Ridgid 18V SubCompact Brushless Tools: Three New Compact Additions Worth a Look

Introduction

After a quieter stretch, Ridgid appears to be ramping up tool production again, and the 18V SubCompact brushless line is where that momentum is showing. Three new compact tools are joining the lineup: a 5-inch random orbital sander, a quarter sheet sander, and a band saw. All three lean into the same idea: smaller bodies without giving up the performance that the Ridgid 18V platform is known for.

That compact focus is a notable shift for a brand that used to have a reputation for tools running on the larger side. If you are already invested in the Ridgid 18V battery platform, all three of these are easy additions, and each comes with Ridgid’s lifetime service agreement when you register within 90 days of purchase. Here is a closer look at each one.

Ridgid 18V SubCompact Brushless 5 in Random Orbital Sander (R870651)

Ridgid positions this as the industry’s most compact random orbital sander, and the specs back up the comfort-focused pitch. It runs 7,000 to 11,000 oscillations per minute and claims 60% reduced vibration for increased control and enhanced comfort, which matters if you are sanding for long stretches and want to avoid fatigued hands.

The R870651 is priced at $139 and is sold as a tool-only purchase, so the battery and charger are sold separately. In the box you get two 80-grit hook and loop sandpaper sheets and a dust bag. It is compatible with the wider Ridgid 18V SubCompact brushless battery line, and registering within 90 days of purchase locks in free parts and free service for life. Availability is exclusive to The Home Depot.

For finish work on furniture, cabinetry, or trim, a compact orbital sander is one of the more practical tools to add to a small-platform collection, and the vibration reduction claim is the standout spec here.

Ridgid 18V SubCompact Brushless Quarter Sheet Sander

The quarter sheet sander also lands at $139, again tool only with the battery and charger sold separately. Ridgid calls it the industry’s most compact quarter sheet sander, and the low-profile design is pitched as delivering best-in-class ergonomics for close, controlled sanding.

Specs include 7,000 to 12,000 oscillations per minute and 50% reduced vibration. It ships with 80-grit sandpaper, a hole punch, and a dust bag, and it is compatible with 1-1/4 inch and 1-7/8 inch vacuum hoses, which is useful if you prefer extracting dust straight into a shop vacuum rather than the included bag. The lifetime service agreement applies here too, as long as you register within 90 days.

If you do a lot of flat-surface sanding or work in tight corners where a round pad cannot reach, a quarter sheet sander earns its spot in the bag, and the compact body should make it easier to control with one hand.

Ridgid 18V SubCompact Band Saw

The third announcement is a SubCompact band saw, and this one may be the most interesting of the three for anyone who cuts metal or pipe on the job. Practical features include a variable speed dial and trigger for ultimate control, a tool-free blade change, and a rafter hook for hanging the saw between cuts.

Confirmed specs include 580 surface feet per minute and a cut capacity of 2 x 2 inches. The box includes a bi-metal blade and a hex key, with the battery and charger sold separately. A price has not been confirmed yet, so nothing is set in stone, but with comparable compact band saws from other brands selling around the $122 range, something in the $150 to $160 range would be a reasonable guess. Like the sanders, it carries the lifetime service agreement when registered in time.

For electricians, plumbers, and metalworkers already running SubCompact batteries, a small band saw with tool-free blade changes is a genuinely useful addition for smaller cutting jobs.

Which One Should You Buy?

All three tools share the same core appeal: compact brushless bodies, compatibility with the existing Ridgid 18V SubCompact battery lineup, and Ridgid’s lifetime service agreement when registered within 90 days of purchase. The two sanders sit at $139 tool only, while the band saw’s price is still unconfirmed.

If your work leans toward finishing and surface prep, the random orbital sander’s 60% vibration reduction makes it the strongest pick. If you need flat sanding and vacuum hose compatibility, the quarter sheet sander is the better fit. If you cut metal or stock on site, wait for the band saw’s confirmed pricing and check it against what you would pay elsewhere.

Whichever you choose, remember that batteries and chargers are sold separately across the board, so factor that into the total cost if you are not already on the platform.

Conclusion

Ridgid’s renewed push into the SubCompact brushless line is good news for fans of the brand and for anyone who prefers lighter, smaller tools. Three solid additions in one drop, backed by a lifetime service agreement, make this a lineup worth watching, especially for those already invested in Ridgid’s 18V batteries.