Three New Ridgid 18V Tools Landing at Home Depot: Pricing and Details

Introduction

Ridgid has rolled out three new 18V cordless tools, and unlike earlier previews, pricing and availability are now confirmed. Everything covered here arrives at Home Depot starting February 2022, and each tool is compatible with any Ridgid 18V battery, whether you run the newer MAX OUTPUT packs or the older OCTANE batteries. All three also carry the Lifetime Service Agreement when registered on the Ridgid website.

Here is a closer look at what each one offers and who it makes sense for.

Ridgid 6-1/2 Inch Circular Saw

Priced at $139 for the tool only, this saw surprised with how much power it packs into a small frame. Ridgid claims it is the industry’s lightest 6-1/2 inch circular saw at 5.4 pounds without a battery, and it is 27 percent more compact than a 7-1/4 inch saw while cutting 35 percent faster than the previous 6-1/2 inch model.

Specs include 5,000 RPM no-load speed, a 50-degree bevel capacity, and a 2-1/4 inch depth of cut. The magnesium guard and shoe keep weight down, LED lights improve cut-line visibility in dark conditions, and the rear accepts both 1-3/4 inch and 1-1/4 inch vacuum hose attachments for better dust collection. A raptor hook is included for hanging the saw between cuts.

The included blade will get you started, but upgrading to a better blade is a sensible move for cleaner, faster cuts. Kits with one or two batteries and a charger are expected to follow. Battery placement keeps the footprint tight, which helps in confined work areas.

Ridgid 3/8 Inch Right Angle Drill

At $129 with the Lifetime Service Agreement, this is the most compact right angle drill in the segment at just 3-1/2 inches, weighing 2.1 pounds without a battery. It was small in person but far from weak, delivering 375 inch-pounds of torque.

Two speed settings cover the common tasks: 0-500 RPM for driving and 0-1,900 RPM for faster drilling. An LED light at the head helps in dim corners, the build feels solid, and the grip is comfortable. A bit holder on the side keeps a spare handy.

The trigger-style activation is straightforward: pull and it goes, no paddle switch fumbling. For anyone working between joists, inside cabinets, or in other tight spaces, the compact head is the main reason to consider it.

Ridgid R8648 18V One-Handed Reciprocating Saw

The R8648 also lands at $129 and replaces the older OCTANE one-handed saw with a smaller, more powerful package. It runs a 7/8 inch stroke length at 3,200 RPM and weighs just 3.9 pounds, roughly 40 percent lighter than a full-sized reciprocating saw.

That weight saving matters when you are working overhead or squeezing into tight spots. Plumbers, HVAC techs, and electricians will find the compact form factor especially useful, and the pivoting shoe helps keep the blade planted on the material.

The LED light on the front improves visibility in darker work areas. Blade changes use a twist-and-turn collet rather than a quick-release lever, which works fine but is worth knowing before you buy. As with the circular saw, plan on replacing the included blade with a better one for wood, metal, or PVC work.

Should You Upgrade from Octane?

Ridgid is phasing out its older OCTANE models in favor of these newer, smaller, and more powerful tools. If you already own OCTANE versions, the difference is probably not dramatic enough to justify replacing them. But if you are entering the Ridgid 18V platform, these current-generation tools are the better starting point.

All three tools work with every Ridgid 18V battery, so existing packs carry over without any adapter hassle. Anyone on the fence about the platform gets a long-term safety net from the Lifetime Service Agreement, which covers both tools and registered batteries for life.

Conclusion

All three tools performed well in hands-on use, and the confirmed pricing makes them easy to evaluate: $139 for the circular saw, $129 for the right angle drill, and $129 for the R8648 reciprocating saw, available at Home Depot starting February 2022. Compact bodies, solid power delivery, and full battery compatibility make the lineup worth a look whether you are building out a new kit or adding a niche tool to an existing one.