Ridgid Grease Gun

As a mechanic who regularly services a variety of equipment, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with different grease guns. Recently, I got my hands on the Ridgid R860445B Grease Gun, and it has quickly become an essential part of my toolkit. This review will take you through my experience with this grease gun, highlighting its features, performance, and any drawbacks I encountered.

Design and Build Quality

The Ridgid Grease Gun is built with a robust design that immediately feels durable. Weighing in at 8.38 lbs, it's heavier than some other models I’ve used, but this added weight signals quality and sturdiness. The tool comes with a 39-inch flexible hose, which is a game-changer for accessing those hard-to-reach areas. The right-angle coupler further enhances its versatility, allowing me to grease fittings that are often a pain to reach.

Features

One of the standout features of this grease gun is its 2-speed design. This allows you to switch between maximum flow rate and maximum pressure, depending on your needs. The maximum operating pressure is an impressive 10,000 PSI, which is more than adequate for most heavy-duty applications. The maximum flow rate of 9 oz./minute ensures that large jobs can be completed quickly.

Another feature that caught my attention is the pre-set grease counter dial. This allows for precise application, which is particularly useful when you need to apply a specific amount of grease. Additionally, the air bleeder valve is a thoughtful inclusion, making it easier to prime the gun and avoid air pockets that can disrupt the flow of grease.

Performance

In terms of performance, the Ridgid Grease Gun exceeded my expectations. The high-pressure capability is ideal for pushing out old, stubborn grease, and the 2-speed option provides excellent control over the application. I used it to service a fleet of garbage trucks, and the long-lasting battery allowed me to work for four days on a single charge. This is a significant improvement over manual grease guns, which often require frequent re-priming and can be tiring to use over extended periods.

The lock-on/off trigger is another feature that reduces fatigue, allowing for continuous operation without the need to hold down the trigger constantly. This is particularly useful when you have multiple grease points to service in one go.

Ease of Use

The Ridgid Grease Gun is user-friendly and ergonomically designed. The flexible hose and right-angle coupler make it easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces. The tool came assembled and ready to use, and the air bleed function is straightforward, simplifying the process of changing grease cartridges.

However, I did encounter some minor issues. For instance, the grease rod does not retract automatically after loading a new tube of grease, which can be cumbersome. Additionally, while the tool is generally easy to use, it does have a learning curve when it comes to controlling the amount of grease dispensed, especially if you’re used to manual grease guns.

Drawbacks

While the Ridgid Grease Gun performs admirably, it’s not without its flaws. One issue I noticed is that it can sometimes leak grease when coupled on a grease fitting. This isn't a deal-breaker, but it can be messy and wasteful, particularly if you're using high-quality grease that’s expensive.

Another drawback is the lack of a hard carrying case. Given the tool’s weight and the likelihood of transporting it between job sites, a hard case would have been a valuable addition. Transporting it without a case can be inconvenient, especially after it has been used and may have residual grease on it.

Warranty and Registration

One of the major selling points of the Ridgid Grease Gun is its Lifetime Service Agreement, covering the tool, battery, and charger. This is an excellent feature that provides peace of mind and ensures that you’ll likely never need to buy another grease gun. However, the registration process can be cumbersome. I had some difficulty registering my tool on the Ridgid website, which was frustrating. It’s essential to ensure that your tool is registered to take full advantage of the lifetime warranty.

Conclusion

Overall, the Ridgid R860445B Grease Gun is a robust and reliable tool that offers excellent performance for both professional mechanics and heavy-duty DIYers. Its high-pressure capability, 2-speed design, and user-friendly features make it a valuable addition to any toolkit. While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as occasional grease leakage and a cumbersome registration process, these are relatively minor issues compared to the tool’s overall performance and durability.

I would highly recommend the Ridgid Grease Gun to anyone who needs a reliable, high-performance tool for greasing equipment. Its combination of power, precision, and ease of use makes it stand out in a crowded market. The lifetime warranty is the icing on the cake, ensuring that this tool will serve you well for years to come.