Ridgid and DeWalt are 2 well-known brands in the power tools industry. While DeWalt is generally the more popular brand, Ridgid enjoys a more dedicated following of industry professionals.

If you find yourself having to choose between these 2 brands, you will need to understand what they each stand for and what is generally expected from their tools.

Following is a look at the histories of both brands, followed by a closer look at their product features and combo set offers.

A History of the Ridgid Power Tools

Ridgid came to life in 1923 with the introduction of the Ridgid Pipe Wrench. This wrench is still in use today and has become an icon of the company and its brand. The company was founded by Carl Ingwer, Sr. as the Ridge Tool Company.

By 1930, the Ridge Tool Company had come up with various innovations referred to as “Pretested work-saver tools”. They were born out of research and development of different tools with the worker in mind.

The company moved to its current headquarters in 1943, and by 1946 after the second world war began exporting tools worldwide, especially to Europe.

Although most of Ridgid's products were initially related to pipes, the company began to diversify in the sixties. The Ridge Tool Company gradually branched into professional vacuum cleaners, drain equipment, electrical tools, and lots more.

Today, Ridgid makes diagnostics tools, power tools, pipe and tubing tools, pressing tools, drain cleaning, wet/dry vacuums, power tools, and general hand tools.

The History of DeWalt Power Tools

DeWalt is also an American tool manufacturer. It was also founded in 1923 by Raymond DeWalt, who invented the radial arm saw.

Starting from 1941, the firm underwent a period of tremendous expansion in order to meet the demands of the government for wartime machines and equipment.

DeWalt was purchased in 1949 and sold again in 1960 to Black & Decker. Today, DeWalt represents Black & Decker's professional quality tools line.

In 1994, DeWalt introduced a line of over 30 cordless tools, including its 14.4 Volt drill/driver, which was the most powerful cordless tool at the time.

The company continued its tradition of innovation until recent years, with the launch in 2015 of “Connected” products. This technology integrates Bluetooth technology in batteries, speakers etc. and allows the operator to track them using an app.

Ridgid vs DeWalt Products – Features Comparison

Ridgid Products

Ridgid power tools enjoy a dedicated following among industry professionals. Some of the reasons for Ridgid's high value is as follows:

• A Trusted Name: Professionals trust the Ridgid brand when it comes to high-quality, high-performance, and durable equipment for the work-site.
• Rugged & Reliable: The company has constantly researched and modified its equipment over the years. In addition to great performance and quality, Ridgid also stands for rugged and reliable tools, which is why it is well trusted by professionals.
• Wide Range of Tools: Unlike most other power tool makers, the Ridge Tool Company makes a much wider range of tools. This includes everything from diagnostic cameras, monitors, and locators, to drain cleaners, wet and dry vacuum cleaners, cable termination and trimming, plus other electrical tools, pipe tools, and power tools.
• ​High Power Output: Ridgid is built for professionals, and this leaves little room for compromises. Ridgid power tools are designed to deliver “Best in Class” performance at all times. They deliver enough or more power for the job and usually include innovative features.
• ​Lifetime Service Agreement: Ridgid offers a Lifetime Service Agreement on all its power tools which were registered within 90 days of purchase. This agreement offers free parts replacements, free service, and even free batteries for life.

DeWalt Products

DeWalt makes power tools that are unique, reliable, and loved by many. Their major features include:

• Rugged & Reliable Products: DeWalt tests its products to their limits, making corrections and changes where necessary. This ensures that the company continues to develop and deliver the high-quality, rugged and reliable products that it is known for.
• Affordable High-Quality: Quality alone is not enough, DeWalt's products are also affordable. This is one of the major reasons for the popularity of the DeWalt brand in the power tools industry.
• Tool Connect & WiFi: With Tool Connect, DeWalt launched a software tool management system for DeWalt products. It can be used to customize, track, and manage a company's tools across multiple job-sites, allowing for improved inventory management. DeWalt's also offers a WiFi solution for job-sites that simply works.
• 20V Max & Flexvolt: DeWalt upgraded its power tools from 18V to 20V in order to offer more power. The company also introduced its Flexvolt technology, which is an automatic voltage-switching battery technology. It enables an operator to use a single battery on 20VMax, 60V Max, and 120V Max tools.
• Breakaway Saw Blades: These DeWalt blades feature a perforated design, which helps them get a second life. Once the initial section of a saw's blade has been spent, all the operator has to do, is to snap it off, and then, there's a fresh part of the blade to continue cutting with.

Ridgid R9602 vs DeWalt DCK240C2 Combo Kit

Combo kits make it easier to get the tools that you need at a go and at a cheaper price. There are also other advantages such as sharing of compatible batteries, chargers, or other accessories between the tools.

Following is a side by side review of Ridgid's R9602 and DeWalt's DCK240C2 combo kits. They each contain a compact drill and an impact drill, plus a battery, a charger, and a contractor bag.

1. Ridgid vs DeWalt – Power Drills

Ridgid R86008 18V Cordless Drill Driver

Ridgid's R86008 is a compact drill/driver which is powered by a 4-pole motor and delivers maximum performance for a wide range of applications. It features a 2-speed transmission control, allowing the operator to choose the best setting for the job.

With 535 in-lbs of torque, this compact tool can be easily used as a drill or driver without any power issues. It delivers a no-load speed of 450 RPM in its low setting, and 1,650 RPM in its high setting.

Ridgid adds a 24-level clutch ring, which allows the operator to perfectly adjust the drill to produce the required torque for the job at hand.

This compact drill/driver features a 1/2-inch single sleeve ratcheting chuck, which securely holds bits in place for all kinds of applications. Ridgid also adds its innovative, rubberized and micro-textured grip, which delivers both comfort and a secure grip.

DeWalt DCD771 20V Cordless Drill Driver

DeWalt's DCD771 is also a compact drill/driver with a 2-speed setting. It allows a maximum speed of 450 RPM in its low setting and 1,500 RPM in its high setting.

DeWalt lists its output power at 300 UWO, which should be around 400 in-lbs at 450 RPM. This is an estimate though because DeWalt doesn't release further information in this regard.

It comes with 16 clutch settings for perfect torque selection and a 1/2-inch keyless chuck. This single sleeve ratcheting chuck is also tight enough to hold all kinds of bits in place during operation.

DeWalt additionally adds an ergonomic and comfortable handle for longer work hours with less operator fatigue. It weighs 3.6 lbs and is 8.7 inches long.

The Verdict

Ridgid's R86008 drill/driver offers all-metal gears, a 24-level clutch against DeWalt's 16 levels, 1,650 RPM top speed against DeWalt's 1,500, and 535 in-lbs of torque, which is higher than DeWalt's estimated 400 in-lbs. Given all these better figures, the Ridgid R86008 beats DeWalt's DCD771.

2. Ridgid vs DeWalt – Impact Drivers

Ridgid R86034 18V Cordless Impact Driver

With its high-torque output of 1,750 in-lbs, this impact driver delivers all the power that you need to accomplish all kinds of work. It is compact and lightweight at just 2.7 lbs and includes a reversible belt clip, which can be used to either fit left- or right-handed operators.

This driver delivers 3,100 IPM (Impacts Per Minute), which combines with its high torque to get any job done. It features a 1/4-inch hex chuck and offers Ridgids innovative Hex Grip for a secure and comfortable handling of the tool.

The Ridgid R86034 also features a “Grip Light”, which is an energy-saving light button, independent of the trigger. It allows the use of light without powering on the motor.

It also features one-handed and quick bit loading, enabling the quick and easy change of bits. It even includes a bit ejection system.

DeWalt DCF885 20V 1/4-Inch Cordless Impact Driver

From DeWalt comes the DCF885, a 20V Max impact driver. It is also a very compact driver, measuring just 5.55 inches from front to back. Its small size allows easier access into the tightest corners.

The DCF885 delivers 1,400 in-lbs of torque, with 3,200 IPM and a top speed of 2,800 RPM. It also weighs just 2 lbs and uses a 1/4-inch hex chuck.

DeWalt includes 3 LED lights in this impact driver. They feature a trigger-release delay and will continue to shine their lights for up to 20 seconds after release.

This driver also offers one-handed loading of its 1/4-inch hex chuck, and a belt hook is included in the package.

The Verdict

Both tools offer impressive features. From torque to speed, plus a compact and lightweight design, they both outweigh each other to a draw.

3. Accessories

Ridgid's R9602 combo kit and DeWalt's DCK240C2 kit both come with accessories, which include a bag, 2 batteries, and a charger. Ridgid's included batteries are 2X 1.5Ah 18-volt batteries, while DeWalt's batteries are 2X 1.3Ah 20-volt batteries, so they cancel each other out.

Ridgid's kit also includes an auxiliary handle and 2 bits, which gives it an edge and makes it the winner in accessories.

Summary

Following is a summary of the side-by-side review of the tools in both sets. It includes tool by tool results, as well as an overall verdict.

Conclusion

We have reached the end of this Ridgid vs DeWalt review, and the turn is now yours to reach a decision.

While Ridgid's R9602 won the showdown with efficiency, power output, extra accessories, and the offer of a lifetime warranty, DeWalt's DCK240C2 is offered at a cheaper price.

The choice is yours to make.