Ridgid has just come out with a new impact driver kit, as part of their Gen5X lineup of 18V cordless power tools, model R86035SB.
I know what you’re thinking – why would you buy this right? Didn’t Ridgid just announce a new brushless hammer drill and impact driver? Well, yes. But that brushless impact driver is only available as part of a 2-tool combo kit, at least right now. And even if or when there will be a standalone kit, it will certainly be more expensive.
This new Ridgid 18V Gen5X impact driver kit is priced at just $99, and for that it comes with the tool, a single 2.0Ah battery pack, a charger, and carrying bag.
It’s not a puny impact driver, either, it looks to be the same one bundled in the Ridgid Gen5X combo kit.
- 2,000 in-lbs max torque
- 0 – 2,750 RPM no-load speeds
- 0 – 3,200 IPM
- 3 speed settings for adjustable power and speed
Although not as powerful as the new brushless impact driver – which is a little weird because the reverse is true for the brushed and brushless hammer drills, but that’s other than what was expected – this impact still has some nice power available to it.
It also features 3 speed and torque settings, which is not usually found on brushed motor impact drivers. It’s typically a brushless-only feature. Quite frankly, the $99 price for this kit surprised me. I wouldn’t think you could get a mid-tier impact driver, let along one with somewhat premium features, for so little.
This kit only comes with 1 Li-ion battery pack, but it’s also a regular 2.0Ah battery and not a special lower capacity one.
I’ve used this driver, although not extensively yet, and it’s got some good things going for it.
If you’re looking for a capable 18V-class impact driver, and inexpensive entry into Ridgid’s 18V power tool lineup (Gen5X tools, batteries, and chargers should work perfectly with their previous non-specialty-plumbing 18V Li-ion power tools), this is a great buy.
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
See Also(All Gen5X Tools via HD)
Someone asked why Ridgid bothered coming out with Gen5X power tools if a brushless drill and impact driver were also on the roadmap.
The answer is simple – there’s little reason for them to have delayed the Gen5X hammer drill and impact driver, which were previously only available as part of a larger combo kit. Now, they will sell both brushed motor and brushless versions of both tools, in their various kit or combo options. Both versions offer different performance levels, and presumably runtime as well, and at different price points.