Ridgid Vs Milwaukee Cordless Drill | What Brand Is Better
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“Is it worth the spend?”
This is always the question throbbing in our heads as more and more products, like cordless drills, have come to existence to aid you in your DIY projects.
Interestingly, Ridgid and Milwaukee brands offer cordless drills that are bang for the buck.
The Ridge Tool Company is an American company founded in 1923 that focuses on the manufacture of products under the Ridgid brand name, and in 1966, it was wholly acquired and owned by Emerson Electric.
The Milwaukee Electric Tool is also an American company founded in 1924 and is known to be a producer of quality hand tools and other power tools worldwide.
This review aims to help you decide which one to pick between these two, so read on to find out more about these brands of cordless drills.
Ridgid Fuego R86008 Vs. Milwaukee 2607-20 Comparison Summary
In this cordless drill review, we will compare the following models from each brand: Ridgid Fuego R86008 and Milwaukee 2607-20. So, below is a summary of their specifications.
| Specifications | Ridgid Fuego R86008 | Milwaukee 2607-20 |
| Size | 8.6 x 3.5 x 9.1 inches | 7.2 x 2.2 x 7.7 inches |
| Weight | 3.7 lbs | 3.4 lbs |
| Battery | 18V Lithium ion | 18V Lithium ion |
| Torque | 535 in.-lbs. | 500 in.-lbs. |
| Speed | 0 – 450 / 0 – 1,650 RPM | 0 – 400 / 0 – 1,800 RPM |
| Compatible Fastener Range | 1/2 “ | 1/2 “ |
Having seen a preview of their specs, let us dig deeper into their features.
Ridgid Fuego R86008
The Ridgid Fuego R86008 is a reliable, cordless drill that is mainly used in wood drilling – softwoods and hardwoods. It can also be used on some metals but with limitations.
Regardless, the Ridgid Fuego R86008 is a power tool that is driven by an 18V Lithium-ion battery and can illuminate dim work sites with its built-in LED light at the base of the grip. With the help of a secondary trigger, this LED light automatically turns on so you won’t have to go through the hassle of switching it on from time to time, affecting your overall productivity.
It stands 9.1 inches tall and weighs 3.7 lbs. so it is compact enough to work in tight workspaces. Its grip is lined with rubberized hex molding, which makes it more controllable even in slippery conditions. It also comes with a detachable side handle, which makes it more convenient to use in heavy-duty jobs or when working at heights.
In terms of torque and speed, Ridgid Fuego R86008 is capable of driving small and large fasteners at a speed of up to 1,650 RPM with a twisting force of 535 in-lbs.
One unique feature of Ridgid Fuego R86008 is that you can adjust its torque and speed. You can adjust its 24-position clutch to thrust between 0 and 535 in-lbs at speed between 450 and 1,650 RPM, which makes it easier to use depending on the level of difficulty of your activity or project.
Pros:
- It delivers a maximum of 535 in-lbs of torque.
- It gives you control over its torque and speed using its 24-position clutch.
- It efficiently works in wood drilling.
- Its grip is lined with rubberized hex molding and also comes with a detachable side handle for excellent ergonomics.
Cons:
- It is weak when used in metal drilling.
- The battery is sold separately.
Milwaukee 2607-20
Milwaukee 2607-20 is another sturdy, cordless drill that can be used in almost all types of surfaces – masonry, softwoods, hardwoods, and even with metals. It also has an LED light, which makes it suitable to use in badly-lit workplaces.
Standing 7.7 inches tall and weighing 3.4 lbs, Milwaukee 2607-20 can be easily used in narrow gaps. Also, it comes with a textured grip and an all-metal gear case and chuck, which make this cordless drill durable to shock and impact.
It is powered with an 18V Lithium-ion, and one interesting feature that Milwaukee 2607-20 has is that it is built with a frameless 4-pole motor and REDLINKTM Intelligence that provide additional protection against harsh situations.
Another useful feature that it has is that you can easily switch between its three (3) drilling mode – driving, drilling, and hammer drilling with the help of its 18-position clutch.
Milwaukee 2607-20 can drill through any surface with a rotating force of up to 500 in-lbs. at a rate of up to 1,800 RPM. It is powerful enough to do most of your drilling and screw-driving jobs.
Pros:
- It has a powerful torque of up to 500 in-lbs.
- It can be used intensively on any surfaces.
- It has three-drill settings that allow you to switch between driving, drilling, and hammer drilling.
- Its all-metal gear case and chuck and REDLINKTMIntelligence make it very durable.
- It is M18-compatible so that you can use your older batteries for it.
Cons:
- Many users say that the drill bits loosen and even fall off from the chuck after the drill has come to a complete stop.
- The battery is sold separately.
Product Comparison
Power & Design
Both cordless drills are operated using 18V Lithium-ion batteries which provide an ample time of work. They also provide a textured grip for comfort and LED light, ergonomically located at the base of their grip, to avoid their drilling or driving point being overshadowed.
However, when it comes to protection, Milwaukee 2607-20 does better than Ridgid Fuego R86008 with its all-metal gear case and chuck.
Winner: Milwaukee 2607-20
Size and Weight
Although both have impressive size and weight, Milwaukee 2607-20 outstands as a more compact and lighter cordless drill, which makes it easier to use in enclosed areas giving rise to minimal fatigue.
Winner: Milwaukee 2607-20
Torque and Speed
Ridgid Fuego R86008 can provide higher torque of up to 535 in-lbs. compared to Milwaukee 2607-20 which has a maximum torque of only 500 in-lbs. However, when it comes to speed, Milwaukee 2607-20 overpowers Ridgid Fuego R86008 with a fast 1,800 RPM.
Winner: Both
Fastener Range
Ridgid Fuego R86008 and Milwaukee 2607-20 are compatible with ½” chuck size to hold drill bits.
Winner: Both
Clutch Settings
Ridgid Fuego R86008 allows you to use its 24-position clutch to control its torque while Milwaukee 2607-20 only has 18 clutch settings you can choose from. The more clutch settings, the more precise your torque control.
Winner: Ridgid Fuego R86008
Other Features
Apart from the basic features a cordless drill must have, these two also possess special features.
Ridgid Fuego R86008 has a secondary trigger that will automatically turn on its LED light when needed. It also features a two-speed transmission with a locking mechanism.
Milwaukee 2607-20, on the other hand, further advances itself with a REDLINKTM Intelligence for further protection. It also features three drilling modes – driving, drilling, and hammer drilling – to automatically adjust its speed depending on the type of work.
Winner: Milwaukee 2607-20
Recommendation
Both cordless drills, Ridgid Fuego R86008 and Milwaukee 2607-20, only prove that they can be one of your good options to go for to enhance productivity. They show that they can deliver driving and drilling jobs in no time.
So, “Is it worth the spend?”, you ask?
Yes. After all, it all comes down to how and where you are going to use each drill.
As specified, Ridgid Fuego R86008 can only be used in light works such as those involving wooden surfaces. They can be used in metal drilling but with limitation, meaning, it might work but exposing it to a higher possibility of property damage. Even so, as long as you know how to use it in moderation, you can give it a go.
Milwaukee 2607-20, on the other hand, can be used on many surfaces – may it be masonry, woods, or metals. So, if your DIY projects involve these surfaces, then Milwaukee 2607-20 is a better option than Ridgid Fuego R86008.
Which do you prefer, Ridgid Fuego R86008 or Milwaukee 2607-20? Let us know in the comments below.
