Compact And Powerful, The Ridgid 18V SubCompact Right Angle Drill Is Here To Work
Ridgid’s original JobMax tool system featured some pretty interesting attachments making it a handy all-in-one solution for homeowners. While the multi-tool design was certainly a unique idea, there were a few drawbacks and it left some room for improvement. The Ridgid SubCompact right angle drill is taking the place of its JobMax predecessor as a stand-alone tool in their 18V cordless lineup.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Slender head shape to access tight spaces
- Large trigger for multiple hand positions
Cons
- No significant drawbacks
Ridgid 18V SubCompact Right Angle Drill Performance
To get a first-hand understanding of this right angle drill’s capabilities we put it through a few basic tests here in our shop. Using an array of grips and hand positions, we quickly sank several screws ranging from 1-inch to 3-inch into pine 2×4 studs using the drill’s 1900 RPM top speed.
Challenging the high-speed torque, we chucked up a 1-inch spade bit and a 3/4-inch self-feed auger bit and made a series of holes in the same stud. To our delight, the drill maintained RPMs and left behind acceptably clean boring with both bits.
If you run into drilling or driving that requires more muscle, Ridgid packs 375 in-lbs of torque and 500 RPM into the low gear. Those are really solid numbers for a right angle drill of this size.
Ridgid 18V SubCompact Right Angle Drill Design Notes
Size and Weight
This right angle drill stands 11 inches tall without a battery and the compact head and chuck measure 3.5 inches front to back. As a bare tool, it weighs right at 2 pounds and jumps to 3 pounds with the addition of a 2.0Ah MAX Output battery.
One of the most valuable standout features is its ability to accept a 2-inch long standard 1/4″ hex drive bit deep into the chuck so that only the tip of the bit sticks out. This is a big deal when space is limited and you need to make the most of the drill’s compact head length.
Additional Features
- 3/8-inch keyless chuck
- LED worklight illumnates dark work spaces
- Long variable speed trigger accomodates multiple effective hand positions
- On-board bit storage
- Texturized rubber grip
Ridgid 18V SubCompact Right Angle Drill Price
The Ridgid 18V subcompact right angle drill retails for $139 as a bare tool and $189 kitted with a 2.0Ah Max Output battery and charger. Ridgid backs this drill with a Lifetime Service Agreement as long as it’s registered within 90 days of purchase.
The Bottom Line
Thanks to the size and performance of the Ridgid 18V SubCompact Right Angle Drill, it’s a tool that fits more than just cabinetry and custom built-ins. Our testing proved it can confidently handle larger bits and fasteners with ease. This opens it up for HVAC, VDV, plumbing, electrical, and other trades that regularly work in close quarters. Because it’s pretty easy on your budget, it’s a great value for folks who work alone or who want to outfit a crew that’s already on the Ridgid 18V platform.
Ridgid 18V SubCompact Right Angle Drill Specifications
- Model: Ridgid R87701
- Power Source: Ridgid 18V battery system
- Max RPM: 0-500 (low), 0-1,900 (high)
- Max torque: 375 in.-lbs.
- 3/8 in keyless chuck
- Weight: 2 lbs (bare), 3 lbs (with 2.0Ah Max Output battery)
- Length: 11 in.
To check out the full Ridgid 18V cordless lineup, click here.
