RIDGID Innovations for 2013
Like I mentioned in the RYOBI article with a similar name I recently had the opportunity to sit down with a brand insider from TTI. TTI owns RYOBI and designs and manufactures RIDGID. RIDGID is owned by Emerson Professional Tools but they typically stick to the plumbing side (the more reddish orange tools) and have TTI take care of the orange tools we typically associated with the RIDGID name. There are a ton of great tools coming out for RIDGID this year but I’m only going to touch on my top 3.
2 and 4 Ah High Capacity Batteries
Oh baby. 2 and 4 Ah (amp hour) batteries are hitting shelves now in both the 18v and 12v platforms. This is huge. Now you can get more work done and not wait on batteries. The largest of the packs is the 4 Ah in the 18V platform and it boasts 4 times the runtime of standard li-ion batteries. They are going to be great especially this winter when it gets cold. I can’t wait to get my hands on these.
18V 4 Ah pack features:
- 4X Runtime and 2X Longer Life than standard lithium-ion batteries
- 100% Compatible with all RIDGID 18V tools and chargers
- Fuel Gauge—Always know your power level before every job
- Self-Ejecting Design—Pack esily ejects from tool for added convenience
- Cold Weather Performance—Operates down to -4⁰F
- Triple Protection Electronics—Protects the battery against overcharge, overheating and overloading
ThruCool™ Reciprocating Saw
A brand new innovation this year is built into the ThruCool Recip Saw. It has a hollow inner motor core with slits that allows air to cool it from the inside out. It allows for a more powerful saw in the same sized motor. I’m really curious to see how this tool performs and if/when the cooling technology makes it into other tools. The saw is one handed operation with a switch to toggle the orbital action and comes out late this fall.
- Thru Cool Motor – for higher amp draw & extended motor life
- On/Off Orbital Action – for cutting through a variety of material.
- Tri-Beam LED – for greater visibility in tight spaces
- Powerful 6 AMP Motor & 3,500 RPMs – for tough applications
- Variable Speed Trigger – To match speed to application
- Ergonomic/Compact Design – for comfort in tight spaces.
8″ Tile Saw
We reviewed the 7″ saw last year but now there will be an 8″ saw as well. This one is capable of cutting pavers as well as large tiles. It has a rear water tray to catch the over-spray which was a complaint on the 7″ saw. A stand, wheels, and a handle are integrated into the water tray to make transport and setup much easier. The sliding table has threads tapped on the right hand side for adding an extension. That will be handy when cutting large format tile. A lot of pros and serious DIY-ers will be buying this saw especially since it comes with the Lifetime Service Agreement too. It’s available now at Home Depot.
- 12 Amp Motor – Heavy duty motor powers through natural or manmade tile and pavers
- Oversize Cut Capacity – 24 inch rip, 18 inch diagonal, 2-3/4 inch deep, can cut up to 5 inch wide extra-long back splash or threshold material
- Removable Rear Water Tray – Captures over spray and water from larger tiles to help keep work area dry and clean
- Aluminum Miter Guide – Precision straight and miter cuts from 0° to 45° left and right
- Heavy Duty Cast Aluminum Arm – Prevents flexing while keeping the blade aligned
- Cast Aluminum Frame – Heavy duty performance yet lightweight for easy transport, aluminum prevents rusting
- 5 Gallon Water Tray with Wheel System – Allows for quick setup and easy transporting of the saw
- Folding Stand – Tool-less height adjustment and scratch resistant feet to help protect flooring
Other Notable Items
The flash drive contained 35 new offerings from RIDGID so it was hard to pick just three. Some other notables are jigsaw blades with the universal shank like the RYOBI offerings, Impact rated drill bits and driving accessories, a cordless grinder with an indicator when you are overworking the tool and approaching the overload protection (Awesome!), and finally some new additions to the stationary shop tool line with an updated drill press and 14″ band saw. The band saw in particular I’m interested in seeing the changes from the old BS1400. That saw I bet, almost every woodworker has encountered at some point. They are in tons of shops.
About the author
Jeff Williams
Contributing Editor Jeff Williams is a carpenter for a commercial General Contractor specializing in concrete, steel, and wood buildings. Jeff comes from a long line of contractors. His parents started a commercial General Contracting firm many years ago and it has afforded him life-long, hands-on learning opportunities from rough and fine carpentry all the way to structural steel and concrete. Jeff has a Construction Management degree and loves the thrill of coordinating and successfully managing large jobs from start to finish. Inspired by the difficulties sometimes encountered to complete punch lists his motto is, "Work hard until the job is done."
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