is the chuck. It’s workable but barely. I’m hoping I can change it out even though it will probably void Ridgid’s LSA. The unit also walks from vibration when you set it on the ground next to the tire. The gauge is pretty accurate.

[@lonestarmopars]

Yeah, I've had the one in this video for a few years now (really old video fwiw)...zero complaints. I noticed the same with the gauge...it is usually right on, or +/- 1 PSI. The chuck has been okay for me, but I agree...it could definitely be upgraded.

[@homerj1640]

I don't have one, but I'd be a little surprised you don't have a pneumatic jigsaw blade type saw. I have used a regular jigsaw to cut plastic for radios and my bumper for a hitch. The pneumatic one (or something similar with the blade that comes out of the front instead of the bottom) would have made it much easier. Basically a baby reciprocating saw.

[@lonestarmopars]

There is an old (want to say CP) at work, but I do believe I have a cheap HF pneumatic. My big thing with the dash trimming was wanting to keep the speed low (see also by hand) so I didn't melt the plastic etc. Could have probably feathered it with the pneumatic...I've got some ABS sheets for fuse blocks I might try it on...

[@guyconnell2250]

I've used hacksaws for 50 years. Had no idea they had changed. I gotta wonder though how floppy the protruding end of that Milwaukee would be.

[@lonestarmopars]

This little compact one has a bit of play, but for the odd circumstances it would be needed over a standard, fixed blade, I don' think there will be any issues. You can still find the old guard style with the wing nut tension in the back, but a lot of companies offer the ones that adjust up top. Sort of comes down to personal preference, but they would be worth checking out.

[@warrenblanchard889]

Love my rigid inflator especially the option to use it 12V if needed

[@lonestarmopars]

Yeah, this video is OLD...goes back a long time. That thing has been fantastic. In the past I would have to fire up the compressor and drive stuff over...run the airline all the way out to get the back tire. This solved that problem. I actually bought 3 more this past Christmas. I haven't had to use the 12V yet, but I figure my Sister will sleep on keeping the battery up and it will come into play, lol.

[@robertcasey3528]

The Ridgid 18v tire inflator is👍🔥

[@lonestarmopars]

This one has been a work horse with no issues over a few years. I grabbed (3) more this past Black Friday.

[@chadroy16]

at least you didn't have to call them for 30 minutes and then still not receive the products. have had experience with empire digital levels and they were great

[@lonestarmopars]

I'm still torn on Ridgid. It was my first battery platform of choice (well ignoring some 14.4V Craftsman from circa y2k). Drill and Impact have been great. The inflator has been great. The lone downturn was a blower. That thing was dead on arrival in the midst of the shutdown...Talk about a nightmare. I've still got the POS in the box in the shop. I could lso never get it registered. Calling them on the phone was an equal nightmare. That experience is 100% why I went with the Hercules line here recently. I did pick up (3) more inflators on Black Friday, but that is also in part to Hercules still not having one and just having great experience with this one. Yeah, Empire is great...I've run there levels for years.

[@chadroy16]

@@lonestarmopars is the ridgid battery stuff the same company that make the USA made pipe wrenches? I have an aluminium set for years and they're honestly the best you can get (in my experience)

[@chadroy16]

@@lonestarmopars y2k lol the Hercules stuff looks nice but never had any experience with it. I've only ever owned milwaukee, and they've been brilliant. Most of my corded tools are supplied by the employer I'm working for at the time.