Tool Box Buzz

RIDGID 18v Compact Drill/Driver with Free Impact Driver

The wife and I are expecting our first born in a few months so I’ve been working full throttle on all sorts of projects around the house. Shelving to organize the garage, an air station for my compressor and tools, and tearing up a subfloor to insulate in preparation for tile. All of these projects required heavy use of my drill/driver and impact driver. My 1st generation “yellow” impact works alright but my 10 year old 14.4v drill/driver’s batteries barely held a charge. I needed an upgrade and fast. Luckily Ridgid recently came out with an 18v Li-Ion drill/driver and impact combo kit for a cool $179.

Specifications and Features for Drill/Driver

• No Load Speed: 0-450/0-1,650
• Chuck Size: ½ in.
• Torque: 535 in. lbs.
• 4-Pole Open Frame Motor
• Grip LED Light
• Hex Grip™
• ½ in. Single Sleeve Ratcheting Chuck
• 2-Speed Transmission
• Removable Belt Hook

Specifications and Features for Impact Driver

• No Load Speeds:     0-2,400 RPM, 0-3,100 IPM
• Torque:     1,750 in. lbs
• Chuck:       ¼ in. hex 
• One Handed Quick- Load Bit Holder
• Grip Light
• Hex Grip™
• Removable Belt Hook

Evaluation and Performance

Like I mentioned at the start of this article I’ve used this kit to knock out a ton of projects. One of the best parts? I didn’t have to recharge the batteries until I was almost through screwing down the subfloor. Thats about 30 pocket holes and screws, 5 – 5″ lag bolts, and a few pounds of construction screws. I know that’s not a very quantitative analysis but just know it got through a lot of different situations and projects with no down time.

Features that Standout

There are a few features that I really like on these two tools. The first is the Hex Grip. It’s soft and super grippy in the hand. This same overmolded rubber extends around other parts of the tools too to protect them. The second is the belt hook. My biggest pet peeve with my old drill and impact tools was that they would always fall out of my pouch. The hooks keep these in place. The third feature is subtle but really effective, the led lights. It’s triggered by a small paddle switch on the handle. You can’t help but press it when gripping the tool. It’s almost perfect. And the final feature is that this kit like most RIDGID tools comes with the lifetime service agreement, even covers batteries.

Driving 5″ lags for the air station

Improvements

One thing that would make this set up really outstanding is a third battery. Maybe it’s the nature of my projects but I always use my drill/driver and impact together. I recommend that if you get this tool, get another battery and always have it ready on the charger. 1.5 Ah or 3 Ah. Both sizes have gauges.

Final Thoughts

I could have just replaced the batteries in my old tools and gotten through my projects just fine but for the same price I now have two brand new tools and batteries that should last for years to come. I have a feeling this combo kit will be a huge seller this Christmas. The price is perfect and the performance is outstanding for any DIYer or light professional. Put it on your list, you won’t be disappointed.

Where To Buy

This combo kit can be picked up for $179 at any Home Depot or online from HomeDepot.com from the link below.

Update

The kit now has a new model number (R9601) and includes a free radio for $199. Follow this link for an updated review of the radio.

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