Ridgid vs DeWalt (Which is Better?)

Ridgid vs DeWalt

There has never been a better time to be a DIY enthusiast or devoted tradesman, than at the current moment. A number of top-tier manufacturers have stepped to the plate, producing a diverse range of high-quality power tools. This leaves consumers with a wealth of options to choose from when purchasing tools of this nature.

Of these various brands, few are as prestigious as Ridgid and DeWalt. Both of these iconic brands serve as industry leaders and carry a devoted following of die-hard fans. However, this in itself, leaves one to question which is better, Ridgid or DeWalt?

The following guide has been produced to answer this question, based upon a series of valuable criteria. As such, that which follows will provide a comprehensive comparison of Ridgid and DeWalt, as well as the numerous product offerings of each.

See Also: Ridgid vs Ryobi

History 

Ridgid and DeWalt have both served as staples of the domestic tool market for nearly 100-years. Ironically, the two storied brands were launched within approximately 12-months of one another, in the neighboring states of Ohio and Pennsylvania. Each of these brands remains extremely prominent today.

The following is a brief history of Ridgid and DeWalt’s rise to prominence.

About Ridgid Tools

Ridgid logo

Ridgid’s history dates back approximately 100-years, to 1923, when the company was incorporated around the design of a new, universal pipe wrench. Founded by Carl Ingwer Sr., the Ridgid Tool Company was based in Elyria, Ohio. Within a few short years, Ridgid’s product catalog had grown to include a range of premium plumbing and pipe-work tools.

Ridgid 400 Power Drive
Click image to enlarge

Then, in the late 1940s, Ridgid introduced its first power tool, the Ridgid 400 Portable Power Drive. This specialty tool expedited the process of threading pipe, saving both time and effort for tradesmen the world over. This is a design that would be further refined over the next several decades.

Later, in the 1960s, Ridgid merged with Emerson Electric, further expanding upon the manufacturer’s market presence. This was followed soon thereafter by Ridgid’s acquisition of the Kollman Company of Erie, Pennsylvania. With this acquisition, Ridgid expanded into the portable drain cleaning marketplace.

During the 1990s, Ridgid grew exponentially, offering a number of new and innovative portable pipe tools, including pipe crimpers, cutters, and threaders. Then, in 2003, Ridgid joined the portable, battery-operated power tool craze, releasing their own line of tools within this sector. This line most notably included portable drills and specialty impact drivers.

In more recent years, Ridgid has merged their battery-operated and pipe-work specific product lines, releasing such products as the RE 6. This one of a kind tool proved versatile enough to cut wire, crimp lugs, and punch boxes, without the use of additional equipment.

Read Also: Ridgid vs Milwaukee (Tool Brand Comparison)

About DeWalt Tools

Dewalt logo

In 1922, Raymond DeWalt, the Superintendent of Seabrooks Farms, founded the DeWalt Tool Company. The foundation of Mr. DeWalt’s business was built on the production of an innovative woodworking machine that was known for its extreme versatility. 

Leola, Pennsylvania was the home to the first DeWalt Tool manufacturing plant. Along with the production of the company’s “Wonder Worker” machine, DeWalt’s began manufacturing and marketing a dedicated mortiser and jointer. 

With the onset of the war, the company secured several wartime production contracts thus expanding DeWalt’s status rapidly. Expansion continued when the DeWalt company was acquired by the American Machine Foundry in the late 1940s. Over the next few decades, the company continued to broaden its product catalog. 

In 1992, DeWalt ventured into new territory by launching a line of portable power tools and accessories. In the next 10 years, this line of tools expanded to include over 200 tools and accessories. To further evolve their line of power tools they were offered in a variety of powers, from 12V to 20V. 

Today, Black & Decker owns DeWalt and employs some 13,000 workers in the United States and foreign countries. To date, the company continues to expand its impressive inventory of cordless and traditional power tools.

Read Also: DeWalt vs Makita (Brand Comparison)

Manufacturing 

A number of today’s consumers place immense stock in a particular tool’s place of origin. For this reason, we have compared this characteristic, as it applies to both Ridgid and DeWalt. As such, one can form their own judgment regarding the value of each brand’s manufacturing practices.

Where Are Ridgid Tools Made?

where are Ridgid tools made?

Ridgid Tools is headquartered in Elyria, Ohio, though the company’s numerous products are manufactured in both the United States and China. In general, the bulk of Ridgid-branded hand tools is still produced in the U.S., while most of the company’s power tools are constructed overseas.

The vast majority of Ridgid’s power tools, such as those manufactured exclusively for Home Depot, are produced by Techtronic Industries (TTI). Ironically, this is the same parent company that owns or manages many other premium power tool brands, such as Milwaukee and Ryobi.

Related: Ridgid vs Makita

Where Are DeWalt Tools Made?

DeWalt factory

DeWalt Tools operates a total of seven production facilities in the United States and is headquartered in Towson, Maryland. The manufacturing facilities are located in the following United States cities. 

  • Shelbyville, Kentucky
  • Hampstead, Maryland
  • Jackson, Tennessee
  • Cheraw, South Carolina
  • Greenfield, Indiana
  • Charlotte, North Carolina
  • New Britain, Connecticut

Not all DeWalt tools are produced in the United States, however. DeWalt also owns manufacturing facilities in Mexico, Italy, China, Brazil, the Czech Republic, and the UK. For the most part, DeWalt tools manufactured in the US will feature the company’s “Built in the USA with Global Materials” label.

Read Also: DeWalt vs Kobalt Tools

Product Line 

Ridgid and DeWalt are both known as front-runners in the design and production of premium power tools. As such, each of these two brands offers more than their fair share of stellar products and accessories.

The following is an account of some of Ridgid and DeWalt’s most renowned power tool offerings.

Ridgid

Ridgid power tools

Ridgid first jumped into the power tool market in 2003, when the company released its initial line of battery-powered offerings. Today, this line has expanded quite significantly, though not to the same degree as that of many other top-tier power tool manufacturers.

Today, Ridgid is best known for its line of 18V brushless portable power tools. This line most notably includes a number of drills and heavy-duty impact drivers of every size. While not as diverse as some manufacturers’ product catalogs, Ridgid still offers the mainstay products that most consumers desire.

As of late, Ridgid has also begun offering a sub-compact line of cordless power tools, which are roughly half the size of their larger brethren. These compact power tools are great for the dedicated craftsman, who is sometimes forced into working within rather tight confines. Amazingly, these tools also retain the same 18V rating as the company’s larger alternatives.

Aside from its various power tool offerings, Ridgid also manufactures and markets a wide array of specialty hand tools and corded power tools as well. The company is perhaps best known for its production of premium pipe wrenches.

DeWalt

DeWalt cordless drill

The 1990s saw DeWalt’s dominance within the power tool market begin to materialize with the release of the company’s first set of cordless tools. In 1994, DeWalt further expanded upon this early success with the release of 30 additional cordless power tools. This most notably included DeWalt’s first 14.4V offerings.

Today, DeWalt’s most prominent series of power tools is the 20V Max series. To date, there are nearly 200 power tools and accessories available within this series, with more being released on a yearly basis. Some of the most notable offerings within the 20V Max series include portable drills, saws, impact wrenches, reciprocating saws, and grinders.

DeWalt now offers a complete set of 60V Max power tools for the dedicated tradesman. These tools provide the extra power needed for job sites beyond that offered by the standard 20V tools. Tools within this series include circular saws, air compressors, nail guns, and rotary hammers, all of which are mainstays of construction sites. 

Although many are unaware, DeWalt also manufactures a complete line of durable hand tools. Beginning in 2013, DeWalt also began marketing their own heavy-duty line of specialty mechanic’s tools, designed to satisfy the needs of industry professionals.

See Also: DeWalt vs Milwaukee Tools

Technology 

Ridgid and DeWalt have both stood as innovators within the power tool marketplace. This tradition continues today, as each brand continues to push the envelope, in the continual pursuit of perfection. The following are several of each brand’s most significant technological advancements.

Ridgid

Ridgid battery

Hyper Octane Batteries

Ridgid’s Hyper Octane Batteries place complete power tool control at your fingertips. These batteries are Bluetooth compatible, allowing users to track a particular tool’s battery life from any location.

One can also track any tool equipped with Hyper Octane Batteries, making it easier than ever to keep an eye on valuable equipment.

Compact Pipe-Tool Tech

If you are a plumber by trade, or regularly find yourself working on pipe within tight confines nonetheless, then there is perhaps no better brand of power tool to suit your needs than Ridgid.

Ridgid produces a full line of battery-powered, compact pipe tools, for use in a multitude of situations. From crimpers to cutters, and everything in between, Ridgid has you covered.

DeWalt

DeWalt battery

FlexVolt Batteries

DeWalt’s release of their FlexVolt series of batteries made great strides in the world for cordless power tools. These batteries are universal in nature, proving adequate for use with both 20V and 60V DeWalt portable power tools.

These batteries automatically switch voltage as you change tools. Making these batteries are among the most versatile on the market, as they allow consumers to pack a single type of battery for any application and can power over 200 products.

Tool Connect

Many DeWalt portable power tools are now compatible with the company’s proprietary Tool Connect app. This app allows users to track the battery condition, location, and status of each of their tools on a job site from any mobile device.

This feature also serves as a great theft deterrent on the job site.

Warranty and Service

For the bulk of consumers, there is little substitute for a stellar warranty policy, when purchasing any form of a power tool. After all, power tools, by their very nature, are subjected to a fair amount of use and abuse.

Therefore, it is extremely important that any tool of this nature come backed by an excellent service plan.

Ridgid

Ridgid warranty

Ridgid backs each of its battery-operated power tools with a 3-year limited warranty policy. This policy covers defects in material and workmanship, thereby protecting consumers from undo financial expenditure. Claims of this type can be filed by contacting Ridgid directly.

Aside from the company’s 3-year limited warranty, Ridgid also offers a lifetime service agreement, which provides specific coverage for any power tool, for as long as it remains in the possession of its original owner. This warranty policy also covers the failure of Ridgid battery packs and chargers.

However, it is worth mentioning, that the above mentioned service agreement only applies to those Ridgid power tools purchased through Home Depot. Additionally, this service agreement must be applied for within 90-days of the original purchase.

DeWalt

DeWalt warranty

DeWalt protects the majority of their portable power tools with a 3-year limited warranty. This warranty protects tools purchased after 2004 against defects in materials and workmanship. However, this policy does not cover issues that arise out of standard wear and tear, or misuse.

Besides the company’s standard 3-year warranty, DeWalt also offers a One-Year Free Service Contract. This contract stipulates that DeWalt will repair, without cost to consumers, any defects to their tools that arise out of standard wear and tear, within the first 12-months of service. 

Additionally, all DeWalt power tools are covered by a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with the purchase of any DeWalt power tool, you may return it within 90-day for a full refund, no questions asked.

DeWalt Mechanics Tools are backed by the manufacturer’s Full Lifetime Warranty. If any DeWalt Mechanics Tool ever fails for any reason, it will replace it free and no proof of purchase is required. 

Ridgid vs DeWalt: And The Winner Is…

Dewalt logo

Ridgid and DeWalt both produce some of the most desirable power tools currently available to consumers. However, it is our belief that DeWalt has a slight edge over Ridgid in this market, in more than one regard, though this is not to take anything away from Ridgid in the least.

DeWalt offers one of the most comprehensive product lines in the entire power tool industry and utilizes a FlexVolt battery platform that is largely universal across its entire portfolio. Additionally, DeWalt’s numerous power tools are known for being extremely hearty, even serving as a favorite of tradesmen the world over.

Perhaps most importantly, DeWalt offers first-rate customer service, with a warranty policy that is second to none. This policy includes a 3-year limited warranty, as well as a 1-year service contract. While Ridgid offers a service contract of its own, one must purchase their tools through specified vendors for it to be authorized.

At the end of the day, it is difficult to beat any power tool offered by DeWalt. The company’s status within the power tool industry is far more than substantial, it is legendary. Purchase a DeWalt power tool today, and see for yourself!

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