Maker & DIY News Digest - July 4, 2026
RIDGID launched the NUKE 18V Subcompact Brushless platform at Home Depot in July 2026 — 7 tools across 8 configurations, 100% compatible with existing RIDGID 18V batteries. Drill kit $139, combo kit $219, hammer drill + 4-mode impact combo $269, circular saw $149 tool-only. Home Depot exclusive at launch.
RIDGID launched the NUKE 18V Subcompact Brushless platform at Home Depot in July 2026. Seven tools in 8 configurations; drill kit $139 (RNKSDD01K1), combo kit $219 (RNKSCK201), hammer drill + 4-mode impact combo $269, circular saw $149 tool-only. 100% backward-compatible with all RIDGID 18V batteries. Home Depot exclusive. Blower ships October 2026. Verify current pricing at homedepot.com. Checked July 4, 2026.
Story briefRIDGID / powertools.ridgid.com
RIDGID NUKE 18V Subcompact Brushless Platform Launches at Home Depot — 7 Tools, $139–$269, Full 18V Battery Compatibility
Checked July 4, 2026. RIDGID launched the NUKE 18V Subcompact Brushless power tool platform at Home Depot in July 2026. The platform consists of seven tools across eight SKU configurations, all marketed under the tagline 'Most Compact, Lightest Weight, More Power.' All NUKE tools are 100% backward-compatible with existing RIDGID 18V batteries — no new battery system required. Launch configurations and pricing: drill kit (RNKSDD01K1) $139, combo kit (RNKSCK201) $219, hammer drill + 4-mode impact driver combo $269, circular saw $149 tool-only. A battery-powered blower is part of the platform lineup but ships October 2026. The platform is a Home Depot exclusive at launch. RIDGID positions the NUKE line as filling the subcompact gap in their 18V lineup — the same voltage family as full-size RIDGID 18V tools but in a shorter, lighter body format. Verify current pricing, SKU availability, and any introductory offers at homedepot.com before ordering. Checked July 4, 2026.
The NUKE platform's key differentiator over competing subcompact lines is the 18V battery compatibility — users with existing RIDGID 18V battery stacks can add subcompact tools without a new battery investment. Milwaukee's M12 subcompact line requires a separate battery ecosystem. The $139 drill kit and $219 combo entry points are competitive for an 18V subcompact at launch. The 4-mode impact driver in the $269 combo suggests RIDGID is targeting tradespeople who need mode selection in tight spaces. The October blower delay is worth tracking if the platform gains traction — it suggests the lineup isn't fully production-ready at launch.
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Bench notes
RIDGID NUKE 18V Subcompact Brushless platform confirmed specs (July 4, 2026): Battery system: RIDGID 18V — 100% compatible with all existing RIDGID 18V batteries. Tool count: 7 tools, 8 configurations. Confirmed SKUs and pricing at launch: drill kit RNKSDD01K1 $139, combo kit RNKSCK201 $219, hammer drill + 4-mode impact driver combo $269, circular saw $149 tool-only. Blower: platform-included but ships October 2026. Retail: Home Depot exclusive at launch. Tagline: 'Most Compact, Lightest Weight, More Power.' Brushless motor technology confirmed across the lineup.
Market Position: RIDGID NUKE enters the 18V subcompact category at competitive price points with the key advantage of full backward battery compatibility. Milwaukee M12 (the category benchmark) requires a separate 12V battery system. DeWalt ATOMIC 20V MAX and Bosch 12V Max are the other primary reference points in the subcompact segment. RIDGID's 18V approach trades ultimate compactness for battery versatility — useful for existing RIDGID 18V users but less compelling for someone building a fresh kit. Watch line: RIDGID NUKE platform expansion — confirm whether additional tools beyond the launch 7 (reciprocating saw, oscillating multi-tool, etc.) are announced for 2026, and track Amazon/Walmart availability after the Home Depot exclusive window.
- How long is the Home Depot exclusive window before NUKE tools appear at other retailers?
- What are the specific tool dimensions and weights — the 'most compact' claim needs direct comparison data vs. M12?
- Does the October blower share the same performance spec as a Milwaukee M12 or M18 blower?
- Are additional NUKE tools (reciprocating saw, oscillating tool) already in production for 2026?
Wait if: You already have Milwaukee M12 or DeWalt ATOMIC batteries and prefer a compatible ecosystem — the NUKE 18V requires RIDGID 18V batteries, You prefer buying from Amazon or Walmart — the platform is a Home Depot exclusive at launch; broader retail availability is not confirmed
Buy if: You already own RIDGID 18V batteries and want to add compact tools — full 18V backward compatibility means no new battery investment, You are starting a fresh 18V toolkit and prefer RIDGID's ecosystem — the $139 drill kit and $219 combo are competitive entry points
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RIDGID NUKE 18V platform?▼
RIDGID NUKE is a new subcompact brushless power tool line launched at Home Depot in July 2026. It includes 7 tools across 8 configurations — drill, combo kits, hammer drill, 4-mode impact driver, circular saw, and blower (October). All tools run on standard RIDGID 18V batteries, fully backward-compatible with existing RIDGID 18V battery packs. Home Depot exclusive at launch.
How much do RIDGID NUKE tools cost?▼
RIDGID NUKE 18V Subcompact Brushless launch pricing at Home Depot: drill kit (RNKSDD01K1) $139, combo kit (RNKSCK201) $219, hammer drill + 4-mode impact driver combo $269, circular saw $149 tool-only. Blower ships October 2026 at a price not confirmed at launch. Verify current pricing at homedepot.com before ordering. Checked July 4, 2026.
Is the RIDGID NUKE compatible with my existing RIDGID 18V batteries?▼
Yes — RIDGID states the NUKE 18V platform is 100% compatible with all existing RIDGID 18V batteries. No new battery system or adapter is required. This is the primary advantage over Milwaukee M12-based subcompact lines, which require a separate 12V battery ecosystem. Verify compatibility with your specific battery model at powertools.ridgid.com.
Is RIDGID NUKE available at Amazon or Walmart?▼
RIDGID NUKE launched as a Home Depot exclusive in July 2026. Amazon and Walmart availability has not been confirmed at launch. Check homedepot.com for current stock. Amazon may carry the platform after the exclusive window closes — verify before ordering. Checked July 4, 2026.