Ridgid 18V Brushless Impact Driver Replaces Octane
The Ridgid 18V Brushless Impact Driver is part of a new generation of brushless tools appearing at The Home Depot. Compared to the Octane, the updated Ridgid brushless impact drill is significantly less weight and size, but also less powerful. This time, the tradeoffs aren't as important.
advantage
- Smaller and lighter than Octane
- Higher rated torque than Octane
- Our performance tests have greatly improved
shortcoming
- LED lights moved from chuck to feet
Wait, isn't Octane already brushless?
The name of the Ridgid 18V Brushless Impact Driver can cause some confusion. After all, there are Gen5x brushless shocks, and Octane models also have brushless motors.
This newer generation of tools is named in three basic tiers. 18V is the brushed series representing entry-level tools, 18V Brushless SubCompact enters the mid-range in a compact size, 18V Brushless gives you the best performance.
On paper, the Ridgid R862311 matches the speed of the Octane at 2900 RPM. It has slightly lower torque at 2300 in-lbs, but a higher punch rate at 4200 IPM.
Octane controls its speed with three standard modes and three assist modes. The 18V brushless models only return three standard speeds. An interesting change is that the controls are located on the back of the foot instead of the front. This actually makes it easier to instantly see what mode you're in.
We ran a few benchmarks to see how the Ridgid 18V brushless impact driver compared to the Octane in terms of performance. Starting on the PTR Impact Driver Test Track, it looks to overcome Octane's 2:25 performance and climb from 12th to the overall standings.
The following is the content of the Test Track:
- 20 x 1 1/2" drywall screws in 2×4 studs
- 10 x 3/4" self-tapping screws to secure the steel studs to the 2×4 studs
- 10 x 1/4 inch auger bits in 2×4 studs
- 10 x 1/4" x 3" ledger screws to secure two 3/4" OSB subfloor layers to 2×4 studs
Not only did it improve by 25 seconds, but it also finished in under 2 minutes, climbing all the way to third behind Flex and Makita.
We also ran a GRK Fasteners RSS speed test. For this one, we find out the average time it takes an impact driver to drive an 8" RSS screw into a stacked OSB subfloor.
The Octane averaged 9.74 seconds, while the 18V brushless took just 7.04 seconds, an impressive 28% faster than the Octane.
Ridgid 18V Brushless Impact Driver Design Notes
size and weight
Octane has earned a strong reputation at the expense of a bulkier design. This updated model improves on both. The bare tool weighs 2.3 pounds—about 1/4 pound lighter. The weight increases to 3.2 lbs with the 2.0Ah max output battery and 3.8 lbs with the 4.0Ah max output battery pack.
It's also shorter, measuring 5.4 inches front to back, and nearly 1/2 an inch more compact than the Octane.
led light
Unfortunately, this design strays away from the three LEDs around the Octane's clips and puts the lights back on the feet. Don't get me wrong – it works great there. We really like this triple beam LED design.
Additional features
- Hex Fixture Overmolding
- One-handed bit insertion and spring bit ejection
- double sided belt hook
Ridgid 18V Brushless Impact Driver vs Octane Comparison
| octane number R86039 |
18V brushless R862311 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Maximum speed | 2900 rpm | 2900 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 2400 in-lbs | 2300 in-lbs |
| Impact rate | 3900IPM | 4200IPM |
| length | 5.8 inches | 5.4 inches |
| bare weight | 2.6 lbs | 2.3 lbs |
| Test drive time | 2:25 | 2:00 |
| GRK RSS screw time | 9.74 seconds | 7.04 seconds |
Ridgid 18V Brushless Impact Driver Price
You can buy the Ridgid R862311 as a bare-bones unit for $139 at The Home Depot. The Ridgid 2 Tools Brushless Combo Kit includes an impact drill and impact driver, plus a pair of batteries and a charger for $269.
the bottom line
If the design team's goal was to make the Ridgid 18V Brushless Impact Driver faster, lighter, and more compact than the Octane, they've hit it big! What's more, our results show that Ridgid has been rising in the performance rankings, surpassing some big names in the process.
Ridgid 18V Brushless Impact Driver Specifications
- Model: Rich R862311
- Power: Ridgid 18V battery (maximum output recommended)
- No-load speed: 0 – 900/2000/2900 RPM
- Maximum Torque: 2300 in-lbs
- Impact rate: 4200 IPM
- Length: 5.4 inches
- Weight: 2.3 lbs naked
- Warranty: 3 years, lifetime service agreement with registration
- Price: $139