Ridgid Cordless Router
Tired of being tripped up by the cord on your trim router? Then it’s time to consider this 18v option.
Dealing with the cord while maintaining control is one of the biggest challenges of using a router. It’s awful when you’re making a cut or profiling an edge and the cord gets snagged, pulling the router off course or burning the workpiece. The cordless Ridgid R86044 with its brushless, 18v motor is an elegant solution to the problem of dealing with router cords. The tool, which can be easily used one-handed, features a variable speed motor (17,000 rpm to 25,000 rpm) and on-board LED lighting to improve visibility. Sold in both bare tool and kit versions, it has a quick-release motor with micro-adjustable depth of cut. The kit version includes a 2.0 amp/hour battery and a charger.
Ridgid 18v Brushless Compact Router
Product number: R86044
Price: $99 (bare tool); $129 (with battery and charger)
Senior editor Patrick McCombe has been testing power tools on behalf of national publications for more than 15 years, and he regularly meets with product manufacturers to try out new introductions. In the Tool Tech series, Patrick reviews the latest tools and materials, discusses building technology, and shows time-tested techniques for better, more-efficient home building. Consider becoming an online member to watch other Tool Tech videos.
