UPDATE: Here’s our review of Ridgid’s new JobMax tools. The page you’re reading now has info on the right angle drill, ratchet, and impact driver, while this page here talks about the autohammer and oscillating multitool.
Yesterday, we posted a bit about Ridgid’s new 12V JobMax cordless tool system, and the first combo set that includes an auto hammer head and an oscillating multi-tool attachment. Well, it turns out that Ridgid is introducing another JobMax combo set, with this one featuring a right angle drill, impact driver, and ratchet attachment!
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Ridgid’s compact right angle combo set (R82234) includes:
- Power Base Handle with tool-free quick connect interface, 4-direction adjustable head positions, and variable speed trigger.
- Right Angle Impact Driver head with mar-resistant cover, and rated at 650 in-lbs with no-load speeds of 0-2000 rpm and 0-3100 ipm.
- Right Angle Drill Head which features a 3/8″ single sleeve chuck and compact head design. From the product pic, it looks like the RA drill head may be even more compact than the Milwaukee right angle drill we previously reviewed, although it does not look like Ridgid’s model has an adjustable clutch. The drill is rated at 120 in-lbs and no-load speeds of 0-550 rpm, which is more powerful yet slower than Milwaukee’s standalone offering.
- 3/8″ Square Drive Ratchet, which is compatible with standard square drive sockets and adapters. This attachment has an integrated chuck and clutch, which Ridgid claims makes it the most compact in its class. The ratchet attachment is rated at 250 in-lbs and 0-220 RPMs.
- Two 12v lithium ion batteries with 30 minute charger, and a Ridgid heavy duty contractor tool bag.
As of yet, we still don’t know when these new JobMax tools will be released or how much they will cost. We’re very excited about these new tools, and will post updates as soon as we find out more.
Ridgid’s new JobMax lineup falls under their Fuego group of cordless tools, which are described as the fastest, lightest, and most compact in their class. With the new JobMax series, Ridgid may have to add “and most cost efficient” to their claims!
The previously mentioned drill, auto hammer, and oscillating multi-tool JobMax kit should hit stores in early March, and so until we learn better, we’ll assume this this right-angle kit will be released at the same time or shortly thereafter.
Details via Ridgid
Browse or Buy Ridgid JobMax via Home Depot
Credit goes to ToolSnob for breaking the news.
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KMR
As a shop owner, I wouldn’t buy this. Each configuration is a major compromise from a standalone fixed unit.
Also, what is up with power tools coming with “free” tool bags. I hate tool bags, I don’t want a purse to put my power tools in. Give me a nice metal case or no case/purse at all.
KMR
uthscsaedu
I don’t like the tool bags either, but as a home user I like the idea of this setup. At least I want to play with them as soon as Home Depot puts them out on display
Stuart
I really don’t see how such an interchangeable system is a major compromise seeing as how, once assembled, each tool’s major specs should be identical to those of standalone tools.
As far as soft tool bags are concerned, I prefer them to hard cases for smaller cordless tools, unless of course they’re made from flimsy 1-mil fabric. For larger tools, then yes, I agree – a durable plastic or metal case is definitely preferably.
KMR
The packaging is the compromise on the ratchet. Look at the major diameter of body on the ratchet head… that thing must be about 2″ in diameter (if not 2.25″). That isn’t going to fly with a lot of what we do getting into tight spaces.
And when you impact power, grabbing a 18V impact driver is going to get you 1400+ in/lbs of torque. Grabbing this unit is going to get you less than half that.
I hate tools like this. They make compromises in their performance and/or use due to the multi-function packaging.
Stuart
The ratchet won’t be replacing manual or pneumatic ratchets anytime soon, but it looks like it could be handy for most household assembly/DIY tasks.
And as far as impact driving goes, 650 in-lbs is about the norm for 12V units these days, with a few brands’ models outputing 800-850 in-lbs. Is this sufficient for all uses? Not at all, but it is definitely more than enough for most DIY and many professional uses.
I will agree that compact 12V tools in general typically compromise performance and capabilities compared to 18V versions. However, in doing so they benefit from reduced bulk, weight, and size. Even the most compact 18V drill on the market is heavier and larger than a typical 12V drill/driver.
It isn’t really fair to compare this new product line to 18V power tool offerings; instead it’s looking to be a viable alternative to Milwaukee’s M12 series, Craftsman’s Nextec series, Bosch’s 12V Max series, and so forth.
Jerry
I received a preinvatation to purchase the product from Rigid. It pictured 5 heads on one tool for $200.00. Small print you only get 2 heads and the tool and a small drill. Could not get it back to Home Depot fast enough. The whole thing looks like a toy.
Stuart
Jerry, thank you for your input! Was there something specific about the tool that made it look like a toy? Was it flimsy and/or too lightweight feeling?
Frank Commendatore
The second RIDGID jobmax combo with 3 heads will retail at $179, also new job site radio $149, and jawhorse vice coming out soon.
Stuart
Hi Frank,
Thank you for the update! $199 is pretty reasonable, but $179 is definitely a bit more tempting, especially for those that already have a standard compact pistol-grip drill/driver. The new jobsite radio and jawhorse vise sound interesting as well.
Handyman Scott
I am a professional handyman in Valdez, Alaska; this is a great tool and with the Lifetime Warranty, can’t beat it. It works great and power stays for a fair amount of time. I love it, especially the small saw tips.
jeff tracy
I like the look of these tools. I am a professional remodeler for large chain restaurants. I am always on a ladder, in the attic, or somewhere tight. I cant get larger tools to fit in some places without moving a bunch of equipment. I have all the big tools i want. These tools are perfect for the jobs that the big tools cant do. I could keep them in my pouch and barely notice them. I already own the 12v lithium drill and impact driver. They work great. I hope these do too.
Sam
I am a proffesional handyman. Just bought this yesterday as I was impressed with the potential versatility and the price. One flaw right away I noticed was the built in light. It is mounted on the fixed body and should have been on the attachments. The attachements can be mounted in different angled postions so the light on the body will not always be in the correct postion.. If it was on the attachments it would always be in the correct postion. Not a real biggy but you have to wonder what other things may have been overlooked. The tool bag is kind of cheesy. It also should have at least been big enough to accommodate at least two additional attachments plus the sanding attachment that came with it.
Sam
sorry about the typing error, should be “professional”
Stuart
Sam,
A first impressions type review is in the works for later this week. I have to agree with you, the tools are pretty impressive. They’re not perfect compared to standalone, but their performance comes pretty darn close.
I thought about the LED light placement, but I don’t think it would have worked well to be placed in the individual tool heads. For one, this would have required an additional contact between the handle and the tool heads. Actually, it may have required four redundant contacts, or circular conductors. Not only would such a feature have increased the cost of the handle and tool heads by quite a bit, I imagine the risk of failure would have been unacceptably high.
I also like that the included tool bag is nice and compact, but understand your complaint.
Sam
I understand your reasons why the light was done the way it was. Again, not a real big concern for me. Could you have done the light as a ring at the top of the handle so it would give 360 degrees instead of one fixed position? Just curious. I may have been a little unfair about the toolbag calling it cheesy. It actually is very nice. But one more small storage area in there for an additional head is all that was needed as far as I am concerned. Yes the tool is not perfect but even the most expensive tools I have bought have something wrong with them too. I have the Fein detail sander and there are all sorts of issues with that. I think Ridgid did a great job with this tool. I don’t expect it to do what my Fein does but I bought it strictly for handling my light duty applications with the convenience of no cord. Many times I get involved with a quick job where this tool will come in handy. I also think it looks nice too! One note about accessories. I have tried the Harbor Freight cutting and scraping accessories on my Fein and they work fantastic at a seriously reduced price over Fein accessories. $50 vs $10 as an example. I like the accessory mounting head on Ridgid as it appears they will stay in the position you mount them and not move. It also appears that most of my current accessories will work but I have not had the chance to verify this yet.
Dan Richards
I checked this out at HD in store demo, only really interested in the ratchet and it’s not suitable for replacing an air ratchet imo. The head is in the middle of the body and the body is pretty big, leading to a weird clearance issue. I feel like I’d need an extension to go along with it… and at that point, I’d rather just go with a bigger/better tool.
Stuart
Sam, thanks for the update. I’m not sure about its cross-platform accessory compatibility, but will try to find out.
Dan, I imagine that most users won’t buy the JobMax system for just the ratchet. It does look like a few compromises have been made, and while it’s not an exceptional cordless ratchet, I’m not disappointed at the very least. Then again, I don’t even try to use it in very tight work areas.
Mark Day
I bought the Rigid multitool knowing what the warranty was.
It seems to be able to do all of the tasks. that I have put it up against.
My fourteen year old son treats it better than any other tool that I have and he thinks that it is really cool. He wants to be the one that uses it when we are doing a project.
Way to go !
Don
I like the JobMax system but have a preference for only the impact driver. I was hopeful I could purchase only the impact driver, the charger, and possibly two batteries. Does anyone know if that’s possible?
The drill is unattractive to me because of it’s very low speed. Most small bit diameter applications call for RPM’s in the vicinity of 1,700 RPM or higher; 500 RPM is substandard.
Stuart
Don, yes, you can purchase the Power Base Handle and impact driver kit separately. The Power Base Handle comes with the oscillating tool head, charger, and batteries for $100, and the impact tool head is $50.
I did find the right angle combo kit selling for less than $150 a few weeks ago, but it looks like the sets are really hard to find in-store now.
Tony Kozlowski
I just bought the combo kit at my local HD for $107 + tax. Sounds like that’s a bargain price, especially with the lifetime warranty that includes batteries. The drill and impact driver came in handy in a tight space location I had, but for general work, I got tired of swapping heads. The drill seems too slow. The impact driver is marginal. My Hitachi micro impact driver does a much better job of doing the impact thing. Maybe the saw head for another $50 or so might be enough for me to keep the kit. We’ll see.
Zach
I’m an aircraft mechanic working phase maintenance. I get paid by the job so I’m always looking for faster ways to do business. I puchased the 12v drill a few years ago and it is still going but the batteries finally died a few months ago ( they worked well and I used them daily for almost three years strait, just wore them out). I saw the jobmax while looking for new batteries, played with it at home depot and liked it, bought it and the ratchet head. I specifically bought it for the rachet head. I’m rapping up my first phase with it and I have to tell you I like it. I have a pneumatic ratchet I’ve been using for years so I do have a clue when it comes to air tools. I really like the fact that I don’t have to break out all the hoses to get to work, plus it has been a dream on the flight line where there is no air avialable. The torque is perfect for what I do, high enough to handle most jobs (220 inlbs) but low enought to prevent over torqueing with a little practice (as low as 50 inlbs). As far as clearance issues, it has not been an issue for me and I have to get into some very tight places. If there is too tight a place I still have the trusted 1/4″ ratchet and muscle. I have two co-workers that have one on order now because they have been using mine and fell in love with it. Between the three of us we put about 400 hours on it in three months and it doesn’t seem to have worn a bit, so it is pretty tough so far. I have not used the other attachments because I mainly bought it for mechanic work. Hopes this helps.
Scott
Id rather see a similar tool system by Bosch. (I know, darn patent laws) I read some pretty troubling reviews on this a few months back, one for instance said that the tool would simply shut off if too much presure was applied to attachments like the oscillating tools for instance. Has anyone else experienced this?
Ray
I purchased this right angle drill head to use on my Ryobi multi tool, it fit fine and that is the best I can say about it. Very slow and weak I could not drill a complete 1/4 inch home in wolmanized wood with it and could not screw a 3 inch screw in the hole. And this was just 1 hole and 1 screw. I would like to just blame the Ryobi power unit but after speaking to a friend he just laughed because his Rigid power unit was not any better.