Next-Gen Ridgid Mid-Torque Impact Wrench Steps Up In Power
There’s nothing like having the right tool for the right job. When it comes to fastening nuts and bolts, an impact wrench is great, but no one model does everything for everyone. We put the Ridgid 18V brushless mid-torque impact wrench to the test to see where it fits.
Pros
- Stronger than the previous Octane model
- Excellent balance
- Assist mode for fastening and loosening
- Available protective boot
Cons
- Tested torque is lower than some competitors in the mid-torque class
Ridgid 18V Brushless Mid-Torque Impact Wrench Performance
For this generation, Ridgid’s brushless mid-torque impact wrench sports 500 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 650 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque. The Octane model this one replaces didn’t have quite as much muscle. It topped out with 485 ft-lbs for fastening torque and 620 ft-lbs for loosening.
You can control the speed and torque with three standard modes and an assist mode on the back of the tool.
The assist mode works in both forward and reverse. In forward, it runs your nut or bolt until it starts to impact and then stops so you can set the proper torque with a torque wrench. In reverse, it impacts at full force until the fastener loosens and stops.
Here’s what each mode runs in terms of speed:
Mode 1: 0 – 1300 RPM
Mode 2: 0 –1900 RPM
Mode 3: 0 – 2800 RPM
Assist Mode: 0 – 2000 RPM
To see what you can expect in terms of actual working torque, we set it up on our Intertia Torque impact torque tester. Here’s what we measured:
- Mode 1: 138 ft-lbs
- Mode 2: 181 ft-lbs
- Mode 3: 252 ft-lbs
- Assist Mode: 13 ft-lbs
Ridgid 18V Brushless Mid-Torque Impact Wrench Design
The tool is beefy like what we expect from a mid-torque impact wrench, weighing 3.7 pounds bare and 5.2 pounds with a 4.0Ah Max Output battery. It’s certainly top-heavy, but the handle position balances the weight just right.
Impact wrenches don’t need to be fancy for the dirty work they’re called to do, and Ridgid doesn’t overcomplicate the design.
You can get a protective boot to help avoid damaging surfaces. The one that fits these models is the AC13B01N.
Additional Highlights
- Die-cast gearbox improves durability and lengthens the service life
- Foot-mounted LED light
- Compatible with all Ridgid 18V batteries (best performance with Max Output batteries)
Ridgid 18V Brushless Mid-Torque Impact Wrench Price
You can find the Ridgid R86012 (friction ring) and R86012PD (pin detent) at The Home Depot. Both versions are available as a bare tool for $199 or as a kit with a 4.0Ah Max Output battery and charger for $269.
Be sure to register your tools to take advantage of Ridgid’s lifetime service agreement.
The Bottom Line
With the results we got in our testing, Ridgid’s 18V brushless mid-torque impact wrench is an excellent all-rounder. If you’re only going to buy one Ridgid impact wrench, this is the one for the majority of your vehicle, mechanical, and long construction fastener work.
Specifications
- Model: Ridgid Ridgid R86012 (R86012PD pin detent)
- Power Source: Ridgid 18V battery (Max Output recommended)
- Drive: 1/2-inch
- No Load-Speed: 0 – 1300/1900/2800 RPM (2000 RPM in Auto)
- Max Impact Rate: 3800 IPM
- Maximum Torque: 500 ft-lbs fastening, 650 ft-lbs nut-busting
- Weight: 3.7 lbs bare, 5.2 lbs with 4.0Ah Max Output battery
- Length: 6.75 inches
