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Ridgid 18V SubCompact Drill — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home Rechargeable DrillsRidgid 18V SubCompact Drill

Ridgid 18V SubCompact Drill — image 1

Ridgid

Ridgid 18V SubCompact Drill

Out of Stock

R87012K-A

About this product

Lightweight Design. Heavyweight Performance. Pair with MAX Output batteries for maximum power. Powerful Brushless Motor delivers 500 in./lbs. of torque and 0-450 / 0-1,750 (RPM). 15% lighter weight when compared to R86114 18V Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver. 25% more compact when compared to R86114 18V Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver. 24-position clutch to match torque to application.

Key Features

Lightweight Design. Heavyweight Performance. Pair with MAX Output batteries for maximum power.
Powerful Brushless Motor delivers 500 in./lbs. of torque and 0-450 / 0-1,750 (RPM). 15% lighter weight when compared to R86114 18V Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver.
25% more compact when compared to R86114 18V Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver. 24-position clutch to match torque to application.
2-speed gearbox to match power and speed to application. LED Light for improved visibility in low-light situations.
Includes: R87012 18V SubCompact Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver, (2) 2.0 Ah batteries, charger, belt hook with screw, driving bit, and tool bag

Expert Review Analysis

The RIDGID R87012K is a sub-compact 18V brushless cordless drill/driver designed for lightweight, high-performance drilling in tight spaces. It features 500 in./lbs. of torque, a 2-speed gearbox up to 1,750 RPM, and is 25% lighter and 15% more compact than its predecessor. The kit includes two 2.0 Ah batteries and is compatible with the broader RIDGID 18V ecosystem.

✓ Best for: DIYers, beginners building a RIDGID/Home Depot ecosystem, and pros needing a lightweight drill for overhead or tight-space work like furniture assembly, cabinetry, or light jobsite drilling.✗ Not ideal for: Users requiring maximum driving torque for heavy-duty construction or all-day heavy jobsite tasks where full-size drills are preferred.

Pros

✓Excellent drilling performance in wood, spade bits, and sheet metal tasks
✓Compact 6.25-inch length allows for easy maneuverability in tight spaces
✓Lightweight 2 lb 15.5 oz design reduces user fatigue during overhead work

Best Seller Rank History

Now#356Best#89Worst#382 -267

Lower = better sales rank

Rating Trend

Rating5.0/ 5Reviews3+1 reviews

Specifications

Accessories

Included ChargerYes

Included Tool BagYes

Included BitsYes

Included Belt HookYes

Battery

Battery Capacity2.0 Ah mAh

Battery TypeLithium-ion

Number of Batteries2

Controls

Clutch Positions24-position

Chuck Size1/2 in. mm

Chuck TypeKeyless

Features

LED LightYes

Belt ClipYes

Bit HolderYes

Battery TabsLarge

Ecosystem Compatibility100% compatible with all RIDGID 18V batteries/tools/chargers

General

Length6.25 inches mm

BrandRIDGID

Weight2 lb 15.5 oz g

ManufacturerRIDGID

ModelR87012K-A

Performance

Torque500 in./lbs. Nm

Maximum Speed0-450/0-1,750 RPM RPM

Speed Settings2-speed

Power

Motor TypeBrushless

Voltage18V V

Research Sources

powertools.ridgid.com

powertools.ridgid.com

techgearlab.com

powertools.ridgid.com

powertools.ridgid.com

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User Reviews

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Rechargeable Drills Cordless Drill/Driver Sets

✓Quick battery swapping with large tabs and compatibility with all 18V tools

✓Strong balance of drilling power, battery life, and overall convenience

✓Includes LED light for improved visibility in dark work areas

Cons

✗Weaker driving performance compared to top full-size competitors
✗Not the absolute best overall tool for comprehensive heavy-duty use
✗Limited torque output for heavy driving tasks compared to larger drills
✗Subpar driving ability noted by professional reviewers in testing

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓Rivals top models in wood, spade bit, and sheet metal drilling tests
✓Excellent battery life and convenience features for daily use
✓Significant weight reduction and compactness compared to prior models
✓Strong performance in demanding drilling tasks like hole saws

Criticized by Experts

✗Subpar driving ability compared to higher-performing rival tools
✗Trades some driving torque and speed for compactness and portability
✗Not recommended as the primary tool for users needing max power

From User Reviews

Users Love

✓Praised for powerful 500 in./lbs. torque in a lightweight package
✓Easy handling and maneuverability for tight spaces and cabinetry
✓Reliable brushless motor provides consistent performance
✓Good visibility from the integrated LED light during use

Users Complain About

✗Underperforms in heavy driving tasks compared to full-size drills
✗Some users note it is not ideal for all-day heavy jobsite work

Expert Opinion

TechGearLab gave the RIDGID R87012K a strong score for drilling performance, battery life, and convenience, noting it rivals top models in wood and metal tests. However, reviewers highlighted its subpar driving ability and recommended it primarily for Home Depot shoppers starting a RIDGID set or those needing a compact tool, rather than as a top-tier all-around performer.

What Users Say

Home Depot users rate the tool 4.7/5, praising its power, compactness, and lightweight design for demanding tasks. Common themes include easy handling in tight spaces, reliable brushless motor performance, and good LED visibility. Recurring complaints are limited but align with expert views, noting it underperforms in heavy driving versus full-size drills.

Common Complaints

Underperforms in heavy driving tasks compared to full-size drills.

How It Compares

vs. RIDGID R86114

Advantages

✓25% lighter and 15% more compact than the R86114

Disadvantages

✗R86114 is a prior model with less optimized compactness

Choose the R87012K for better portability and modern brushless efficiency over the older R86114.

vs. RIDGID R860010K

Advantages

✓More compact and lightweight than the full-size R860010K

Disadvantages

✗R860010K has higher max speed (1,850 RPM) and metal ratcheting chuck

Choose the R860010K for heavy all-day jobsite durability, but pick the R87012K for tight spaces.