REASONS TO BUY
Drills well through metal
Includes carrying pouch
REASONS TO AVOID
Mediocre work light
So-so performance
Heavy
Ridgid R86001 Review
Capable of completing most jobs for most people but there are much better options
Credit: Ridgid
RELATED: Best Drills of 2024
Our Verdict
The Ridgid R86001 is an all-in-all decent drill that performed decently in most of our assessments. Its strongest suits were drilling through sheet metal, utilizing a hole saw bit, and drilling into wood with a paddle bit. We found it to have some convenient attributes, and it finished about middle of the pack when we tested its tested its fastener driving capabilities. Sadly, the battery doesn't last very long and takes a relatively long time to charge especially when considering the size and weight of this power tool. If you're searching for a top-tier model to add to your collection of the best tools, take a look at our head-to-head drill review.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Ridgid R86001 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  | | | ||
| Price | $120 List $73.89 at Amazon | $99 List $67.00 at Amazon | $79 List $49.00 at Amazon | $130 List $99.00 at Amazon | $70 List |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | An average drill that will get the job done for most homeowners | This model performs well across the board, and is especially worth the purchase if you already own the battery and charger | A great budget drill for a homeowners or DIYer and has more than enough power for moderate to light-duty tasks | Our favorite compact 12-volt drill when considering overall performance and price | This drill isn't great, but can speed up driving screws through prefabricated furniture at a low price |
| Rating Categories | Ridgid R86001 | Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V B... | Craftsman V20 1/2-I... | Bosch 12V Max Drill... | Black+Decker 20V Ma... |
| Drilling (35%) | |||||
| Driving (35%) | |||||
| Battery Life (20%) | |||||
| Convenience (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Ridgid R86001 | Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V B... | Craftsman V20 1/2-I... | Bosch 12V Max Drill... | Black+Decker 20V Ma... |
| Measured Weight | 3.49 lb | 3.77 lb | 3.44 lb | 2.17 lb | 2.68 lb |
| Measured Charge Time | 60 min | 63 min | 58 min | 85 min | 210 min |
| Measured Length | 7-1/8" | 7-3/16" | 8-1/4" | 6-5/8" | 7" |
| Measured Number of Settings | 22 | 24 | 23 | 20 | 10 |
| Included Battery Pack(s) | 1.5 Ah and 2 Ah Tested with 2 Ah |
2.0 Ah | 1.3 Ah | 2.0 Ah | 1.5 Ah |
| Max Chuck | 1/2" | 1/2" | 1/2" | 3/8" | 3/8" |
| Battery Voltage | 18V | 18V | 20V | 12V | 20V |
| Drill Model Tested | R86001 | PBLDD01 | CMCD700 | PS31 | LDX120C |
| Box Model (Kit) Tested | R86001K | PBLDD01K | CMCD700C1 | PS31-2A | LDX120C |
| Five Inch Hole Saw Test Timing | 30 seconds | 20 seconds | 55 seconds | 70 seconds | 90 seconds |
| Lag Screw Test (What is Left to From Driving) | 0.89 in | 0.25 in | 0.63 in | 1.13 in | 1.81 in |
| Manufacturer Stated RPM | Low: 0 - 500 High: 0 - 1800 |
Low: 0 - 500 High: 0 - 2100 |
Low: 0 - 450 High: 0 - 1500 |
Low: 0 - 350 High: 0 -1300 |
0 - 650 |
| Manufacturer Peak Torque | 525 in-lbs | 750 in-lbs | 280 UWO | 256 in-lbs | Not Listed |
| Battery Indicator Location | Battery | Battery | Battery | Drill | N/A |
| LED Location | Above the battery | Above the battery | Above the trigger | Above the trigger | Above the trigger |
| Included Belt Clip | No | No | No | No | No |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
Performance Comparison
If you already own Ridgid tools, the R86001 might be a good fit for you.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Drilling
To begin our battle for the best drill, we assessed each device's ability to perform the tool's primary task — drilling. For this section of the review, we conducted three different tests. We measured each model's performance while drilling through 16 gauge steel, how well they could cut a 5" hole in a door using a hole saw bit, and how well they could drill through a 2" x 12" board with a paddle bit. The Ridgid R86001 had a middling performance in the metric.
The Ridgid had a decent drilling performance.
Credit: Austin Palmer
The R86001 was able to drill a hole in the door using the hole saw fairly easily, although it took 30 seconds to complete the task, while other models we've tested have gotten it done in 15 or 20 seconds. When we used a paddle bit with the Ridgid, we found that it tore through wood at a roughly average pace, provided it was in its lowest gear. The paddle stopped every time we tried to put extra pressure on the back of the drill to get it to go faster. It eventually broke through the bottom of the board just fine.
The Ridgid does just fine at drilling 1" holes in wood as long as you are in the proper gear.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Out of all the punishment and abuse we gave these devices during our review, drilling through 16 gauge sheet metal proved to be this model's favorite job. It drilled each hole in 3 to 4 seconds, while the top-tier models averaged 2 to 3 seconds. Several models took 10 seconds per hole.
Be sure to dial the settings all the way up if you're drilling holes.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Driving
For this section, we analyzed each model's performance for driving fasteners into wood. We began by pre-drilling a pilot hole for a ½" x 5" lag bolt and then driving the bolt as far as it would go into a stack of 2" x 4" boards. If the device couldn't sink the screw all the way, we measured the distance it left behind the screw head and the wood. For those that sunk the screw all the way into the wood, we noted the speed and ease at which it performed this task. We then drove many 3" decking screws into wood to subjectively judge the driving power of each model. Although the Ridgid R86001 was not exactly what we call a strong performer for this metric, it was far from the worst.
The Ridgid R86001 has a middling driving performance.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
For the lag screw assessment, the R86001 showed a strong start but then stopped with about 1 ⅛" of the screw left on the first attempt at driving. We were able to get it to tighten the screw down to ⅞" by pulling the trigger a few more times, but that's as far as it could go.
This model couldn't quite sink the lag screw all the way down.
Credit: Austin Palmer
During the wood screw comparisons, our team found that the Ridgid R86001 could sink screws quickly and completely flush with the wood when the battery was fresh. Still, the device got slower and slower in an unusually short period compared to other models.
The Ridgid drives deck screws with ease.
Credit: Austin Palmer
Battery Life
To test the batteries, we began by sinking 16 3" deck screws, then drilled holes with a 1" paddle bit into a stack of 2" x 12" boards. We then let the drills cool for a few minutes and repeated this process until they were completely out of juice. Once the batteries were dead, we broke out the old trusty stopwatch and timed how long each model's battery took to charge completely. Again, the Ridgid R86001 showed slightly below-average results for this section of the review. The Ridgid made it through nearly four complete sets of screws and holes but died after drilling the third hole on this round. It took this model's battery a full hour to charge, which is less than impressive considering its short life.
The Ridgid battery doesn't last very long and it takes a long time to charge.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Convenience
For the final portion of our overall score, we looked at how easily these tools are to use and if there are any special features or settings that offer the user more convenience. The main feature we found that stands out on the Ridgid R86001 is that when you pull the trigger, there is a certain point where the light turns on before the device begins to spin. We found this feature helpful when working in dark spaces with certain fasteners.
With the Ridgid, you can activate the light by lightly pulling the trigger before drilling or fastening.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Should You Buy the Ridgid?
The main reason that we would recommend buying the Ridgid R86001 is if you already own the compatible battery and charger. If you buy the “tool-only” option of this model, you would drastically lessen the hit to your pocketbook. Although the R86001 is a few bucks cheaper than many of the drills in our review, there are models that cost much less but offer the same level of performance as the Ridgid.
What Other Drill Should You Consider?
If you want a cutting-edge, best-of-the-best drill, we recommend the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2" Drill Driver. This model outperformed every other we've seen to date. If you're in the market for a 12-volt version that packs a punch but is small enough to toss in your junk drawer, check out the Bosch 12V Max Drill/Driver Kit PS31-2A.
—
Ross Patton
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