Ridgid sent out a blast of new tool press releases today, and although many of the new products will see get some attention on ToolGuyd in coming days and weeks, the 6-mode cordless impact driver is perhaps the most interesting.
The new impact, model R86039B is introduced as the Ridgid Octane brushless 18V 6-mode impact driver, which actually tells us a lot about it.
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First, it has a brushless motor, which Ridgid emphasizes gives you “extended run time and motor life.” That is usually true. With this particular impact driver, it looks to provide a boost in torque.
The new Ridgid Octane 6-mode impact is said to deliver “best-in-class” power, spec’ed at 2400 in-lbs max torque, which in my opinion is impressive for a cordless 1/4″ hex impact driver.
It has 3 variable speed (and torque) operating modes, plus 3 specialty modes.
Ridgid Octane 6-Mode Impact Driver Settings
- Low power: 0-750 RPM
- Medium power: 0-2200 RPM
- High power: 0-3300 RPM (0-3900 IPM max)
- Auto stop: prevents over-tightening or fastener spin-off
- Fastener assist: slow starts or easy removal of damaged fasteners
- Self-drilling screw mode: ramps-down the speed once fastener threads engage
Interesting, the impact driver’s special modes have different behaviors depending on the driving direction, at least if I’m understanding the press materials correctly.
For instance, in fastener assist mode, the motor starts off slow and ramps up the speed after the fastener threads engage. This should give you more control when starting screws. In the reverse direction, it pulses six times and then ramps up the speed, which Ridgid says should allow for easy removal of damaged fasteners. I am guessing that the pulses are intended to shock-loosen rusted or damaged fasteners.
In the auto stop mode, it has completely different sensing mechanisms. When driving in the forward direction, the motor shuts down after impacting, to prevent over-tightening. But in the reverse direction, it breaks fasteners loose and then shuts off after impacting is finished. So, in this mode, it turns off when increased fastener torque and resistance is sensed in the forward direction, and when fastener torque and resistance decreases in the reverse direction.
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The user controls look straightforward. Cycle through the 3 special modes with one button, or the 3 speed modes with the other.
In addition to claiming that their newest impact driver has “best-in-class” power, Ridgid also boasts about its “best- in-class” intelligence. Seeing as how 2 of the 6 modes have dual functionality, they might have been able to get away describing it as an 8 mode tool. Then, they could have given it a cool name. The Octo Octane impact driver?
Ridgid says that it’s best paired with an 18V Octane battery pack for maximum performance, but doesn’t specify how the performance or specs might change if the tool’s paired with a different or lower capacity battery.
Lastly, the new impact also features Ridgid’s grip-triggered tri-beam LED worklight. It’ll activate when you use the tool, or squeeze the switch located at the bottom of the handle grip.
Price: $129 for the bare tool
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
Starter Kit Promo(via Home Depot)
For a limited time, 5/6/19 thru 8/5/19, buy a Ridgid 18V Octane starter kit for $179, get a bare tool for free. The promo includes the impact driver. The starter kit comes with a Ridgid 18V charger, and two Octane Bluetooth Li-ion batteries, with 3.0Ah and 6.0Ah charge capacities. That’s a good way to go if you want the new impact and maybe one of the other new Octane cordless power tools.
First Thoughts
The new Ridgid Octane impact driver pushes the envelope, giving users more power and more settings.
Do we need 2400 in-lbs of torque in a 1/4″ hex impact driver? I usually do fine with less, and if I need more torque, that’s when an impact wrench comes out.
But those new operating modes? Sweet! Will users remember what the different modes do? From the product image of the controls, there’s an A, for auto stop, and graphics for general fasteners and for self-drilling screws. I think it should be straightforward. If someone needs to borrow the tool, you could either explain the modes, or just tell them to keep it in the low, medium, or high speed modes.
As for the price, $129 seems quite aggressive.
A W
Wow, that looks really well engineered.
Glad to see TTI continuing to innovate.
Tim D.
Auto-stop? Yes please.
I’ve been tempted to buy the XDT16Z for similar features.
Steve
Go with the yellow and black can’t go wrong and is cheaper.
that guy
“cheap” is the key word in that sentence.
Jacob James Sebastien
I Much Rather Milwaukee ??
Tim D.
I’m already invested in teal. There’s several small things that make me prefer them.
I like DeWalt too, don’t get me wrong. I just prefer Makita.
ILIRIAN SHIJAKU
Nice and strong
Mike
Looks kind of huge in the era is compact everything. Might just be all the angles and chunky bits. I agree with 2400inlbs being a bit much for screws. If you really need big power go dedicated impact wrench, it’s a completely different tool.
Does anyone really use modes on impacts? My go-to impacts are either the newest m12 or m18 drivers, both with 4 modes and even 1Key. Any time I’ve tried other modes they just bug me more than anything. Maybe I get it on a cheaper grade tool when there is less control from the trigger and you only have 2 or 3 steps of trigger control. On any good tool like Rigids, it seems pointless. Little trigger control goes a long way.
PETE
I kind of have a love hate relationship with modes on impacts. Do i want one on my personal impact? NO. BUT…. i do want one if i’m handing a tool to a greenhorn with a very repetitive specific task.
DiamondDave
I only use the low and mid speed on my impact. I cam out and break screws on the high speed. The war between manufacturers getting the highest torque possible caused this and I am glad to see more of the impacts coming out that are devoted to sockets with 3/8” and 1/2” drives for those that demand very high torque. I also use a torque limiter on my impact when I am being extra cautious. I believe it’s made by Dewalt?
DannyK
With 200 ft-lb, they should have a hybrid chuck 1/4″ hex and 1/2″ wrench like Bosch.
Jim Premo
Octane batteries are just too big. I am moving away from Ridgid. Nice impact though.
Nathan
too big compared to what. aren’t they similar in size to the new HD batteries and dewalts XR’s – the new larger cell model packs.
I like the idea in general – question do those indicator lights have 2 segmets to them.
for example so you know that your in screw mode and speed 1 – vs being in screw mode and speed 2 or 3.
2400 is a bit higher than my current dewalt device – and I honestly would trade some of that torque for compactness – like said above. that’s 200 ft-lbs for anyone trying to compare. That’s near proof spec for a 3/8 drive ratchet and extension – and as far as I know beyond proof spec for a 1/4 hex or square drive. So it’s a bit much. Put another way – using a common 1/2 inch drive ratchet – that is a nominal 15 inches of working length – you need to push on it with around 160 lbs.
Anyway – like to see it should be interesting.
Jared
Those are crazy specs for the price. That’s like lug-nut removing power from a 1/4″ driver. If this were a Dewalt, Bosch or Porter Cable product, I would buy it. Overkill, I imagine, for driving in deck screws – but maybe the hot ticket for large spade and auger bits.
hangovna
Gonna be snapping 3/8″ and 1/2″ socket adapters on the reg if using it for that purpose.
Bill K
Thanks for the news on the interesting new driver Stuart. Sure hope to see your test/use report soon, as your reports are a key consideration in any of my tool purchases.
Stuart
I appreciate that, thank you! It might be a while – I still have a backlog of testing and requests I’m working through.
Matt J
It’s tough to keep track of all the Milwaukee model numbers, but it looks like the most recent M18 Fuel Impact is also $129 bare? Is that correct? Seems to be with the Surge at $149.
I guess if you’re already committed to the Ridgid platform the Octane driver makes sense, but the Milwaukee seems like a better, much more compact tool overall.
Thom
I’m a RIDGID fan, I own many RIDGID 18v tools and use them. That being said I will never remember what the different mode do or how to switch them so no reason so upgrade the brushless R86038 impact I already have.
Now as a Father’s day gift for my son…
Jon
Despite my initial intentions to stay within one battery system, I’ve accumulated and routinely use several Ryobi One+ tools as well as a couple of excellent Makita tools (XLT X2 36V 10″ compound miter and the rear handle 36v circular saw). So I’m invested now in two battery systems, and really don’t want to dip into a third. Already have 6 One+ and 6 LXT batteries along with chargers.
I’ve been looking to upgrade my impact driver and add an impact wrench. Makita’s XDT16Z looks great – and this Ridgid unit, at half the price looks to have very similar features seemingly putting it midway between Ryobi’s P238 and the XDT16Z – ideal for me…..except for battery platform.
Corey Moore
I’d wait for makitas 17, it’s in Japan now, and its supposedly amazing. If my makita batteries would stop commiting suicide, I’d really like to buy one myself.
Jon
@Corey Moore – yep – from what I can see, the XDT16 is the US version of the 171. It was released here in the states in early February. Some sites are selling it already, e.g., Amazon, Acme Tools and a few others. But it’s NOT on the Home Depot site yet, and when I stopped in at a Home Depot today and asked at the Pro Desk, they couldn’t find any info about it, and there wasn’t a Makita rep in the store today to ask. I can order it right now from Amazon and have it in a couple of days — about $177 in US dollars. I’d rather deal with Home Depot in general since I can handle service, returns, etc. in person. I’ll give it a bit more time before I decide.
Taras
2400 in/lbs =200 ft/lbs. Seems overkill considering If you assume a reasonable quality tool steel that can handle 100K psi, a 1/4″ drive can take about 30 ft-lb, 3/8″ about 100 ft-lbs, 1/2″ about 230 ft-lbs, and 3/4″ about 800 ft-lbs. Really good steel will bump this up, while special tools like a wobble extension may cut it to half.
Flotsam
its not clear from any of the stuff I’ve seen if you need the (huge!!) Octane batteries with the new Octane tools. I know you would be missing out on the added functionality that is given in having bluetooth connectivity between tool and battery, but would it work??
I already have quite a few Ridgid batteries and probably more interested in the tool rather than buying the new batteries.
Matt J
I’m not at all 100% on this but my impression is that it’s kind of similar to the Ryobi Lithium Ion standard batteries versus Lithium-Ion + HP. The + HP and Octane batteries have additional contacts that allow for communication/load sensing with the brushless motor. The additional contacts and better cells will increase performance on Octane tools, but I think they still work with the standard Ridgid 18V batteries.
Matt J
From the Octane Hammer drill page:
“The 18-Volt OCTANE Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless 1/2 in. Hammer Drill Kit features high performance brushless motors and advanced electronics that provide best-in-class power and intelligence. While providing increased performance with all RIDGID 18-Volt batteries, OCTANE tools provide maximum performance when paired with OCTANE batteries.”
Further down (seemingly speaking about the battery): “100% Compatible: Works with all RIDGID 18-Volt tools and chargers.”
So it looks like Octane and standard 18V batteries are entirely interchangeable between brushed, brushless Octane, and brushless Gen5x tools, but the Octane tools will get some additional benefits from the Octane batteries that will not appear in the brushed or earlier brushless models.
Flotsam
thanks for posting that.
Joshua Sternadel
I have most of the Gen5x line-up of Ridgid tools. The pre-octane versions that is. My jigsaw is the octane version and i can confirm it works with the old trusty and proper sized 2ah, 4ah, and 5ah batteries. I actually bought 4 more 4ah batteries last year at Christmans time when they were $99 for a pair because the octane line up in my honest opinion was terribly designed.
One thing Ridgie (TTI) overlooked with the new octane batteries is the size. Even the 3ah octane battery is bigger than the traditional 4ah. For me these new batteries throw off the weight balance of the tool. Having the extra power the octane can deliver is great but if a tool isn’t comfortable to use or its use is thrown off by the extra weight then what good is that power.
If I put a 2ah battery in my brushless drill it wants to rock forward in my hand. Slap on the 4ah and its balanced just right. I would say 90% of the time a well balanced tool isn’t necessary but those few times you’re in an awkward position drilling with your off hand it makes a huge difference. This probably sounds like knit picking to most but its definitely something i considered when comparing usability and price before deciding to invest in the Ridgid line.
Dave
Very interesting, thanks for sharing Stuart! The impact auto-stop and early breakaway features could be useful for idiots like me who often mash on a trigger without thinking about bad outcomes until a screw is cammed out or driven too far, so the basic schmuck like me could certainly benefit from something like this.
I’m curious as to why TTI would roll this out on their mid-level platform, though. Seems like the feature set would be most valuable either to noobs using the green tools or the precision-minded who favor red (I’m invested in both of those lines, but not the orange). Ridgid seems to me most like a brand that strikes a balance between pro-level performance and budget-conscious users – maybe they’re testing the tech out here before bringing a Milwaukee version to market?
If I didn’t already have too many impacts, I could see the appeal of this tool. Not enough to buy into a third TTI platform, but assuming they’ll eventually make this with a smaller footprint in red and one of my existing drivers will eventually wear out outside warranty, I’ll be in.
Jon
As impact driver torque nudges up into the range of impact wrenches, there seems to be a gray area where you might use an impact driver with an impact rated nut setter, or socket adapters with a 1/4″ hex shaft to 1/4″ or 3/8″ or 1/2″ square female end…or make the jump directly to an impact wrench. With higher torque, I think we’re all seeing a bunch of socket adapters routinely shredded when mated to a 1/4″ impact driver and driven at 2000 inch lbs. In the end, it seems to be left to operator judgment whether to push a tool to these extremes or jump to the next tool for a given task.
One thing I’ve wondered about a few times – maybe you can weigh in on this: if a 1/4″ impact driver with 2000+ inch lbs torque can twist a socket adapter’s shaft in half, what’s the danger of actually destroying the drive shaft on the 1/4″ impact driver itself? And…the corollary: if the drive shaft on a 1/4″ impact driver can survive 2000+ inch lbs of torque, why can’t socket adapters be made to be just as strong, so they *could* be reliably used at high torque without risk of snapping?
Stuart
The length, diameter, and thickness of a material contribute to its resistance to twisting and torsional stress.
The weakest part will break, and that’ll be the small diameter power tool accessory.
Jon
Of course – no question about any of that. That’s the way it would have to be. I just seem to recall seeing photos of snapped adapter generally splitting midway on the shaft. I guess making the shaft thicker would only serve to shift the weakest point back toward the impact tool itself, and could conceivably leave a bit of twisted and deformed metal stuck in the impact driver itself.
Matthew Mills
I just got one and it is nice. Broke a milwaukee shockwave phillips tip on a self taper first day though. Haven’t really dug into to modes and it is hard to tell the differences besides the easy removal mode because that pulses as it first backs out screws. It seems really nice and I’m very happy with the deal they are running right now. It is a bit heavy so extended use might be harder.