The Ridgid 18V Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill/Driver feels solid and can take a lot of abuse. I used it to drill out broken bolts and it performed well. I was able to drill deep holes in concrete without any problem.

RIDGID introduces the GEN5X 18-Volt Dual-Power Light Cannon. It puts out a powerful 2500-Lumens. The head swivels 180 degree to direct light where it's needed.

RIDGID introduces the GEN5X Brushless 18-Volt Hammer Drill/Driver and 3-Speed Imapact Driver Combo Kit. This kit offers Best-in-Class Power to tackle any jobsite tasks.

OCTANE Tools feature High Performance Brushless Motors and Advanced Electronics, providing best-in-class power and intelligence. This tool delivers up to 80% faster cutting and 65% more power in high demand application.

While the DeWalt specs tout more power and speed, we didn't experience a considerable difference in performance. The DeWalt felt a little smoother and was a little quieter to operate than the Ridgid, but the difference was minimal. Both drills felt very comfortable in our hands and were easy to operate.

Often, we find RIDGID being very close to the top performers, but they are priced well under the other mainstream tool brands. Our scientific approach to RIDGID tool reviews allows us to really demonstrate whether they represent a value, or if a higher-priced model makes more sense.

Ridgid is a mid-grade brand. Above Ryobi and below Makita and Milwaukee. If you are talking about real heavy use, I would look at those two. My friends in the trades are mostly Makita fans, and I personally use them, although I am not a very heavy duty user.

RIDGID® Utility & Electricians Tools blend innovation with efficiency to make quick work of cutting wire, crimping lugs and knockout punching boxes. RIDGID® general purpose tools, ranging from anvils to vises, offer the same level of ruggedness and reliability you have come to expect of the RIDGID brand.

Without brushes to cause friction and slow things down, brushless drills pack more power and torque. They can reach higher speeds, too. "You can expect a 15 to 35 percent increase in performance compared with a brushed motor drill," says Banta.

According to Consumer Reports, brushless motors are more energy-efficient than brushed, often running on battery power for up to 50 percent longer.

Emerson Electric The Ridge Tool Company is an American manufacturing company that makes and distributes tools under the Ridgid brand name. The company was founded in 1923 in North Ridgeville, Ohio. In 1943, it relocated to its current location in Elyria, Ohio, and in 1966, it became a wholly owned subsidiary of Emerson Electric.

The Ridge Tool Company, maker of Ridgid brand tools, is based in Elyria, Ohio. The company opened in the 1920s and the manufacturing plant was first located in North Ridgeville, Ohio.