Ridgid

RIDGID's logo with its current slogan.

RIDGID is a leading brand of professional tools. A subsidiary of St. Louis-based Emerson, RIDGID provides tools primarily to the plumbing and HVAC trades, though many products in the line appeal to a much wider range of professionals.

RIDGID began offering one product; the heavy duty pipe wrench. The performance and durability of the tool surpassed any of its time and is still considered the premier product in that category. While certainly a flagship, the pipe wrench is now in a line of more than 4,000 professional-grade tools. Over the last decade, RIDGID has introduced more tools that emphasize technology and relevant innovation. Examples of these products include Pressing Technology, Utility Locators and Visual Inspection Cameras.

RIDGID was founded in 1923 (though there is a viable argument for 1922) as an Elyria, Ohio-based corporation. Emerson purchased the company in 1966. RIDGID today records sales in more than 130 countries through approximately 20,000 outlets.

RIDGID primarily serves in the Industrial and Contractor segments. The men and women that use RIDGID tools are tasked with building, maintaining, and repairing the world's complex infrastructure. Through their efforts, helped by their quality tools, these people are strengthening the reputation of a proud industry.

Specialties

• automatic-chuck pipe threading machines.
• RIDGID SeeSnake video sewer and drain inspection systems.
• RIDGID SeekTech utilities locators
• RIDGID "micro" visual inspection cameras

Hand Tools

• pipe wrenches, including premium lightweight aluminum models and RIDGID RapidGrip spring-loaded self-adjusting pipe wrenches
• manual pipe threaders
• manual tubing cutters
• manual drum augers ("hand spinners")
• basin wrenches and other plumbing speciality tools
• broad range of hand tools

Power Tools

• pipe threaders
• drum augers and other powered drain snakes
• utility pumps
• wet/dry vacuum cleaners
• common power tools (saws, drills, etc.)
• air compressors and air tools

Advertising Slogans

RIDGID primarily advertises through trade publications. However, products are often highlighted on television and through mainstream print.

• "We Build Reputations" (Overall Brand Tagline)
• "See It. Find It. Solve It." (Visual Inspection Tagline)
• "I love a RIDGID tool" (obviously a double entendre, a bumper sticker seen on plumbing company trucks during the late 1990s)
• The Ridgid Tool Calendar featuring women in alluring poses is notable. The calendars have been produced since 1935. The calendars are typically two year. The famed artist George Petty produced many of the illustrations in the 1950's.

Trivia

• The mascot for the University of Waterloo's Faculty of Engineering is a 60" (1.5 m) pipe wrench called The TOOL, formerly the RIDGID Tool, as it was donated by the Ridgid Tool Company in 1968.

External links

• RIDGID's website (includes product demonstration videos community)
• RIDGID's Forum (plumbing, construction, woodworking discussion)