As an avid woodworker, the never-ending Ryobi vs. Ridgid debate is an issue you can’t possibly miss. But instead of picking sides, I’ve always been more curious about which brand brings more value to my DIY projects.
In this post, I’ll be diving deep into their offerings to highlight their key differences and see which one boasts a more varied product range.
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 had humble beginnings with die-cast products. The company, Ryobi Seisakusho Co., Ltd, was founded in 1943, but it wasn’t until 1968 that they ventured into manufacturing power tools.
If you ask industry experts, the big break of the Ryobi brand came when the company acquired Diehl Motor Company assets and became a Sears Craftsman supplier. To this day, I’ve noticed that the Ryobi line remains a top choice for both seasoned professionals and newcomers.
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 my 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’re someone who leans heavily towards USA-made power tools, Ryobi might not be your top pick. But from what I’ve seen, that doesn’t imply any compromise on their tool quality.
Ridgid
Despite being in the same company, Ridgid tools aren’t made in China. If you look at the purchase documentation, 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
In terms of a diverse product lineup, I wouldn’t even pit Ryobi against others. They has just about every power tool a DIYer could wish for.
Their range is more comprehensive than many competitors I’ve come across, spanning from stationary power tools and impact drivers to essentials 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
From what I’ve seen, Ryobi tends to cater to the entry-level tool market, making their tools more affordable compared to many brands. On the other hand, if you’re aiming for professional-grade power tools, be prepared to spend a bit more; Ridgid’s pricing is on the higher end.
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
Ryobi’s attractive pricing gives a clue that its construction might not always be cut out for a professional environment. Having taken a closer look myself, I can attest that Ridgid tools generally carry more weight and often feature all-metal construction, making them robust for demanding 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.
You've probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
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