Who Makes Ridgid Tools For Home Depot In 2024? A Home Improvement Expert‘s Insights
As a home improvement expert who has worked with all kinds of power tools, I often get asked – who makes the Ridgid tools sold at Home Depot?
Ridgid has been one of Home Depot‘s signature brands for over 15 years. While Home Depot has a variety of "house brands," Ridgid tools have always stood out for their quality and performance.
In this article, I‘ll share my in-depth knowledge on the background of Ridgid tools, their manufacturing, and how they stack up against competitors. Let‘s dive in!
A Brief History of the Ridgid Tool Brand
Ridgid tools first emerged in 1923 with the Ridge Tool Company based out of Ohio. They patented the iconic Ridgid pipe wrench that year, eventually expanding into a broader line of hand tools and power tools.
In 1966, Ridgid was acquired by Emerson Electric Co., a U.S. manufacturing firm. This kept Ridgid under American ownership for decades. However, in 2004, Emerson sold the licensing rights to Hong Kong-based Techtronic Industries (TTI).
This is a common trend in the tool industry – brands once made-in-America end up getting produced overseas under new parent companies. For example, Craftsman went from being American-made to being owned by Stanley Black & Decker and produced mainly in China.
So Who Actually Makes Ridgid Tools Now?
While the Ridgid brand is still owned by Emerson, the tools themselves are manufactured by TTI.
TTI produces them at factories in China, then imports the tools for sale at Home Depot. Some assembly takes place at TTI‘s South Carolina facility as well.
Ridgid joined other TTI brands like Milwaukee, Ryobi, and Hoover that have experienced similar shifts to offshore production. This allows TTI to make the tools at higher volumes and lower costs.
At the same time, TTI has maintained much of Ridgid‘s original quality and warranty support. So you still get well-built tools backed by lifetime service and support.
How Ridgid Tools Stack Up to Other Home Depot Brands
| Brand | Owner | Price Range | Target User |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ridgid | Emerson (made by TTI) | Medium ($100 – $800) | Home DIYers and Contractors |
| Ryobi | TTI | Low ($100 – $400) | Home DIYers/Consumers |
| Milwaukee | TTI | High ($200 – $1000+) | Professionals/Tradespeople |
| Husky | Home Depot | Low ($50 – $250) | Home DIYers/Consumers |
As you can see, Ridgid fills an important niche in Home Depot‘s tool lineup. They offer an affordable step up from entry-level brands like Ryobi and Husky. Ridgid gives home DIYers pro-like quality without the high price tag of professional brands like Milwaukee.
Ridgid‘s Bestselling Tools at Home Depot
Based on my own experience and Home Depot sales data, some of Ridgid‘s most popular tools include:
Table Saws – The Ridgid R4520 table saw ($600) outsells competitors, thanks to nice extras like an onboard storage crate.
Miter Saws – Ridgid‘s 12" sliding miter saw ($400) often ranks among the top-selling models. It even edges out competitors like Dewalt.
Combo Kits – Ridgid‘s 18V cordless combo kit ($299) with drill/driver, impact driver, LED light, batteries, and charger is a great bang-for-your-buck setup.
Wet/Dry Vacs – Ridgid‘s 16 gallon vacs have strong suction and quality construction that makes them a go-to for pros and DIYers.
These core categories show that Ridgid delivers performance and reliability homeowners need for common projects – all at reasonable prices.
Should You Choose Ridgid Tools at Home Depot?
In my experience, Ridgid tools stand out from the pack of House Brands at Home Depot. While brands like Husky or Hart are decent starter tools, Ridgid offers clear upgrades in power, quality, and features.
Between their thoughtful design, robust motors, and lifetime warranty, Ridgid tools are worth the small premium over entry-level brands. You‘ll get your money‘s worth out of them.
So if you‘re looking for new tools at Home Depot, I would certainly give Ridgid strong consideration alongside competitors like Dewalt, Makita, and Milwaukee. They give you professional capability priced for regular homeowners.
Hope this overview gives you a better understanding of who makes those familiar red Ridgid tools in Home Depot‘s tool aisle! Let me know if you have any other home improvement questions.
