Ridgid 12V JobMax Multi-Head Tool System

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WOOD magazine rating

5-in-1 cordless tool does some tasks well

4.3

out of 5

Average reader rating

3.5

out of 5

Brand:

Ridgid

Model:

R82235

Price:

$130

Description

RIDGID's JobMax system of tools is the ultimate in versatility. Once you get this multi-tool in your hand you will begin to think of a seemingly endless list of jobs that can be accomplished with it. Whether you are cutting wood, metal or plastic or using as a detail sander, this tool will become a vital member of your tool collection. Whether you are a cabinet maker, flooring or drywall installer, painter or just a hobbyist, this tool will solve work related problems you did not even know you had. The best part is that you can use any brand's accessories with the universal adaptor. The JobMax power base accepts the Multi-tool head as well as all other JobMax tool heads ($50 each, sold separately). The power base allows the tool heads to be positioned in four ways, maximizing your comfort when completing jobs in tight or awkward spaces. Best of all they are backed by RIDGID's Lifetime Service Agreement. Free Batteries. Free Parts. Free Service. For Life.

• Variable speed allows up to 20,000 oscillations per minute
• Power handle accepts all jobmax tool heads
• Universal adapter compatible with Dremel, Bosch and Fein multi-tool accessories
• Base allows tool heads to be positioned in 4 ways
• Lithium-ion battery
• Includes 2 cutting blades, sanding attachment, sanding pad, battery charger and case

WOOD magazine review

5-in-1 cordless tool does some tasks well

Reviewed by: WOOD Magazine

Review Summary

Ridgid’s JobMax 12-volt tool system uses interchangeable heads on a single “stick” drive unit. The starter kit comes with an oscillating multifunction tool head (including two blades and a sanding attachment), one 12-volt lithium-ion battery, and a charger. You can buy optional drill, impact-driver, auto-hammer, jigsaw, and 3/8"-ratchet heads to fit the tool.

…

We’d also suggest an extra battery ($40) so you don’t wait for this one to charge. It’s a cinch to change heads: Just squeeze the release tabs, pop one head off, and snap on another. The drive unit handles awkwardly at times—especially working in tight spaces—and we kept finding ourselves choking up on the tool for greater leverage, placing an index finger above the trigger. As you might expect, a tool designed to perform this many tasks excels at a few, while sometimes compromising performance for convenience. For example, the drill’s top speed of 550 rpm is slower than we’d like, and the absence of a clutch left us on our own to know when to stop driving screws. We wish the multi-tool head had a faster speed as well. One nice thing, though: It readily accepts accessory attachments from most other brands without an adapter. And the auto-hammer (essentially an impact hammer), although helpful for driving nails in tight spots where you can’t swing a hammer, proves loud and uncomfortable for more than a few nails. The tool’s low speed actually helps the impact driver and ratcheting heads develop greater torque for driving bolts and screws.

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Detailed Ratings

4.3

out of 5

Performance

Features

Ease of Use

Value

Reader Reviews

Decent value for a lot of versatility.

Reviewed by: SteveShop

Review Summary

It seems there are times when nothing but a multi-tool will do the job. But I didn't want to spend $400+ on a tool I wouldn't use that much, so I picked up this one because it looks like it can do a lot of stuff when you start adding the different heads. And it does! I used the saw head for cutting holes in drywall for electrical boxes and for trimming door jambs when installing flooring. The sanding head reaches into tight places. And I especially like the right-angle drill head.

…

Sometimes, there's just no other way to get to where you need to drill. Downside is that the batteries don't last a long time, and the tool shuts itself off when you're pushing it too hard to prevent burning up the motor. And because it's one motor trying to be a variety of tools, it's not the best drill or multi-tool or sander, but, for the $$ it does those occasional jobs pretty well. Overall, I'm satisfied and this is a versatile tool.

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