I’ve gotten to test out some other brands of 1/2” impact wrenches/drivers in the past and all of them are great, for the most part. Today we get to mess around with the new Ridgid Octane 18-volt Li-Ion 4-mode 1/2” Impact Wrench.
First Impression
Straight out of the box this thing feels like a beast. It weighs 3.8-lbs without a battery in it, but with a 3ah lithium ion 18-v Octane battery it’s just over 5-lbs. Not TOO heavy, but definitely a presence in your hand. There are 2 triggers on the handle, the top is a standard motor-trigger and the lower one turns the light on…but not off. This tool feels rugged and quality built so I’m sure it will perform well.
Functionality
I used this beast to rotate the tires on my wife’s Prius lol…ya, I know. What a way to show how rugged this thing is by putting it to use on a tiny leaf with wheels! But as an electrician I typically don’t have a need for an impact wrench this stout. Most of what we use are small 1/4” impact drivers. But alas, I have a tool to review, so review it I shall.
What I notice first off is there’s almost no way to keep your fingers off the lower light-trigger. Also, there’s no way to turn the light off…which seems silly…it’s a light switch that only turns lights on. Oh, well at least there’s light when you need it. The light also engages when you pull the motor’s trigger so I’m not sure why they felt a need to have 2 triggers that do the same thing. Seems a little more annoying in my opinion, but maybe it’s something you just have to get used to?
What I do like about this thing is that it has 4 speeds. One of the speeds is an “automatic” mode that shuts the motor down when torquing to prevent over-tightening. Unless you’re doing something that requires exact torque settings (which most things in professional trades do), you can use this setting to make sure you’re not going too balls-to-walls on your tightening.
Info from HomeDepot.com
RIDGID introduces the 18-Volt OCTANE Cordless Brushless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench (Tool-Only) with Belt Clip. OCTANE Tools feature high performance brushless motors and advanced electronics, providing best-in-class power and intelligence. This impact wrench has 4-modes, including a unique auto mode, that help it to stand out from the competition and make it a must have in any shop. RIDGID OCTANE brushless motors offer up to 50% more runtime and longer motor life. With registration, this kit is backed by the Industry’s Only Lifetime Service Agreement. The 18-Volt Brushless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench includes a belt clip with screws and an operator’s manual. Batteries and chargers are sold separately.
-
Brushless Motor Technology delivers up to 50% more runtime, more power, and longer motor life
-
4-mode settings provide adjustable power and speed for the most demanding jobs and precision work
-
Maximum torque output of 485 ft./lbs. of torque in forward and 620 ft./lbs. of torque in reverse for heavy-duty applications
-
Tri-beam LED around the front housing helps to eliminate shadows
-
Auto mode setting automatically shuts the tool down when it begins to impact to prevent overtightening
-
Die-cast gear box for increased durability and professional quality
-
1/2 in. friction ring anvil is compatible with popular impact-rated sockets
-
100% Compatible: Works with all RIDGID 18-Volt Batteries
-
Lifetime Service Agreement with registration within 90 days of purchase
-
Includes: (1) R86011 18-Volt OCTANE Brushless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench, (1) belt hook with screw, and operator’s manual
-
Battery and charger sold separately
-
RIDGID: Powerful. Durable. Professional.
Summary
This tool is great, the quality is top notch. I can’t say how it compares to others because I don’t use these often. I’ve used Dewalt’s and Makita’s versions and all of them seem to operate pretty similarly. The only thing I don’t like is the light-switch thingamajiggy. Kind of annoying really. I give it a 4 out of 5.
For more detailed information on this Impact Wrench CLICK HERE.
Related Products
