RIDGID

Just a couple days ago I returned from an event that has me so excited about working in the trades and what it means to be “Made in the USA”.  The RIDGID Experience is only in it’s second year of existence but its clear to me that this will be an amazing annual event for years to come. Here’s how it works: All across their social media channels RIDGID invites anyone who uses their tools, any and all of the RIDGID tools to show off their pride in the work they do with those tools. There’s an official entry process and some hashtagging involved but its super simple and fun. Once entered RIDGID picks the winners of the contest and those winners are treated to a total first-class experience with factory & hands-on training center tours, an inside look at new upcoming products and tools, meals, lodging, airfare, limo, professional photo shoots,  a box suite at the Indians ball game and even a fishing trip on Lake Erie! Oh man, I gotta tell you it was a blast!

Of course factory tours are exciting, getting to see how our favorite tool is made and even meeting the people who make them daily leaves me with a higher level of respect for the brand and excitement for my work. That was definitely the case for me after the #RIDGIDExperience.

Unfortunately we don’t always get to take the camera’s along for every step of the tour but I’ve posted a few cool shots on our Facebook and Instagram along with some comments along the way. I’ve included a video of the final steps in the assembly of the iconic 300 below; its hard to believe that machine was ever so clean and shiny!

I’d like to thank the entire team at RIDGID and those involved who organized and pulled off a truly memorable experience for all of us “winners”. It’s clear the entire company knows and cares about who their customer is. Thank you, Eric Aune.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlLwrqWhEO3/?taken-by=mechanicalhub

Designed specifically for one-handed use, the RIDGID^® PEX-One™ 12V Battery PEX Tool presses a half inch through one inch PEX tubing. It is 16.5 inches long and weighs 5.8 pounds, including battery and dies, which is over 25 percent lighter than other battery-powered PEX tools. Ideal for overhead connections and accessing tight spaces, the PEX-One provides full power through 150+ presses per charge with a 5-second crimp cycle. It has interchangeable dies with a quick change system and is compatible with ASTM F1807 copper crimp ring fittings and Viega® PureFlow^TM fittings. PEX-One also features a LED-light for no or low-light environments and is powered with a 12V Advanced Lithium 2.5 battery. The compact design and ability to press multiple sizes allows contractors to easily get rid of their manual press tools, freeing up space in their tool belt and tool box. It has a 12,000 service cycle interval.

For more information on this tool visit RIDGID at https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/pressing-pexone

As part of the mechanical-hub.com #ProStaff program we are working with Kostas, the owner of @dekaplumbing . Here are his first thoughts of the new RIDGID Pex One 12V tool REPOST: Trying out the new @ridgidtools PEX ONE 12V. My initial reaction when I got this tool was, “there is no way this will work in tight spaces.” I was proved wrong immediately. I tried this out finishing a kitchen sink with dishwasher and fridge connections. 2 inches away from the back of the cabinet, this tool had no problem. I also noticed the head is larger then the manual hand crimper, this makes it easier crimping all fittings. I’m looking forward to using this tool more in the future. It’s quickly becoming one of my favourite tools . . . . . #plumbing #hvac #piping #electrical #pipefitter #plumber #carpentry #skilledtrades #boilers #tools #sharetheknowledge #toolsofthetrade #worksmartnotharder #minnesota #worldplumbers #servicetech #skills #prostaff #contractorsofinsta #contractorlife #teamtoolpig #hvaclife #mechanical #tiacrew #toolaholicapprovedtester

A post shared by Mechanical-Hub (@mechanicalhub) on Sep 23, 2017 at 8:10am PDT

For decades now professional contractors have been using what I have always called “Imp” cutters to cut various types of tubing in hard to reach places. The RIDGID model 101 Close Quarters Tubing Cutter has long been the industry standard for plumbing and HVAC pro’s and is likely to remain atop the bunch because of its robust build quality, simple design and function along with its capability to handle not only copper but aluminum, plastic and brass tubing. Its likely you own one or more of the model 101 cutter, I know I do so I was excited to get my hands on the new #118 Autofeed Cutter for review.

First off the model I have tested is RIDGID catalog number 32573, model 118. The #118 refers to the self-feeding cutter included in the 2-in-1 Close Quarters AUTOFEED^® Cutter. The #118 is deigned to operate much like other brand “auto cutters” that have been around for a number of years but there’s a significant difference with RIDGID’s offering in that it can handle a range of tubing sizes like it’s predecessors; the range here is tubing sizes ¼” – 1-1/8”. The 2-in-1 includes a ratcheting handle along with the self-feeding cutter w/ a football-shaped knob for easier turning than the original round tension knob.

I’ve noticed these cutters at my local wholesale house, they’re available online and at Home Depot as well. To be honest I didn’t know RIDGID had a self-feeding cutter and I was excited to try it given my loyalty based on all of their tools I already own and use. You can see the tool in action and get some of my thoughts in the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAE5LOORe0o

Overall I’d say the 2-in-1 did the job and would likely standup to the task for many years to come. As you could see in the video its not a one-handed operation like most of the other “auto-cutters” out there but it should be noted that it wasn’t RIDGID’s intention to be such a tool. The idea that you can replace at least three auto-cutters [1/2”, ¾” & 1”] with one tool is attractive but the added ratcheting handle hasn’t sold me yet. I can see where this may be a benefit but even after years of working in the trade I found it less cumbersome to use the cutter without the ratchet handle. I’ll continue to use the model #118 cutter without the handle for sure. Maybe in this case it’s a matter of trying to fix something that isn’t broken?

The ratchet handle and cutter fitment leaves a little to be desired. Take notice from the video, the ¾” tubing I was cutting was rigidly secure in the vertical position. When turning the handle there was a decent amount of play between the cutter and the ratchet head; I’m not sure this matters considering the tube was cut as planned but it just doesn’t feel right. Nonetheless, the cutter itself is built solidly, the handle feels great in your hand and is fairly easy to use.

Tool Features & Specs:

Source: ridgid.com website