Ridgid Octane 7-inch Grinder Review

The Ridgid Octane 7-inch Grinder can run on standard Ridgid 18V packs, but the Octane platform gives it beastly power. But power isn’t the only thing beastly about the Ridgid R88040B – look at the size of the thing! Here’s what we’ve found out about it during our daily grind.

Pros

• Lots of power on two Octane batteries although it can run on one Octane or two standard Ridgid 18V packs
• Rotating grinding head and 3-position auxiliary handle for safe and comfortable operation
• The grinding head is weighty enough to avoid bouncing during operation
• Easy, tool-free guard rotation is excellent
• Quick wheel brake

Cons

• It’s big and heavy compared to a 4-inch grinder
• There was a little play between grinding head and power base at the point of pivot
• Pivot buttons were especially hard to push
• Noticeable delay on spin-up

Performance

Back to the Grindstone

Before the Ridgid R88040B 7-inch Grinder’s wheel completed one revolution, our crew was apprehensive about its heft. It’s especially heavy with two Octane batteries inserted. The apprehension turned into a conversation about what tasks and which tradespeople the grinder best suited. Suddenly, the R88040B made a lot more sense. Perhaps you caught PTR’s interview with Kevin Gee, Senior Product Manager at Milwaukee (Ridgid’s cousin) a while back. Mr. Gee said 7- to 9-inch grinders are at home in shipyards and gas/oil industries where long, tough cuts and grinds are the norm.

That’s significant for a couple of reasons. First, contractors, MEP Pros, and industrial fabricators shouldn’t think this grinder replaces 4- to 6-inch tools. Neither should they dock it points for its size, especially given the monstrous amount of power it produces. It also shows Ridgid’s confidence in the Octane platform.

We put the grinder to work at our shop before we even brought it to a job. First, we began the repairs on some trailer rust damage. Next, came a good deal of grinding on masonry—cutting it to fit or removing it. The Ridgid didn’t break a sweat! Since then, it’s been hard at work for our customers with equally impressive results.

Handle It

The Ridgid Octane 7-inch Grinder mitigates its size/weight with a 3-position handle and a grinding head that pivots around the power base. It’s a design reminiscent of the MegaMax we reviewed a while back. In this case, however, the tool head is not interchangeable. Unfortunately, the button that allows it to pivot is very hard to push (and there are no slouches on our crew!).  There’s also a little bit of play between the head and base which we’re not crazy about.

However, the handle positions and the pivoting head make for safer, more comfortable operation—something we really liked.

Rubber meets the Road

Two things bugged us about the Ridgid Octane 7-inch Grinder. They are obviously worth mentioning but don’t break the deal. First, there’s a small separation where the front, bottom part of the handle approaches the power base’s body. This is a recipe for snags and peeled-back rubber.

Second, our crew members sense a slight spin-up delay when they pull the trigger. This might be Ridgid’s intention for safety reasons due to the centrifugal force of the large wheel. But it doesn’t mimic the familiar feel of a corded grinder. Kevin Gee, in the interview we referenced above, said that brushless motors allow manufacturers to replicate a corded grinder’s feel by manipulating the spin-up speed.

Price

At $244 for the bare tool, the Ridgid Octane 7-inch Grinder is priced competitively. Here’s a look at the small field:

• Makita 36V 7-inch Grinder XAG12Z1: $154.99
• Ridgid Octane 7-inch Grinder R88040B: $244
• Milwaukee Fuel 7- to 9-inch Grinder 2785-20: $210.00 (kit)

Ridgid R88040B Bottom Line

After hours of powerful grinding and cutting, this tool has grown on us. Ridgid’s first crack at a 7-inch grinder is an unquestionable success, especially if you emphasize cordless power over all else. Its size and weight surpass what a smaller 4-inch grinder can tackle. Other than a couple of design hiccups, we consider this tool a great option, particularly with no outlets nearby. There’s no doubt the Octane platform—and this 7-inch grinder—has opened up Ridgid tools to more trades like oil/gas and shipyard work. Ridgid has accomplished all of that at an excellent value.

Ridgid Octane 7-inch Grinder Specifications