Ridgid (Tools)
ActiveOverview
Ridgid is a manufacturer of hand, power, and plumbing tools targeted at plumbing, pipe fitting, construction, and HVAC trades. It produces over 300 tools, including its iconic red pipe wrenches, with power tools largely made by TTI and wet/dry vacs by Emerson. The brand operates globally in over 140 countries from its headquarters in Elyria, Ohio.
History
The Ridge Tool Company was founded in 1923 in North Ridgeville, Ohio, with the invention of the heavy-duty straight pipe wrench. It relocated to Elyria, Ohio, in 1943 and became a wholly owned subsidiary of Emerson Electric in 1966. Key milestones include developing threading machines in the 1940s-1950s, launching www.ridgid.com in 1997, entering the pressing market with the CT-400 in 1999, and adding inspection cameras like the SeeSnake microReel in 2007.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pipe Wrenches (heavy-duty straight pattern) | Professional plumbing and pipe fitting | $20 - $200 |
| Threading Machines (portable models like 300/535) | On-site pipe threading for trades | $1,000 - $5,000 |
| Press Tools (CT-series) | Pipe pressing for plumbing installations | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Drain Cleaning Machines | Professional drain and sewer maintenance | $300 - $4,000 |
| Inspection Cameras (SeeSnake) | Video inspection for pipes and voids | $200 - $15,000 |
| Cordless Power Tools (drills, saws) | Battery-powered for construction trades | $150 - $1,800 |
Manufacturing
Ridgid maintains manufacturing in Elyria, Ohio, its world headquarters with corporate offices and production facilities. It has expanded operations globally, including facilities in Europe and other locations. Power tools are produced by TTI, while the company distributes them under the Ridgid brand.
Notable Products
- Heavy-Duty Straight Pipe Wrench - Iconic red-handled wrench introduced in 1923, standard for plumbing trades.
- Model 535 Threading Machine - Portable automatic threading machine developed in 1957 for pipes up to 2 inches.
- CT-400 Press Tool - Introduced in 1999, leading press tool for copper and steel piping.
- SeeSnake microReel - Compact inspection camera launched in 2007 for tight spaces.
- Model 300 Compact Threading Machine - Lightweight manual threading machine from 1959 for field use.
Reputation
Ridgid is regarded by professionals in plumbing and construction for durable pipe tools and wrenches, with a lifetime service agreement enhancing reliability. Enthusiasts praise its innovation in threading and pressing tools, where it holds leading positions. Criticisms include power tools being manufactured by TTI, sometimes seen as less robust than hand tools bearing the core Ridgid name.