Ever since we reviewed Ridgid’s Cordless JobMax tool system, I have been wondering about what would come next. There were five modular tool heads included in the initial launch – an oscillating multi-tool, a hammer head, right angle drill, right angle impact driver, and a right angle socket wrench.
With the 2011 holiday season approaching, I started to think about what else might be soon added to the product lineup. Some type of saw? Maybe a screwdriver with clutch? Surely a new tool head attachment must have been in the works, right? Imagine my surprise when I found out that the very next release would be a new JobMax corded power base handle!
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The new JobMax multi-tool starter kit features a new corded handle, and the same universal multi-tool head included with the 12V lithium ion cordless kits. The corded handle is said to offer improved ergonomics, and also features a variable-speed motor, two-finger trigger, and LED work light. A 3.0 amp motor should provide heaps more power than the cordless version, at least on paper. Let’s hope the tool heads can keep up!
Ridgid JobMax Corded Starter Kit via Home Depot
More Info via Ridgid
And in case you missed it, here’s our Ridgid cordless JobMax review.
Phil G
A 3.0 amp motor should provide heaps more power than the corded version, at least on paper.
Er, I think you meant the cordless version. 😉
This is a very cool idea, the option of having a corded and cordless version of each tool created by the appropriate head and handle combo. Some actions, like sanding and extended trimming beat the hell out of battery packs, having a corded version means unlimited usage time.
Stuart
Oops, thanks for the catch and correction!
I agree that the corded version’s unlimited usage time will be a huge selling point. It’s hard to say which version will be more popular, but at the very least the corded version maximizes the utility of the multi-tool head.
Given the somewhat svelte size of the corded handle, I can see Ridgid coming out with other corded-specific attachments, such as a reciprocating saw had and maybe even a mini circular saw. Maybe they would add such tool heads to the Fuego line, keeping consistent with the compact nature of those tools.
fred
Since the Fein Multimaster went off-patent – this must be the hottest tol to get to market – considering all the new entrants. We use older Feins – with socket-screw blade attachment (some blades tend to move around a bit) – and newer Supercut (400 watt models). I jumped ship and bought a Milwaukee M12 cordless (we like this line of tools very much for installation work) – to find that I agree with the comments about it being somewhat limited – but handy on a ladder outdoors. Overall – if I were only going to buy 1 – I’d stick with a corded model.
Bob
Funny, my original jobmax battery just bit the dust. I haven’t had a chance to take it by the local warranty repairs shop yet. Now I read they have a new corded model coming to market. This has some potential to sell, being as it is so versatile.
I wonder if this model also uses the soft plastic/ rubber gear cover on the spindle in the handle, or if they have devised a new setup for that piece?
In any case, I will still stick with the 12v battery model. It does the tasks that I need it to perform very well.
Stuart
I agree – oscillating tools are among the hottest tools on the market these days. I also think that the best is yet to come – as more and more people see how handy the tools can be, many brands will come out with 2nd generation tools. Blade/accessory compatibility keeps getting better and better as well, with the idea of universal adapters spearheaded by Ridgid with their cordless JobMax.