Tech Friday: Ridgid 9Ah lithium battery claim for failing latch
Posted By RichC on July 7, 2023
One of the TWO reasons that I’ve opted for the Ridgid brand of cordless power tools is their LSA … which 
I’ve used once before on a couple of early batteries. Besides the minor hassle in registering and filing a claim, it seems to be the right way to go considering the problems with tools in the past (mostly Sears and Craftsman pre-Lithium cordless drills — although still have one “lithium” powered one that still works fine). I personally prefer the Makita, DeWalt and Milwaukee branded tools, but the fact that Ridgid is supported by Home Depot stores and has the LSA “warranty” … they are my preferred for home duty.
A few years back, I purchase ONE larger than normal Ridgid 9Ah Octane battery (may not be available anymore?) for a few uses while in the car or for a power emergency (batteries, therefore the Tech Friday subject). 
I’ve found that it is really great for the Ridgid Job Site Blower that Katelyn and Drew gave me for Christmas. I use it constantly for light blowing like garage cleanout, patios sweeping and sidewalks after mowing … and the extra weight of the 9Ah is no big deal. It is not really enough for leaves or autumn clean-up in our oversized yard, but it is perfect for all my light duty needs.
This brings me to my latest warranty or LSA (Lifetime Service Agreement) claim. I’ve tinkered over an over with the latching mechanism on this my largest battery — the 9Ah — and even filed down the latch a little bit as it will not fully retract when taking it out of the tool. In other words, it gets stuck and is nearly impossible to get unlatched. So .. I’ve sent in my request to see what Ridgid will do about it, although the cells are perfectly fine and the Ridgid app records the battery as in “Excellent Condition.” I’m hesitant to file the latch down any further over concern that it will not hold the battery in the tool?
It is not overly concerning as I currently have a few extra batteries … some covered under the LSA and other from the earlier days that were not covered under the LSA ( I think all batteries purchased separately are now covered???) Oh … on a side note, I’ve purchased the Ridgid Inverter mention before to used for an LED lamp in our great room so that we do not have to run a cord … although Brenda is not impressed (the orange and black device will need to be hidden!)
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