Makita Vs. Ridgid (Which Tools Are Better For You?)

Last Updated on August 28, 2022 by Barry Gray

There is no doubt that both Makita and Ridgid are some of the best power tool brands in the market. However, there are so many heated questions about both brands in the streets. Which brand is better? Who offers quality products than the other?

The problem is that most people getting in this heated debate don’t have enough knowledge about them. And for this reason, they can’t make an informed decision in the end. Fortunately, I’m here to tell you a thing or two about these two brands.

In this article, I will compare and contrast Makita Vs Ridgid. I will point out their similarities and differences. I will also highlight some of their best products. In the end, I will also provide tips on how to evaluate the devices offered by both companies.

But before we get there, let’s start with a little bit of history first.

Histories of the Brands

Makita

makita corporation

Makita is a Japanese-based company based in Nagoya, Japan. It has been in operation since 1915. The company first started selling lighting equipment and electric motors. In 1958, it built the world’s first electric planer marking its first step into power tools.

In 1969, Makita was the first to manufacture the first rechargeable battery-operated drill. They continued with this release until 2005. In that year, they released their first tool, using Lithium-Ion batteries.

Today, the company releases some of the best power tools in the industry. It is also active in over 40 countries all around the world. 

Ridgid

ridgid tools

Ridgid first began in 1923, when it engineered and sold its first-ever pipe wrench. The company originally started in North Ridgeville, Ohio. However, it relocated to Elyria, Ohio in 1943 where it still operates even today.

In 1966, Emerson Electric purchased Ridgid and made it a wholly-owned subsidiary. Up to today, Ridgid is best known for its popular red pipe wrench. The tools it sells are for specializations within plumbing, pipe-fitting, construction, etc.

Today, Ridgid is a global company committed to offering lightweight, productive power tools. The company has even expanded its reach into Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-enabled devices. They offer digital tools that can work through a user’s smartphone. 

Makita Vs. Ridgid Comparison

Now that we are well-informed on the histories of both Makita and Ridgid, let’s do a head-to-head comparison. Here it goes: 

Pricing

makita screwdriver tool

One of the biggest considerations to consider, especially as a beginner, is price.

Well, I’m here to let you know that pricing here doesn’t matter as much. When it comes to pricing between them, there is no significant difference.

However, you will realize that Makita tools are slightly cheaper in comparison.

Power

ridgid tools

Here’s where you will find a little bit of a difference between these tools. Both manufacturers offer tools that are 18 Volts and utilize Lithium-Ion batteries. With that said, a Makita impact driver will provide 1,460 lbs. of torque while a Ridgid will offer 2,000 lbs.

A Makita hammer drill provides 480 lbs. while the Rigid counterpart will provide 780 lbs. A Makita reciprocating saw will offer 2,800 strokes per minute. A Ridgid will offer 3,000 strokes per minute.

Although these are just examples, they do give you a rough idea of where each power tool is at when it comes to power.

Warranty

Warranty is another crucial determining factor. Ridgid offers a lifetime warranty on all its products. If you ever have a problem with your tool, you can simply return it to the company. They’ll either issue a full refund or offer you a replacement.

Makita, on the other hand, slaps a 3-year warranty on most of their products. It’s a decent warranty period. Within these 3 years, you will have probably replaced a defunct part or got the tool repaired.

While Makita’s warranty period is not as great as Ridgid’s, you are not paying extra for a potentially long warranty that you may never use.

Battery

makita cordless tools

Cordless power tools offer a great deal of flexibility. You can use them on sites without an outlet. You can reach spaces you wouldn’t otherwise reach. Among others. If you do choose to go cordless, I recommend getting a tool with a fast battery charger and a battery that lasts.

When it comes to battery capacity, you will notice a bit of difference between Makita and Ridgid. Ridgid offers a battery capacity of 5Ah while Makita offers a battery capacity of 4Ah. Makita batteries also charge faster than Ridgid batteries. This can mean a great difference if you are in a rush.

Makita batteries also come with special features that prevent their batteries from overheating.

Product Line

Makita has a very broad range of products, especially rechargeable tools. Makita started selling rechargeable tools way before other companies even started. They have more than 50 categories of cordless tools. This includes drills, circular saws, sanders, routers, and even a coffee maker! 

Ridgid too has its selection of both corded and cordless tools. However, their selection is not as large as that of Makita. But, they do have all the essential needs that you might want. The majority of their product lines include cleaning tools, pipe threading equipment, wet and dry HVACs, etc.

With that said, we are now going to take a look at some of the best products sold by each brand. Unfortunately, I can’t make a tool-for-tool comparison. And even if I did, it would be too large to place here.

What to Consider Before You Buy

set of makita tools

Before you can buy any of the brand and brand products listed above, you will need to think about a few things. They include:

Cost

First and foremost, buying a power tool is an investment. Unfortunately, all power tools are depreciating assets. What that means is that once you buy one, you will never be able to re-sell it at a higher price ever again.

Therefore, you need to take great care before committing to buying a particular tool. Additionally, you want to make sure that you stay well within your budget. But most importantly, you need to make sure that you are getting your money’s worth.

Quality

You may or may not have heard of this, but dealing with tough materials is often a struggle. For starters, I learned that an old building is old for a reason. They were built to last through time, withstanding all manner of elements.

Their surfaces and foundations of compositions and structures are super-solid. Therefore, you are going to need even tougher power tools to make your work easier.

Ensure that all your tools have the following qualities; strength, power, and durability.

Brand Name

And coming in last is the brand name. There is a reason why both Makita and Ridgid are household brands. They just didn’t come into existence and everyone loved them. Their rise to the top came from years of offering top-quality products that most workers love.

Therefore, don’t be dismissive of brand-name products. Both brands owe their high prices due to demand for their products in the market.

If you’re doing DIY home renovations, I would recommend going with a brand that all professionals use. You will find them both effective and dependable at their work.

Summary

Both Makita and Ridgid are worthy & reputable brands from beginning to end. Thus, choosing between them is super difficult. Even so, I have to admit that I did find myself leaning more towards Makita. 

I appreciate the added advantage of having a lifetime warranty offered by Ridgid. But, the quality of Makita tools is off the charts. Their portfolio breadth of tools alone makes investing in them worth it. And have I mentioned that the majority of their tools share batteries?

Also, I’m a sucker for aesthetics. I find beauty, even in power tools, very alluring. And the innovative designs of Makita just seem to catch my eyes every time. Don’t even get me started on the ease with which Makita tools can be handled.

However, with that said, here are reasons why you should consider buying any of the above brands.

Why Should You Buy Makita Products?

As I said earlier, Makita products have the best & innovative designs in the market. Their tools are light, comfortable to hold, and simple to store. They are praised for having very durable tools too. If you buy a Makita product, chances are that you will use them for several years to come.

Why Should You Buy Ridgid Products?

The biggest selling point of Ridgid products is their lifetime warranty. Not to mention, they manufacture pretty solid and durable products. However, as always, no tool’s 100% perfect. But, with Ridgid, you can return a defunct tool and get a refund or a replacement.

Photo of author

Barry Gray

Hi, I’m Barry. I’ve loved woodworking and bringing things back to life for more years than I care to remember. I hope my passion for tools comes across loud and clear in everything you read here on The Tool Square.

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