Tool Box Buzz

Ridgid 18V GEN5X™ Brushless 4-Mode Impact Wrench

I’m a cordless tool fan for many reasons, but mostly the convenience of no cord. If there is a tool that I can cut the cord on, it’s a sure bet I’m adding it to my cordless arsenal. Sure enough, that is exactly what happened with Ridgid and their 18V GEN5X™ Brushless 4-Mode Impact Wrench (Model R86011). Ridgid always delivers with quality and durability while keeping value in mind. Below you will see how the Ridgid R8601 didn’t let us down from fleet maintenance to deck building.

Features

• 4-Mode Settings provides adjustable power and speed for the most demanding and precise jobs.
• Tri-Beam LED Lights around the front housing to eliminate shadows.
• Brushless Motor Technology delivers over 50% more run-time and longer motor life.
• Maximum Torque Output of 450 ft.-lbs. for heavy-duty applications.
• Auto Mode Setting allows the tool to automatically shut down when it begins to impact in order to prevent over-tightening.
• The Die-Cast Gearbox adds increased durability and professional quality.
• ½ in. Friction Ring Anvil is compatible with popular impact-rated sockets and allows for easy and quick socket changes.

Specifications

• Max Torque: 450 ft.-lbs.
• Anvil Size: ½” Friction Ring
•  Low (1) Mode Speed – 1,300 RPM
• Medium (2) Speed – 1,900 RPM
• High (3) Speed – 2,600 RPM
• Auto (A) Mode Speed – 2,100 RPM
• Tool Weight (w/o Battery): 3.75 lbs.
• Battery Size: 18-volt, Lithium Ion

Run Time

What’s great about this tool is that it will run on any of Ridgid’s 18V slide-pack batteries back to the early to mid 2000s. We were looking for maximum runtimes though so we put on a new 6.0 Ah Octane battery. Nothing is worse than being in the middle of driving a fastener or changing a tire for your crew and not having the juice needed to do the job. The onboard fuel gauge on the battery was a huge help in tracking the remaining run time.

This 6.0 Ah battery was providing the longer run times and never made the shop reach back into the toolbox for the air powered wrench.

Fleet Maintenance and Repairs

The ½” Impact Wrench was best choice when it came to equipment and automotive repair applications. We were using it for everything from tire repairs, tire rotations and repairs where we would normally grab an air powered wrench.

The tri-beam LED light is perfectly located on the tool and helps illuminate your work area. This is especially handy when working on the underside of a vehicle and you are relying on “drop lights”.

Construction Applications

We used the Ridgid ½” Impact Wrench not only in the garage for fleet maintenance and repairs but on a recent deck and shed build where we needed to drive ½” x 10” SPAX screws.

This wrench was beast. My lead carpenter was super impressed, said he even preferred this to one over another brand he has at home because of how well balanced it is, its weight, and how much of a beast it is.

He also saw the R86011 for additional applications such as driving fasteners like Tapcons, large diameter sleeve bolts, etc.
This impact wrench has a good design of weight and power. The R86011 is perfect because is not too heavy, not too long, not too weak. These combinations make it a must have tool for mechanics and contractors. Lastly, if this ½” Ridgid Impact Wrench is in your arsenal you will be throwing it in the trunk on long trips as part of your roadside assistant kit.

Warranty

The Ridgid Impact Wrench is covered for life with Registration under the Industry’s Only Lifetime Service Agreement. Simply register within 90 days of purchase for free parts, free service for life. More information can be found at Ridgidpower.com.

This will Last…

This powerful wrench is tough. The shop tortured it, and my field abused it. The Ridgid ½” Impact Wrench survived drops, oily/greasy hands, dirt and it didn’t back down. It is still going strong.
The Ridgid R86011 Impact Wrench available online or at the Home Depot for $149.00 as a bare tool.

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