Last September Ridgid launched the innovative RE 6 Tool System for Electricians which can cut cable up to 750 MCM (Cu/Al), crimp without needing dies and punch holes into electrical boxes up to 3.5”. While Ridgid has made a name for themselves with innovative products in the plumbing and mechanical trades they have always had a much smaller offering for professional electricians. While the Ridgid RE 6 had great response and a lot of interest, the price has been user’s main objection.
Many people looking for a new tool simply didn’t need to replace all 3 tool at once so there was not an immediate saving vs buying just a new less expensive single function tool which might need replaced, like a GreenLee Die-Less Crimp ($3699), GreenLee Cable Cutter ($1349) or Milwaukee M18 Knockout Set ($1549). For the time being, at least until end of June, the new RE 6 kits drop in price, $800 drop for the 3 Head kit, $600 on 2 Head Kits and $400 for single head kits.
The Ridgid RE 6 Crimping, Cutting, Knockout 3 Head Kit 44343 ($3837) is still a significant investment but much more competitively priced now especially if you’re in the market for a die-less crimp tool. Of course the convenience and productivity is the huge opportunity with the Ridgid RE 6 system. It would be hard to measure the benefit of having a cable cutter and die-less crimper on hand every time you went to grab a knockout set but it should save untold trips back to the van and/or shop. There are also options to start with just the RE 6 die-less single head 46828 ($2952) or RE 6 Kit with Die-Less head and Cutter Head 44348 ($3470) but at that point might as well go for the whole shebang even if you’ve got a knockout head, can’t hurt to have a backup.
None of the RE 6 sets come with knockout punch and dies however so it would seem there is some thought that this system might be an upgrade/replacement for many electricians who would already have knockout sets. Of course the RE 6 knockout head is compatible with any other common thread punch and dies and Ridgid does offer some standard punch and die sets.
Of course the pros at Ohio Power Tool 800-242-4424 are always available to help compare various lines and options of electricians tools from Ridgid, GreenLee, Current Tool, Milwaukee and many others.
