The Ridgid 18V Brushless Reciprocating Saw is making waves at The Home Depot, capturing attention with its impressive performance and pushing beyond the Octane line. While the saw’s design may seem familiar, what truly captures our interest is its promise of elevated performance.
Pros That Set It Apart
When it comes to advantages, this reciprocating saw doesn’t disappoint. Offering a stroke length of 1 1/4 inches and an impressive 3200 SPM, it excels at rapid wood cutting. Additionally, it boasts a track action switch, making it incredibly versatile. Not to mention, it’s relatively light and compact, adding to its ease of use.
Areas That Could Improve
While the Ridgid 18V Brushless Reciprocating Saw has many strengths, it does lack a variable speed dial. This functionality can be beneficial for certain situations and materials.
To truly gauge its capabilities, we put the saw to the test on our PTR Reciprocating Saw Proving Ground. The track consists of three segments: a 2-inch cast iron section, a double stud with 4 framing nails, and a 2×10 roof sandwich made up of asphalt shingles, galvanized flashing, tar, peel and stick underlayment, 1/2” OSB, and 2×10 yellow pine with five framing nails.
We began with LENOX LAZER CT carbide inserts for the cast iron, and then switched to LENOX Demolition CT carbide inserts for the wood sections. The Ridgid saw completed the challenge with a time of 1:33.05. However, it is worth noting that this time was about 9 seconds slower than the Octane model’s time (1:23.70).
Taking a closer look at each section, we discovered that the Ridgid saw’s aggressive stroke length and speed affected its performance on cast iron. The carbide teeth of the blades took some time to effectively cut through the material. Soft-starting the saw helped speed up the process significantly.
In contrast, when it came to wood, the Ridgid saw had an impressive showing. It sliced through the double stud in just 10.69 seconds and tore through the roof sandwich in a mere 17.40 seconds. For comparison, Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel Super Sawzall took over 20 seconds to complete the same task. The Ridgid saw’s wood-cutting ability is undeniably impressive!
In terms of design, the Ridgid 18V Brushless Reciprocating Saw offers a size and weight that make it more manageable compared to larger 15-amp corded reciprocating saws. It measures 17 7/8 inches in length, making it approximately 1/2 inch shorter than the Octane model. It is also lighter, weighing 6.8 lbs bare and 8.3 lbs with a 4.0Ah max output battery, making it one of the lighter cordless saws in its performance class.
The Ridgid saw stands out with its array of features, as it has traditionally been a leader in this regard. It includes a track action switch, tool-less shoe length adjustment, a blade release lever on the side of the tool, a rafter hook, a variable speed trigger, a lock switch, and LED lights.
When it comes to what’s missing, there aren’t many drawbacks. Variable speed dials can be handy for thick metal cuts, and smart controls are absent. Currently, Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel Sawzall is the only saw with app-based controls.
The Ridgid 18V Brushless Reciprocating Saw offers multiple purchasing options. As a standalone unit, it is priced at $159 at The Home Depot. For an additional $40, you can get the kit option that includes a charger and a 4.0Ah max output battery, or spend $219 for the two-battery kit, which provides the best value.
It is also available as part of a combo kit that features an updated hammer drill, impact driver, oscillating multitool, reciprocating saw, 2.0Ah and 4.0Ah maximum output batteries, a charger, and a bag. This comprehensive package is priced at $399.
In a quick comparison between the Ridgid 18V Brushless Reciprocating Saw and the Octane model, we find some notable differences. The 18V brushless R8647 offers a larger stroke length of 1 1/4 inches compared to the Octane’s 1 1/8 inches. It also boasts a faster stroke frequency of 3200 SPM, while the Octane model operates at 3100 SPM. Both saws feature an operation orbit and a similar weight, with the Ridgid weighing slightly less at 6.8 lbs bare. The Ridgid saw’s PTR Test Track Time was 1:33.05, whereas the Octane model completed it in 1:23.70. The Ridgid saw’s price starts at $159, while the Octane model’s price begins at $149.
The Bottom Line
The Ridgid 18V Brushless Reciprocating Saw is an invaluable tool for swift wood cutting and material blending. While it may require some trigger feathering for thick metal cuts, it excels in other applications. Serving as an upgraded version of the Octane model, it undoubtedly delivers superior performance. If you’re debating between the two, spending the extra $20 for the upgrade is worth it. However, if you already own the Octane model, rest assured that it still offers ample performance.
Ridgid 18V Brushless Reciprocating Saw Specifications
- Model: Ridgid R8647
- Power: Ridgid 18V battery (maximum output recommended)
- Stroke Length: 1 1/4 inches
- Stroke Frequency: 3200 SPM
- Weight: 6.8 lbs bare, 8.3 lbs with 4.0Ah max output battery
- Length: 17 7/8 inches
- Warranty: Lifetime service agreement after registration
- Price: $169