Professional Tool Reviews for Pros
For those of you who appreciate Ridgid’s aim to produce quality tools at prices that won’t put you in the poor house, take a look at the new Ridgid tools coming out for summer 2019. Ridgid’s got a little something for everyone it seems, and much of the new product offerings have been optimized for the brand’s new Octane battery platform.
Optimized for the 18V Octane battery system, this new Ridgid cordless circular saw produces up to 30% more power and runtime than their previous 18V model. Its 5800 RPM speed allows it to tackle more challenging applications with better results.
It features a brushless motor and an upgraded dust chute that reduces most of your dust cleanup from the jobsite when you attach the saw to a vacuum. It features the industry’s best depth of cut for a 7-1/4″ circular saw at 2-11/16″. A rafter hook is included as well.
This oscillating multitool features a high-performance brushless motor and advanced electronics that ramp up the tool’s performance, power, and intelligence. Paired with the brand’s Octane battery, this tool boosts power by some 30% over the previous 18V model. It also features a tool-free multi-head for easier accessory swaps, and a 4-position head allows you to customize your own ergonomics for the job at hand.
Where other, lesser impact drivers like to include 3 modes of operation, the new Ridgid impact driver says, “not good enough.” Instead, this driver provides 3 speed settings and 3 specialty modes for incredible versatility and control. Along with standard low, medium, and high settings, the R86039 also includes Auto Stop, Fastener Assist, and Self-Driving Screw modes.
In forward, Auto-Stop shuts down the operation after impact to prevent over-tightening. In reverse, it breaks fasteners loose and shuts off after the impacting has finished.
Fastener Assist Mode slowly ramps up in forward after the threads engage. When backing screws out, this mode allows the tool to pulse 6 times and then ramp up to help remove damaged fasteners.
Self-Drilling Screw Mode forces the speed to ramp down as the threads engage, preventing you from overdriving your screws.
Like all the other new tools we’re talking about, this tool will perform its best when paired with Octane batteries, delivering up to 2,400 in-lbs of torque.
Spoiler Alert! We’ve done some initial testing on this one in our impact driver head-to-head shootout, and it has one of the highest breakaway torque measurements of any impact driver we’ve used!
Undoubtedly one of the new Ridgid tools that best shows off the capabilities of the upgraded 18V Octane battery line, the new Ridgid impact wrench can fire off up to 458 ft-lbs of fastening torque.
The R86011 has 3 modes of operation with an Auto Mode feature that can match most any jobsite application. It allows the tool to automatically shut down after the impacts have begun to prevent overtightening.
It also features tri-beam LED lights around the anvil to eliminate shadows around the workpiece. A die-cast gearbox increases the tool’s durability as well.
It looks like Ridgid simplified the design with this 1/4″ Sheet Sander by throwing a 3-speed digital selector where a speed dial would be. They’ve improved the clip for a better hold on the sandpaper sheets, and a redesigned front grip allows for a more comfortable hold.
Speaking of improvements, this new Ridgid tool has been optimized for use with the 18V Octane platform. It also features AirGuard technology, which sucks up to 90% of the dust you create by using this sander. It fits a variety of vacuum hoses with the included adaptor, and the smaller dust bag makes for easier maneuvering.
Ridgid’s new cordless router can also run on the brand’s new Octane batteries, giving it up to 15% more power and longer runtime than when using their original cordless model.
Featuring a brushless motor and advanced electronics, it includes a vacuum dust chute for a cleaner workspace and an LED light so that you can see what you’re routing.
A variable speed dial lets you customize your speeds for the job at hand while a micro-adjust dial and quick release lever give you two ways to easily adjust your depth of cut.
If you’ve got work to do with a compressor, a good hose is your best friend after the tool itself. Ridgid’s 50 ft x 1/4″ Lay-Flat Air Hose has all of the benefits, and none of the headaches, that come with PVC, rubber, or hybrid hoses. This hose has a unique lay-flat design that keeps it kink-resistant and non-tangling. It weighs in under 3 lbs and can still flex in colder weather.
Instead of providing a weak point in the hose, the 360° swivel fittings with bend restrictors on this hose actually provide some support to extend its lifespan. It has a 300 PSI max capacity, and it’s field repairable.
Speaking of tools that run on pneumatic power, keep an eye out for the upcoming 23 Gauge 1-3/8″ Pin Nailer. This tool features even more power from its low-profile, compact size. Its accuracy gets an upgrade, and it uses Ridgid’s CleanDrive technology. This allows the pinner to drive flush at angles, prevents driver blade slips, and keeps the nose small for better visibility. It can drive pin nails from 1/2″ to 1-3/8″.
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When he doesn't have his hands on tools himself, Chris is often the man behind the camera lens making the rest of the team look good. In his free time, you might find Chris with his nose jammed in a book, or tearing out his remaining hair while watching Liverpool FC. He enjoys his faith, family, friends, and the Oxford comma.
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RIDGID MAKE A 18-Volt Brushless Cordless 10 in. Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw. AND MAKE A 18-Volt Brushless Cordless Table Saw.
ridgid please make a bandsaw
When will ridgid come out with a chain saw
Looks like another year of waiting for a small battery powered trim table-saw…damn it
Waiting on a chainsaw, and 7/16 impact wrench
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Professional Tool Reviews for Pros