Every 18 Volt tool has its own specific power requirements. Grinders, for instance, require a large amount of power to perform at the level of their plug-in counterparts. The Ridgid 18 Volt Octane 4-1/2″ grinder is one of the latest battery-operated tools to attempt to reach the level of power and performance of corded tools. So let’s check out the Ridgid 18 Volt Octane 4-1/2″ Grinder Review.
There are actually two parts to achieving the level of performance of that a corded tool can provide. One is the tool’s design and the other is the battery output. The trick is getting the two parts to work together in harmony. Ridgid has taken a huge step forward to achieving the performance of level of corded tools with their new Octane line of tools and batteries.
Ridgid 18 Volt Octane 4-1/2″ Grinder Review Overview
Ridgid is a tool company known for producing high-quality battery operated tools for advanced DIY’ers and professionals for quite some time. The price point for these tools is often lower than what you should expect for a tool that performs at the level that they Ridgid tool performs at.
Every few years, Ridgid releases a new generation of tools where the tool and/or battery has been updated. The latest generation of their tools to hit the market is the Octane line. This latest generational upgrade is a complete rebuild of tools and batteries. The batteries are able to recognize what tool they are trying to power and match the output to that specific tool. You should see a better performing tool by matching the Octane tools with the Octane batteries. The great part of this is both the tools and batteries are backward compatible.
Ridgid 18 Volt Octane 4-1/2″ Grinder Review Features
A brushless motor provides higher power and maximum performance compared to older brushed models.
The Ridgid 18 Volt Octane 4-1/2″ Grinder has a slide style power switch that is located on the top of the tool and can be locked into place.
The blade guard is adjustable with the press of a button located on the guard. No tool required.
The blades can be changed out with the included spanner wrench.
The grinder offers three positions where the auxiliary handle can be attached.
A removable and washable filter fits nicely at the base of the handle. This minimizes the amount of metal grinding dust entering the grinder.
The slim grip is a nice ergonomic option for comfort and extended use.
Ridgid 18 Volt Octane 4-1/2″ Grinder Review Performance
The Ridgid 18 Volt Octane 4-1/2″ Grinder is a big step up from its predecessor. When used in combination with the new Octane batteries, this unit really shines. There is no loss of power during grinding or cutting operations. This unit just hums along like nothing is going to stand in its way.
One of the design features I like most is the overall shape of the unit. I’ve used other brands that are much wider where you hold the unit making them a little more difficult to hold. The grip really stands out to me when I use a cutting wheel on it.
The tool-less guard adjustment is awesome. I always say that if a safety feature makes work cumbersome or is difficult to adjust, it will usually get removed from the tool. This, of course, makes a safety feature useless.
The only thing I am not a big fan of with this grinder is the power switch. This may have more to do with what I am used to over any real issue. I tend to prefer a paddle switch that is located on the body of the unit over a switch that I have to operate with my thumb.
Ridgid 18 Volt Octane 4-1/2″ Grinder Review Value
The price of the Ridgid 18 Volt Octane 4-1/2″ Grinder found on The Home Depot site is currently at $129.00. This price is for the bare tool. This is about what I would expect to pay for a grinder of this caliber.
It’s a grinder that works at a very high level and should for many years to come. If you follow the rules of the Ridgid Lifetime Service Agreement, (register the tool within the first 90 days after purchase) Ridgid will fix or replace your grinder that stops working due to any normal ware. If you factor in the Ridgid Lifetime Service Agreement and the quality of the Ridgid 18 Volt Octane 4-1/2″ Grinder, it may be the last grinder you ever need to buy.
Ridgid 18 Volt Octane 4-1/2″ Grinder Review Final Thoughts
For several years I have been impressed with most of the Ridgid battery operated tools. The 18 Volt grinder was one of the tools that I thought had room for improvement. The older models would tare through a battery in no time and underperformed a little bit.
Ridgid has addressed the power and runtime issues the older grinders had with the introduction of the new Octane grinder and Octane batteries. I look forward to where Ridgid goes from here. They continue to push the limits of battery operated technology and are heading in the right direction.
