Ridgid has come out with a new oscillating multi-tool, model R86240B, expanding their 18V cordless power tool lineup.
While not exactly their first cordless oscillating tool, this is their first standalone tool, with previous iterations being JobMax tools with modular head attachments.
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The new Ridgid 18V cordless oscillating multi-tool features a brushless motor, which Ridgid says gives users the ability to make fast clean cuts through drywall, wood, metal, and handle a variety of other jobsite applications.
Key Features & Specs
- 18V battery platform
- Up to 20,000 OPM
- 3.6° oscillation angle
- 15% more compact compared to JobMax tool
- 15% lighter than the JobMax tool
- Variable speed dial
- Tool-free accessory changes
The new cordless OMT is part of Ridgid’s Spring 2021 wave of new 18V cordless and brushless power tools.
The cordless OMT delivers maximum performance when paired with one of their 18V Max Output batteries, but it will also work with all Ridgid 18V battery packs.
Price: $129 for the bare tool
ETA: April 2021 (part of a combo kit, R9225)
The tool comes with a sanding pad, sanding sheets, saw blade, and wood cutting blade.
Discussion
The new Ridgid cordless OMT looks to be quite compact, and certainly more compact than Ridgid’s JobMax combination of a modular tool handle and OMT head attachment.
This seems to be a new direction for Ridgid, with a focus on user comfort and convenience.
The bare tool will be dropping later, and if you want it sooner there’s the R9225 combo kit, which also comes with the new 18V hammer drill, 3-speed impact driver, and reciprocating saw – all brushless – and 2.0Ah and 4.0Ah Max Output batteries.
Frank D
Biggest differences relative to mine, look to be the angle of the battery ( no longer flat ) copying the grinder setup and the quick attach / detach handle is now rotated 180 to the handle, flip top on top ( rather than a slide forward pull out handle that hinges in the middle ) and is probably a stronger setup. The slide U- handle I always thought of as delicate.
Jared
Hmm. I wonder how that variable speed dial works. E.g. are there say – 6 distinct speeds or is it micro adjustable?
I also think a trigger would be better like on my Dewalt XR OMT, rather than a switch. Working with mine I sometimes speed up, slow down or stop as I’m making a cut. E.g. I might start very slow as I get a precise cut started, then pull the trigger all the way to power through the cut.
Frank D
I can’t believe I missed that!!
I assumed there was a trigger button under that person’s hand.
Mine has the variable speed trigger … infinitely like that more than my other one omt with speed dial and slide button. Ditto for my jigsaw. Variable speed trigger allows for easier adjustment on the fly without on/off.
I can understand the benefit of setting a speed and not worrying about how hard you squeeze, getting a cramp etc, … but slide fwd on, and back for off is not my ergonomic preference with delicate tasks, as the slide button on top operating is stiff when new, gets dusty after using for a while, …
I have a couple angle grinders with that kind of top slide button setup too. Always a bit awkward to operate with gloves on.
William
It seems to use the same tool free blade change system as Milwaukee fuel OMT
Leo Bauer
This’ll be a nice update for those who run Ridgid!
Ray
I love my Ridgid stuff, hopefully this finds it’s way to my tool cart on Father’s Day!
Ecotek
I can see this being a big upgrade over the Jobmax with oscillating head. That Jobmax/head combo wears out over time and I feel that as it loosens, some of the play results in lost cutting efficiency. Having a dedicated tool should increase performance. I’ll keep the Jobmax in the toolbox for all its other heads though.
That said, the lack of a trigger seems like a HUGE let down. An on/off switch just doesn’t cut it (pun intended, I’ll see myself out).
Flotsam
I have the Jobmax too! actually both the 12v & 18v versions. My biggest complaint was the unwieldy length of the Jobmax with Oscillating tool head. I LOVE the flexibility you get with all the Jobmax heads and i own quite a few.
I would opt for this if i hadn’t gotten a DeWalt Oscillating tool version first. The big thing DeWalt has is a nice attachment that allows for controlled depth of cut. I consider this essential for Oscillating tool precision.
Mac
I bought a Rigid drywall cutout tool last black Friday. Pure garbage…I l think Harbor Freight cordless is better quality. The battery wouldn’t slide in without cleaning or some light trimming with a knife. The intake sucked drywall dust right into the tool…and so ever hour or so you’d have to vacuum it out to start. Returned it to the store.