Build Like a Pro on the Go!
/Disclosure: This post is sponsored by The Home Depot. I am excited to announce that I have partnered with The Home Depot Prosepctive tool review program. I received all these tools for free, and I am paid for these posts, but these opinions are my own.
Right now Home Depot is running a special on the new Ridgid OCTANE 18V hammer drill/driver and 6-mode impact driver combo kit where you’ll get two free Ridgid tools with this package. One option is the Ridgid OCTANE 18V 7-1/4 in. circular saw and a Bluetooth enabled 9V battery which is the combo I received for review. I’ve paired that with the Ridgid 4.5 gallon 5-peak HP Pro Pack wet dry vac, and a set of Bosch DareDevil spade bits. I think this combination of tools is the perfect “pro on the go” kit for an all around handyman/woman or weekend warrior. It’s the perfect blend of portability and dust collection while delivering some serious on site torque and power when you need it most. Let’s break it all down tool by tool.
Ridgid OCTANE 18V Hammer Drill/Driver and 6-Mode Impact Driver Combo Kit
(Buy Here)
The first thing I noticed when I got these was how rugged and sturdy they are. I can be hard on my tools, and these drills are clad in strategically placed rubber bumpers to help absorb impact if dropped. The 18V hammer drill features a brushless motor that gives you 1300 in/lbs of torque which makes drills through studs effortless. The 18V hammer drill has 3 mode setting for hammer drill applications, drilling, and driving fasteners. The clutch has over 100 micro-settings. One of my favorite things about this hammer drill is the added leverage handle that is quickly attached to either a left or right handed configuration. I’m ambidextrous with my tool usage given the operation, and this allows me to get in the best position to drill large holes into studs, or use an auger bit to drill through thicker stock. I recently did a living room remodel where I hung a live edge mantel. Drilling the holes for the large shelf pins to hold up the mantel requires some serious torque, and I only wish I had this in my shop for that project!
Next up is the Ridgid 18V 6 mode impact driver. Like the hammer drill this impact driver features a brushless motor that delivers a whopping 2400 in/lbs of torque! This drill is smart too. I has 3 different modes and 3 different speed settings to fit any project. The first mode is the Auto Stop mode, and this casques the tool to shut off to prevent over tightening. The next mode is the Fastener Assist which helps the tool prevent stripping out screws. Last there is the Self Driving Screw mode made specifically for self driving screws so you avoid over tightening them.
One of my favorite things about these drills, and the rest of the new OCTANE 18V line is the battery technology with bluetooth capabilities. I downloaded the Ridgid Octane app to my phone, and within 5 minutes I was registered and paired with the 3ah battery on my impact drill. Once paired you have the ability to see the batteries remaining life, temp, and performance. My favorite part is the battery locate function which you can make flash the lights on the battery or play a tone to quickly find your tool. With a simple swipe I can lockout the battery and prevent the tool from running which is great if you have little ones passing through the shop area.
Ridgid OCTANE 18V 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw
(Buy Here)
Before I got this circular saw my previous one was a 4 1/2” model that bogged down at the sight of a knot hole. Enter the Ridgid 18V 7 1/4” circular saw, and this thing eats wood for breakfast. It has an insane cutting depth of almost 3” (2 11/16”), and when paired with my 9ah
OCTANE 18V battery it can get me through entire jobs on just one charge. What I believe truly makes this saw a game change is the included dust collection port. Using a circular saw can be a messy affair as we all know, but the dust thing thing puts out is dramatically decreased with the dust port. I’ve paired it with the Ridgid 4.5 gal 5-peak HP wet/dry vac for the ultimate combination of dust collection and portability. More on that vac in a bit. If you’re doing a lot of framing this circular saw is perfect with its included rafter hook.
Ridgid 4.5 Gal. 5.0-Peak HP Pro Pack Wet Dry Vac
(Buy Here)
It seems like wet/dry vacs are getting bigger and bigger, but what I look for is lots of power in a compact size. As a matter of fact when choosing what tools I wanted to review I passed up on much larger wet/dry vacs up to 14 gallons to focus on portability. The Ridgid 4.5 gallon vac has a toolbox like shape which makes transporting and carrying easy. It has large storage compartments on each end; once for storing the attachment tools, and one for storing the hose and 20 foot cord. Speaking of the hose is has a clip that locks it in place so it doesn’t pop out if tugged on. The hose can also extend 7 foot. The best thing is this vacuum is powerful for such a compact size. I’ve used it attached to the Ridgid 7 1/4” circular saw, and the dust collection was fantastic. Another cool feature is you can attach the hose to the exhaust port and use this as a blower.
Last I wanted to feature the Bosch DareDevil spade bit sets. I’ve used these paired with the Ridgid hammer drill which is the perfect combination for quickly punching holes in studs for electrical work or plumbing. These bits have a self feed auger type tip that literally pull the bit right into the wood. On the leading edge of the two cutting blades are spurs that pre-cut the wood and allow for much faster cutting. The set contains spade bits in the following sizes: 1/4 in., 3/8 in., 1/2 in., 9/16 in., 5/8 in., 3/4 in., 7/8 in., 1 in., 1-1/8 in., and 1-1/4 in.
So whether you’re a pro or a weekend warrior these tools will take your projects and renovations to the next level. Make sure to check out the links for each one listed above, and check out my YouTube channel Jonny Builds to see what I come up with next. Thanks for stopping by.