New Ridgid 18V Brushless Power Tools!

Ridgid just announced a bunch of new brushless power tools to their 18V line up! There’s a lot however in this article we will discuss their new 18V brushless 1/2 Hammer Drill and Drill/Driver, impact driver, reciprocating saw, 7-1/4″ circular saw, oscillating multitool, mid torque and high torque impact wrenches. All the tools in this article are said to offer their maximum performance when paired with Ridgid 18V Max Output batteries. All tools in this article are said to launch April 2021 in part of combo kits with the baretools available in May except for the circular saw and impact wrenches which are expected for December 2021.

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New Ridgid 18V Brushless Family Photo

As seen in the image above, we can see the new handful of Ridgid 18V brushless power tools. Although none of these types of tools are new in the Ridgid lineup, they do represent a new refresh of those said tools. Just as they did years ago with the Gen5X tools and these seem to be their successors in this regard.

Ridgid 18V Brushless 1/2″ Hammer Drill R86115B / Drill Driver R86114B

Starting off with the new 1/2″ brushless drills, they feature the same form factor and specs with a 2 speed drivetrain featuring 800 in-lbs of torque and max RPM of 2,100. Being a sister brand to Milwaukee, they also feature a side handle that looks very similar to the one from the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Gen 3 hammer drill except shorter. It’s still a two position only side handle with no support for depth rod. You do get a nice 1/2″ metal chuck ratcheting chuck that looks similar to the one on the Gen 2 Milwaukee Fuel hammer drill as well but with different paint scheme. The Ridgid version comes in a hammer drill and regular drill/driver configuration. Although Ridgid makes no mention whether this is a compact or high torque drill, they do compare it to being lighter and more compact than the “previous” model R8611506 which is a high torque hammer drill that’s rated for 1,300 in-lbs torque. So it appears this may a lower spec’d and more compact “high torque” drill. Ridgid didn’t mention actual length info in their official press info however the Home Depot mentioned it as being 7.5″ in length which isn’t going to break any records but still relatively short for an average sized drill while still providing more rated power than traditional compact drills. Unlike the 18V Octane brushless hammer drill, they removed the over 100 setting micro adjust torque collar and instead opted for a traditional torque collar with average amount of torque settings, no mention of exact count though. They also removed the slick LED light ring on the chuck itself instead for a more traditional LED light on the base of the tool below the handle. It will be priced at $139 as a baretool and $199 as a kit.

  • Maximum Performance. Longer Runtime.
  • Pair with MAX Output batteries for maximum performance
  • Powerful brushless motor delivers 800 in-lbs. of torque
  • Superior Ergonomics
  • 35% More Compact*
  • 20% Lighter Weight*
  • 1/2″ metal ratcheting chuck & metal gear case for jobsite durability
  • 2-speed gearbox (0-500 RPM/ 0-2,100 RPM)
  • LED light for improved visibility in low-light situations
  • Reversible belt hook and bit holder allow users to apply on either side for additional customization
  • Lifetime Service Agreement with registration within 90 days

Ridgid 18V brushless 3 speed impact driver R862311B

Their latest impact driver is a brushless 3 speed impact featuring 2,300 in-lbs of torque! I haven’t tested any Ridgid impact drivers since the Stealth Force, however I’ve tried prior Ridgid impact drivers that claimed very high torque numbers but just didn’t deliver in the real world so it’s hard for me to get excited over Ridgid’s claim of 2,300 in-lbs of torque. Hopefully their new impact delivers performance that one would expect from a 2,300 in-lbs torque impact driver. They offer a new spiffy modern design refresh. It’s said to be more compact and lighter than the R86039 Brushless Impact Driver however no length specs are disclosed. It appears to be of average length and nothing compared to their own super tiny sub compact model. Other than the super high torque rating, brushless motor and 3 speeds, it appears to have standard features like LED light at the foot of the tool instead of an LED light ring and belt clip. No mention of it’s chuck being one handed to insert and or remove bits is mentioned. It will be priced at $129 as a baretool.

  • Maximum Performance. Longer Runtime.
  • Pair with MAX Output batteries for maximum performance
  • Powerful brushless motor delivers 2,300 in-lbs. of torque
  • 20% faster driving*
  • Superior ergonomics
  • 10% more compact*
  • 10% lighter weight*
  • 3-speeds: (Low 0-900 RPM/ Medium 0-2,000 RPM/ High0-2,900 RPM)
  • LED light for improved visibility in low-light situations
  • Reversible belt hook and bit holder allow users to apply on either side for additional customization
  • Lifetime Service Agreement with registration within 90 days

Ridgid 18V brushless Reciprocating Saw R8647B

This new 18V brushless reciprocating saw is said to offer 20% faster cutting than the Octane model R8643B. Like the Octane model, it also features orbital action for faster more aggressive cuts into lumber. Like the Octane model it features a pivoting shoe and tool-free blade changes however it gets a better release lever that’s much easier to access on the side than inside the blade holder area. It also features a rafter hook for easy hanging on nearby dimensional lumber or ladder step when both hands are needed. It is priced at $169 as a baretool.

  • Maximum Performance. Longer Runtime.
  • Pair with MAX Output batteries for maximum performance
  • Powerful Brushless motor for 20% faster-cutting*
  • Orbital action switch for quicker cuts through wood
  • Rafter hook for added convenience
  • Tool-free blade release for fast and easy blade changes
  • Tool-free shoe adjustment
  • 1-1/4 in. stroke length for faster cutting
  • Lifetime Service Agreement with registration within 90 days

Ridgid 18V brushless Oscillating Multitool R86240B

This is Ridgid’s first cordless multitool that isn’t an attachment head but is an actual standalone unit. It’s also the first that I won’t complain about having a trigger switch as this one offers a traditional on/off switch. Some people like their trigger switches but I don’t because I’ve tried them in the past and they get tiresome quick having to press the trigger for long periods of time. That’s why a traditional on/off switch for a multitool is much better and that’s what this is sporting. Thumbs up ?? Ridgid just for the traditional power switch on this multitool! Other than it being Ridgid’s first cordless standalone multitool, it’s pretty standard fare with a tool free blade change system. It didn’t mention what type of system but I’m guessing it’s a latch and pin system. It’s not sporting the best multitool system there is, the Starlock mount, but it seems that parent company TTI isn’t too interested in the Starlock mount which is too bad. Hopefully they change their minds on future multitools. It does have an LED light at the front and with a very slim handle in the rear. It will be priced at $129 as a baretool.

  • Maximum Performance. Longer Runtime.
  • Pair with MAX Output batteries for maximum performance
  • Powerful brushless motor provides up to 20,000 oscillations per minute (OPM)
  • Aggressive 3.6° oscillation angle for faster cutting through a variety of material
  • 15% more compact*
  • 15% lighter weight*
  • Conveniently located on/off switch
  • Variable speed dial provides ultimate control in a variety of applications
  • Tool-free accessory changes for increased productivity
  • Accepts most multi-tool accessories without the need for an adapter
  • Lifetime Service Agreement with registration within 90 days

Ridgid 18V brushless 7-1/4″ Circular Saw R8657B

The newest 18V brushless 7-1/4″ circular takes everything that makes the Octane version great like rafter hook, aluminum base, and included vac port (installed on this new model) and adds 20% more power according to Ridgid and much higher no load RPM of 5,500! No mention of LED light which is present on the Octane model which helps illuminate start of cut in low light. It also includes the stuff that’s not so good on the Octane model like the plastic lower blade guard. It will be priced at $169 as a baretool.

  • Maximum Performance. Longer Runtime.
  • Pair with MAX Output batteries for maximum performance
  • Powerful brushless motor provides up to 20% more power*
  • Up to 5,500 RPM
  • Up to 56° bevel capacity
  • Integrated rafter hook
  • On-Board hex key
  • On-Board dust extraction port
  • Durable aluminum base
  • Accepts most multi-tool accessories without the need for an adapter
  • Lifetime Service Agreement with registration within 90 days

Ridgid 18V brushless Mid Torque 1/2″ Impact Wrench R86012B

Next on the list is a mid torque 1/2″ impact wrench. This bad boy is smaller than traditional high torque impact wrenches yet still puts out an impresseive 650 ft-lbs of breakaway torque! It also features 3 speeds plus an auto tightening mode. Other than than that it’s pretty standard fare like no LED light ring on the head of tool but instead you get an LED light on the base of the tool. It will be priced at $179 as a baretool.

  • Maximum Performance. Longer Runtime.
  • Pair with MAX Output batteries for maximum performance
  • Powerful brushless motor delivers up to 650 ft.-lbs. of breakaway torque
  • 3-Speeds & Auto Tightening Mode
  • LED light for improved visibility in low-light situations
  • Lifetime Service Agreement with registration within 90 days

Ridgid 18V brushless High Torque 1/2″ Impact Wrench R86212B

The new Ridgid high torque impact wrench is actually rated for less performance than the Octane version and less featured as well. This one is said to have a still very strong 1,300 in-lbs of breakaway torque. Although it doesn’t have all the spiffy features found on the Octane version as you won’t find 6 speeds or triple LED lights on the head of tool. Instead this version has a still good 3 speeds plus auto tightening mode and LED light on the base of the tool. It will be priced at $249 as a baretool.

  • Maximum Performance. Longer Runtime.
  • Pair with MAX Output batteries for maximum performance
  • Powerful brushless motor delivers up to 1,300 ft.-lbs. of breakaway torque
  • 3-Speeds & Auto Tightening Mode
  • LED light for improved visibility in low-light situations
  • Lifetime Service Agreement with registration within 90 days

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5 Comments

  • Ecotek says:

    I’m underwhelmed with most of this. Should I assume this was Ridgeds way of quietly putting the “Octane” moniker out to pasture? None of the new tools or batteries say it. “Max Output”? I’m guessing thats the new name? Why bother? Octane has only been around a few years now. It goes better with their history of “Fuego”. I think just changing it again is more likely to create consumer confusion. “Max Output” sounds more like a nick name for your friends slutty sister. Not sure from the pictures, but it looks like they ditched the separate light trigger from these tools. I love that feature. Also the Octane drill is probably the best drill they’ve ever made. It’s big and heavy, but man up + stop complaining. It has the chuck light, which is the best light setup ever. Yes the 100 chuck settings is a bit gimmicky, but if you think of it as infinitely variable, it seems just right. All that said, I’m actually excited to try the oscillator. The job max is great, but it overheats. and over time, with use, it seems the head loosens a bit and I think you loose cutting power in that play. The job max is an awesome and capable tool set, but I’ll be happy for the dedicated version of that tool.

    • Javier says:

      It looks like these are a refresh of their line or in addition to as some previous models are still around. With a main emphasis on modernizing the tools cosmetically, with improvements like better performance on most tools, (their hammer drill/drill/driver gets a downgrade in this department). The tools are leaner and shave off some bells and whistles along the way. The recip saw gets a nice addition though with the side blade change lever.

      • Javier says:

        Also, yes they did remove the light trigger button and has taken place for a while now. After some time they just stopped including the feature a while back.

  • Mark says:

    How can the new High Torque Impact (1300 ft-lbs) be ‘rated for better performance’ than the Octane version with 1500 ft-lbs breakaway torque?

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