Ridgid has come out with a new 18V cordless impact driver “special buy” kit for Black Friday 2019 and the upcoming holiday shopping season.
I was really impressed with Ridgid’s brushless drill/driver deal last year, and I think the new impact driver deal might be worthy of the same sentiments.
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To start off, this Ridgid R86038SB4 kit is priced at $99, which isn’t all that unusual for impact driver kits this time of year.
Update 12/6/19: The price is now $79 for the kit!
However, it has a couple of stand-out features and specs.
But first, this is where you would find it at your local Home Depot. Or, you can order it online via the link below.
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Take a look at this quick photo I took of the box. 2,250 in-lbs. Brushless. 3-speeds.
This is an 18V brushless 3-speed impact driver with a max torque rating of 2,250 in-lbs. I don’t think I have ever seen a multi-speed brushless impact driver at this price point yet.
Last year’s cordless drill special buy was exceptionally powerful for its price-point, and the same looks to be true here.
You’re not going to get a more powerful impact driver kit at this point, nor are you going to get multiple speeds on an 18V-class tool at this level either. Multiple speed and torque settings are typically reserved for more premium models.
If you’re looking for an impact driver kit – and just an impact driver kit, this is looking to be the best option to go with this year.
If you’re looking to buy into a cordless power tool system, or to upgrade from an older brushed model to brushless, there are a great deal of choices. We’ll talk about some of those other brands’ tools and holiday deals soon.
- 2250 in-lbs max torque
- 3-mode speed/torque settings
- High: 0-2600 RPM
- Medium: 0-2000 RPM
- Low: 0-700 RPM
- Tri-beam LED worklight
- One-handed bit holder
The kit comes with a 2.0Ah battery and charger.
Price: $99
There are of course some minor compromises. It looks like you get a different (slower?) charger than you might usually see bundled with Ridgid’s other 18V brushless cordless power tool kits. It also looks like you don’t get a belt hook. But, you get their high-spec’ed and well-featured impact driver and what looks to be a regular main-line 2.0Ah Li-ion battery.
This looks to be best value of all the $99 impact driver kits I’ve seen so far this year.
What do you think – Go Ridgid?
I don’t know if I would necessarily buy this to get into Ridgid’s 18V cordless power tool system, but then again they do have some very good tools, including a number of options other brands’ cannot yet match.
Kenneth Stephens
Love my ridgid tools. I got the black special edition a couple years ago. So far they have been great.
Fm2176
I have the same set. Bought into Ridgid for the fan, then bought a router and sander, figuring I’d refrain from buying into tools I already owned. A few months later, I found the special edition set on clearance. They aren’t quite as “nice” as the DeWalt and Milwaukee (they feel a little bulkier and less refined than my newer XR and Fuel tools) but they are every bit as capable for what I use them for. To be honest, the closest thing to a disappointment is the circular saw with its included blade. Then again, I’m comparing it to the Fuel 2730 and the FlexVolt worm drive style, each with Diablos.
Bruce
I own this impact driver. I really don’t have anything to complain about with my Ridgid tools. They work well, have a good warranty, and are generally a much better value than Red or Yellow.
Derek
+1
XRH07
That torque is vastly overrated. Makita XDT16 (600ish fewer in/lbs) is easily faster and benched about the same torque values in the Protoolreviews impact roundup.
Raw power winner is the “lesser” rated 2k in/lbs Gen 3 Milwaukee.
Now obviously there’s no speed control modes on the big 3 $99 options. But there’s no way that Ridgid has upwards of 50% more real world torque.
I’d bet it has 10% more real world torque. At best.
Jeff
Which in my opinion is fine, because there is only so much torque you can put down through 1/4″. It can still take the lugnutss off my truck (with the larger batteries) and thats all I need.
The torque rating being marketing BS is not surprising.
Ray
As a DYIer, I love my Ridgid tools. They are easily the most bang for buck available, and their catalogue meets my needs easily. The warranty is also great. I recommend them to any non tradesmen looking for cordless power tools.
Thom
I own this impact as well. I think the torque numbers are accurate. I built a deck with it in the spring and it out performed my Makita quite handily. It drove heavy duty 3″ deck screws with ease.
Tim D.
Not to be rude here, but 3″ deck screws are not challenging for any 18v drill or impact that I’ve touched.
I don’t think anyone is claiming it’s underpowered, just that it doesn’t live up to the numbers on the box. This is probably true of every impact on the shelves at HD.
Matthew L Jones
Yes. Also speed and torque are generally inversely related, and speed would have more to do with how fast deck screws go in.
A better test for torque would be driving a 1/4″ lag or trying to loosen a seized nut.
Mike
Has anyone ever made a claim for replacement battery under the lifetime agreement? Was it an onerous and process? Any S/H costs?
Edgar
The only part that sucks is you have to register the new battery over the phone.
Frank D
My only experience is quite a number of years ago, I had to physically take my 24v batteries that no longer held a charge to the nearest authorized service center … 45 min away … 1,5 hours round trip, then see to register the replacements.
I have bot tried to replace an 18v they all still seem decent.
Weldor
I’ve LSA’d ridgid batteries a few times (all within the last two years) and it was completely painless. Initial claim filing was a phone call that took under 10 mins total (had me plug in the batteries to verify they still worked), batteries arrived less than a week later, and another 7ish minute phone call to register new batteries (full lifetime service agreement) . They asked me to kindly recycle the old batteries. My old batteries were worked to death and still held about half capacity. I’ve never had to use the lsa on tools but got batteries it is GREAT ime and imo. Ridgid cordless tools have been extremely solid for me and my biggest disappointment with the line is the lack of less common tools (ridgid cordless bandsaw PLEASE) .
Weldor
Edit: the ridgid battery lsa replacement process was 100% free, no shipping or “just in case it’s your fault” charges whatsoever.
MC703
Any one have any thoughts on this Ridgid vs the Makita at the same holiday price?
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-18-Volt-LXT-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-Cordless-Impact-Driver-Kit-with-1-Battery-3-0Ah-XDT131/301444914
Jeff
As standalone products, the ridgid is slightly better. If I was doing it all over again through, I would have bought into the makita battery system due to it being larger with better tools in certain categories. I have the ridgid and have used the makita in store to test it.
The Ridgid has better specs on paper (didnt get to test the makita for heavy duty stuff) and the ridgid has three torque/Speed modes.
The Makita (to me) has better ergonomics, and the battery system is larger with more variability and better tools available in some areas, like saws and heavier equipment.
So my advice would be if you just need a driver or a drill and driver, the ridgid fits the bill very nicely. If you think you will be expanding into a lot of battery tools, the makita is better.
Stuart
Amazon has that one for $99 also.
Ridgid: 3 speeds, higher torque specs.
Makita: looks more compact, higher capacity battery, entry into Makita 18V system.
MC703
Thanks guys. I’m happy with my Ryobi brushless stuff for my DIY ue cases and their impact is fine but I’d like a three speed and at this price may as well pull the trigger.
Frank D
Three speed settings seems over-hyped really.
If you have a functional 18v impact, I’d save the money.
I‘m on my fourth one. Makita 12v that pretty much rebuilt a house – still works but no more batteries, Ridgid 24v still works unofficially on 18v batteries; currently driving / carrying Bosch 12v & Ridgid 18v this model … have tried the speed settings a little, but just leave it in fast, because with slow there was a lack of momentum and I have taken quite a few of the heads off of several screws. Rarely ever did that happen with a single speed.
So, I’d invest that $100 in something Ryobi, rather than adding a platform and having duplicate tools. Unless you do a ton of driving.
MC703
Good points. Thanks
TonyT
You can get the Ryobi P238 3-speed brushless impact driver for $99 bare tool, or spend $30 more, buy the 2x 3.0AHr starter kit ($129) and get it for free
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-18-Volt-ONE-Cordless-Brushless-3-Speed-1-4-in-Hex-Impact-Driver-Tool-Only-with-Belt-Clip-P238/301853896
Weldor
Makita has such an expansive lineup and nearly all run off the existing battery line. Ridgid’s cordless system’s biggest downfall is their lack of specialty tools imo. As far as specs go both will get the job done well, and just 5 years ago would have blown everyone’s mind and every other tool out of the water (today’s best ryobi impact is better specd than the best impact offered 5 years ago by ANYONE, so don’t get too hung up on listed specs). Makitas are usually very compact with great ergonomics, both are very durable, ridgid pulls ahead in raw power and the battery lsa (painless and has saved me hundreds). Again makita makes just about any type of power tool you can imagine so if you are in a trade that might make all the difference.
Skye A Cohen
I might be in the minority here but I don’t like the different speeds. I have a couple of milwuakee m18 impacts that have 3 speeds and I occasionally accidentally hit that button which is annoying, I also don’t see the point of it when there’s already a variable speed trigger, I’ve never felt that the trigger lacked anything for control.
Maybe I’m just being a snob but I wouldn’t chose this over the Makita. If you want into the system ridgid isn’t where you want to be. If you’re only buying this one tool get the one with a better battery and a faster charger, Makita.. also I think most agree Makita in general is very comfortable, definitely more so than orange
Jeff
Its not just 3 speeds, its three torque levels. Speed 1 is not just slower RPM, its lower torque. There are definitely plenty of applications where that could be beneficial.
Skye A Cohen
Right I do realize that and I know a lot of people like it but the variable speed trigger is easy to control, and stop before a screw is over driven, at least in my experience.
Julian Tracy
I find the additional speed settings on my Makita to come in handy, especially in kitchen work and some electrical. But I hate their stupid fiddly push button interface.
Every time I look at a Ridgid tool at Home Depot, I’m struck by how basic it looks near the battery compartment. Fit and finish is much lesser than the bug three – rough edges, there are large gaps in which you can see into the body of the tool and wires, etc, and perhaps most significant – the tools only have two contacts: + and -.
Do Ridgid tools not have any battery overload protection? Other tools have upwards of five terminals in the battery compartment…
Frank D
Two contacts on the tool, four on the battery, protection built into the battery … ride a battery hard enough and protection will kick in, requiring you to wait a few secs.
Thom
I always wonder why they exclude the belt clip.. Like savimg a few cents worth of bent metal is lowering the total cost significantly…
John
Belt clip is included. The top picture doesn’t show it, but if you look at the packaging pictures further down you will see it is included.
Tim
Just a heads up, amazon has the dewalt dcs334b xr jigsaw bare tool for 139.99 after the 25 off deal.
Daniel
I used to use this exact model at my old job. My only real complaint were two things.
1. While the variable speed trigger was an improvement over the x4 series, this trigger still does not have the finesse of a Milwaukee or Makita.
2. Sometimes the batteries would slip out just slightly. Maybe 1/8″ and I would have to re seat the battery. It wouldn’t happen very often but my Makita has never done that.
I still really like Ridgid stuff for the price but it is a slight step down from the big brands. Powerful, but lacks finesse.
Alex
How is this compared to a kit from Lowe’s for a Bosch hammer drill, impact driver, 2 batteries + mail in rebate battery and a free tool like a rotary hammer drill for $230.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-CORE18V-3-Tool-18-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Power-Tool-Combo-Kit-with-Soft-and-Free-Cordless-Rotary-Hammer-Charger-and-2-Batteries-Included/1001310394
It was priced $180 yesterday and I’m looking for my first kit.
Frank D
Good tools.
Obviously with a dedicated drill you get to drill holes, where as a driver only drives screws ( wear protection, when the impact hammers kick in it is loud, can / will damage hearing )
Rotary hammer is great if you will be needing to drill through lots of concrete, reinforced stucco, …
If you don’t plan to do heavy duty remodeling, it probably is overkill. Really depends on how much DIY / remodeling you want to get into. $250-300 is also the price where one can find ridgid kits that have drill, driver, reciprocating saw, circular saw, flashlight, … with lifetime service warranty and battery replacement. For some reason this year it is with an angle grinder and impact driver … which to me are super infrequent tools, relative to circular saw, oscillating tool, …
I just gave my wife the $199 ryobi kit with six tools. They’re light duty and basic featured, good enough for her infrequent use. Benefit is the 150-200 or so tool family.
For lighter duty stuff and simple assemblies, Bosch 12v drill and driver is good too, on sale for $99. Lightweight. Compact. Can do many great things … but not heavy duty cycle as in will build a deck, garage, … with the small 2-3ah batteries.
It really all depends on which direction you are heading, diy / remodeling wise.
GEORGE MICHENER
has anyone ever had any luck collecting on the lifetime warranty rigid offers? Or is this a new thing? I just noticed yesterday whilst looking at a combo for $299 that if you register the tools and batteries within 90days the warranty jumps from 3 yrs to lifetime INCLUDING the batteries. I read thru the fine print and the only loophole I can find is it has to be the original purchaser, but, that is nothing unusual. If I really wanted to milk that warranty,I could always have my 7 year old grandson “buy” these I guess-lol
Weldor
I’ve only used the LSA on batteries and it has been a great experience everytime. Registering new tools and batteries sometimes takes a follow up email but has never required more than that in my experience (10+ ridgid tools and 10+ batteries).
The LSA can also be transferred to a new owner after registration via the website if you gift or sell your tools as well!
I’ve never used the LSA for a tool, but I imagine it is on par with every other manufacturer (not good!).
Frank D
I have used LSA for 24v batteries, and ultimately gotten my entire 24v set replaced by an 18v 5x set, since these batteries went out of stock many years ago. Set was brown box and all tools marked reconditioned, but everything looked brand new.
As far as tools under LSA. All still work fine, with intermittent use and care.
Have needed service on a wheeled air compressor, required drop off 45 min away, wait for part, no exact fix, no parts for the discontinued item.
Had the contractor cast iron table saw, it was out of alignment from the factory, could not tweak it myself, they insisted I take it to the service center, … but disassembling for transport, shop reassembling to inspect, order part if needed, disassemble to install, reassemble, verify … disassemble for transport, reassemble at home??? NOPE. Took it back to the store under 90 day satisfaction guarantee, … manager was not happy and argued it was only 30 days.
Blew up a couple vacs. Did not get them fixed as outside of the 3 yr or 5 yr, whatever it is.
So, if they can mail you things LSA is great.
Outside of that, service is YMMV, depending on how close your authorized repair shop is ( I have heard about Home Depot drop off in the past, and it gets picked up once a week, but not lately ) or whether a small tool would need to be mailed in.
Moar
Some Ryobi and Ridgid tools are absolutely identical; except for the physical battery connector and service level. They’re 100% electrically compatible, including the charger communication protocol. So, the price difference is obviously something to do with the reserve funds for LSA costs, but with the price gap shrinking, I’m not surprised LSA is starting to suck. The difference? It’s becoming more like Freightliner Sprinter vs Dodge Sprinter comparison.
LSA on battery is a bit odd. Like it or not, their life is like that throwaway batteries and canned food. They degrade with age and you can not slow it down.
Jonathan
Curious how this compares to the Dewalt DCF894
Moar
My 2.0Ah from a kit died a strange death. I noticed the battery was warm inside the bag. It smelled like hot solder from inside the pack. It won’t charge anymore. And this was the battery that I’ve used maybe ten cycles all together all indoors.
Frank D
Assembly mistakes and bad cells can happen. Contact ridgid for a free replacement.
David Hewson
I would not buy anything other than Ridgid
I have a good selection including their table saw.
Their prices cannot be beaten, they have the best warranty
No other maker offers lifetime warranty( including batteries,
Amazing fit and finish on saw.
Excellent customer service.
They are built to last and what else could you need!!
P.s. Don’t forget to register tool or warranty void