Tool Box Buzz

RIDGID Gen5X Tools Announced

Today RIDGID Power Tools announced the next iteration in their 18V lineup dubbed RIDGID Gen5X. The always capable X4 system has been out for a few years but today a teaser video and specifications were posted to the web for the soon to be released new line. The dimly lit video showed a combo kit of tools being used in normal ways. Only subtle features are shown but in our opinion, they are some of the best features of the kit and the new tools.

New Features

There are two features of the kit that are worth pointing out. The first is that the kit comes with the high capacity 4.0 batteries right out of the gate. RIDGID isn’t trying to burn through their old stock of 1.5 or 3.0 Ah batteries with this kit, they’re shipping the good stuff.

The second feature is LED lighting right where it is needed most on every tool. The X4 drill/driver and impact driver had the LEDs down by the battery but with the new RIDGID Gen5X kit the lights are centered right over the business end of the tool. For the circular saw the light is positioned right over the front of the blade. On the recip it is recessed where the housing and blade meet. On the impact driver there are three LEDs positioned just wide of the chuck so that the tip is lit from all sides. Finally the drill/driver has probably the most clever LED lighting system. There are three LEDs inside of the chuck that shine out through three tiny plastic windows. As the chuck spins it appears to have a ring of light all the way around it.

Other Notable Features and Specifications

Hammer Drill

• Torque: 780 in.-lbs.
• No Load Speeds: 0 – 450/0-1,600 RPM  0 – 7,200 / 0 – 25,600 BPM
• Chuck: 1⁄2 in. carbide locking jaws
• RIDGID GEN5X Motor Technology – Produces 780 in.-lbs. of torque for demanding drilling and driving applications
• Chuck Light – Unobstructed light shines directly out of the chuck to eliminate shadows around the bit

Impact Driver

• Torque: 2,000 in.-lbs.
• No Load Speeds: 0 – 2,750 RPM   0 – 3,200 IPM
• RIDGID GEN5X Motor Technology – Drives various fasteners easily with an open frame motor that provides 2,000 in.-lbs. of high end torque
• 3 Speed Settings – Provide adjustable power and speed for the most demanding job as well as precision work

Circular Saw

• Blade Size: 7-1/4 in.
• No Load Speed: 3,700 RPM
• RIDGID GEN5X Motor Technology – Powers through the cut every time with a best-in-class open frame motor for corded like performance
• 7-1/4 in. Blade Size – For maximum cutting depth

Reciprocating Saw

• Stroke Length: 1-1/8 in.
• No Load Speed: 0 – 3,000 SPM
• RIDGID GEN5X Motor Technology – Delivers optimal cutting speed with 1-1/8 in. stroke length at 3,000 strokes per minute
• On/Off Orbital Action – Orbital cutting for wood demolition and non-orbital for metal cutting

LED Flashlight

• Capacity: 1.5 Ah
• Voltage: 18V
• Lifetime LED Bulb – No need to change the bulb for the life of the flashlight
• Extended Run-Time – Over 40 hours with 4.0 Ah HYPER Lithium-Ion battery

Hyper Lithium Batteries

• Capacity: 4.0 Ah
• Voltage: 18V
• Up to 50% more work output
• Up to 50% longer life
• Operates down to -4°F and up to 120° F

CHARGER

• Compatibility: 9.6V – 18V
• Input: 120V

Availability

The new RIDGID Gen5X kit will be available in March 2015 at a suggested price point of $499. That’s the same price as their current X4 combo kit sells for. You get a better kit for the same price and also with the same great warranty RIDGID is known for.

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