Ridgid 18V GEN5X Brushless 7-1/4" Circular Saw Review

[@jayryan7473]

Great to the point video! FYI I read some reviews on Ridgid's website and people are saying they were having issues with cutting until they replaced the free blade with a Diablo and the improvement was night & day.

[@UriahO]

Diablo ftw

[@gidderman]

The blade depth and angle clamps are 'indexable', but they are spring loaded no need to remove the bolt in the center, just pull back on the lever arms (away from the saw) and they will pop out and rotate so you can adjust them

[@DoresoomReviews]

Yes! I've learned that since I made the video and it's an awesome feature. Thanks for pointing it out.

[@Mixwell1983]

Just got mine in a few days ago and threw on a 24t diablo framing blade. Cut through 2x8 like butter, havent really used other than a few cut tests. I have a 3.0 octane that fits nice and gives it a little more juice. You can hear the rpm difference between the octane and a regular 4ah battery. I wan to test my 1.5ah batteries and see how they do vs the higher AH batteries.

[@DavidGriffin]

i have it, i love it, awesome price, awesome saw blade size, awesome power... in convinced that rigid are killer Champs! price is a 10!

[@kennykenaz8340]

Nice video content! Excuse me for the intrusion, I would appreciate your initial thoughts. Have you heard about - Schallingora Dexterous Programme Scheme (should be on google have a look)? It is a good exclusive guide for building any shed in no time with no experience minus the headache. Ive heard some awesome things about it and my GF after a lifetime of fighting got great success with it.

[@kimnimbus1291]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. I'm thinking about buying this brushless saw but can't decide if I should go with the new Octane or the previous model R8653N for around $90. This is my first circular saw and mainly for home projects. 👍🙏♥️

[@DoresoomReviews]

If you plan on mostly using it for crosscuts and ripping sheet goods, the Brushless Gen5X is a great deal if you can snag it for $90. If you plan on ripping dimensional lumber or hardwoods, I'd go with the Octane version. Right now I see it listed bare tool for $149 while the Gen5X is just a tiny bit cheaper at $139.

[@kimnimbus1291]

@@DoresoomReviews Thanks again, you are the best! 👍🙏♥️

[@kimnimbus1291]

FYI - During the memorial day sale, I was able to get it for $80 new with the life time LSA 👍🙏😘♥️

[@lawnmoose]

Think I could put a metal cutting wheel on it? Milwaukee has a saw that cuts uni-strut. Dream tool.

[@DoresoomReviews]

It may be possible, but I'll bet that will void the warranty for this saw. The M18 metal cutting circular saw turns at approximately the same speed as this one, but with a 5-3/8" blade. Metal may require too much torque for the Ridgid to handle as well.

[@edgargomez4930]

Maybe the octane??

[@Mixwell1983]

Checkout the Diablo steel demon blade, better than a cutoff disc

[@Mixwell1983]

@@edgargomez4930 diablo sells their steel demon blade for metal cutting with a circular saw.

[@mikezupancic2182]

I had the saw from a promotion over Christmas. It kicks off easily on protection, has slow blade speed and bogs easy because of that. The sawdust chute sucks and the dust flies everywhere. The only good thing about the saw is the bevel detent. In every way except the detent, the milwaukee is better. (used both this year)

[@DoresoomReviews]

All valid points, but don't forget the Milwaukee version is currently $90 more expensive than the Ridgid. The Ridgid also beats it in cuts per charge when you're running both off of their respective 5Ah batteries.

[@mikezupancic2182]

it beats it in cuts per charge because the blade speed is significantly slower and so it uses less energy. plus you are cutting pine lumber. I used to ridgid to do a demo job where I had to cut a bunch of 3/4 pressboard into strips to haul out of a room. I was not using a fence, just going freehand. the saw would bind easily and kick out on protection every second cut. (using a new 4.0 battery) The Milwaukee by contrast tears through 3/4 Baltic birch ply almost like a corded saw. for that reason the ridgid got returned. the Milwaukee was free via a hone depot promotion where I got the saw free when I bought my one key set. (first ever Milwaukee tools, so not a fanboy)

[@DoresoomReviews]

Yeah, I think the blade speed is 3800 RPM for the Ridgid and something like 5000 RPM for the Milwaukee. Haha, good discussion - you don't sound like a fanboy, don't worry!

[@mikezupancic2182]

Btw if you have a chance to pick up the 3 speed brushless impact driver, it is a great tool. Not as nice or powerful overall as the milwaukee, but the first speed is the absolute perfect speed and power for most maintenance duties, and speed 2 is perfect for driving screws. I'm still trying to get the one key settings to mimic the ridgid.

[@jayryan7473]

Over 23,000 views & only one actual complaint about this saw. I headed over to Ridgid's website for a link to buy it. It sent me to Home Depot & it was only $99 (tool only) so I ordered it.

[@plantkindnessharvestlove7411]

Missing instructions that when you turn on pressing only a trigger will not turn saw on. You have to have combination of pressing trigger and an side knot here in top together. I struggled a lot why my saw is not turning on. Then figured out. I wish this video covered what to do if saw is not turning on.

[@DoresoomReviews]

Just about all circular saws have that safety mechanism, so I didn't cover it.

[@HappyHappyPanda88]

how to adjust the guide to blade cut line. I found it to be off and the cut line isn't where it shows on the guide before the 0mm

[@DoresoomReviews]

I don't think that's adjustable, unfortunately. Different kerf thickness blades will change that offset too.

[@KinGIIRomE]

Great job at explaining everything. You got a new sub!

[@Exalted_Example]

Hey, I'm looking to get into building furniture and other simple woodworking as a hobby. I have a rigid impact, sawzall, and standard drill, so my batteries will fit into this. One question i have is, why does it cost more for the cordless version than the corded, especially considering it doesn't come with a battery?

[@DoresoomReviews]

I think it's because with a cordless saw, you can pretty much just slap a brushed motor in and you'll have enough power. With cordless (especially brushless), you've got to include more electronics for motor control, and perform more design engineering to properly balance power vs runtime. Just my guess. Plus in general people are willing to pay more for the convenience of cordless, so there's likely some of that weighing in on the higher price too.

[@vinceking7878]

So a great powerful multipurpose tool if treated properly. Do you want a spare battery on you and keep swapping them?

[@DoresoomReviews]

The high capacity packs will last quite a while, but if you've got a 2Ah slim pack you'll definitely want a few on hand.

[@PupettaZoccola]

Dear Friend, have this version, like mine brushed, problem with blades regulation screw The knob is for nothig good

[@JUDALATION]

mines stopped cutting after a week and now im trying to figure out whats wrong with it...

[@DoresoomReviews]

Initial troubleshooting I'd try: 1) Try using a different battery with it 2) Check to make sure nothing's wedged between the blade and the upper blade guard 3) Check that no bearing/bushing is seized by making sure the blade spins freely when rotated by hand (without battery installed!) 4) Does the LED light come on when you hit the button? 5) Call Ridgid, because I'm out of ideas. :(

[@xblgtfostorchild9150]

Very helpful review thank you

[@rft3983]

thanks for the review, ordered mine a couple of weeks ago, also ordered the hammer drill and the driver tool. saw hasn't come yet. hopefully get it. looks like home depot would ship everything together. I really like the dusk mask you have. would buy one if knew where to order it. I am going to subscribe and click the bell thing. your video is great and am sure all your videos are. keep up the good work.

[@DoresoomReviews]

This is the 3M respirator I use: amzn.to/2rvLqof

[@jcarlin]

I got one of these and it couldn’t get more than 10” into a sheet of 3/4” Baltic birch without stopping. So I got another one. Same thing. Am I nuts?

[@DoresoomReviews]

It shouldn't be stalling that easily. I've ripped 2X material with this, which is twice as thick as that ply. It's a little slow going for something that thick, but it can manage it. What kind of battery are you using with it? Also, upgrading the stock blade will help a lot, and making sure you're not binding the blade by letting the cut wander. Are you using any sort of rip guide with it?

[@interman7715]

Jason Carlin Get a Dewalt Flexvolt 575 ,the power is unbelievable.

[@ervinbernardo504]

hi you satisfy in your ridgid circular saw?and where I can I buy this?

[@DoresoomReviews]

Totally satisfied! You can pick one up at Home Depot - although it might be online only for the time being.

[@ervinbernardo504]

+Doresoom Reviews thats good.....I'm here in kuwait and if I buy from USA it so expensive maybe I go in dewalt

[@greatbay1961]

All kinds of problems with the batteries, just a warning, you can return 1 battery a month and they wont have anymore until Feb 2017..thats straight from rigid and from a guy bought a set and 4 batteries and 3 batteries have failed within a week.

[@DoresoomReviews]

Wow, that really sucks. I haven't had any problems with my 2Ah or 5Ah Lithium Ion batteries. How long have you had the batteries, and are they the newest HyperLithium type, or the older NiCads? I can see Ridgid having a policy limiting the number of batteries replaced, since otherwise there could be a loophole for someone to buy up a bunch of dead ones for cheap and swap them out for new ones for free. I'm really surprised they're having supply issues as well, that's the first I've heard of it.

[@greatbay1961]

Lithium batteries their newest, problem is he bought all the batteries new with the kit, so now he has to wait until Feb 2017 to replace the 1st battery, and then wait until March to completely replace all 3 bad batteries? He took the whole kit back now, to wait that long for defective product is ridiculous.Oh and flexvolt havng same issue, batteries overheating under heavy workload and then not charging again.I'm going with hilti, never a problem , you get what you pay for I guess.

[@DoresoomReviews]

Yeah, for a kit that was purchased brand new with batteries failing within a week or two, I would DEFINITELY take that back to the store - no screwing around with warranty claims.

[@kevincoates1597]

Is their LSA legit? Seems too good to be true. Says they’ll replace dead batteries. All my personal and work dewalt batteries have gone dead so that would be huge

[@DoresoomReviews]

It only applies to batteries that came with a kit eligible for the LSA - most single batteries purchased separately don't qualify. Also, you have to register within 90 days of purchase and keep the original receipt. Otherwise they'll tell you tough luck if you try to file a warranty claim (ask me how I know...)

[@kevincoates1597]

Doresoom Tool Reviews Makes sense. Thanks a lot!

[@floobertuber]

Make sure you register, and follow up to verify that LSA went "active" on your registered tools and kit-purchased batteries (you don't get LSA on standalone batteries, of course). Do that, and yes, it's legit. I've been a Ridgid owner 2005 and under the LSA they replaced my pair of NiCad batteries when they wore out (around 2009). And later (2015 IIRC), my brushed gen-4 drill driver started wearing out... instead of fixing that, they drop-shipped me an entire new brushless Gen 5X drill/driver kit, which not only was a very-much-superior drill/driver, it also upgraded me from 14.4V NiCad battery packs to 18V lithium ones! Thanks to these experiences, I'm more than satisfied with the LSA. I will say though, it really helps if there's a factory-authorized service center nearby. Depending where you live, the nearest may be some distance away. (NOTE: I do not mean a Home Depot, I mean an actual Ridgid-authorized service center.) Then you can just drop-off/pick up any tools that need LSA service. Shipping heavy tools is not cheap! But there's also some good news re: batteries and chargers: Ridgid has been allowing diagnosis & drop-shipment of those for a while now, meaning if your batteries are end-of-life, there's no trip to the service center necessary. Pretty sweet, considering how expensive batteries are, and they will definitely wear out someday!

[@floobertuber]

By the way, you can search for an authorized Ridgid service center using this page: www.ridgid.com/us/en/service-centers-repair

[@jayryan7473]

Impressive cutting ability. The brushed version this one replaced was capable of only 207 cuts of 2x4 with the bigger 4Ah battery, which actually beat the Milwaukee he was comparing it by 11 cuts.

[@9up9up9up]

my corded AEG saw blade vibrates during cut and ends up with uneven cut surface, any idea how to fix it?

[@DoresoomReviews]

I'd try a different blade, then if that doesn't fix it check the blade washer, bolt, and bearings/bushings in that order for any play or eccentricity.

[@cibolocreekoutfit]

Easy, throw it in the trash and go buy a Skilsaw Mag 77. Your welcome

[@carlitosway60]

Is this a copy of AEG brand

[@DoresoomReviews]

TTI makes these tools for Home Depot under the Ridgid brand in the US and Canada, and under the AEG brand elsewhere. There may be small changes between designs though, which often happens with US vs non-US Ryobi, which TTI also owns.

[@DavidGriffin]

good review

[@kaike7068]

SPEC ...

[@sheittaspence4817]

Virtually

[@rammaniy]

Хочу и куплю!

[@franccamaj488]

A little overkill with the safety for such a small cut..

[@DoresoomReviews]

And I'm sure if I didn't wear PPE I would get the opposite comment. I can't make everyone happy, I'm not a taco.

[@Anonymous-rm6fi]

There is no way a cordless circular saw can replace corded. I own a Gen4 Ridgid Circ Saw and it's fine for making quick cuts but not for heavy work. Don't even think about demo work with any cordless. Try ripping off a rip with that corded circular saw. Won't even come close.

[@DoresoomReviews]

Cordless technology has come a long way in the last few years. Keep in mind this saw is basically two generations since the Gen4X line, since there was a Gen5X saw, and then this brushless Gen5X saw. I also prefaced my comment that it's a corded replacement by saying "for a homeowner," which Ridgid is more targeted to anyway. True, I have not done any demo work with this saw. Most of the uses I have for my circular saw are breaking down sheet goods and cutoffs for larger panel glue-ups that I don't want to wrestle onto my table saw. This R8653 handles all of those just fine. If it's slightly slower than a corded it doesn't matter to me, since I'm not making cut after cut after cut with it, and the small difference in time it takes to make a cut doesn't add up that much.

[@mikezupancic2182]

Anonymous the brushless is way better than the gen4 saw.

[@loganpatterson4674]

I have this saw. It’s good for an 18v cordless but I still use my makita hypoid anytime I have the time and place to run a cord. A big powerful saw is more enjoyable to use than this is, but its convenience is handy.

[@JUDALATION]

duh... the corded has limitless power..

[@arr856]

Love it;))

[@lost70s]

DOn't any one kid themselves the lifetime .. yes they will give it butt they make you work for it .... I have an impact driver .... was told by CS just scan it in ... I did it in 1200 DPI you could even see the HD water mark ...yep you guessed it .... Trouble confirming the sale ..>BUT you're good for the 3 YR warranty ..WHAT ?? you accept the receipt for the 3 yr but not the LT . I called up and asked it by chance the file was corrupted maybe ... could I resubmit ... NO ... now she said you COULD send in a copy of the receipt . WHAT a scanned watermark copy was not good enough BUT a copier copy of less quality is ok . WHAT ??? I don't trust them .. I will send in the original . They tell you to " Mailing Address (Certified Mail is recommended):" Get a signature card .. that way they can't lie to you . No I don';t trust them .. yes they will make it good .. they made good a charger . They will follow the contract ... BUT NO VARIANCE . They will make it difficult . This is what they sent : Dear UNKNOWN, Thank you for choosing RIDGID power tools. Your product and purchase information has been submitted. This information will be cross referenced with our sales records and upgraded to Lifetime Service Agreement (LSA) status upon approval. This process can take up to 2 weeks. You will receive an email confirmation upon completion We appreciate your patience while we confirm your submitted information. Please print a copy of this page and store it along with your receipt. If your product and/or proof of purchase information provided cannot be confirmed, you will be asked to submit your registration information by mail in order to complete the LSA approval process. Note: Your tools do not have Lifetime Service Agreement status until product and purchase information have been approved and confirmed by RIDGID. Please see below for the following product(s) information: Please note that the product(s) registered are not covered by the RIDGID Lifetime Service Agreement (LSA) until registration status is completed and approved by RIDGID Power Tools. This product is covered by the RIDGID 3-Year Limited Warranty. Simply present a legible copy of your receipt showing proof of purchase at the time of service and your product will be repaired under the guidelines of the 3-Year Limited Warranty. THEN a couple week latter : Thank you for choosing RIDGID power tools. Unfortunately, we encountered an issue when cross referencing your product and/or proof of purchase information with our records and were unable to upgrade your products to Lifetime Service Agreement (LSA) status. To help us expedite and confirm your product registration status, please complete the following instructions. Within 90 days of purchase, mail the following to RIDGID for process and approval. 1. Original receipt 2. Print out this email showing your customer ID number (0002233541) Mailing Address (Certified Mail is recommended): RIDGID Service Dept.: LSA P.O. Box 1427 Anderson, SC 29622 Please note that the product(s) registered are not covered by the RIDGID Lifetime Service Agreement (LSA) until registration status is completed and approved by RIDGID Power Tools. This product is covered by the RIDGID 3-Year Limited Warranty. Simply present a legible copy of your receipt showing proof of purchase at the time of service and your product will be repaired under the guidelines of the 3-Year Limited Warranty.

[@deanaoxo]

They have done that to me on ever single purchase, so that must be the SOP.

[@Sharps_and_i_edc]

Late comment but maybe they fixed the process. I just registered mine within 24 hrs without sending anything in.

[@floobertuber]

I have something like 10 tools and 7 batteries registered with LSA. After registering online, sometimes you may need to follow up by phone to ensure LSA goes active on a particular tool, but I have never had a hassle like lost70s did. And the only reason I even follow up, is because I'm cautious and want to leave myself at least half of the 90-day registration period as a safety measure. I always just flatbed-scan my paperwork and upload it to the site, and I've never had them dispute any of it.

[@alicee834]

Too much dust,too heavy... I have same model.

[@thxmateoli]

Makita 36v , a much better circular saw

[@DoresoomReviews]

It very well might be better from a perfomance standpoint alone, but the bare tool option costs over 40% more than the Ridgid and ties up two batteries at a time.

[@thxmateoli]

Doresoom Reviews I bought mine on ebay $130 brand new in a box ,already had makita batteries and charger but bought two extra 4 amp batteries for $115 total ,good deals on ebay if you take the time to look buy most of my tools there from top rated sellers

[@DoresoomReviews]

Sounds like a pretty good deal - thanks for the info.