When you are looking for new tools, it can be frustrating to choose a brand. It is possible to read through article after article and scan through thousands of comments on DIY forums. But, you will never reach a final decision.
We’ve been there. We understand what it’s like and can help you get the best deal possible.
This article compares several DeWalt and Ridgid products. We have used these tools ourselves and would be happy to share our opinions in the hope of making your life easier.
We believe that the performance of both brands is very similar. DeWalt appears to have the advantage in durability and battery life. DeWalt tools are generally a bit more expensive than similar Ridgid products.
Continue reading to find out what we have to say about these cordless drills, impact drivers, circular saws, cordless combo kits, and more. After all is said and done, we will come to an overall conclusion about which brand we prefer.
Company History
It helps to understand the history of each company before you start thinking about brands or weighing your options.
Both Ridgid and DeWalt were American-born businesses that began in the 51 cms. DeWalt was actually born in Pennsylvania and Ridgid in Ohio.
Ridgid Company History
Ridgid was a prominent company in the first half century of the 20th century. They were known for their high-quality line of plumbing tools, including heavy-duty pipe wrenches and pipe cutters. Emerson Electric acquired them in the 152 cms. They expanded their product range by simply stamping Ridgid powertools that they had been manufacturing.
History Of DeWalt Company
With their innovative line of heavy-duty stationary tools and most notably the radial arms saw which was created by Ray DeWalt, the name DeWalt rose to prominence. The DeWalt brand was synonymous with the highest quality industrial quality tools in the 1930s, 40s and 50s.
Black and Decker acquired the DeWalt brand name in 1960s, much like Ridgid. Black and Deckers tools were not well-known at the time as anything more than toys for department stores. In order to enter the professional-quality power tool market, Black and Decker needed a better name.
They bought DeWalt because they used the same tools they manufactured and sold as Black and Deckers.
Both brands are currently owned by the same parent companies, Emerson Electric (Ridgid), and Stanley Black and Decker(DeWalt).
Parent Companies Of Ridgid & DeWalt
Stanley Black & Decker (SBD)
DeWalt is owned by Stanley Black & Decker (also known as SBD). They are the owners of many brands:
- DeWalt
- Black + Decker
- Craftsman
- Stanley
- Lenox
- Irwin
Emerson Electric Co
Ridgid’s parent company is Emerson Electric Co. They have a variety of brands.
- Cooper-Atkins
- Copeland
- Dixell
- EasyHeat
- Fusite
- Greenlee
- Grind2Energy
- InSinkErator
- Klauke
- Lumity
- O-Z/Gedney
- ProAct
- ProTeam
- RIDGID
- RIDGID Software Solutions
- Sensi
- Therm-O-Disc
- Verdant
- Vilter
- White-Rodgers
- WORKSHOP Vacs
Product Line Depths
Ryobi and DeWalt offer a variety of products. Below you’ll find information about each brand’s product lines.
RIDGID Product Lines
Ridgid offers a variety of power tools, light bulbs, stationery, vacuums and other products.
These are the types of products that RIDGID can sell:
- Cordless Combo Kits
- Cordless Kits
- Drills
- Impact drivers
- Miter Saws
- Multi-Tools
- Right Angle Drill
- Reciprocating saws
- Circular Saws
- Belt Sanders
- Finish Nailers
- Random Orbit Sanders
- Jobsite Blowers
- Jobsite Radios
- Hybrid Fans
- Heaters
- Portable power sources
- Planers
- Rotary Sanders
- More
DeWalt Product Lines
DeWalt offers power tools, outdoor power equipment and lighting. They also sell storage, hand tools, batteries and accessories.
These are the types of products that DeWalt can sell:
- Drill drivers
- Hammer Drills
- Jump Starters
- Cable cutters
- Compressors
- Blowers
- Dust Extractors
- Angle Grinders
- Polishers
- Impact drivers
- Oscillating Multi-Tools
- Finish Nailers
- Staplers
- Air Hammers
- Air Sanders
- Combo Kits
- Rotary Hammers
- Jointers
- Planers
- Routers
- Orbital Sanders
- Track Saws
- Table saws
- Miter Saws
- Circular Saws
- Screwguns
Reputation Of The Brand And Cost Of Tools
We will now discuss the cost and reputation of each brand’s tools.
RIDGID Tool Affordability And Reputation
Let’s look at the brand comparison section that is arguably the most important. Reputation and the cost of tools. Ridgid tools have a reputation for being high-quality. Although Ridgid is smaller than other power tool companies, their focus seems to be on building products that last.
Ridgid products are known for their durability. Ridgid tools are made with high-quality materials and have high impact resistance. They also have good internal parts that can’t be easily damaged by moisture or dust.
You can use Ridgid Tools on any job site. Ridgid tools can be difficult, so you need to take care of them. This is especially important for large jobs. Ridgid products may not have the power to do certain tasks that require powerful tools. These tools are useful but not recommended for heavy-duty work.
Ridgid tools can be described as very useful. They are easy to use, very functional, and don’t cost much. This is actually one of the most surprising things. Ridgid’s affordability and the quality that you get for your money are amazing.
Reputation And Affordability Of DeWalt Tools
DeWalt products are widely recognized for being among the most reliable. DeWalt tools are generally considered to be high-end, although not the most expensive in the world. However, they are certainly comparable with the best. We agree with most of the people who say that DeWalt tools and other products are excellent for heavy-duty and professional use.
These tools are what a tradesman would use every day for large jobs and don’t need to worry about breaking down. DeWalt tools are known for being long-lasting and durable. They often use top-of the line components and materials in the construction of power tools and other products.
This does not mean that they are incompatible with the use of non-professionals such as DIYers and hobbyists. They can be used for light and occasional purposes.
DeWalt tools can be expensive, so hobbyists or people who only use them occasionally may not want them. DeWalt tools are not cheap, but you get more quality for your money. DeWalt tools have been recognized for their reliability, durability, comfort, functionality and ability to handle large jobs.
Tools: The Knockout Rounds DeWalt Against Ridgid
Okay, let’s move on to the fun stuff: the tools.
We do head-to–head comparisons between the tools we have used. The price is often the main buying point for consumers. We will be sure to consider that when weighing our options.
Drivers And Cordless Drills
We have used it in our own experience so we recommend the following combos of cordless drill/impact drivers for each company:
R9600 X4 18V Cordless Impact Driver Drill And Combo Kit
DCK240C2 20V DeWalt Drill & Impact Driver Combo Set
These 2-piece kits include cordless drills and impact driver. Quick note Ridgid recently released their Gen5X impact/drills. While we are reviewing the Gen4 here and have heard nothing but mixed reviews about the new Gen5X,
The DeWalt is a bit cheaper than the Ridgid combination in terms of price, which is a benefit for DeWalt. Let’s just say that the DeWalt performed and felt better than the Ridgid. It is hands down our recommendation for impact drivers and drills.
Both the DeWalt impact and drill felt more comfortable in my hand. The Ridgid was heavier than the DeWalt drill and impact, which is a good thing. We prefer a bit more bulk and weight, as it often signifies quality. But the Ridgid felt like cinder blocks.
Performance-wise, there were no significant differences between them, but we will admit that the DeWalts batteries were significantly more durable than Ridgids. (We didnt do any sort of head-to-head challenge or anything like that, but after months of normal/interchangeable usage, it was obvious that the Ridgid batteries drained quicker than the DeWalt).
Comparing Tool Combo Kits
If you are just getting started and don’t have any tools to go on, cordless combo kits can be a great way to start with a cordless toolkit.
Many people will tell you to avoid buying combos and to buy each tool individually to get the best deal. But we disagree. It’s better to have one battery/charger platform for cordless tools than three, four, or five different batteries for each tool. This is just our opinion.
We will be reviewing the following for the Ridgid/DeWalt combinations:
R9652 18V Cordless 5 Ridgid Tool Combo Set
DCK590L2 20V MAX 5 Dewalt Tool Kit
Each kit includes a drill and impact driver, circular saw, reciprocatingsaw, LED light, two rechargeable batteries, and a charger.
Our verdict has been rendered on the DeWalt drill vs. Ridgid impact driver. Now it’s down to the circular saw and the sawzall. The LED light is really irrelevant. They are admittedly very handy.
We have found that cordless circular saws are just not practical. They drain too much battery, and don’t provide enough power to last long enough to be useful.
We liked the Ridgid better than the DeWalt. It was a bit heavier than the DeWalt, but it moved down the plane faster and had more precision than the DeWalt.
The DeWalt reciprocating saw is a great choice. We love it and get so much use from it. It seems to have more juice than the 20V MAX batteries, and it feels more comfortable in your hand than the Ridgid.
The DeWalt kit is slightly more expensive than Ridgid in terms of price.
Is it worth it
We think so. The DeWalt combo kit is far superior to the Ridgid in terms of battery performance, drill, and impact driver.
Ridgid Guarantee
Ridgid offers a variety of warranties on its products. These warranties range from 3-year coverage to full life-time coverage. Depending on which product you buy, the type of coverage you receive will determine which one you get. You can also get a lifetime service agreement for certain items, provided you have proof of purchase and a registered account.
DeWalt Warranty
DeWalt is very good at providing warranties on their tools and other products. All of their tools come with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can also get a three-, seven or lifetime limited warranty depending on which tool you buy.
Bottom Line
Who is the victor?
Based on our experience with DeWalt’s performance, comfort, durability and overall value, we can say that DeWalt is better than Ridgid in most cases.
Don’t let this be a knock on Ridgid, they are certainly fine tools. DeWalt is our choice at a comparable price, however.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Is DeWalt and Ridgid one company?
DeWalt is not Ridgid. Emerson Electric Co is the parent company of Ridgid. They also own several brands. Stanley Black & Decker owns DeWalt. They have a number of brands.
Is Ridgid good quality?
Ridgid is frequently regarded as one of today’s best tool brands. You can choose between brushed and brushless options. The quality is excellent for DIYers as well as home use.
Are Ridgid tools worthwhile to buy?
Ridgid’s tool tests revealed that the tools performed poorly compared to top-quality brands.
Ridgid is a great tool that offers tremendous value.
Ridgid tools are as good as DeWalt?
Ridgid tools are generally comparable to DeWalt’s, however, there are DeWalt tools of higher quality than the Ridgid versions.
Are Dewalt and Ridgid the best cordless hand tool manufacturers?
This question is not easy to answer. Dewalt tools are high quality and reliable. Ridgid tools can be more expensive but still do the job. One is more efficient performance-wise, but one is cheaper. Ridgid might be more suitable for you if you are just doing small tasks around your home. DeWalt is a great tool for heavy-duty jobs and projects, but you don’t need it if you don’t.
Will DeWalt batteries fit Ridgid’s?
Although Ridgid and DeWalt are both in the same market, each has their own accessories, including batteries to match their tools. This is how customers are loyal.
