The Ridgid R8642 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw is a brushless cutting tool with many useful features
What We Like
- Battery-powered with 18v batteries per minute
- Adjustable shoe and sightline blower
- Brushless power motor
- Orbital control switch
- Tool free foot adjustment
- Ergonomic design and rubber grip
- Strong, rust-free blade
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
- No batteries or charger included
Bottom Line
The Ridgid R8642 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw review above shows that it has some unique features that you will not find on many reciprocating saws in the same price range.
A typical example is the orbital action control switch. Only the best reciprocating saws come with this feature. This switch makes it easier for you to cut through wood faster without sacrificing accuracy. The device is designed ergonomically so you will always be comfortable using it and the motor is functional as well.
However, the batteries that you require for the Ridgid R8642 18 Volt Reciprocating Saw don’t come with the package. Secondly, the price is on the high side.
Ridgid is one of the best manufacturers of cutting power tools in the industry. They are the go-to company for anyone who is looking for a set of power tools for home and commercial woodworking projects.
One of their best products is the Ridgid R8642 18V Reciprocating Saw. As you’ll see in our Ridgid R8642 Gen5X 18V Lithium Ion Cordless Reciprocating Saw review, this handheld cutting tool has what it takes to help you make smooth and accurate cuts irrespective of your level of woodworking experience.
It does not matter if you have years of experience in the woodworking industry or you’re just starting in your garage. You’ll be able to use this simple tool without any help from others.
However, being easy to use is just one of the many advantages of using the Ridgid R8642 18V Reciprocating Saw.
Related Reading: Makita JR3050T Reciprocating Saw
Features of the Ridgid R8642 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Orbital Control Switch
Power tools help speed up word working projects. The more features a tool has, the more efficient it will be, and the faster you will complete your projects.
The orbital action control is one of those features that make the Ridgid R8642 18V Reciprocating Saw faster than saws that don’t have this feature. When you switch on the orbital action feature, it introduces an elliptical motion on the blades.
This is better than the back and forth motion for making certain delicate cuts. It also happens to be more aggressive so it is a great option for tough materials. It’s important to note that the orbital control switch is not too ideal for cutting metal.
Also, the orbital action option makes the saw vibrate more than when you’re using the regular straight cut motion. So, watch out for this.
Adjustable Shoe and SightLine Blower
The Ridgid R8642 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw comes with an adjustable shoe that gives you ample access to different parts of the blade. Thanks to this feature, you will get better control of every cut you make with the saw.
You can use the adjustable shoe as a fulcrum for even more precision. The best thing about this adjustable shoe is that the adjustment is quick and efficient. All you have to do is pull the release lever that is beneath the front of the housing.
So, there isn’t too much work involved in making the required adjustments. The sightline blower helps you make precise cuts because it ensures that you keep track of the cut line.
It is an important feature that comes in handy during horizontal cuts but not so much when you’re making overhead cuts or vertical cuts. The line of sight blower keeps debris away from your wood.
Battery-powered With 18v Batteries
The Ridgid R8642 18V Reciprocating Saw is battery-powered but the batteries last longer than the batteries on many other reciprocating saws. The saw requires two Hyper Octane batteries. Apart from the commendable power, these batteries are also Bluetooth compatible.
So, you can track battery life with your phone. Everything from diagnostic options, control, and full-scale tracking can also be controlled with your phone.
However, it is important to note that the batteries don’t come with the package. After spending almost $160 for the bare tool, you will need to spend another $150 for a pair of 6.0 Ah batteries required for the Ridgid R8642 18V Saw to work.
We’ve not even mentioned the amount you’ll need to spend on a charger. So, you can understand why buying the Ridgid R8642 18V Reciprocating Saw is expensive.
Brushless Motor and Rust Free Blade
The motor on the Ridgid R8642 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw is brushless so it comes with all the benefits you’d expect to get from such a motor.
Since there are no brushes on the motor, there is less friction. The motor is less likely to overheat and it is low maintenance. The Led light on the device allows you to get extra light for more accurate cuts when you’re in a relatively dark room.
The blade is made of high-quality rust-resistant steel. While you’ll eventually have to change it, it will last for a long time. It comes with tool free foot adjustment. The feature conserves your reciprocating saw blades, letting you work longer and replace your blades less frequently. When you need to change the blade, getting a replacement can be done online or from any hardware store.
The handle of the saw is also amazing thanks to the ergonomic design and rubber overmold. The side buffers also have rubber overmold ensuring that the material remains mar free.
Related Reading: Makita XRJ05Z 18V LXT Reciprocating Saw
Ridgid R8642 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw Review The Verdict
Our Ridgid R8642 Gen5X 18V Lithium Ion Reciprocating Saw review shows that it is a great option for anyone who needs a power tool with an orbital action control feature. Apart from this feature, many other things make it an ideal handheld tool.
So, it’s not a surprise that it is one of Ridgid’s finest power tools. The brushless motor is also a plus. It makes the tool a low maintenance option. However, the original purchase is expensive.
Spending more than $300 before you can use a handheld saw to work is discouraging. If the batteries and chargers came in the entire package for about $200 it would have been more affordable.
