A great quality tool combo kit will pay for itself in practically no time at all. Buying tools as a combo kit is often far cheaper than purchasing each tool individually. Makita vs. Ridgid Combo Kits is some of the best. We can help you get the best bang for the buck if you’re in the market for a combo kit!
Known for producing great power tools, such as compound miter saws, hammer drills and cordless drills with lithium-ion batteries, orbital sanders, fixed-base routers, and more, these two companies will go head to head in this combo kit review.
Table of contents
Makita vs. Ridgid: Company Histories
Maktia Company History
You’re only going to find a select few companies that will provide as much experience as Makita, which has been around since 1915. With a start in electric motors, Makita has continued to expand its base of products and more ever since its inception. Active in 40 different countries around the world, the company is ever continuing to expand.
Ridgid Company History
Starting back in 1923, Ridgid created their first pipe wrench in Elyria, Ohio and the rest seems to be history. From then until now, they’ve expanded into Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth-enabled devices added streaming capabilities, and a whole lot more. They’re not involved in a lot of tools, locations, and a whole lot more, which continues to improve even now.
Ridgid & Makita Parent Companies
Makita
Makita is just Makita. It’s one of the few remaining power tool brands that is not owned by a larger company. Makita did acquire the Dolmar brand, increasing its already-impressive line of outdoor power tools.
Emerson Electric Co
Emerson Electric Co is the parent company of Ridgid. They own a wide variety of brands:
- Cooper-Atkins
- Copeland
- Dixell
- EasyHeat
- Fusite
- Greenlee
- Grind2Energy
- InSinkErator
- Klauke
- Lumity
- O-Z/Gedney
- ProAct
- ProTeam
- RIDGID
- RIDGID Software Solutions
- Sensi
- Therm-O-Disc
- Verdant
- Vilter
- White-Rodgers
- WORKSHOP Vacs
Makita vs. Ridgid: Product Line Depths
Both Makita and Ridgid sell a wide variety of products. Below, you’ll find what each brand’s product line consists of.
Makita Product Line
Makita sells corded, cordless, and gas-powered products. While they may not sell as many products as other companies, that doesn’t mean they won’t have what you need. For the average consumer, you can find everything that you need.
Here are some of the specific types of products you can purchase from Makita:
- Blowers
- Chainsaws
- Hedge Trimmers
- Lawn Mowers
- Pole Saws
- Circular Saws
- Miter Saws
- Metal Cutting Saws
- Hammer Drills
- Impact Wrenches
- Nailers
- Vacuums
- Area Work Lights
- Random Orbit Sanders
- Polishers
- & More
RIDGID Product Lines
Ridgid sells a wide variety of power tools, lights, stationery, vacuums, and more.
Here are some of the specific types of products you can purchase from RIDGID:
- Cordless Combo Kits
- Cordless Kits
- Drills
- Impact Drivers
- Miter Saws
- Multi-Tools
- Right Angle Drill
- Reciprocating Saws
- Circular Saws
- Belt Sanders
- Finish Nailers
- Random Orbit Sanders
- Jobsite Blowers
- Jobsite Radios
- Hybrid Fans
- Heaters
- Portable Power Sources
- Planers
- Rotary Sanders
- & More
Makita vs. Ridgid: Brand Reputation & Cost of Tools
Here we’ll go over the reputations and cost of the tools of each brand.
Makita Reputation and Tool Affordability
This company has received some high praise due to the performance and high quality of the tools they make. Makita tools are truly durable, long-lasting, and tough.
Unlike a lot of other brands, Makita uses high-quality raw materials for its products and holds itself to high manufacturing standards as well. You can literally drop these tools on the ground over and over again, and they’d still work like the day you first bought them.
Consumers have found that Makita tools last a long time; the electrical components, motors, and other components can withstand high amounts of heat, friction, and general wear. It’s also noted how Makita tools are usually comfortable to use, functional, and have a variety of features too.
Overall, Makita tools are viewed as some of the best tools you can buy. Makita tools are great for DIY jobs, crafts, home use, and more. However, Makita products are marketed toward tradesmen, professionals, and anyone else who needs reliable, high-quality tools for daily, heavy-duty use.
The quality you get with these tools does come at a cost. Makita is one of the pricier brands. However, you really do get what you pay for.
RIDGID Reputation and Tool Affordability
Let’s go over arguably one of the most important sections of this brand comparison. Brand reputation and cost of tools. The general consensus is that Ridgid tools are high quality. Even though this is a smaller company in comparison to other power tool companies out there, they do seem to focus on making products that are built to last.
What really seems to stand out about Ridgid products is their durability. The tools are usually built with high-quality materials, have high impact resistance, and have good internal parts that aren’t easily impacted by dust or moisture.
Ridgid tools are tools that you want on the job site. However, I would like to mention that even though Ridgid tools are known to be tough, you have to make sure that you take care when using them. This is especially true for big jobs. Some Ridgid products don’t have the power needed to perform certain tasks that require heavy-duty tools. They’re good tools but may not be for heavy-duty use.
Overall, it’s agreed that Ridgid tools are very functional. They’re comfortable to handle, they work well, and they don’t cost much. In fact, this is one of the things that people are most surprised by. How affordable Ridgid is and the quality you get for the price.
Makita vs. Ridgid: Warranty Comparisons
Makita Warranty
Makita offers really good warranties on its products. They have a 30-day replacement guarantee on all of their products. Additionally, all tools have at least a one-year general product warranty for defects. Also, all gas-powered tools have a two-year warranty, and all lithium-ion tools come with a three-year limited warranty.
Ridgid Warranty
Ridgid offers several types of warranties for its products. They range from 3-year to full lifetime coverage. Which one you get will vary depending on the kind of product you purchase. The company also offers a free Lifetime Service Agreement on some items as long as you have a registration and proof of purchase.
Combo Kit Comparisons
Ridgid Tool Company Combo Kit
The Ridgid Tool Company Combo Kit gives you five different tools, which include a hammer drill, impact driver, circular saw, reciprocating saw, and flashlight. You’ll also get a charger, two batteries, an auxiliary hand, two bits, a circular saw blade, a blade wrench, a reciprocating saw blade, three belt hooks, and a bag. That means you’re definitely getting a whole lot for your money. Running on an 18-volt battery, you’re definitely getting a decent amount of power to go along with it.
Makita Combo Kit
The Makita Combo Kit uses an 18-volt battery as well and comes with five of its own tools, including all five that are included in the Ridgid toolset. That means you get a hammer drill, impact driver, circular saw, reciprocating saw, and flashlight. You also get a charger, two batteries, and the blades you need, plus a bag to carry it all in. Overall, you’re getting a decent amount of tools and features no matter which option you decide to go with.
Head to Head: Features and Benefits of Each Tool
So, what do you do if you have narrowed it down to these two options but aren’t sure which one should pull ahead? Well, that’s what this section is all about. We’ve found some great features that you should consider that may help you make your choice.
Price
Okay, so maybe this shouldn’t be the number one consideration, but it’s definitely something that you’ll want to look at. When it comes to these two options, you’re actually not getting a whole lot of difference between the price of one over the other.
The Makita is just slightly cheaper (and we mean slightly), so chances are you’re not going to use price as your deciding factor for either one.
Tool Options
Once again, we have a very close race because these two toolsets actually come with the same tools. You’re getting a few bits extra with the Ridgid version, but other than that, everything is going to be the same.
The tools, the accessories, and even the charger, batteries, and bag are all the same between the Makita and the Ridgid.
Power
The power for both of these is 18 volts, and each of them uses a lithium-ion battery as well. That means you’re going to get the same worth out of each of them. The impact driver of the Makita offers 1,460 in. lbs. of max torque, while the Ridgid gives you 2,000 in. lbs.
The hammer drill gives you 780 in. lbs. with the Ridgid and only 480 in. lbs. with the Makita. Finally, the reciprocating saw with the Makita gives you up to 2,800 strokes per minute, while the Ridgid has 3,000 strokes per minute.
So, if you’re looking for a little more capability out of the tools, you’re looking at why the Ridgid costs (a little bit) more.
Battery
When it comes to the battery, you’re actually getting a little bit of difference for the Makita versus Ridgid. That’s because Ridgid offers a 4 Ah battery, while the Makita actually offers a 5 Ah battery, which is going to help you a little bit when it comes to the charging process.
Not only that, but Makita has special features to its batteries that ensure it will charge quickly and do so without overheating. So, if you’re looking for an area where Makita is going to pull just a little bit ahead, this is what you’re looking for.
Makita vs. Ridgid: Wrap Up
Still, having a hard time choosing a winner? So are we. Both of these units are going to provide you with a whole lot of features, a lot of capability, and a lot of reasons to choose either one.
If you’re looking for that little bit of extra power, the Ridgid provides you with tools with a little extra strength, which may make up for the difference in price. But, if you’re a die-hard Makita fan, you’re definitely not going to have a problem with their products, either.
Looking for a specific tool? Check out these comparisons:
Makita vs. Ridgid: Frequently Asked Questions
Are Makita and RIDGID the same company?
No, Makita and RIDGID are not the same company. In fact, they have different parent companies.
Is Makita good quality?
Makita is often seen as one of the best tool brands that you can purchase today. They offer both brushless and brushed options, and the quality is great for both DIYers and professionals.
Are RIDGID tools worth buying?
Some RIDGID tool tests have found that their tools underperform when compared to other top tool brands. However, RIDGID offers great value for its tools.
Are RIDGID tools as good as Makita tools?
For the most part, RIDGID has several tools that are right on par with Makita tools, but there are some Makita tools that are of higher quality than the RIDGID version.
Is RIDGID better than Makita for cordless hand tools?
There isn’t a direct answer to this question. Makita tools are good quality and perform well. RIDGID tools are cheaper but can get the job done. However, one is technically better performance-wise. But RIDGID may be better for you if you’re just performing tasks around the house. Makita makes excellent tools for heavy-duty projects and jobs, but if you don’t need that, why pay the extra money?
Do Makita batteries fit RIDGID?
Although Makita and RIDGID are in the same market space, they each have their own accessories, including batteries, to fit their tools. This is how companies ensure customer loyalty.
