If you follow Pro Tool Reviews regularly, you know we have several reasons to love Ridgid cordless power tools. First, these tools often come with great value that comes with professional-grade performance. Usually, they put out top-notch tools, so they're not just an entry-level brand. Finally, that lifetime service agreement now includes lifetime battery replacements. So what do we think are the best cordless Ridgid power tools for professionals? continue reading!
Our list considers some hardcore tools, but also includes ones we've found irresistible to anyone already on the Ridgid Power Tools 18V battery platform.
For a good all-rounder set, check out the Ridgid Gen5X 5 Tool Kit
Best Cordless Ridgid Hammer Drill
Ridgid R86115K 18V Brushless Hammer with Max Output Battery
Despite the lower power rating, the Ridgid 18V Brushless Hammer Drill showed faster times compared to its Octane counterpart and earned the Ridgid a spot on our list. If you regularly face very tough tasks, the higher torque of the Octane may still be the better choice. But for most of us, the newer models offer the convenience of a more compact design without giving up any performance.
The Ridgid R86115K 18V Brushless Hammer Kit is $199 and comes with a 4.0Ah max output battery, charger and soft case. It sells for about $139 bare metal.
Best Cordless Ridgid Impact Driver
Ridgid R862311 18V Brushless Impact Driver Review
If the design team's goal was to make the Ridgid 18V Brushless Impact Driver faster, lighter, and more compact than the Octane model, then 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.
You can buy the Ridgid R862311 as a bare-bones unit for $129 at The Home Depot. The Ridgid R9780 combo kit includes a brushless impact drill and impact driver and a pair of 2.0Ah max output batteries for $179.
Ridgid 18V Brushless Compact Router
Ridgid has been pushing the boundaries of cordless tools in several categories. The Ridgid R860443B compact router features a brushless motor and builds on its popular wired model.
Ridgid have taken their time-tested design and upped the octane. Once you get used to the pull-out power switch and the opposite side placement of the speed and trim dials, it's perfectly capable of replacing your wired trim router.
Compared to other cordless routers available, the Ridgid Octane 18V Cordless Compact Router is not as powerful as the top contenders. It shows up on dadoes, dovetails and other higher demand cuts. Still, it's not underpowered for not being able to do the job. Just plan to spend a little more time doing it. You can buy this tool for $129 at Home Depot.
Ridgid 18V 1″ SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer
Heavyweights may have cornered the cordless hammer market, but don't count Ridgid out. These cordless models tend to be expensive, and they're still trying to improve corded performance — but mostly just fall short. While you can jump on another platform for $800, Ridgid's cordless hammer still has a 1-inch capacity for $309.
For the mason, the Ridgid R86711B SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer is the workaholic on the punch list. Nobody wants to drag out the big boys to punch a hole or two in your finishing project. Plug in the batteries and get it done without using an extension cord. Or, use it to destroy the tile value of your bathroom.
It's also invaluable to general contractors. When you need to make larger holes in concrete, you can get better performance than a hammer drill. There is no doubt that a larger hammer is the best choice for floor tiles, but no one I know wants to take that kind of weight when dealing with vertical material during a demo.
Ridgid Gen5X Brushless Belt Sander
The Ridgid Gen5X Brushless Belt Sander is a reliable assist tool. If you're planning to do some touch-up work, this belt sander gives you cord-free freedom. With plenty of power from its brushless motor, we found we could remove material at a steady pace. Of course, runtime is still the limiting factor. Our own real-world sanding test got a continuous run time of about 13 minutes and 40 seconds.
The sander has a variable speed dial, runs between 400 and 940 FPM, and collects dust surprisingly well. Three-position pommel allows you to adjust the position of your hands. The belt is easily removable, and there is a tracking knob to help you adjust the belt closer to or away from adjacent parts of the workpiece.
This is another tool that's great for one-off and punch-list jobs for carpenters, or for general contractors to have on hand when a belt sander saves time over other options.
The belt sander sells for $129 bare, or $188 for a kit with a 2.0Ah compact battery. Getting the kit version is a breeze.
Best Ridgid Cordless Miter Saws
Ridgid 18V 7-1/4″ Cordless Miter Saw
The Ridgid 18V 7-1/4" Brushless Miter Saw is a well-designed, compact, fast, lightweight, and easy-to-carry saw for pruning and punch list jobs. As long as you're not trying to build a world with it, it'll save you a lot of time, hassle, and money.
The saw's easy-to-find 7-1/4-inch blade is a big plus. It's not your workhorse, but it certainly has a place on the job site at the construction site. I certainly recommend it, and the current $379 price tag makes it a bargain for this cordless class. Just because of the nature of the work the miter saw needs to perform, we'd like to see it come with a second battery.
The best Ridgid cordless vacuums
Ridgid 18V Cordless Shop Vacuum
The Ridgid 18V Cordless Shop Vacuum impressed us with its wet/dry capabilities and capacity. You get 9 gallons of storage space and 82CFM of suction power. The tool behaves more like a mid-range corded model than we'd expect from a cordless vacuum. It also works with just one Ridgid 18V battery, but includes two dots to double the run time.
Best of all, it's only $99 bare metal and includes the Ridgid Lifetime Warranty!
Ridgid 6 Gallon Pancake Compressor
We wanted to include the Ridgid 1 gallon cordless compressor, but it seems to be discontinued everywhere. What a pity. This tool really solves a problem when you need to get your nails done quickly without dragging a cord.
Still, the 150 PSI Ridgid 6 Gallon Pancake Compressor is worth a mention – even if you have to plug it into the wall! It can easily drive a pair of finishing nailers at once. Oil-free pumps should provide reliable, maintenance-free performance. Ridgid also backs it with a 3-year warranty. We just love the shape of this compressor and how quietly it works indoors – mostly because of how much air it stores to get the job done.
If you need to use this compressor with a higher capacity air nailer, it will output up to 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI when needed. You can get a Ridgid 6-gallon compressor for just $129.
in conclusion
These are our picks for the best Ridgid cordless power tools. . While every deal is different, we wanted to make sure our top picks made it to this list. I'm sure we've left at least one of your favourites–so be sure to leave your favorite in the comments below. You can also make your voice heard on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!