RIDGID recently introduced the RIDGID JobMax tool system that they’ve touted as the master of all trades. It’s definitely unique to the market and offers two attachments, the oscillating multi-tool and auto-hammer, that we haven’t seen in a multi-functional tool.
Hits: Sturdy design, Slim profile, Variety of attachments, Ease of use
Misses: Sander, Battery life
Uses: Cutting out drywall, shaving nail heads, light sanding, driving nuts and screws, hammering nails
Beyond the oscillating and auto-hammer attachments the JobMax has a 3/8″ ratchet head, impact driver and right-angle drill attachment. The multi-tool attachment offers the most possibilities as it offers a wood/metal cutting blade, segment saw blade and sanding pad and paper. We also like the included adapter that will allow the JobMax to accept multi-tool attachments from Fein, Dremel and Bosch.
The tool heads all offer 4 different positions and attaching them is as simple as depressing a button and letting the heads slide on and off.
The tool and heads all feel very solid in construction and also have considerable heft, especially the impact driver. For a 12V tool it does seem on the heavy and bulkier side. The battery is compact and it comes with a standard easy to use charger. The battery did die out a bit sooner than we expected on a light sanding job in comparison to the sanding attachment on our Craftsman. Having an extra battery is definitely a good investment with any cordless tool.
We think smaller hands might have a bit of trouble holding the JobMax but we found the trigger pull to be smooth and the variable power ramped up nicely. The “stick” profile of the JobMax allowed us to use the trigger with both our fingers or thumb if needed and we’re sure this design allows you to get at hard to reach places that a typical “gun” profile would have trouble with.
RIDGID has a strong reputation for making solid tools and the JobMax is no exception. At this point we’d recommend the starter kit which includes the JobMax and the oscillating multi-tool attachment.
We’ve found the JobMax starter kit as part of a special offer from Home Depot that includes a free attachment of your choice. This special starter kit is offered in five different configurations from Home Depot and retails at $99.
Our video review of the RIDGID JobMax
More photos of the the RIDGID JobMax
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