Ridgid Flat Soapstone Holder

When you’re working on projects that require precise marking on metal or masonry, having a reliable soapstone holder can make all the difference. I recently had the opportunity to test out the Ridgid Flat Soapstone Holder (model RFSSH), and I have to say, my experience with this tool has been quite mixed.

Design and Build Quality

The Ridgid soapstone holder features a straightforward, utilitarian design. It’s constructed from 1/4 inch (6.35mm) flat steel and has a channel case design intended to securely hold flat soapstone. The tool also comes with a spring-loaded pocket clip, which is supposed to help keep it accessible and secure when you’re on the move.

At first glance, the build quality seemed decent enough for a tool of this nature. However, upon closer inspection and during actual use, I found some aspects of the design to be less than ideal. The channel meant to hold the soapstone appears to be a bit too loose, requiring some minor adjustments with a pair of pliers to tighten it up. While this isn’t a dealbreaker, it does add an extra step before the tool is fully functional.

Practical Use and Performance

Once I had made the necessary adjustments, I took the soapstone holder through its paces on several projects, primarily marking steel and masonry. This tool excels in providing good marking control, allowing for precise lines that are easy to wipe off without leaving any permanent traces. This feature is incredibly valuable when marking materials for cutting or welding, as it ensures that your work is both accurate and clean.

However, I did encounter some issues with the tool’s durability and functionality. The tensioner, which is supposed to keep the soapstone in place, often failed to maintain tension. This resulted in the soapstone frequently falling out, which can be a significant annoyance, particularly when you’re in the middle of a task. Additionally, extending and retracting the soapstone sometimes ground the edges down, which felt like the tool was eating away at the soapstone rather than preserving it.

Portability and Convenience

One of the key features of this soapstone holder is its spring-loaded pocket clip, designed for easy attachment to your shirt pocket or tool belt. In theory, this should make the tool convenient to carry around, but in practice, the execution leaves something to be desired. The clip is held in place by bent tabs that can poke you, making it somewhat uncomfortable to carry. Moreover, if the clip isn’t securely attached, there’s a risk that the holder—and by extension, the soapstone—might fall out.

Despite these shortcomings, the holder does have its merits. It’s particularly useful for professionals who need to mark materials frequently and require a tool that’s ready to go right out of the package. The Ridgid soapstone holder does offer good marking control and eliminates the hassle of broken stones, which is a common issue when carrying soapstone loose in your pocket.

Durability Concerns

Durability is a significant concern with this soapstone holder. In my experience, the tool seemed flimsy, and I was worried about its longevity from the get-go. Unfortunately, these concerns were validated when the holder fell apart within a couple of days of use. The thumb wheel, which is presumably one of the more expensive components, didn’t tighten properly, rendering it almost useless. This aspect of the tool’s design definitely needs improvement.

Price and Value

While the Ridgid soapstone holder offers some useful features, it’s hard to overlook its drawbacks, especially given its price point. The tool is marketed at a premium price, which doesn’t quite align with the overall quality and durability issues I encountered. For the cost, I would expect a more robust and reliable product.

Final Thoughts

The Ridgid Flat Soapstone Holder has several advantages, including good marking control, ease of use, and the convenience of having a spring-loaded pocket clip. However, these benefits are somewhat overshadowed by the tool’s durability issues and the need for initial adjustments to make it functional.

Would I recommend this tool? If you’re in a pinch and need a soapstone holder quickly, it might be worth considering, but be prepared for some potential frustrations. For those who rely heavily on marking tools for their daily work, I would suggest looking into other options that offer better durability and reliability. The Ridgid soapstone holder has potential, but it falls short in some critical areas that are hard to ignore.

In summary, while the Ridgid Flat Soapstone Holder has its merits, the issues with its build quality and durability make it difficult to fully recommend. If these aspects were addressed in future iterations, it could very well become a go-to tool for professionals. But as it stands, I would advise potential buyers to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a purchase.