Ridgid has come out with a new 18V Octane cordless brushless 7″ dual battery angle grinder. Thank you to Dan for the heads-up!
Ridgid says that their new 18V Octane grinder, R88040B, is the industry’s most powerful dual 18V battery grinder.
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As far as I am aware, Makita’s 18V X2 (36V) grinder and Metabo’s 18V-36V 9″ grinder might be the only other models that could be considered “dual 18V battery grinders.” However, while both of these brushless grinders are powered by the respective brands’ 18V batteries, they operate at 36V, while the Ridgid operates at 18V.
The new Ridgid Octane grinder can be powered by 1 or 2 of their 18V Octane batteries, or 2 non-Octane batteries. What this means is that although it was designed for the higher power delivery of the Ridgid 18V Octane Li-ion batteries, you can also use their non-Octane batteries in pairs.
- 7″ wheel size
- 5/8-11 arbor
- 6900 RPM max
- Brushless motor
- Electronic brake for faster spin-down
- 3-position handle
- 2-finger lock-on trigger
- Weighs 8 lbs
The bare tool comes with (1) grinding wheel, a spanner wrench, and the auxiliary handle. A battery (or batteries) and charger are sold separately.
Price: $229
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
First Thoughts
Press materials say:
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Run the grinder off one or two OCTANE batteries for optimal performance, or one or two non-OCTANE batteries.
So, if you’re down to just one non-Octane battery, it might work, although not for long if the power draw heats up the battery too quickly.
I hadn’t considered this to be possible, but it makes a lot of sense. The grinder is designed for the latest high-output Octane batteries, for optimal performance and runtime. Add a second battery and you extend that runtime further. If you’re not ready to invest in Octane batteries, you can still use two non-Octane batteries. It’s brilliant, and very user-friendly.
This cordless power tool battery configuration can possibly be extended to other tools. Maybe a larger Ridgid cordless miter saw? Table saw? Dust extractor? What about other brands, such as Milwaukee? Can future tools designed to take advantage of their HD 12Ah batteries come with an adapter that allows the use of two XC 5Ah batteries?
The grinder itself is an interesting addition to Ridgid’s 18V cordless, but to me the battery power configuration is far more interesting for the potential it holds.
This isn’t the first Ridgid 18V cordless power tool to feature a dual-battery setup – their 18V cordless air compressor can similarly be powered by one or two batteries. However, while their cordless compressor can work with one or two batteries for greater runtime, there’s no Octane vs. non-Octane consideration. That this tool can work optimally with one or two Octane batteries, or two non-Octane batteries is a game-changer, or at least it could be.
What kinds of high-powered cordless tools would you like to see Ridgid springboard to from here?
Jared
That is clever. Interesting to see yet another take on how to power high-draw tools. Looks to be a massive tool with two octane batteries attached – but you’re not one-handing a 7″ grinder anyway.
fred
Perhaps TTI is testing the waters on this – and if it sells decently – maybe they will offer a Milwaukee 2-battery tool. Milwaukee’s commitment to staying with their 18V batteries – even with the newer XC ones through 12Ah – will probably limit how far they can go, Dewalt’s Flexvolt, Makita’s 2 X 18V, Metabo’s Multivolt and now this Ridgid offering would seem to be increasing the competition in a way that can not be ignored
Corey
I think TTI just slaps Ridgid on everything AEG makes. As a brand, ridgid power tools should be pretty effortless for tti given its copy/paste development lol
fred
Probably true.
In the US market (as Stuart noted in his who owns what post) – Emerson has licensed the Ridgid name (once exclusively associated with plumbing tools made by the Ridge Tool Co. – bought out by Emerson) to TTI. Under this agreement with Emerson (and possibly Home Depot too) – as you note – TTI puts the Ridgid name on power tools that look a lot like ones that TTI make under the AEG banner and sell elsewhere in the world.
Ridgid power tools made by TTI are primarily sold at Home Depot – but there may be some alternative grey-market sales.
Ridgid plumbing tools – including powered tools like their Propress line, SeeSnake line, Drain cleaners, and pipe threaders may have different OEM’s and are not exclusive to Home Depot.
Home Depot has also apparently licensed the Ridgid brand name to be applied to other non-plumbing tools made by various OEMs (like Ames, RAF-Disston, and Cerro Wire). So a Ridgid-brand shovel sold at Home Depot – might be made by Ames – not Emerson’s Ridge Tool or TTI.
Bigsmoke
Milwaukee owns ridgid my guys a tool rep for Milwaukee
Chris S
False.
Techtronics (TTI) owns Milwaukee and Ryobi while it licenses the Ridgid brand for production of certain tools.
Milwaukee does not own Ridgid.
Nathan
I’d be curious as to how it runs with one battery – IE does it spin slower without load
Does it heat up faster (the motor or internal electronics).
I like the idea mostly if you need a cordless large grinder like that. I guess flexvolt and the makita are the only others on the market
mattd
here is a video review of it where they discuss your questions a bit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flPRTDvwBzM
Rami
Metabo also has a grinder with dual 18v batteries. It is a 230mm (9inch) model.
Stuart
True, I forgot about that one. I wonder if it counts, being marketed as a functional 36V model, but then I guess the same can be said about the Makita too.
Brian A
This seems weird to me, 2 batteries for runtime versus it being 36v. Having double the battery weight so you dont have to swap on a 2nd battery when the first dies. Is the intention that it draws only half the load from each battery so not to overload one battery with such a high draw? So its a band aid approach for making a tool too powerful that the current battery tech cant support it via 1 battery?
Chris
I wouldn’t necessarily call this a compromise vs the 36V dual battery setup.
With this, you have the option of running whatever combination of batteries you have/need.
Makita’s dual battery setup “requires” 2 batteries, no matter what.
Stuart
Would you rather it was a one-battery tool that required users to go out and buy the new Octane batteries? It’s likely that the second battery connection was added so that users with non-Octane batteries can still use the tool.
Tim D.
I can honestly say I would prefer that.
Oleg K
I had a chance to try it out yesterday and it’s incredibly heavy and the ergonomics aren’t on point, mainly due to poor placement of batteries. They should have just rebrandedone of the 12ah Milwaukee batteries as ridgid octane, would have made infinitely more sense since they’re all made by the same company anyway.
evadman
Since this will run with only 1 octane battery, what protection exists for the other battery slot? Is there a cover or something that will protect the leads from all the metal chips and junk that will cover the rest of the grinder? If it is an actual cover, like a 60v dewalt battery, is there a way to keep that cover from getting lost?
Stuart
There’s no mention of a battery slot cover.
Frank D
Had an interesting conversation last year with ridgid on the corded model version, in that I could only cut like a 1/4” deeper than with my small grinder, due to the huge clamping plate which has to overcome the hollow space for their custom discs with a curved center section. My intended use to cut masonry and cut clean through some standard and even shallower pave stones was not possible.
It was stated that the unit only intended to use for grinding metal down, and too powerful & dangerous for cutting.
Well, the ergonomics and balance were right. Great tool. Hampered by an odd decision.
Adding one or two big octane batteries, I would be concerned about balance and fatigue. The corded verion felt front weighted which I thought was appropriate.
evadman
I’m curious how the two batteries are isolated, and if this is a multi-volt tool or an 18v tool. All that really matters is the amount of watts pushed though the motor. I don’t see a watt rating, but if it is a 360 watt consumption motor, that 360 watts can be 20 amps at 18v or 10amps at 36 volts. As long as the motor is wound and wired for 36v, the only change could be a sense circuit to toggle the controller between 18 and 36v operation.
The reason I am thinking this is because direct wiring 2 batteries in parallel at different charge levels would cause a massive amperage flow as the 2 batteries equalize at a common voltage. There would essentially be no load between the 2 batteries, besides wire and connection resistance. even a half volt difference between them could lead to a thousand amp flow for a few seconds, probably limited by whatever the max the batteries can put out while shorted is.
I can’t find it, but I was pretty sure there was a standard where a functional lithium ion cell was not allowed to reach self-ignition temperature by itself when shorted. I would hope that the cells in these packs would meet that standard, but I would hope that Ridgid is not depending on that rating. There could be something like an inrush limiter, like a big thermistor? Now I want to tear one of these apart to see.
andy
If you connect two such batteries in parallel with half a volt difference, the amp flow between them is far, far, far less than a thousand amps. More like 5-10 amps. You’re forgetting how internal resistance plays in to the equation. Under load, voltage drops, so it’s basically self equalizing at a reasonable current.
But they wouldn’t be connected to each other unless the motor is running, so the voltage drop due to the tool load makes the more fully charged battery provide more of the power until its charge level equals the other. In practice, there is likely never a charge going from one battery to the other. If there was any fear of this, a diode would also solve the problem.
Chris Gutierrez
It seems logical that the dual batteries would be isolated. These same type of isolators (though larger) are common in dual battery vehicles. They allow current flow in one direction but wouldn’t allow back flow from an attached battery to the open terminals in single bat mode or any cross charging in dual battery mode.
Not saying this is for sure what they did, but it’s certainly an option. If this was their solution it would indicate an 18v motor.
glenn
AEG dual battery 18v 230mm/9 inch grinder.
https://www.aegpowertools.com.au/power-tools/products/details/dual-18v-brushless-230mm-angle-grinder-skin-bews18blx230-0
Frank D
Oh my …
So, the AEG version does get the regular disc/blade holder!
When I bought the US version I could only cut 1/4″ deeper into stone, than with my 4″ grinder, because of an oversized mounting plate to deal with flared discs. Contacted Ridgid. They said it was because of safety, can’t use it with masonry blades, etc.
Yet this AEG proves it actually fits a need and actually is brought to market by the same company. Because just like with other brands, it can be operated safely and it solves a need.
Thank you for sharing.
PHILIP JOHN
Not bad… seems better than makita… and I dont see ridgid having a need for many HO tools.
Dewalt still leading the way with potential for new HO tools with multiple batteries and the fastest charge time… while keeping the battery cool.
Taras
I’ll never buy a grinder with a “hand guard”. In cold weather they prevent you from wearing anything other than a thin non-insulated glove. If you never use your tools outside in winter, it’s ok.
Pete Grobler
Batteries drain very fast in cold weather. 5 minutes to drain a pair of 5 hour batteries at minus 17 degrees Celsius. Saskatchewan, Canada.
Julian Tracy
Every Ridgid tool I’ve looked closely at seemed to only have two battery compartment contacts, one pos and one neg.
So do they have overload or temperature protection? All the major brands seem to have 3-5 or more contacts, I thought for those protective reasons.
The other thing I’ve noticed is the plastics on the Ridgid tools seems almost like prototypes – sharp edges, very unrefined.
And – on a few I’ve looked at, there are large open spaces within the battery compartments that expose the inside of the tool body. Seemingly very much less sealed up than the big 3-4 brands.
Anyone else ever notice that? Take a look at the display models at HoneDepot and see what you think…
Frank D
Ridgid user going on 10 years, have yet to see a sharp edge or somethinf unrefined on a ridgid power tool.
Never seen a large open spaces that exposes internals on tools or where the battery connects. Always see the two halves mating properly.
The batteries have 4 contacts, while tools have 2. Thermal protection is built into the batteries and the charger. Run a slim pack 18v on a some of the power tools and they’ll cut out due to rapid discharge heat. Pick up a depleted battery that’s been out in the hot summer sun, or winter night in the van; and she won’t charge.
Blackplatic
We need heavier tools. Make it take six batteries.
In all honesty we need better battery technology.
Stuart
There is better battery technology, but it requires the purchase of new battery packs. This tool was designed so that existing Ridgid 18V users could use the batteries they already have.
JoeM
Okay… I know this is totally left field, but it’s bugging me…
Does anyone else get an eerie flashback to playing Doom in the mid-1990’s when they see this thing? Maybe with a cone shape or barrel out front?
I mean NO insult for this! Just saying… Looks like one of those first-gen 3D rendered FPS weapons from space or something… I can’t help but have flashbacks when I see it… I’m having a lot of personal problems checking this one out… All I see is a video game gun from 20+ years ago…
Pete Grobler
Been using mine for about 2 years now. Sanding farm style furniture I make from reclaimed pallet wood. Heavy bastard! Drains batteries quick. Two 5 hour batteries give out after about 20 minutes, about the same as a pair of 3-hour ones. Maybe they cut out because heat builds up real quick. Sometimes I use it under the 3PTH brush mower to sharpen the blades. Beats uncoiling the extension cord, and tripping over it while I work. I had the smaller grinder too, drains batteries fast too, and I could stall that out pressing hard on the sanding disk. So here we are, with all the drawbacks still my go to tool for this work. Looking forward to what the new generation batteries could mean for it.