RIDGID Combo Kits: SubCompact vs Full-Size Tool Sets

Best for
Complete garage and shelving build-outs

The RIDGID 18V Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit (R96257) is the most complete kit here. It includes the R86001 1/2 inch drill/driver, the R86002 impact driver, the R8655 6-1/2 inch circular saw, the R8646 reciprocating saw, the R86241 oscillating multi-tool and the R8606 random orbit sander. Power comes from one 2.0Ah and one 4.0Ah battery with an R86093 charger, and the kit adds two driving bits, a circular saw blade, a hex key and a tool bag.

RIDGID lists 525 in-lbs of torque on the drill/driver, which it says drills 20% faster than the previous generation, and 1,850 in-lbs on the impact driver, with 33% faster driving. The multi-tool is handy for flush-cutting trim or notching drywall when running cables behind a TV wall, and the sander finishes a custom desktop or shelf. The whole kit weighs 30 pounds. The listing does not state whether these tools use brushless motors.

This kit suits someone building out a full garage workshop or tackling a room renovation. It gives way to the SubCompact kits if you mainly assemble furniture and mount gear, where six tools would sit unused.

• Drill/driver, impact driver, circular saw, reciprocating saw, multi-tool and sander
• 2.0Ah and 4.0Ah batteries with charger
• 525 in-lbs drill torque, 1,850 in-lbs impact torque
• Tool bag, saw blade, bits and hex key included

Best for
Compact kit with a hammer drill

Best for
Desk builds and furniture assembly

The RIDGID 18V SubCompact Brushless 2-Tool Combo (R97801) pairs a 1/2 inch drill/driver with an impact driver, two 2.0Ah batteries, a charger and a tool bag. Both use brushless motors, which generally run cooler and more efficiently than brushed motors. The drill/driver delivers 500 in-lbs of torque and is 25% lighter and 15% more compact than RIDGID’s R86114 brushless drill/driver. It has a 2-speed gearbox, a 24-position clutch and an LED light.

The impact driver delivers 1,850 in-lbs of torque and is 30% lighter and 25% more compact than the R86002. It offers 3 speeds plus a self-tapping mode to prevent overdriving, breaking or stripping screws, which helps with thin sheet metal and delicate hardware. RIDGID says the tools work with all RIDGID 18V batteries, tools and chargers, and recommends MAX Output batteries for top power. Our RIDGID impact driver guide covers the impact drivers in more depth.

This kit is the best fit for desk builds, shelving and furniture. It gives way to the 5-tool or 6-tool kits once you need to cut wood.

The RIDGID 18V SubCompact Brushless Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit (R9782) is listed with a hammer drill, an impact driver, two 2.0Ah batteries, a charger and a bag. The listing is inconsistent, though. The specifications give 500 in-lbs of torque and up to 2,100 RPM, while the description describes an 18V brushless drill/driver with up to 800 in-lbs and an impact driver with up to 2,300 in-lbs, compared with models R86009 and R86039. The description also calls it a drill/driver rather than a hammer drill.

What is consistent is a brushless drill with a 2-speed gearbox reaching 2,100 RPM, a brushless impact driver and two batteries. Given the conflicting data, confirm the exact tool models on the box before buying. For a head-to-head look at other drill and driver pairings, see our drill and impact driver combo guide.

Choose this if you want a compact brushless pair and are happy to verify specs. It gives way to the R97801 if you want the clearest spec sheet.

Best for
Framing, demolition and outdoor projects

The RIDGID 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless 5-Tool Kit (R9635) includes a hammer drill, impact driver, reciprocating saw, circular saw and worklight, with two 4.0Ah batteries and a charger. The hammer drill offers 525 in-lbs of torque at up to 1,800 RPM, and hammer mode helps when drilling into masonry for wall anchors.

The impact driver delivers 1,850 in-lbs at up to 2,800 RPM. The reciprocating saw has a 1-1/8 inch stroke and up to 3,000 SPM, and the circular saw cuts 2-1/4 inches deep at 90 degrees and 1-9/16 inches at 45 degrees. Two 4.0Ah batteries give longer runtime than the 2.0Ah packs in the smaller kits. No tool bag is listed.

This is the kit for framing, demolition and outdoor builds. It gives way to the 6-tool kit if you want a sander and multi-tool for finish work.

Best for
Plumbers with RIDGID press tools

The RIDGID 28048 V1 C1 Combo Kit shares the “combo kit” label but is a completely different product. It is a set of press rings from 1/2 to 1-1/4 inch with V1 and C1 actuators and a carrying case, designed for RIDGID Compact and Standard series press tools and ProPress system fittings used in plumbing. It does not include a power tool or battery.

RIDGID backs it with a full lifetime warranty covering defects in workmanship or materials. The listing also says it is used for air tool maintenance kits, which appears to be a category error.

Only buy this if you already own a compatible RIDGID press tool. Everyone else should look at the 18V kits.

Best for
Cutting and drilling on a starter budget

The RIDGID 18V Hammer Drill and Circular Saw Kit pairs a 1/2 inch hammer drill (listed as R860012) with the R8655 circular saw, one 2.0Ah battery, one 4.0Ah battery and an R86093 charger. The hammer drill delivers 525 in-lbs of torque, and the saw reaches up to 3,700 RPM with a spindle lock and electronic blade brake that stops the blade quickly after release.

There is no impact driver or tool bag listed. That makes it a smart base for someone who wants to cut shelving boards and drill holes, then add tools later on the same batteries. For comparisons on other 18V and 20V platforms, see our 20V cordless power tools roundup.

It gives way to the 5-tool kit when you need an impact driver and reciprocating saw.