Ridgid
Ridgid 18V Brushless Reciprocating Saw R8647
Ridgid's brushless flagship recip pairs the class-leading spec combo of a 1-1/4 in stroke and 3,200 SPM with a switchable orbital mode, and Pro Tool Reviews clocked it cutting a nail-embedded roofing sandwich faster than Milwaukee's comparable saw (9.2/10 review score). Tool-free side-lever blade release, adjustable shoe, LED, and rafter hook are all standard, and Ridgid's Lifetime Service Agreement covers parts and service free with registration. At $169 bare it undercuts most premium-brand recips by $80-$120.
Specifications
Features
Pros
- ✓Class-leading spec sheet — 1-1/4 in stroke at 3,200 SPM is one of the best stroke/speed combos of any 18V recip saw.
- ✓Absolutely shreds wood — beat Milwaukee's comparable model through a nail-embedded roofing sandwich in Pro Tool Reviews' testing (17.4 s vs 20+ s), earning a 9.2/10.
- ✓Orbital/linear selector dial speeds up wood demolition and switches off for clean metal cuts.
- ✓Outstanding value at $169 bare — $80-$120 less than Makita, Bosch, and Milwaukee flagship recips.
- ✓Lifetime Service Agreement: free parts and service for life when registered within 90 days — unique among major brands.
- ✓Owners consistently praise the comfortable grip, easy one-lever tool-free blade changes, and front LED.
- ✓Light for a full-size brushless recip at 6.7-6.8 lbs bare, with an integrated rafter hook for ladder work.
- ✓Compatible with every Ridgid 18V battery ever made; MAX Output packs unlock its full power.
Cons
- ✗No variable speed dial — only the trigger — which makes slow, controlled starts in thick metal harder than on Bosch's flagship.
- ✗PTR found it needed trigger finesse to get carbide-tooth blades started in thick metal — wood is its strong suit, metal merely adequate.
- ✗Some Home Depot reviewers report battery overheating and long-term reliability concerns.
- ✗Needs pricier MAX Output batteries for full performance — older/basic packs blunt its edge.
- ✗Ridgid 18V is effectively a Home Depot exclusive, so battery deals and service options are limited compared to multi-retailer brands.
- ✗Ships with a single wood blade — plan on buying a blade assortment immediately.
- ✗Lifetime Service Agreement requires registration within 90 days and excludes batteries after 3 years — miss the window and coverage drops to the standard warranty.
- ✗No advanced electronics (no kickback control or adaptive speed) that newer 2025-era flagships offer.
Common Questions
Is the Lifetime Service Agreement as good as it sounds?
How does it cut compared to Milwaukee's recip saws?
Does it have orbital action?
Which batteries unlock its full power?
What comes in the box with the bare tool?
Compare the Ridgid 18V Brushless Reciprocating Saw R8647
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