As an avid woodworker, the never-ending Ryobi vs. Ridgid debate is an issue you can’t possibly miss. However, rather than finding fault between the two brands, have you ever wondered which can deliver better value to your DIY journey?
In this post, our team will thoroughly assess their offerings to determine their considerable differences and decide which has a more diverse product line.
Quick History and Background
| Brand | Rigid Tools | Ryobi Tools |
| Date Founded | 1923 | 1943 |
| Product Portfolio | Upper Mid-Level Power Tools | Mid & Entry-Level Power Tools |
| Cordless Power Tools | Woodworking Tools | |
| Plumbing Tools | ||
| Office/Headquarters | Ohio | Hiroshima, Japan |
| Manufacturer/Major Subsidiary | Emerson Electric/Techtronic Industries | Techtronic Industries |
Ryobi
Ryobi tools humble beginnings started with die-cast products. And although Ryobi Seisakusho Co., Ltd was founded in 1943, it took until 1968 before they finally manufactured power tools.
If you ask our industry experts, the big break of the Ryobi brand came when the company acquired Diehl Motor Company assets and became a Sears Craftsman supplier. Up to this day, the Ryobi line has been the go-to brand for many professionals and newbies alike.
Besides gardening equipment and power tools, Ryobi products ventures in other markets like offset printing presses, chemical sprayers, and door closers.
Ridgid
Ridgid tools have extensive business experience like the DeWalt and Craftsman brand. Having been founded in 1923 in Ohio, it’s no surprise that they continue to dominate the power tool industry.
The rise of Ridgid came in 1966 when Emerson Electric [1] became their subsidiary. If you don’t know, it’s a known manufacturer of high-quality tools like Milwaukee. As of today, Ridgid products continue to be innovated to handle tougher jobs for professionals.
But what caught our attention the most is the fact that both Ryobi and this consumer brand came from the same parent company, which is TTI.
Features of Ryobi and Ridgid
Manufacturing
Ryobi
Although the two brands have similar tool selections, Ryobi offers affordable options because most of its products are manufactured in China. If you put great value and preference on a USA-made power tool, this brand may not be the best option for you. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that their tools have faulty workmanship.
Ridgid
Despite being in the same company, Ridgid tools aren’t made in China. If you look at the purchase documentation as we did, you’d know that their cordless tools are made in a large manufacturing facility in Elyria, Ohio. Even the smallest parts like batteries aren’t outsourced.
Line of Products
Ryobi
When it comes to wide-range product lines, it’s never a case of Ryobi vs. other models because this brand offers all the power tool selection DIYers can ask for. Its offerings are more packed than most of its competitors, from stationary power tools and impact drivers to necessary items like batteries and compressors.
18V ONE+
Listed under this product catalog is power tools and accessories like drills, blowers, work lights, etc. Everything under this powerful selection has the same battery system that can be charged with one charger to lessen the clutter.
40v
Tools under this category are mostly for gardening, including pole saws, mulchers, and chainsaws. It’s not as varied as the 18V ONE+ line.
Lawn and Gardening
Most lawn care products under Ryobi can be considered entry-level. However, they’re mostly durable and long-lasting despite their lower price range.
Ridgid
While Ridgid offers similar power tools as Ryobi, it’s nearly not as diverse as its competitor. Nevertheless, its offerings are less common and more distinct.
18V & Power Tools
There is at least thirty tool selection under this category, including cordless drills, tile saws, and angle grinders.
Hand Tools
Besides Ridgid drill, the brand is also known for its impressive selection of hand tools. If you ever need rotary hammers or an impact driver with a compact design, this is where you get them.
Utility and Electrician Tools
From its knock-out combo kit to crimping tools, handy electric tools are more common in Ridgid than Ryobi product catalogs.
Price
Ryobi has an entry-level tool selection, so it’s not surprising that it’s more affordable than most brands. You’ll need extra money if you need professional-grade power tools, as Ridgid products are priced higher.
Warranty
Both brands offer the standard three-year warranty policy, but Ridgid has a lifetime service agreement. It covers free service, free parts, and free batteries for life upon registration.
As long as it aligns with the lifetime service agreement condition and promotional program, the makers of Ryobi chainsaws allow you to replace faulty parts such as driver blades, gears, etc.
Although Ridgid has better brand warranties than Ryobi, the latter also has an easy service request procedure. All you need to do is return the faulty tool to the authorized service center.
Cordless Compact Drill Drivers
Ryobi’s two-speed transmission and lightweight design may be suitable for home DIY projects, but you can’t deny that Ridgid has more versatility. Although a bit heavier, it has the durability and feature to handle tougher tasks.
Impact Wrenches
Technically, the only leverage Ryobi wrenches have is its price and lightweight construction. If you look closely, the latter’s auto driver shut-off offers more user protection when handling tougher jobs.
Miter Saws
Both models offer the convenience of LED cut-line for extra precision, but Ridgid features more accessories and higher blade length that suits complex project requirements.
Quality and Performance
If you put Ryobi and Ridgid side by side, you can judge their performance through the power they produce during the operation. And because Ridgid is designed for professional use, it can perform well even in harsh conditions.
Product Design
If we’re talking about exterior, these brands equally have well-thought designs. However, if convenience is what you’re after, the lightweight construction of Ryobi tools surely has the edge.
Durability
The low price tag on Ryobi products is already a huge hint that its construction may not suit a professional setting. If you inspect closer, you will notice that Ridgid tools have heavier mass and their material are often all-metal that’s durable for tough tasks.
Customer Service
We can’t end this Ridgid vs. Ryobi discussion without touching base with the customer support of both brands. For this feature, we can say that Ryobi has a more reliable service team. One call to their helpline would get you talking to a representative to resolve your issues. On the other hand, Ridgid has a low scoreboard when it comes to this.
You Might Be Interested In: Ridgid and Milwaukee Comparison
FAQ
Are the batteries of Ryobi and Ridgid interchangeable?
No, Ryobi and Ridgid batteries are not interchangeable. Although hailing from the same parent company, these brands are manufactured with distinct engineering. Their battery systems and parts are completely different from one another. It could cause problems and damage when interchanged.
Overall Winner: Ridgid Tools
When comparing Ridgid vs. other tools, it’s not uncommon to consider the price. But considering the durable design these tools have, our resident DIYers say its cost is highly justified. On top of that, it’s engineered to withstand tough working conditions and would be more useful if you’re planning to do regular DIY projects.
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