Ridgid R86001 Review

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?