Ridgid Debuts a Powerful Stud and Joist Drill for its 18V System
You may remember a while back that Ridgid had a cordless stud and joist drill attachment for their MegaMax multi-tool. Since then, things have been pretty quiet on the rough-in drill front… until now. I got my hands on Ridgid’s 18V Stud and Joist Drill—a dedicated model that Pro contractors on the Ridgid battery system have been waiting for. I’ll walk you through what the R864002 has to offer and show you how it compares to a couple of top brands.
Ridgid Stud and Joist Drill Performance
- No-Load Speed: 0-450/1,400 RPMs
- Chuck Size: 1/2 in.
- Chuck Type: Keyed
- Runtime: Up to 135 2 9/16-inch holes (with 12.0Ah battery)
- Max Hole Saw Diameter: 6 1/4 in.
- Max Self-Feed Bit Diameter: 2 9/16 in.
- Max Auger Bit Diameter: 1 1/2 in.
Speed and Power
Ridgid’s 18V stud and joist drill is poised as a true rough-in workhorse. It sports a 2-speed brushless motor with a top speed of 1,400 RPMs and 450 RPM in low gear.
While torque isn’t something all manufacturers spec on this type of drill, we can look at the rated bit capacities to get a better idea of where it fits. Using the 1/2-inch keyed chuck, you can install self-feed bit up to 2 9/16 inches. That’s pretty typical, even among compact models. However, the 6 1/4-inch hole saw capacity tells us it’s a powerful primary rough-in tool.
With that in mind, we loaded up a few of our larger bits and took this drill for a spin here at our shop. To no surprise, the R864002 handled these tasks without breaking a sweat. It even managed to successfully drive our 2 9/16-inch self-feed bit through PT 2x lumber in high gear. Of course, you’ll normally be going through untreated studs and joists, but it’s good to know it can easily punch through ground contact lumber as well.
Regardless, plumbing and electrical rough-in drilling will be easier than ever.
Kickback Protection
The incredible power behind this type of drill carries with it risk as well, so safety is a major factor. Ridgid equipped the R864002 with their Kickback Protech anti-kickback technology that instantly stops the bit if it detects sudden or excessive rotation. While this technology is steadily becoming the norm for tool manufacturers, we’re glad to see that Ridgid is following suit.
You can also disable the anti-kickback control by placing the directional switch in the neutral position and pulling the trigger five times. This is nice to have when you’re drilling in awkward spots where you have to adjust your grip and might accidentally trigger the kickback control to the point of frustration.Â
Ridgid Stud and Joist Drill Design Notes
- Model: Ridgid R864002
- Power Source: Ridgid 18V battery
- Weight: 9.4 lbs (bare tool), 11.7 lbs (with 8.0Ah battery)
- Tool Length: 17.5 in.
Size and Weight
The Ridgid R864002 weighs 9.4 pounds as a bare tool, 11.7 pounds with the recommended 8.0Ah Max Output EXP battery, and measures 17.5 inches from tip to tail. These are very similar specs to the Flex FX1671 right-angle drill. With a tool of this nature, “lightweight” isn’t really a possibility, but I will say that the drill feels very well-balanced.
Ergonomics
Ridgid’s design didn’t stray too far from the norm. It features a rubber overmolded grip with a single-finger trigger and forward/reverse switch.
On the front, you have a beefy pommel grip and threaded holes on either side of the motor housing so you can attach the included auxiliary handle. This comes in handy when you’re using larger bits and hole saws, and you need a higher degree of control.
Additional Features
- LED worklight
- Folding rafter hook
- Compatible with all Ridgid 18V batteries
How the Ridgid 18V Stud and Joist Drill Compares
To get an idea of how Ridgid’s design compares to a couple of top names, here’s a quick look at DeWalt’s and Milwaukee’s top cordless models:
| Ridgid 18V R864002 | DeWalt 60V DCD470 | Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2809 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Speeds | 450/1400 RPM | 400/1320 RPM | 500/1550 RPM |
| Self-Feed Capacity | 2 9/16-in. | 4 5/8-in. | 2 9/16-in. |
| Auger Capacity | 1 1/2-in. | 2 in. | 1 1/2-in. |
| Hole Saw Capacity | 6 1/4-in. | 6 1/4-in. | 6 1/4-in. |
| Length | 17.5 in. | 21.3 in. | 22 in. |
| Bare Weight | 9.4 lbs | 14.2 lbs | 12.5 lbs |
| Weight w/Battery | 11.7 lbs. w/8.0Ah Max Output EXP | 18.4 lbs. w/9.0Ah FlexVolt battery | 14 lbs. w/6.0Ah battery |
| Bare Tool Price | $349 | $360 | $449 |
Ridgid Stud and Joist Drill Price
Ridgid cordless stud and joist drill retails for $349 as a bare tool and is backed by Ridgid’s Lifetime Service Agreement with registration within 90 days of purchase.
The Bottom Line
Considering this is Rigdid’s first dedicated cordless stud and joist drill, I think it’s an absolute home run. It delivers plenty of power with the added safety of the anti-kickback technology. On top of that, it’s very well-balanced, and the overall design feels very rugged and sturdy.
Overall, there is a lot to like about this drill. It has all the power that Pros demand, and a feature set that makes it competitive in the marketplace. We do wish there were a kit option available, but if you’re already using Ridgid 18V tools, then the R864002 is a no-brainer.
