Ridgid is the Home Depot exclusive brand that Homeowners and Professionals flock to for a host of reasons. Ridgid has a great reputation on their cordless power tools, and I have yet to be disappointed by the several I own. Picking a Drill and Impact Driver set is tough, there are dozens of choices and honestly, the vast majority are great options. To me, I focus on a few important features, power, reliability and comfort. Since I know Ridgid has all of those priorities in mind, it’s an obvious brand to consider for such an instrumental tool. Let’s get into the Ridgid Drill and Impact Driver Kit Review and see if this kit is up to par.
Ridgid Drill and Impact Driver Kit Review Overview
When people ask what tools a new homeowner should buy first, a drill and impact driver set is always in the top five of my list. Not only is a good set imperative for basic house repairs, but going a step further and getting a set that will perform and last is a good bonus too.
My first cordless drill was a good old fashioned Black and Decker. While the budget-friendly aspect is great, that drill only lasted about a year. I’ve had several from other brands since, but to me, a drill isn’t something you should have to replace annually. Whether the actual drill or the battery, it’s still frustrating to have a short life. If there is one tool I would advise people to spend just a bit more on for quality its a set like this. Ridgid is a company that stands behind their products, with one of the best warranties and LSA’s in the business.
Ridgid Drill and Impact Driver Kit Review Features
The Ridgid Drill and Impact Driver Kit comes with a Drill, Impact Driver, two 1.5 Ah 18V batteries, a charger and a carrying case. Both tools feature Ridgids brushless motor technology for increased runtime and extended tool life.
The Drill has a two-speed gear train. The first gear or low speed allows for higher power and torque, and the second gear or high speed is best for fast drilling and driving.
The Drill also has adjustable torque settings. It includes 22 modes based on the material being used and there is an additional drill setting for heavier applications.
Simply turn the front of the drill to loosen and tighten the chuck for easy bit insertion or removal.
The Impact Driver leads the industry with 2,250 in. lbs. of torque and has up to 3500 impacts per minute. There are three no-load speeds-
Low (1) will result in up to 700 RPMs.
Medium (2) will result in up to 2000 RPMs.
High (3) will result in up to 2600 RPMs.
Inserting and removing bits from the Impact Driver is done by simply pushing the bit into the coupler until it clicks into place, and removal is done by pulling the coupler out slightly until the bit is ejected.
Ridgid included a variable speed switch trigger on their Drill and Impact Driver for optimum customization during use. Light pressure on the trigger will result in a lower speed while using firmer pressure will give the user higher speed.
Both the Drill and the Impact Driver feature three modes. Reverse mode for easy removal of screws forward for standard operations and a center lock position.
The included LED lights allow for increased visibility of the workspace. The timeout feature prevents battery rundown.
Both the Drill Driver and the Impact Driver have a belt hook that you can be mount on either side of the tool.
Ridgid includes their hex grip covering for increased comfort and grip. Additionally, the included bit and storage is always useful.
Ridgid Drill and Impact Driver Kit Review Performance
A good Drill and Impact Driver are important tools to have in your arsenal no matter what your experience level is. I have virtually nothing negative to say about Ridgid’s design here. One very small improvement would be to include a double charger instead of the single that is in the kit. I wouldn’t consider that a significant issue though. They have made two great tools that perform exceptionally well. The Drill is easy to operate and has a wide range of settings for maximizing use. I haven’t had a single issue with the drill slowing down or struggling through different materials. Generally, Drills have a weak point somewhere, but if this one does, I haven’t found it yet.
The Impact Driver is a breeze to change bits on and has a slightly more compact build which I like. The grip and comfort of both tools are great, but the Impact Driver stands out as far as overall comfort. The Impact Driver feels powerful during use but is still smooth, not pully like some can be. Both of these tools are used pretty much daily for me, and they haven’t let me down. I have 5Ah batteries as well, but the 1.5 Ah batteries keep the tool lightweight and easy to use for extended periods so don’t let that be a negative for you. The brushless motor allows the smaller Hyper Lithium 1.5 Ah batteries plenty of power and still has great run time. Ultimately, both of these tools serve a huge purpose, and they serve it well.
Ridgid Drill and Impact Driver Kit Review Value
Ridgid’s Drill and Driver Kit, Model R9603 currently retails at $179.00 at The Home Depot. This kit comes with not only the Drill and Impact Driver, but also two 1.5 Ah batteries, a charger, and a carrying bag. Ridgid is a great brand for value. Ridgid keeps their prices competitive with homeowner brands, while their quality is certainly on par with higher end manufacturers. This kit is a great value for the quality you get from Ridgid.
Ridgid Drill and Impact Driver Kit Review Final Thoughts
Homeowners and Professionals alike benefit from Ridgid’s quality that doesn’t break the bank. Ridgid focuses on features like increased torque and brushless motors while keeping the footprint of the tool light and easy to use. I have had no real complaints where this Drill and Impact Driver are concerned. This kit is an exceptional value and is another absolute win for Ridgid. When shopping for staple items like a Drill and an Impact Driver, look no further than Ridgid for the quality and performance you need.
Best tools I’ve ever used
So glad to hear you like them, Donald! I really enjoy these so far!
When I bought my kit a year ago, it came with 2 4Ah batteries, for $199. Much better value. Great tools.
Yes, they switch the combo kits in and out, always good deals to be found!