Ridgid has come out with a new heavy duty multi-tool aimed at electrical trades. It features a common cordless power base and interchangeable tool heads that can be used for cutting wires, crimping lugs, and punching knockout holes.
The tool heads are all swappable via Ridgid’s new patent-pending QuickChange system. Tool heads can rotate a full 360° and are released via a movable collar.
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The Global Marketing Manager for Ridgid says that the RE 6 is going to be a real “game changer for electrical contractors looking to save time, save space, and reduce the total amount of tools they carry around.”
Capabilities
The RE 6 delivers a 6-ton hydraulic force output and features automatic ram retraction when cutting and crimping. Cycle time is about 5 seconds.
It’s available as a full kit, or you can buy components separately.
Price: ~$4638 for the full kit (model 44343)
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Cutter Head SC-60C
There are actually two different cutter heads – one is intended for cutting copper or aluminum wire, and the other is for cutting ACSR. Cutting capacity is 750 kcmil (MCM) for copper or aluminum building wire, 600 kcmil (MCM) for copper flex wire, or up to 477 kcmil (MCM) ACSR wire, when the appropriate head is used.
Interchangeable cutting heads means that you can swap between heads for different applications, rather than having to switch blades or buy multiple full-size tools.
The starter kit comes with the copper/aluminum-cutting head. Additional cutters, as well as replacement blades, are available separately.
- SC-60C with copper/aluminum wire blades: catalog no. 47918
- SC-60C with ACSR wire blades: catalog no. 49408
- Replacement copper/aluminum cutting blades: catalog no. 47923
- Replacement ACSR cutting blades: catalog no. 47928
Reference: 250 kcmil (MCM) = 0.5″; size chart.
Price: $748 for the cutter head, $62-$97 for replacement blades
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4Pin Dieless Crimp Head 4P-6
The crimper can crimp #8AWG copper lugs up to 750 kcmil (MCM) in size, and aluminum lugs up to 500 kcmil (MCM).
Price: $3353 (and up), as part of a smaller kit.
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Knockout Punch Head PH-60B
The knockout punch head is compatible with Ridgid and other brands’ punches and dies, and can be used to make holes up to 3.5″ wide in 12 gauge mild steel, and up to 14 gauge in stainless steel.
Price: $589 for the punch head
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Here’s a demo video by Ridgid:
fred
We had been using Ridgid Press tools for some time when I retired. The most recent ones that my ex-compatriots use work with battery and AC power. They had a few hiccups at first – with some sort of cycle-sensor problem that Ridgid repaired (I actually think they replaced the head/sensor) for us – but I’m told it works fine now. I’m guessing that the crimp head on the Electrician’s tool also has a sensor to insure a quality crimp. Too bad IMO that the tool doesn’t come with the dual cord/cordless power option – but maybe this is less important than for the pipe press tool.
http://www.ohiopowertool.com/P-2326-ridgid-rp-340-b-press-tool-kit-with-propress-jaws-12-2-43358.aspx?CA_6C15C=120016460000006567
Mike
My only problem with tools like these are the parts. Parts get lost and walk away. I know whole tools have that problem as well, but our guys lose parts! I bet monthly we have to replace pieces of a punch kits cause they always seem to lose at least 1 part. I’m sure it works great, most of Ridgid’s industrial line is pretty good stuff. We have been using alot of the new Milwaukee stuff lately. M12 cable cutters and the M18 punch tool. I don’t ever see them but our rough in guys always take them before any of the manual options.
fred
You are right on target.
Some years ago, I had a pep talk with the crews – and told them that they each had to write to the various steel companies to complain about the quality of the steel that they were selling to tool companies – since the various tool parts were evaporating when exposed to sunlight and actually sublimating when exposed to darkness.
Cody
Can this tool run off Ridgid’s normally 18 volt batteries?
Bruce
I’m curious about this as well.
Stuart
I still haven’t heard back from Ridgid’s PR people that sent out the initial information, but Christopher seems to know what he’s talking about.
Christopher Burton
Good question! The new RE 6 Electrical Tool is powered by the RIDGID 18V Advanced Lithium battery platform – the same system that powers Press Tool and cameras. These batteries are available through any RIDGID distributor (not Home Depot).
CB