Ridgid 18V Subcompact Drill and Hammer Drill Review

Ridgid 18V Subcompact Drill Gets Power Upgrade

The Ridgid 18V SubCompact range includes tools that are comparable in size to most 12V tools but allow you to use popular 18V battery systems. Today we're looking at the next generation of the Ridgid 18V subcompact drill and impact drill.

Ridgid 18V Subcompact Rig Performance

Both tools feature 24-position clutches, all-metal gears, and brushless motors. These motors can produce up to 450 rpm on low and 1,750 rpm on high, plus 500 inch-lbs. torque. The hammer drill's impact mechanism works at 26,000 BPM. Same speed but 75 inch-pounds more torque than the previous version. The specs are impressive considering their size, and they pack more power than you'd get from a 12V drill.

hands-on test

We brought both drills into our workshop to see how they perform under pressure. A variety of different drills were tested in wood and the drill performed confidently through the material.

We also discarded several sizes of masonry bits and drilled them into the concrete at 4000 PSI. Not surprisingly, impact drills handled these bits with relative ease.

Of course, neither type of training is designed to compete with the best. However, for a compact class, they do a good job.

One particular factor we didn't anticipate was the sound the two rigs made during operation. While this may not be the deciding factor for many, these drills produce a smooth whirring sound that is much more pleasing than others on the market.

Ridgid 18V Subminiature Drill Design Notes

ergonomics

As we've come to expect from related drills and percussion drills, the tools are pretty much the same save for a few identifying markings and some weight. With the 2.0Ah battery, the drill weighs 2.9 lbs and the hammer weighs 3.1 lbs. They measure 6 inches and 6 1/2 inches from tip to tail. These compact designs come in handy when space is limited. If you need to get into tighter spaces, check out Ridgid's SubCompact Right Angle Drill.

In general, I tend to really enjoy the feel of Ridgid's tools because they're contoured to fit my hand perfectly. In this case, they've added a little more curve and angle to the grip compared to the previous Ridgid R8701/R8711, and added a full rubber overmolding to improve your overall grip.

Ridgid's design team has done a great job of refining and softening some of the hard edges on these tools, giving them a smoother feel. They also thinned the base of the tool and increased the size of the rear vents for better airflow and cooling.

Additional features

• LED work light
• 2 belt hooks

Ridgid 18V Subcompact Hammer Drill Quick Comparison

Both tools are currently available as kits from The Home Depot and come with a pair of 2.0Ah batteries, a single-port charger, and a carrying case. The drill driver retails for $149.00 and the hammer retails for $159.00. Both come with Ridgid's Lifetime Service Agreement when you register within 90 days of purchase.

the bottom line

Compared to the original SubCompact drills and hammer drills, Ridgid has made major ergonomic tweaks while significantly increasing overall torque. They are ideal for light to medium applications where working space is limited or where lighter tools just prove an advantage. If you're considering purchasing a compact 12V tool platform for these reasons, check out the Ridgid 18V SubCompact series. In most cases, you can get more tools that work on the same battery, and you still get a compact, lightweight drill.

Rig Specifications

• Model: Ridgid R87012 (R87012K)
• Power supply: Ridgid 18V battery
• No-load speed: 0-450 / 0-1,750 RPM
• Maximum Torque: 500 in-lbs
• Motor Type: Brushless
• Weight: 2 lbs. (bare metal), 2.9 (with 2.0Ah battery)
• Chuck size: 1/2 in.
• Warranty: Lifetime Service Agreement
• Price: $149 (kit)

Hammer Drill Specifications

• Model: Ridgid R87112 (R87112K)
• Power supply: Ridgid 18V battery
• No-load speed: 0-450 / 0-1,750 RPM
• Maximum Torque: 500 in-lbs
• Motor Type: Brushless
• Weight: 2.2 lbs. (Bare), 3.1 lbs (with 2.0Ah battery)
• Impact rate: 26,000 BPM
• Chuck size: 1/2 in.
• Warranty: Lifetime Service Agreement
• Price: $159 (kit)