Ridgid Offers a Lower-Cost Way to Get Mid-Range Impact Wrench Performance
How do you know which Ridgid impact wrench is right for you? The brand has several models in its 18V lineup, ranging from sub-compact to high-torque. For those of you looking for all-around option, I’ll walk you through the Ridgid R86215 18V 1/2-inch mid-torque impact wrench to see if it’s the right model for your fastening jobs.
Ridgid 18V 1/2-inch Impact Wrench Performance
- Model: Ridgid R86215
- Max breakaway torque: 500 ft-lbs
- Max fastening torque: 400 ft-lbs
- 3 speed modes
- Max speed: 2700 RPM
- Max impact rate: 3150 IPM
- Variable speed trigger
- Brushed motor
The first thing you need to know about the Ridgid R86215 impact wrench is that it uses a brushed motor rather than brushless. There are some trade-offs in performance, runtime, and service life, but brushed tools are less expensive. It’s a technology that’s been proven in the field for decades, so don’t assume it’s irrelevant by any stretch.
For performance, you’re looking at up to 400 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 500 ft-lbs of breakaway torque. On the highest speed setting, you get at 2700 RPM, with a max impact rate of 3150 IPM. Those numbers put it solidly in the mid-torque range.
The tool features three speed modes, with a speed selector at the back for easy toggling. That’s different from most impact wrenches that have controls on the foot. The main benefit is that you don’t have to remove the tool from the nut or bolt, turn it around, and change the mode. Just release the trigger, hit the mode you want, and get right back to it.
Ridgid 18V 1/2-inch Impact Wrench Design
- Weight: 3.9 lbs
- Length: 8 inches
- 1/2-inch anvil
- Friction ring anvil
- LED work light
- Cushioned grip
This impact wrench weighs 3.9 pounds as a bare tool, and measures right at 8 inches across the head. That’s a bit bulkier than premium models, but it’s what we expect for a brushed impact wrench.
Finally, like many of Ridgid’s fastening tools, the R86215 features an LED light to help you see in low-light conditions.
If that doesn’t sound like a ton of features, you’re right. But that’s also the point—this is a tool that knows how to do its job and doesn’t need to overcomplicate things to do it.
Ridgid 18V 1/2-inch Impact Wrench Price
The Ridgid R86215 retails for $159 as a bare tool and $219 as a kit with a 4.0Ah battery and charger. As always, you can find it at The Home Depot. Ridgid backs your purchase with a 3-year warranty and Lifetime Service Agreement when you register your tool.
Should You Buy It?
For the Ridgid R86215, the main benefit is that you get legit mid-range performance at a lower price. If you’re trying to keep your costs to a minimum, it’s a good choice, and you know Ridgid has your back over the long haul with its Lifetime Service Agreement.
However, you can step up to the brushless R86012 for about $20 more. You’ll get higher performance, and more compact design, and some bonus features, like assist modes.
