New Ridgid 18V Brushless Sub Compact Power Tools & Bluetooth Speaker & Radio

Most Recent Edit: 8/9/2022 – Updated info for the bluetooth speaker.

This article was originally written March 12, 2021 when all of these tools were spotted and you can check out the original article below. However on January 5, 2022, Ridgid officially announced their 18V brushless sub compact right angle drill, 6-1/2″ circular saw, and one handed reciprocating saw mentioned in this article. We now have updated pics which have been updated for all three mentioned as well as new info and official specs. We also know that all three Ridgid 18V brushless sub compact power tools are scheduled to launch in February 2022 according to Ridgid. They will also launch as baretools only with their individual prices listed below. The other tools were said to be available in Fall 2021.

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Original March 12, 2021 article below with updated info on the three new 18V brushless sub compact models.

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 sub compact power tools which include a new one handed reciprocating saw, right angle drill, and 6-1/2″ circular saw. We will also cover two new 18V bluetooth speakers with a speaker only model and a dual speaker with radio. While no specific release date has been given by Ridgid at the time of writing, they did mention to expect all these in Fall 2021. Buy now are links provided for each tool. If the link doesn’t work, it’s because they haven’t been listed yet for sale.

A big thanks goes out to Joshua B. for spotting all of these!

As seen in the video above which summarizes all the new Ridgid 18V offerings, they went through them very quickly with little info presented. I’ve covered other models in detail because Ridgid was kind enough to provide me with press release info however the tools left in this article did not have any press release info at the time of writing so I have little info on them other than the image, price, Fall 2021 release date, and possible 4 key feature points. I’ll cover each one as best as I can with such limited info.

Ridgid 18V Brushless Sub Compact One Handed Reciprocating Saw R8648B

We know that parent company TTI offered new 18V brushless sub compact offerings in both the Ridgid and Ryobi 18V lines and though Ryobi was the first to receive their sub compact one handed recip saw, now it’s Ridgid’s turn. Some tools like their multimaterial cut off saw looks to be the same unit rebranded for each system however I don’t think the same is true of this sub compact recip saw. While it does share the same basic form factor, it’s not exactly the same shape as the Ryobi and the shoe is completely different on the Ridgid model. For example the shoe is larger and beefed up and is not removable. This was true of the Ridgid recip saw shown from back in March 2021 however now that Ridgid officially announced it in January 2022, it does look a little bit different and the body looks more similar to Ryobi’s 18V One+ HP compact brushless model. It’s not exactly the same but it does have the same overall shape with vents in different places and the same is still true of the shoe on the Ridgid, it’s not the same one as found on the Ryobi but a sturdier version. It also doesn’t have the nice side blade change lever that the Ryobi has and instead has the twist to change blade holder sitting inside the shoe, which would make it a little harder to do so than on Ryobi’s sub compact. Specs are 3,200 SPM which is up 200 from what was originally stated with a 7/8″ stroke length which should mean faster cutting than Ryobi’s which has 3,000 SPM and only 5/8″ stroke length. Ridgid also makes mention that in order to get the maximum performance out of this saw, you’ll need to pair it with their MAX Output batteries. This Ridgid is priced at $129 as a baretool.

• Weight 3.9 pounds
• Lightweight Design
• Pair with MAX Output batteries for maximum power
• 3,200 SPM
• 7/8 in. stroke length
• 40% lighter weight when compared to full-size reciprocating saw
• 25% more compact when compared to full-size reciprocating saw
• Tool-Free blade change
• Pivoting shoe
• LED light for improved visibility in low-light situations
• 100% Compatible: Works with all RIDGID 18V batteries
• Lifetime Service Agreement with registration within 90 days of purchase
• Includes: R8648 18V SubCompact Brushless One-Handed Reciprocating Saw, wood cutting saw blade, and operator’s manual.
• Battery and charger sold separately.

Ridgid 18V Brushless Sub Compact 3/8″ Right Angle Drill R87701B

The Ridgid 18V sub compact 3/8″ right angle drill also looks very similar to Ryobi’s model yet with some cosmetic differences but also has some changes under the hood. Slightly more torque and RPM at 375 in-lbs and 1,900 respectively which remains unchanged with the official launch in January 2022. The chuck also has a different texture than the Ryobi however it is unknown if it is a plastic chuck like Ryobi’s or a metal chuck. There is no mention of it having a metal chuck so most likely plastic. It also features a 2 speed transmission. Ridgid makes it clear that the Ridgid right angle drill is very compact at 3-1/2″ inches of head length which is a tenth of an inch shorter than the Ryobi. Ridgid also makes mention that in order to get the maximum performance out of this drill, you’ll need to pair it with their MAX Output batteries.It is priced at $129 as a baretool.

• Compact right angle drill measuring in at only 3-1/2 inches and weighing just 2.1 pounds
• Lightweight Design
• Pair with MAX Output batteries for maximum power
• Delivers 375 in-lbs. of torque for best in class power.
• 2-Speed gear box delivers 0-500 / 0-1,900 RPM
• 3/8 in. chuck provides optimized bit insertion depth
• LED Light for improved low light situations
• 100% Compatible: Works with all RIDGID 18V Batteries
• Lifetime Service Agreement with registration within 90 days of purchase
• Includes: R87701 18V SubCompact Brushless 3/8 in. Right Angle Drill, Driving Bit, Bit Holder with Screw, Belt Hook with Screw, and Operator’s Manual
• Battery and charger sold separately

Ridgid 18V Brushless Sub Compact 6-1/2″ Circular Saw R8656B

The last 18V sub compact brushless tool on this list is definitely not the least. The circular saw is a smaller 6-1/2″ model that still packs some serious stats such as its strong brushless motor that provides a no load RPM of 5000. The smaller 6-1/2″ blade makes it a bit more compact than a full size model but yet makes it tremendously more capable than smaller 3″-5″ cordless circular saws on the market. Cut capacity is a very generous 2-1/4″ at 90 degrees which is very close to typical 7-1/4″ circular saws, so it should have no issues cutting 2×4’s in one pass. Other features include a 50 degree bevel capacity, the upper blade guard is magnesium and is equipped with a vacuum port that accepts 1-3/4″ and 1-1/4″ hoses. It also follows Ridgid’s tradition of giving their circular saws a plastic lower blade guard. I wish they would make both blade guards metal. Ridgid also makes mention that in order to get the maximum performance out of this saw, you’ll need to pair it with their MAX Output batteries. It is priced at $139 as a baretool.

• weight 5.4 pounds
• Lightweight Design
• Pair with MAX Output batteries for maximum power.
• 5,000 RPM
• 35% faster cutting than previous 6-1/2 in. circular saw.
• 30% lighter weight when compared to 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw
• 27% more compact when compared to 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw
• 50° bevel capacity cuts the most common angles
• 2-1/4 in. depth of cut
• Lightweight & durable magnesium guard stands up to the toughest jobsites
• LED light for improved visibility in low-light situations
• Accepts 1-3/4 in. and 1-1/4 in. vacuum hose attachments
• 100% Compatible: Works with all RIDGID™ 18V batteries
• Lifetime Service Agreement with registration within 90 days of purchase
• Includes: R8656 18V SubCompact Brushless 6-1/2 in. Circular Saw, 6-1/2 in. circular saw blade, hex key, vacuum attachment with screw and Operator’s Manual
• Battery and charger sold separately.

Ridgid 18V Compact Bluetooth Speaker R84088B

Currently Ridgid offers an 18V mini bluetooth radio R84086B that’s priced at $59 baretool at the time of writing on March 12, 2021. Why did I mention that one you ask, that’s because this new model offers much less and for more money is the best I can describe the new Ridgid 18V compact bluetooth speaker priced at $79 baretool. It’s similarly sized to the mini radio model minus the radio functionality, LCD screen and volume twist knob and are left with a bluetooth speaker with power/bluetooth connect, and volume up/down buttons. No mention of the ability to play tethered devices via aux cable but it does have a USB charge port and is said to offer “premium” sound quality and a wireless range of up to 100 ft. They also add a carry handle as seen in the picture above.

Edit 8/9/22 : New official press release announcement from Ridgid!

As always with the official announcements, we can find a few more details about the tool in question. The official press release now states that it has a bluetooth range of up to 200 feet, which is double that of what was said previously. Runtime is also mentioned at up to 25 hours with a 2ah battery. Of course a larger battery would provide longer runtime.

Even the title goes through a slight change, now known as the Ridgid 18V Speaker with bluetooth wireless technology. I’m not sure why they went with not just a long name but also by saying speaker WITH bluetooth technology, why not just call it a bluetooth speaker? That both shortens the name and simplifies things. There’s still no mention of a 3.5mm aux jack so it seems the only way to use this speaker is bluetooth so it would be much easier just to call it a bluetooth speaker.

As far as sound is concerned, they say it uses a “premium” 2-7/8″ speaker along with passive radiators to deliver clear highs and deep bass and is said to deliver clearer audio than the previous R84086 model.

We knew it had a USB port for charging and we learn that it is a 2 amp USB port. It also has a nail hook for an additional mounting option besides the integrated folding carry handle.

The price remains at $79 and it will launch September 2022. Interestingly, the previous model I mentioned at the outset, the model this seems to be replacing went up to $79 at time of writing 8/9/22 but yet still represents more for the same price as this newer bluetooth speaker as mentioned at the outset. Maybe the new model sounds better but overall it has less features than the model it’s replacing for the same price. No radio, display, or possibly aux ability.

RIDGID^® 18V SPEAKER WITH BLUETOOTH WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY R84088B

• Dynamic sound quality with deep bass and clear highs
• 2-7/8 in. speaker delivers 6X clearer sound compared to the R84086 Mini Bluetooth^® Radio
• 200 ft. Bluetooth^® connectivity range
• 2 Amp USB port charges personal electronics on the jobsite
• Compact design for use on any jobsite
• Multiple hanging options including handle and nail hook
• 25 hour runtime using an 18V 2.0Ah Lithium-Ion Battery (AC8400802)
• 100% Compatible: Works with all RIDGID^® 18-Volt Batteries, Tools, and Chargers
• Lifetime Service Agreement with registration in 90 days
• Includes R84088 18-Volt Bluetooth^® Speaker and Operator’s Manual
• Battery and charger sold separately
• This tool will be available in tool only and various kit configurations exclusively at The Home Depot and HomeDepot.com

Ridgid 18V Bluetooth Dual Speaker Jobsite Radio R84089B

The next Ridgid 18V bluetooth speaker does offer the radio function the compact speaker lacks and an monochrome LCD as well. No mention of whether it’s backlit or not but it does display remaining battery life. No volume knob but along with the same buttons the compact speaker has, it adds an AM/FM button and presets button with preset left and right select buttons. They mention it as being a dual speaker system with “premium” quality sound along with the same up to 100 ft wireless range. No mention of tethered aux feature but it does add ruggedness with its IP54 water and dust resistant rating. It will be priced at $129 as a baretool.

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