Ridgid Sub Compact Impact Wrench Review [225 ft-lbs]

[@hdlivemodels]

Ridgid does have a 1/2 version of this coming out also. This 3/8 the 1/2 mid torque and the 1/2 high torque will tackle every fastener I come across on small cars to larger tractor trailers. With the lifetime service agreement and lower price point these are some of the best bang for your buck tools you can get.

[@Shoptoolreviews]

Ridgid has some great impact tools, including the impact wrenches. Yes, their High Torque and mid-torque units do very well, and it's hard to beat the lifetime agreement on the tool and battery. Glad to see these are working out for you. Thanks for watching and for commenting.

[@hdlivemodels]

@@Shoptoolreviews I look forward to watching more of your videos!

[@gregtucker5979]

I use this tool everyday as an Industrial Maintenance Tech. It works great. Surprising how much power it has. Compact design allows it to work where others won’t. Only complaint is that it drains batteries if left installed. I simply take battery off before I leave work.

[@Shoptoolreviews]

Yes, this is a very power tool, especially for the size. We have noticed that sometimes Ridgid tools will "leak" the batteries if left in the tool. Thanks for watching.

[@ad78]

Gotta tell you, when i saw this in store i got magnetized. Its a rockstar! I used it on my Jeep Gladiator which was nut rated 130lb-ft on removing tires without any issues!

[@Shoptoolreviews]

This is a great little impact, with a lot of punch. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@funnymomentsnow1425]

That's awesome!

[@ToolswithSoAlz]

After watching this video, I went out and purchased this tool. Great review!

[@Shoptoolreviews]

Great choice. This is a very handy tool to have. Let us know how you like it. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@ToolswithSoAlz]

@@Shoptoolreviews I love it! I've been using it and have been surprised by the power out of such a small impact wrench.

[@ToolswithSoAlz]

@Mur Doc I will probably get the kit that includes the cutoff tool.

[@ToolswithSoAlz]

@Mur Doc I absolutely love it. Home Depot has a great sale coming up on all of the sub-compact tools. I am going to finish off the collection.

[@devonm301]

Just bought this in 3/8 and 1/2 with a 2Ah battery and charger for $232 at home depot. Sale going on right now

[@IMPACT-NATION]

225 ft lbs??? We’re gonna test the shit out of that , right here, right now on Shop Tool Reviews 😂😂. Love the channel brother.

[@richardmejia254]

DITTO, that!

[@Kingsoupturbo]

Great job! nice application of testing, amazing how powerful that compact tool is, high on my desire list for most jobs that are below a pneumatic 1/2 (many)

[@boosted2.4_sky]

I have the 3/8 stubby impact and I like it.....it does a good job..... it's exactly what I thought it would be..... it fills the gap between my quarter drive hex driver ....and my 620 ft/lb (breakaway) Octane 1/2 inch impact wrench.....

[@Shoptoolreviews]

That's exactly right, you use it as a supplementary tool between your impact driver and high-torque. Thanks for watching.

[@dannydee9919]

Great video sir! This is an awesome impact wrench. The only issue I have is the bulkiness of the battery. Even with a 3 ah, still too bulky. Nonetheless, I know what I'm getting myself for Christmas this year

[@Shoptoolreviews]

Thank you so much for the kind words. You are correct, the drawback of Ridgid and Ryobi are the larger than average batteries. Otherwise, this is a great compact impact wrench. You'll really like it. Thanks for watching.

[@ChunkyMonkaayyy]

Yeah. Make it like the Milwaukee stubby impact with a battery in the handle option.

[@funnymomentsnow1425]

@@ChunkyMonkaayyy Wish they listened and actually made one in the form factor of the Stubby

[@mike_t_007]

@@funnymomentsnow1425 Underrated comment

[@DiligentDave1966]

The ergonomics are still a little better than the M12 Milwaukee. The Milwaukee has a fat handle because of the way the battery attaches.

[@mikeycage1587]

Just got this for Christmas and can't wait to go back to work...lol not really but I am looking forward to using this at work.

[@dimide5180]

We should just put all the impacts through a tightening competition with our Dimide Clamps and a load cell. Which impacts hit the highest clamping force win! Definitely agree, impact torque ratings seem to be pretty arbitrary.

[@Shoptoolreviews]

Let's do it.

[@CMOS357]

Love the demonstration plus the explanation of how torque is derived and also there is no industry standard on torque I am pleased that you gave information on how and where a wrench should be used, if you're routinely breaking lug nuts, a half inch impact is a better choice than a stubby 3/8 impact. Even if the wrench can do it!!

[@Shoptoolreviews]

Glad it was helpful! You are correct. If you're changing tires all the time, then get a 1/2" high torque. Thanks for watching.

[@smitty2jones]

I've had this for almost a year and absolutely love it. Does so great for light engine work, suspension, brakes, etc. I use it with the 2ah battery, but if I swap over to an Octane battery it definitely has more power. My only complaint, and it's honestly more funny than anything, is that about once a week it loosens when I want to tighten! Ridiculous! Makes me giggle though and doesn't really hurt anything, so whatever.

[@Shoptoolreviews]

Yes, this is a great little impact and really livens up when you put an Octane battery on. We have the same issue with our impact. Since it's aged a bit, sometimes it will go the wrong direction, and you have to make sure the directional switch is slid all the way over. Thanks for watching.

[@zew1414]

How is it reliably torquing lugs without having to manually check em afterwards? I'm looking to downsize to a compact 3/8 if it will do the job reliably. Thanks

[@brucespurier7535]

@@zew1414 You could run lug nuts down on setting 1, or on Auto. Then torque wrench.

[@MJTAUTOMOTIVE]

@@zew1414 , Not trying to be a smartarse but you should never tighten lug nuts with a impact wrench without checking afterwards with a touqe wrench. Being in the Automotive trade and doing alot of tow in repairs. I have seen alot of wheels come off because the lug nuts were not checked with a touqe wrench. With the popularity now of cordless tools it can happen quite easily. If the battery is almost flat in will still hit the hammer in the wrench, making you think it is doing its job which it isn't. Plus you really should use a 1/2 drive impact wrench and touqe wrench on lug nuts. Using an a 3/8 to 1/2 adapter will decrease the amount of touqe the lug nut will see. The same goes for using extension bars. They also zap touqe away. So if the lug nut is hard to reach due to the depth of the wheel rim use a long wheel socket. Hope this helps you on your decision.

[@Dirtyharry70585]

Update, still have this stubby ridgid, still working perfectly. Many times I'm using it to break loose 1/2"-5/8" shoulder bolts with locktite no more than setting 2- although auto works fine.

[@DiligentDave1966]

This would be a great tool for taking off brake caliper brackets, which are torqued to about 150 foot pounds, especially with a shallow impact socket.

[@h8GW]

I dunno. I think this impact, even with the adapter, would do perfectly fine taking off and putting on a couple of sets of _passenger_ vehicle wheels a day. Good DIY choice if you can't have all the tools.

[@Osprey1994]

The M12 line from Milwaukee is nice, but the LSA and the price difference...

[@Shoptoolreviews]

It is definitely hard to be a lifetime. Thanks for watching.

[@CMOS357]

Great video I like the explanation of how torque numbers are derived plus the setup and breakaway demonstrations and the fact that it did more than it's rated 225 also great commentary on where and when to use the tool and if you're going to be routinely breaking lug nuts you really should be using a half inch impact

[@rapmeister1000]

Great review. This answes so many question I had, since I'm already in the Rigid battery platform. Now I'm confident in adding this to my stable.

[@DON_TOOLS]

Just ordered the 3/8 and 1/2, Can't wait till I put them to use

[@Shoptoolreviews]

Let us know what you think, and thanks for watching.

[@ronbonner2491]

I did too

[@FAMOUSSLICKRICK]

How do you like impact guns? Do you recommend them sir? Please let me know because I want to buy them.

[@ronbonner2491]

@@FAMOUSSLICKRICK love them

[@FAMOUSSLICKRICK]

@@ronbonner2491 thank you sir for helping me and letting me know. They are like $170.00 for both kits at Home Depot right now thur the 30th of this month. I want to buy the 1/2 drive kit. 😎

[@Michael-fw5ef]

If they changed the angle and inverted the battery like Milwaukee 12V does, I would buy that Rigid in a heartbeat.

[@Shoptoolreviews]

This Ridgid is a great little impact wrench. Thanks for watching.

[@MrBigsky13]

Well done A much better Impact Wrench than I had expected for such a low price, Nice job explaining the different torque definitions.

[@Shoptoolreviews]

Yes, this is a powerful gun for the price. Thanks for watching.

[@AL_Lopez_101]

I bought both, the 3/8 inch and 1/2 inch for $215 at Home Depot.

[@Shoptoolreviews]

That's a great deal. Thanks for watching.

[@WrongVlad]

Just got em both for $150!!! Excited

[@funnymomentsnow1425]

Which one do you use more? Is there a power difference between them?

[@danobrien5154]

I have one, like it. Only thing I'd change have tendency to hit the reverse direction switch during normal use....placement should be rethought. Otherwise I like it ...Find I use it a lot.

[@peter2213]

Is ridged making a comeback 🤭

[@Shoptoolreviews]

I think that Ridgid always tries to make a good shot at being a Pro tool. Every now and then, they actually knock one out of the park. The new sub-compact and the High Torque impact are awesome tools.

[@mattek519]

The new hammerdrill and recip saws are absolutely monsters

[@DiHandley]

I hope so!

[@sgt_loeram1933]

They’ve never left 😅I just got one off Amazon for $86 bare tool.

[@rondamon8004]

I think Ridgid is as good as any Milwaukee or DeWalt tools....I like them tools..!!!

[@cfbwarzone]

Just got the ridgid drill/impact driver package and they included the 3/8 impact free. Some kinda end of the year home depot special shit. Heck it out. Spend 220ish after tax for a drill, impact driver, and this 3/8 impact, plus charger and (2) 2.0ah batteries.

[@Shoptoolreviews]

That is an awesome deal. We heard about this. Thanks for watching.

[@devonm301]

I picked up both the 3/8 and 1/2 model with a 2Ah battery and charger from home depot for $232. Cant wait to try them out

[@instantlife]

Already have a 1/2 gun for lug nuts. Would love to see a video showing examples where this is the right tool due to space constraints. Haven't found one yet.

[@Shoptoolreviews]

Good point. we'll see what we can do.

[@afsarmstrongfiresafety7460]

The 3/8 gun is definitely easier to find uses for as an ultralight contractor tool. Driving hex head lag bolts, Tapcon cement anchors, various installation tasks on ladders and/or overhead, etc.

[@sierraridgereaper]

I use mine for transmission disassembly/assembly, engine assembly etc and tons of other things.

[@jamesurtekar1657]

Awesome review, dig the math, thank you.

[@Shoptoolreviews]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@JamesSmith-pc6bh]

You can get the Milwaukee stubby with two batteries and charger from Amazon for $248.00.

[@Shoptoolreviews]

That's a pretty good deal. Be careful on Amazon with Milwaukee. Amazon is not a distributor for Milwaukee, so it's 3rd-party, so make sure they're reputable. Thanks for watching.

[@DiligentDave1966]

This is also available in a 1/2” drive. The ergonomics are better than the Milwaukee m12, even with the bigger battery because Milwaukee has a fat grip.

[@jma8352]

looks like a great tool to have in your break down bag in the truck

[@6point1hemi]

Big fan of the ridgid impact wrench.

[@draytonPW]

The battery base is quite large. But, it doesn't extend beyond the battery, which is about the same size as any other 20v battery. I think the sub-compact head and the base size add to the illusion it is bigger than it is.

[@richardmejia254]

Picked this & the 1/2" anvil (♊ TWINS😉), WITH a 2ah battery & charger, (regularly $398) for $199 last month (HD has reinstituted that sale price, after briefly removing it, til sometime April ('22). I ALSO have the mid-torque Octane 1/2" (485 fastening?, 620 breakaway), initially for lug nuts (& it works GREAT). But, this little beast zipped my lungs off, EFFORTLESSLY....gonna keep the bigger Octane, but MOSTLY because I got such a great deal on it, ($149: Octane 1/2", 4wh battery, charger & bag), as well for suspension work I have to do.....but, had thought about returning it, being so impressed w/ this bad-boy! LOVE this/these stubbies!

[@miguelsalazar3239]

The lifetime warranty is hard to beat.

[@tayallen7986]

This a great “keep in you car for flats” tool

[@uckystickman]

Would setting 1 be to much tightening torque for craftsman riding mower blades? About 70 ft. Lbs. On setting 1?

[@larrycroft470]

Really enjoy your videos. Thank you

[@Shoptoolreviews]

Glad you like them! Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@barrymingchow]

I was thinking that Ridgid should make an impact wrench out of titanium parts and it should be 1\2 inch wrench. The reason I say titanium parts is because titanium is lighter and stronger than steel or cromoly

[@zew1414]

First off a mechanic (cars, small trucks ATM) and looking to downsize to a 3/8 for engine work, lugs, suspension parts etc if reliable enough. But after what you just said it's not reliable for lugs? Then I'd have to stick with a 1/2 then?

[@I_Died_2_Weeks_Ago]

Best deal is both the 3/8 & 1/2 with battery and charger kit for $199. Just use the 1/2 for lugs.

[@juniorjones5137]

I believe because they are made by same company this is the same as the stubby they down played the torque 250 vs 225 to keep away from sales of the stubby

[@Shoptoolreviews]

Correct, TTi makes all of these. I'm not sure if the Ridgid is running the same brushless motor, or not. It is a bit slimmer in the head than the others. However, you could very well be right. Thanks for watching.

[@Natedawolfman]

Please get the new ridgid high torque octane 1/2 gun and test out out please. Thank you.

[@Shoptoolreviews]

We have it and we'll definitely be publishing the video soon.

[@georgewashington5713]

Awesome setup and "max-out" of impact wrench, but, how would you rate the use of Torque Sticks and what setting would you set the impact wrench to. ... if you would even use them. Thanks again.

[@Shoptoolreviews]

We don't recommend using torque sticks with a cordless (battery) impact. Check out our video below where we cover this topic. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZe7kKWlebCMi6M Thanks for watching.

[@scottcpan68]

Very well done!

[@Shoptoolreviews]

Thank you very much!

[@scottcpan68]

@@Shoptoolreviews Subscribed

[@dhansel4835]

It's like the Ryobi 4 speed impact 18 volt tool.

[@bronto150]

You should use a grease pencil [ white color ] to mark torque figures under each bolt/nut for your demo... Then just wipe off as needed to remark again.

[@Shoptoolreviews]

We've thought about that, but it's just a time thing. We don't like to push these videos longer than 20 minutes. Thanks for watching.

[@BRTardiff]

Would you recommend the half inch model for lug nuts? If not, what would you suggest if I’m just buying one just to make removing tires easier?

[@Shoptoolreviews]

I would defintely recommend the 1/2" when removing lug nuts. Thanks for watching.

[@BRTardiff]

@@Shoptoolreviews Thanks. I probably should have been more specific in my question. Is the 1/2” sub compact a decent tool for lugnuts and the occasional caliper mounting bolt? Or, would you move up into a mid range? I’ve looked at Milwaukee, Ridgid and Dewalt. I swore I’d never buy another Ryobi power tool, but even their new impact wrench looks like it would suffice. Whatever I buy won’t be used that often, but I want it to last.

[@speedcanada1]

Curious why you say this (even in 1/2") is not suitable for lug nuts... are you saying that it's not suitable to do this in a commercial setting? For a home user doing seasonal tire swaps, do you feel this is inappropriate? The way I'm looking at it, _IF_ the 1/2" version is suitable for the latter purpose, it's also a lot more convenient for the other (brake, suspension, etc) jobs every couple of years. Thoughts?

[@hwm7041]

I've used the 1/2" subcompact impact wrench on a passenger vehicle -- lug nuts, brake calipers, and even replacing the front strut and spring assembly. Use a 4Ah battery with a deep socket that would give you extra power. Use no additional adapters/joints and you're good to go in most of these scenarios. Check out the newest review for the recently updated 1/2" subcompact impact wrench model which shows it can loosen up nuts tightened to 400 ft-lb with a deep socket, even with just a 2Ah battery (it did take over 10s to completely loosen up the nut). kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3bOiaamg9B3hLs On the first gen 1/2" subcompact model, it can probably loosen up nuts that are tightened to 300-350 ft-lb using a 2Ah battery and a deep socket, which is still decent for the above jobs I mentioned. For rusted nuts, that's a different story as it can struggle in that situation.

[@merlinbellamy3219]

Hey I feel like you should probably not run an adapter on the gun if you're trying to get an accurate reading

[@InNerdimensional]

Test the compact 1/2 in and see if it's the same

[@Shoptoolreviews]

We will get the 1/2" model in and do just that. Thanks for watching.

[@InNerdimensional]

@@Shoptoolreviews I really appreciate the way you test the tools. Most other channels just drive lag bolts like it's a scientific method...

[@Michael-fw5ef]

I own a Dewalt 12V Impact Wrench, a Milwaukee 12V Impact Wrench and a Rigid 18V Impact Wrench. The Dewalt is so disappointing and it underperforms. The Milwaukee is great and outperforms. The Rigid is great and outperforms too. Conclusion - Dewalt is stealing from their customers.

[@Shoptoolreviews]

You said it.

[@makavelii420dr5]

What kind of torque wrench is that?

[@adamcrownvictoriacarrepair7105]

Great video

[@tomhughes8495]

Is that not an aeg tool?

[@Shoptoolreviews]

Ridgid in the USA, and AEG elsewhere in the world. Thanks for watching.

[@mike_t_007]

How do you explain that the impact driver version of this tool has almost double torque in an almost similar body?

[@copperhead_4547]

the impact driver is only 2300 inch pounds, which is around only 190 foot pounds. this is 225

[@mike_t_007]

@@copperhead_4547 kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmXHmGqHnbClkNU Skip to the 15:00 min mark!

[@ACoustaDC]

Nice upload!

[@Shoptoolreviews]

Thank you! And Thanks for watching.

[@artsoto5459]

Where can I buy that torque ratchet you have?

[@theflipflopfabshop]

review the craftsman 3/8 and 1/2

[@jmonsterable]

Does anyone know if setting 2 is tight enough for lug nuts on a car? Like around 120-130 ft lbs?

[@B-S1999]

I'm guessing it should have no problem with axle nuts

[@Shoptoolreviews]

That probably depends on how stuck they are. Thanks for watching.

[@brianleabo6295]

Picked mine up today on sale 79.99

[@Shoptoolreviews]

That's a deal. Great impact wrench for the price. Thanks for watching.

[@mike_t_007]

Got my 1/2 for $89 2 weeks ago 😁

[@Meecamote]

Having a lifetime warranty why not use it for tires etc.. this one is going for 79.99 in HD best money spent.

[@Shoptoolreviews]

We see your point. Why not?! Thanks for watching.

[@16jnajm]

What’s that torque wrench?

[@16jnajm]

I think it’s a Proto J6014E

[@frankmiller95]

Good test. Nice job.

[@Shoptoolreviews]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching.

[@ronschwab216]

Use correct drive and a shallow impact socket. You will be surprised.

[@LateNightGamingClips]

Whats the difference between that and non subcompact? (With 6 settings)

[@Shoptoolreviews]

I'm not sure which tool you are referring to.

[@LateNightGamingClips]

@@Shoptoolreviews www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-18V-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-Cordless-OCTANE-3-8-in-Impact-Wrench-Kit-with-1-2-0-Ah-Battery-Charger-and-Bag-R86239KSBN/314003904 This is the only place I could find it. But its got sixe modes not 4

[@okayadventures457]

@@LateNightGamingClips @shoptoolreviews I am wondering the same thing. How does this 3/4 subcompact impact wrench compare to the 3/4 octane impact wrench (I know octane is on it's way out).

[@mykolashatkovskyi8817]

Amazing video. All my questions (even unasked ones) are perfectly answered. Like-n-subscribe!

[@anthonidanowski9404]

you should just weld the adapter to the socket. no more lost torque.

[@Shoptoolreviews]

It is welded now. ;) Thanks for watching.

[@TheEnvirotest]

Ridged still my choice bro…

[@Dirtyharry70585]

About the same size battery wise as any 18v-20.

[@Shoptoolreviews]

Yep. Thanks for watching.

[@meowmeow2759]

Its now 80 bucks for 3/8 drive..

[@mike_t_007]

$89 for the 1/2" too!!!

[@FreshlySnipes]

So, this isn’t for taking lug nuts off cars?? Then what is?

[@404notfound.....]

The rigid Gen 5 1/2 impact wrench 🔧

[@nsxproperties560]

What I would use this for is putting lug nuts back on the vehicle say a Dodge Caravan. Since the torque is limited, I don't have to worry about over torqueing the nut.

[@Shoptoolreviews]

This is not torque limited. I would not expect to just zip lugnuts on with this impact without using a torque wrench afterward. That's a bad idea. This can easily over-torque the lugnuts on your minivan. Thanks for watching.

[@jaybruce6330]

You didn’t compensate for the adapter..

[@Shoptoolreviews]

We'll be doing for further testing on adapters and extensions that will alow us to use a factor for this. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Lee-lb9qh]

That thing looks dumb and it's trash compared to Dewalts new compact wrenches

[@stevelevesque3274]

you talk to much

[@Shoptoolreviews]

I know, and thanks for watching.

[@stevelevesque3274]

@@Shoptoolreviews great answer - will watch again smartass LOL