Ridgid Nuke SubCompact Impact Driver Earns Praise
The Ridgid Nuke SubCompact Impact Driver delivers brushless performance in a compact size, perfect for light to medium-duty tasks and tight spaces.
Ridgid has introduced a new 18V Nuke SubCompact Impact Driver (model RNKSID02), a brushless compact tool. The company isn’t trying to dethrone its own flagship. Instead, the RNKSID02 targets a middle ground for light to medium-duty work. Its smaller profile and rubber overmolding make it suitable for all-day use in tight spaces.
How the numbers stack up against older models
The new driver shows a clear jump over the previous SubCompact (R872311). Impact rate goes from 4,200 IPM to 5,000. No-load speed jumps from 2,900 RPM to 3,800. Torque climbs from 1,850 in-lbs to 2,000. Weight with a battery rises slightly from 2.6 pounds to 2.9, likely due to the beefier motor. The RNKSID02 keeps the same four drive modes as its predecessor, including a self-tapping screw assist mode that prevents overdriving fasteners in HVAC, metal framing, and electrical work.
Compared to Ridgid’s flagship impact driver (R862312), which makes 2,400 in-lbs and hits 4,300 IPM, the Nuke SubCompact is noticeably less powerful. But it’s also half a pound lighter and more than an inch shorter in head length. The compact model is a different tool for a different user.
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Real-world fastening and loosening tests
In controlled testing, the new impact driver drove three 3/8-inch by 8-inch GRK structural screws into OSB subflooring in an average of 14.51 seconds. More than twice as slow as the flagship model’s 6.83 seconds, the tool didn’t strain during the test. Testers noted the speed is satisfactory for a compact tool.
A second test measured how fast the driver could loosen lug nuts torqued to 1,800 in-lbs. The RNKSID02 averaged 9.8 seconds per bolt, with a total time of 1 minute and 18.6 seconds for eight nuts. The flagship model was far faster at 1.9 seconds per bolt. The compact model handled the job without being pushed past its limits.
For heavy metal-to-metal fastening, the lower torque output of the Nuke might actually reduce the chance of snapping adapters and nut driver bits compared to a more powerful flagship. That’s a trade-off some users could find useful.
Design features and target audience
The design includes an LED light that minimizes shadows.
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An auto-eject collet removes hot bits quickly. A control panel sits on the back of the foot — not the front — which testers found easier to see while working.
The RNKSID02 is a solid fit for HVAC pros, electricians, and serious DIYers who want lighter gear and don’t need top-end torque for large structural screws every day. If work regularly involves heavy fasteners and raw speed, the flagship R862312 is the better choice.
Ridgid currently sells the Nuke SubCompact only as part of a combo kit with a new hammer drill for $269. A single-speed version (RNKSID01) is also launching at the same time for $139, which includes a battery and charger. The bare tool weight is 2 pounds, and the tool uses Ridgid’s standard 18V battery platform.
