5 new RIDGID 'NUKE' tools that finally fill the gaps in the 18V lineup

Published Oct 15, 2026, 8:30 AM EDT Cory Gunther is a senior author and Newsletter Editor at Valnet, covering cutting-edge tech, Android, and more for How-To Geek. He's covered Android, cars, and technology for over a decade. When he's not reviewing the latest gadget, you can find him off-roading in his Toyota truck, fixing said truck, or doing something outdoors with friends and family. He's covered CES, SEMA, and MWC and reviewed countless phones, TVs, speakers, EVs, e-bikes, and more. Before Valnet, Cory worked for GottaBeMobile. His writing has also appeared on SlashGear, InputMag, and AndroidCentral. He's written over 9,000 articles. In case you haven't heard, Home Depot launched an all-new RIDGID Nuke subcompact tool line this summer to take on Ryobi and Milwaukee. These are powerful, compact new tools with the same Lifetime Service Agreement that RIDGID is known for. Initially, only 7 tools were available, but over the last few weeks, several new models have made their way to store shelves. If you're a fan of RIDGID or bought some of its sleek new 18V Nuke line back in July, you'll be happy to hear that some must-have tools have finally arrived, or are coming soon. With that in mind, here are some capable new RIDGID tools worth adding to your collection. RIDGID Nuke 18V Brushless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver combo The most popular 2-tool set is finally available At launch, only seven tools were available in eight different configurations. Then, within a few weeks, we started to see more 18V Nuke Subcompact Brushless tools released, including some combo kits. However, the all-important hammer drill and impact driver never arrived, until now. There was a regular drill/driver, but this new release (RNKSCK202) has a hammer drill and a 4-speed impact driver, making it an essential kit for any homeowner, DIYer, or professional. You're getting two of the most popular tools for drilling holes, hammering into brick or hard materials, and assembling just about anything. Then, there's a rugged yet small 18V 4-mode impact driver for all your fasteners. The kit comes with both cordless power tools, a carry case, two battery packs, and a high-speed charger for $269 at Home Depot. RIDGID 18V Nuke Subcompact Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo This new combo kit for RIGDID's latest 18V Nuke Subcompact line of power tools gets you a Hammer Drill, 4-mode Impact Driver, two battery packs, a charger, and a carry case, all for one low price. RIDGID Nuke 18V Subcompact High-Speed Blower Endless airflow in a tiny package Credit: RIDGID For those unaware, RIDGID is owned by the same company that owns Ryobi and Milwaukee. As a result, we occasionally see some overlap. A prime example is this powerful new 18V brushless high-speed blower, which is quite similar to the popular Milwaukee version, albeit with a little less power. The RIDGID Nuke 18V Blower delivers 40 CFM of airflow at up to 350 MPH in a tiny package that's perfect for cleaning up your job site, workspace, and more. It doesn't have as many attachments as the Milwaukee, and it's not available quite yet, but you'll be able to find it exclusively at Home Depot in the coming weeks. RIDGID Nuke 18V One-Handed Reciprocating Saw Cut just about anything Credit: RIDGID Milwaukee pioneered the original Sawzall in the 1950s and even owns a trademark on the name. That's why every other brand calls them a reciprocating saw. A few years ago, Team Red did it again with a smaller, balanced, easier-to-use, one-handed sawzall called a Hackzall. Naturally, that same type of tool is making its way to other brands, and that now includes the RIGDID Nuke line. If you love your Recip saw that can cut through just about anything, but wish it were a bit smaller and easier to manage one-handed, you'll love this variation. Like everything in the Nuke line, it has a strong brushless motor, works with any RIDGID 18V battery (not just Nuke packs), and is now at Home Depot for $139. RIDGID 18V Nuke Subcompact Reciprocating Saw $139 $149 Save $10 Get up to 3,200 SPM with the compact, powerful, brushless RIDGID Nuke one-handed reciprocating saw. Cut, scrape, sand, and grind Credit: RIDGID Another common household tool missing from the lineup at launch was the oscillating multi-tool. Thankfully, it's now here, smaller than ever, and thanks to the brushless motor, it should still be a solid tool with fewer vibrations than older RIDGID models. While professionals love the oscillating multi-tool, many homeowners and DIYers overlook it, but that's a mistake. The little guy has replaceable head attachments and can oscillate 20,000 times per minute. This makes it great for cutting, sanding, scraping, and more. They're great for remodeling, removing grout or caulking, cutting drywall, and so much more. And yes, you can grab yours for $149 at Home Depot. RIDGID Nuke 18V Brushless 3/8 Impact Wrench Perfect for any DIY mechanic And finally, you can't forget about the humble impact wrench. This is another odd tool that wasn't in the initial launch or the second release a few weeks later, and I find that baffling. People everywhere love and use impact wrenches all the time. Whether that's removing the lug nuts from a vehicle tire, working on automotive maintenance, building a deck or fence, or even driving lag bolts into a wall while installing a TV mount. I love my impact wrench, and it's one of those tools I think every homeowner should have. And, if you invested in the new RIGID Nuke 18V subcompact line, now you can. To be more specific, you can now get a RIDGID Nuke 18V Subcompact Brushless 3/8-inch Impact Wrench at Home Depot, and I assume a bigger 1/2-inch model is coming soon. For now, the 3/8-inch option is small in size, but not small on power. You'll enjoy a rugged design, up to 250 ft-lbs. of breakaway torque, and three speed modes up to 3,800 IPM to help you break loose tight fasteners. For now, inventory is somewhat limited, but you'll be able to find it at your neighborhood Home Depot for $149. Just don't forget to buy a battery and a charger for it, if you don't have some already. And that's not all Remember, the RIGDID Nuke Subcompact line is still brand new, so we can expect several common tools to appear on shelves throughout the rest of the year and into early 2027. Another new item is the 4-1/2-inch circular saw, and some larger ones are likely coming down the list. We'll keep an eye out for new releases and let you know once they arrive.