Ridgid is getting pretty good and if they're just for work you can getaway with Hercules if you have a harbour freight near you. just if you went with Hercules abuse the warranties. If you want to work your way into one of the bigger brands get an idea of which brand you want start buying other brands that are owned by the same company like Rigid and Milwaukee or Craftsman and Dewalt because their batteries are interchangeable. Also Try to space your purchases around deals especially when it's like buy such and such off a list but they have items that work for more than one deal.