RIDGID Subcompact 18v Drill Review - Putting the the all new Ridgid Sub-compact Drill to the test!

The all new RIDGID Sub-Compact tools have just been released, and today I will be putting the RIDGID 18v Sub-Compact Drill to the test.
I will go over all the specs of the new Ridgid Sub-Compact Drill, and use it to drill through pine, treated lumber and steel.
Buy Here
Ridgid Sub-Compact Drill Kit homedepot.sjv....
RIDGID introduces the 18-Volt Sub-Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit with (2) 2.0 Ah Battery, Charger, and Bag. This SubCompact 18-Volt 2-Speed Drill/Driver Kit features all metal gears for added durability on the jobsite or at home. The model weighs 30% less weight with optimizded ergonomics. The 1/2 in. single sleeve ratcheting chuck holds bits tight and secure. This kit is backed by the Industry's Only Lifetime Service Agreement, simply register within 90 days of purchase for FREE Parts, FREE Service, For LIFE. The RIDGID Drill/Driver kit includes a 2.0 Ah Lithium-Ion Battery, an 18-Volt Charger, a double-ended bit, and an operator's manual.
2-speed settings for matching power to the task
This subcompact model is 30% less wieght
LED light helps to illuminate the work space
24-position clutch ring allows adjustments to match torque to application
All metal gears for extended tool durability
Brushless Motor Technology delivers more runtime, power, and longer motor life
Reversible belt hook and bit holder allow you to apply on either side for additonal custimization
Batteries: Up to 2X more runtime and has 2X longer life compared to standard lithium-ion batteries
Charger: 18-Volt Charger compatible with all RIDGID 18-Volt Batteries
100% Compatible: Works with all RIDGID 18-Volt Batteries, Tools, and Chargers
Lifetime Service Agreement with registration within 90 days of purchase
Includes: (1) R8701 18-Volt Sub-Compact Drill/Driver, (2) R87002 18-Volt 2.0 Ah Batteries, (1) R86093 18-Volt Charger, (1) belt hook with screws, double ended bit, bag, and operator's manual
RIDGID: Powerful. Durable. Professional

[@bcarben93]

They already have a 12 volt lineup. Happy they made this, drove to 3 home depot's till I found it and put a deck up the same day. They're great. 😃👍

[@ApacheLife-50]

I tried out the drill in hand this morning at local HD that had it on display. I was thoroughly impressed with the smoothness and power. Compactness was good as well but I was impressed with the control, power, and smooth operation. I actually snapped a Titanium 3/8" twist bit into a 4x4. Snapped clean off. Comfortable in the hands as well.

[@r.g.4011]

Just bought these. And I love it! I use it for small applications. I’m a plumber and use the octane power tools daily. Been a abusing them since 2019, they just won’t quit. The sub compacts are perfect for small task. Glad they kept the 18v batteries also. Makes swapping batteries easy. Great vid btw!

[@mickcarroll1274]

Working industrial, this drill would work fine for most all electrical work except where a hammer drill is needed. As far as drilling thru wood, or any material, just gotta know your drill and if necessary, how to play with it to get the job done. Sharp bits are a must! And not every job I do requires a drill to be used so this would be great because of not requiring a lot of space for storage..

[@paigebates4451]

I wish my tools could talk to me cuz i like them more than most people

[@LUISTHEBOOTYCLAPPER]

I agree

[@larrybertgin4672]

AMEN

[@CMOS357]

These Ridgid SC's (sub-compacts) are just what the doctor ordered!!! when working in tight places or on small pieces of work SC's (Sub-Compacts) are the way to go! great review.

[@Avaddon911]

The stoppage is a safety feature to save your wrist. My big Ridgid drill does the same thing.

[@narutobroken]

Agreed, I was reading into it and apparently it shuts off at about the torque required to break your wrist

[@thomasgrazier5029]

I have the set, and I love them for little work. I used the drill to put up cabinets and it did fabulous

[@louisd95714]

My tool collection started with the RidGid Gen5X. It's a great set. I truly didn't need any more power tools until I started watching YT videos. Now I have the Milwaukee Fuel line, which for my capacity is a total waste of money. But I'm still happy with them. :)

[@renatojohnsonjr.5403]

I bought one. I haven't used it one time yet. But that day is coming. And when it does, I'll be ready.

[@ToolswithSoAlz]

This looks like a great new product from a great tool company. I am excited.

[@michaelkay3945]

I think this would be perfect in my wood shop. Its small enough to fit into tight cabinetry and furniture. I'm glad it's a plastic chuck because the metal would maar up the wood. I have the genx5 and Im probably gonna add this to my lineup, solely for my woodshop.

[@johnrice9121]

Just catching up on the subcompact ridgid videos. Little better than I thought. At first I didn't know they could use the octane batteries. Nice addition to the Ridgid line up. And go figure it likes Mountain Dew 😁. Match made in heaven

[@ToolReviewZone]

Haha what's up John!!!

[@DIYBuilt]

These are great drills, I use mine daily great video brother

[@slams7783]

Nice review TRZ. I've never seen pocket holes being drilled into metal until today. 😁

[@ToolReviewZone]

First time for everything on this channel bro👊

[@rodw]

You know that I Love the channel and I have to say 😂😂 I'm impressed by I just watched a whole video without a thing being broken. LMBO 🤩😁 just teasing you Chris !!! I don't know what causes it, but I've seen a lot of videos and bits especially paddle bits stick just before breaking through the board. Not sure if drilling not perfectly straight down matters?? What kind of paddle bits were those?? Tip was different than anything else I've ever seen. Not Daredevil not screw tip !! Not plain tip either?? Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and videos. Look forward to seeing you tomorrow night live stream Rodney

[@SouthernStyle08714]

I bought one of these as the kit with the impact driver. I think it will do good for what I'm going to use it for I don't plan on using it for anything big just for stuff around the house and restoring the headlights on my old 96 turbo diesel Dodge truck.

[@amoscardoza5253]

Yo My Dude! Great vid! I'll be honest, this is not my cup of tea! Lol! More tools for the octane would have been nice. I was hoping they were releasing a dope OPE line or even a octance 12v lineup, thatd be cool! Hope all is well and your staying safe through this craziness brother! Have a wonderful weekend my man!

[@ToolReviewZone]

I would have like to see some OPT as well my dude. Have an awesome night my bro

[@Sharps_and_i_edc]

I was hoping for updated 12v

[@stevenchavez5979]

I wanted a cordless saw so I'm switching platforms. i got lucky because I found the Ridgid Octane cordless circular saw for $99.00. Since the sub compacts are the same battery I just re-oufitted myself under $300. They should be arriving next week. There was a $15 off with Home depot card purchase. Really excited to get the drill and driver.

[@the3rdid485]

I really really struggled hard to not buy this line, but HD was running a sale so the gen 5X with two 4Ahs were the same price. Couldn't pass that up.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

I think its a nice line I do think it would of been better on 12v line but I kinda like they kept the 18v battery system for it just wish the battery section was more proportional

[@Dwizzlejay]

Love everything about it...with small girly hands it's perfect

[@firstlast5139]

Nice review. Cons not octane tool. Battery pack uses the older obsolete cheaper lithium battery type (not newer lithium battery type in 3a octane pack). Tool with newer octane battery installed on them looks like a dumbbell attached . MSRP $199 combo price at HD now...wait till Xmas and the combo will probably be on sale for $150 or less ...and by then those that got the tools free in exchange for the glowing reviews will be able to update the reviews as to whether the tools actually last!

[@phataj2]

I really want to get my hands on one of those boxes that yours came in. I wish I could get custom fit boxes for all my Ridgid tools instead of having to cut kaizen foam

[@ToolReviewZone]

You can but these at the Home Depot broski 👊

[@phataj2]

@@ToolReviewZone I got the regular ones. I want the custom fit one like in your video

[@DanielGomez-cf6vk]

Glad I could help brother great review thanks for the hollar take care👍💪🙏

[@ToolReviewZone]

You bet bu8, and thanks for the help 👊

[@Dustysa4]

Just picked up the kit to keep in my truck.

[@wmfishingmullen718]

love the channel keep it up

[@Akerleyc1989]

I didn’t realize how small the impact is until today when I held it in my hand, it’s the smallest impact on the market

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

I agree body work and automotive would be a good fit

[@floridaprepper598]

I don't know why everybody thinks you cannot use them on a big job That's the only place I use in mind I do metal roofing everyday and I use my tools and non-stop I build decks remodel houses and in four years I've had one drill go out

[@mixpick138]

Nice review. Seems nice for weekend warriors but I think I'd kill it PDQ. Side note, you developed a rapport with this little guy right off the bat --you gotta' try to make up with the Makita gnome again. Maybe offer him a "Dew". Lol

[@ToolReviewZone]

Hahahahaha, that Makita Gnome is moody though Mix. Maybe a mountain Dew would help???

[@josephmalinowski6817]

That's not a good sign because when you're Drilling through beams you're putting a lot of pressure on that drill because usually you have to drill a lot of beans and it sucks and you want to get done as fast as possible because you always get wood chips down your back

[@donnysanner342]

Great vid brother. I'm really glad the you emphasize that's it's not meant to do everything....I can already hear someone bitching and saying that Ridgid sucks because they couldn't mix 80lb of concrete in a 5 gallon bucket with this drill. Sometimes there is just no replacement for a tool that just works...hanging curtains with your 996 or m18 gen 3 hammer drill with a flexvolt or 12ah battery just doesn't seem all that smart....😁😆😁

[@ToolReviewZone]

Haha, darn... I was planning on mixing that concrete with this tomorrow

[@chicox37]

I like the drill, I have a big hammer drill from Ridgid, and I looking something smaller like this. I hate when a company make another battery platform. All my batteries are Ridgid 18v, it is a 12v battery I don't buy. I need a drill like this for woodworking and all the other stuff that's don't need a big hammer drill.

[@ToolReviewZone]

That's what I like about this chic. I'll place this right next on the bench and grab it for 80% of my jobs.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

I kinda wish the impact driver had 3 settings and an auto setting

[@treebossmike8818]

Bro thanks for the shout out! Bro, tool duel against the Makita Sub-Compact if you got em I think that’s probably the best comparison. Wonder why TTI didn’t have a selector on the impact? I have the Makita Sub-Compact so i probably won’t jump into these but I am interested in the stubby when that gets released. I have the Milwaukee m12 caulk gun I got on a great deal but I’ll probably check the rigid out when that gets released as well. Wonder why they didn’t modify some larger batteries and make them smaller for this platform, like maybe make the 4AH smaller ya know. What do you think about those Irwin Spades bro?

[@ToolReviewZone]

You got it brother... I appreciate the help. They probably didn't want to mess with another battery platform, and to be honest I'm kinda glad they didn't. I dont mind the larger base personally, but I know some have issues with it

[@tensazero]

Ever thought of changing jobs to be a woodpecker? Heard it's a boring job.

[@ToolReviewZone]

They won't hire me bro

[@Joshleslie871]

tensazero the puns are strong with this one

[@geoffstrickler]

I’ll bet the stops have nothing to do with power, but with anti kickback/torque technology designed to prevent twisting your wrist or arm, because there was no indication of power struggle.

[@ToolReviewZone]

Yeah, that could be a good possibility Geoff.

[@geoffstrickler]

Tool Review Zone also, I think he torque spec was for the impact driver, 1800 in lb for a drill is unheard of.

[@geoffstrickler]

Tool Review Zone those are minor issues. Thanks for the review. Glad Ridgid finally got on board with the compact/sub-compact tools. Size and weight have been the main “issues” I’ve had with their tools, especially the Octane HDD. I have the Gen5X brushless and the Octane HDD, and I prefer the Gen5X. But I prefer the Octane impact driver for it’s additional modes. I went to Milwaukee M12 Fuel when I needed something more compact. Might have stayed exclusively Ridgid had they offered these a year ago.

[@ToolReviewZone]

The specs came off of the Home Depot site. They are probably off, but just using their number6as I did not get a spec sheet with these

[@geoffstrickler]

Tool Review Zone looks like HD has updated their site, they list 1800 in lb for the impact, no torque specified for the drill.

[@wmfishingmullen718]

nice vid man

[@EVERYDAYDON]

Use it on the lower speed for large holes? Thanks for the video

[@Akerleyc1989]

So awesome Man!!! Hopefully Ryobi jumps on this bandwagon

[@richaftanas9609]

Nice tools for $199. I'm frugal. Not spending $300+. I do HVAC, 1/4" screws mostly. Lol

[@Chferc]

Keep up the energy

[@ToolReviewZone]

Thanks Chris!!!!!

[@josephmalinowski6817]

I just left that comment that if I was not on Milwaukee's platform of tools I probably go with rigid it's because I like a lot of the tools they come out with but if they don't have the power then they're only good for the DIY person

[@billlee1724]

Those compact batteries will be good for the small radio

[@chicox37]

I'm here.

[@ahmedjaafar689]

Great review 👋 Can you review the new brushed drill from Ridgid ?

[@Sweethomemovers]

Great Content

[@bluemantom77]

Do you still got the gen 4x Fuego compact drill/driver it looks similar in size obviously that one is bigger because it's brushed and this is subcompact is there any torque numbers on this drill and if I remember correctly the gen 4x was 460 I could be off give or take I could definitely see you for home use when they make the batteries available for purchase separately I probably buy a set I'm going to make a hard pass on this kit not that it's bad own too many drills from DeWalt 18 v Nicad to my Ridgid gen 5 x brushless hammer drill to a Craftsman c4 kit thats sitting at my father in-law place I definitely can't wait to see what's next from this line

[@Sharps_and_i_edc]

Thomas Carroll almost same thought. I have the gen4 fuego. need to compare to this

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Mountain dew cyclone is tasty I been drinking it nonstop for 4 months now

[@preciseconstruction5728]

When will ridgid come out with a cordless framing gun.

[@michaelfairchild]

Biggest question is - Does size matter?

[@ToolReviewZone]

I never thought so, but the ladies keep telling me I'm wrong 😫

[@jasonsmigel8924]

How would this compare against the Gen2 Milwaukee Fuel M12? (2504-20) Is it worth paying the extra $ for the Milwaukee or are these pretty comparable?

[@ToolReviewZone]

Great question. I think the Milwaukee would still smoke this, but it's definitely something that ran through my mind. I may need to make that happen 🤔

[@jasonsmigel8924]

@@ToolReviewZone Thanks, and yes that would be really interesting to see how these match up. I haven't been able to find any videos comparing these tools. All the comparisons seem to be focused on the stubby impact wrenches.

[@ToolReviewZone]

I'll put something together 👊

[@robertvbarrett696]

They're great

[@tahayt6142]

Looks sick

[@mrbreezeet1]

Is this the Model# R8701B

[@paigebates4451]

Man my giant hilti hammer drill only has like 1200 in lbs of torque i dont believe this lil drill has 1800

[@redkey6538]

Is the clutch electronic or mechanical?

[@ToolReviewZone]

Mechanical

[@Avaddon911]

I don't like the chuck... The impact looks like a good buy though.

[@MrRubenrivera9649]

well if it is a drill driver why did u not drive screws It is a given 2 bore holes. so what no screws?

[@ToolReviewZone]

I use impacts for screws. I absolutely hate driving screws with a drill. You won't see that on this channel

[@MrRubenrivera9649]

@@ToolReviewZone I use both 4 screws drill or impact cause they r meant 4 it

[@trentroberdeau1462]

You mean hammer mode?

[@ToolReviewZone]

Yea

[@ryanpaul5604]

The drill/driver does NOT have 1,800 in. lbs. torque The impact driver does have 1,800 in. lbs. torque. I believe the drill/driver has 450 in. lbs.

[@ryanpaul5604]

Also of course a 6ah battery would be no different than a 2ah unless one is charged and the other isn't. Ah or amp hours just refers to the capacity the battery can hold, not the power it puts to the tool. 🤦🏼‍♂️ And this is strictly a tool review channel lol

[@ridemfast7625]

@@ryanpaul5604 Thats been proven incorrect with Brushless tools. ie Ridgid sub compact wrench tested at ~250lb rq with 2ah. 450 lbs with 6ah. My Ridgid drill, not the one in this vid, has more power with a 4ah then a 2ah.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Just because you said it clint bro you were at like a 6 degree angle lmfao @toolreviewzone

[@amoscardoza5253]

Yo TRZ!

[@donniemccrorie19]

Thx Ridgid for another sub par drill... plastic chuck? Who does their market research? They already have a compact drill for diy... 👎👎

[@rickwaddell4962]

2 Ridgid trim routers NG Ridgid 12in chop saw does not cut 45 degrees 2 six inch sanders (good ones made in Germany no longer available) cannot get new hook and loop pads so useless.

[@especkellen010]

1800 inch pounds drill lol bring on the hideous red hammer drill!..lmao I love your channel but I believe that's the lol impact n what's this one ..like 400 r 500 inch pounds?

[@theoutdoordude2259]

Stoppage through pine? Ugh!

[@Charlie-qd3qs]

How did you get these? Pm me!

[@ToolReviewZone]

Ridgid sent it over bro

[@Charlie-qd3qs]

@@ToolReviewZone they never sent me this set. But I did get the new drywall saw

[@ToolReviewZone]

They may have split the pack maybe? I didn't get anything else

[@aces3261]

No hammer on this

[@ToolReviewZone]

No

[@toolmanmakita7120]

Hehe TRZ IS funny

[@konamanstudio2447]

😷🍻🍺

[@ToolReviewZone]

Haha, nice not bro lol

[@joycemiller4716]

Works great looks really ugly

[@harleysmith3479]

IS THERE A RESET BUTTON SOME WHERE ON THE SUB COMPACT DRILL THANKS

[@firstlast5139]

Nice review. Cons not octane tool. Battery pack uses the older obsolete cheaper lithium battery type (not newer lithium battery type in 3a octane pack). Tool with newer octane battery installed on them looks like a dumbbell attached . MSRP $199 combo price at HD now...wait till Xmas and the combo will probably be on sale for $150 or less ...and by then those that got the tools free in exchange for the glowing reviews will be able to update the reviews as to whether the tools actually last!