Ridgid tools are made by two different companies depending on the product, with power tools built by Techtronic Industries and plumbing tools built by parent company Emerson Electric.
The brand is best known for its iconic red pipe wrenches, a staple in plumbing and pipe fitting trades for a century.
Emerson Electric, a Missouri based multinational corporation, has owned the Ridge Tool Company since 1966 and licenses the Ridgid name to Techtronic Industries for cordless power tools.
Knowing who makes Ridgid tools helps buyers understand why a Ridgid pipe wrench and a Ridgid cordless drill come from entirely different supply chains.
This article covers Ridgid ownership, where the tools are manufactured, how the brand splits between Emerson and TTI, and answers to common Ridgid questions.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Makes Ridgid Tools And Who Owns The Brand?
The Ridge Tool Company was founded in 1923 in North Ridgeville, Ohio and owns the Ridgid trademark today.
Emerson Electric acquired Ridge Tool Company in 1966 and continues to manufacture Ridgid’s professional plumbing tools at its Elyria, Ohio headquarters.
In 2003, Emerson signed a licensing deal with Techtronic Industries, allowing TTI to design and sell Ridgid branded power tools exclusively through Home Depot.
Where Are Ridgid Tools Manufactured?
Ridgid’s red plumbing and pipe tools are manufactured in the United States, largely at Emerson’s Elyria, Ohio facility.
The orange Ridgid cordless power tools sold at Home Depot are manufactured by Techtronic Industries primarily in China, with some assembly handled in Anderson, South Carolina.
Ridgid wet and dry shop vacuums are made by Emerson in Mexico rather than by TTI.
How Can You Tell Which Company Made A Ridgid Tool?
Color is usually the easiest indicator, with red Ridgid tools generally made by Emerson and orange and black Ridgid tools made by TTI.
Where the tool is sold also offers a clue, since specialty plumbing and pipe tools are distributed through professional supply channels while cordless power tools are sold at Home Depot.
TTI manufactured Ridgid power tools often include a Lifetime Service Agreement, a warranty perk not typically found on Emerson made plumbing tools.
Is Ridgid The Same Company As Milwaukee Or Ryobi?
Ridgid, Milwaukee, and Ryobi power tools are all manufactured by Techtronic Industries, though the brands themselves are owned separately.
Milwaukee and Ryobi are wholly owned TTI brands, while Ridgid remains owned by Emerson under a licensing agreement.
This shared manufacturing base explains why some Ridgid power tools share design elements with Ryobi’s cordless lineup.
Ridgid vs Ryobi: Which Home Depot Tool Brand Is Better?
Ridgid is positioned as the more professional oriented brand, with a Lifetime Service Agreement and a wider range of specialty plumbing tools.
Ryobi targets the budget conscious DIY market with a wider color coded battery ecosystem shared across hundreds of tools.
Both brands are exclusive to Home Depot and manufactured by TTI, making them a natural comparison for shoppers at that retailer.
For more on TTI’s other brands, see our guides to who makes Husky tools and who makes Craftsman tools for two other widely available options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ridgid Tools
Who makes Ridgid tools?
Ridgid power tools are made by Techtronic Industries under license, while Ridgid plumbing tools are made by owner Emerson Electric.
Is Ridgid owned by Home Depot?
No, Ridgid is owned by Emerson Electric, though its power tools are sold exclusively through Home Depot.
Are Ridgid tools made in the USA?
Ridgid’s red plumbing tools and shop vacuums are largely made in the United States, while orange power tools are mostly made in China.
Does TTI own Ridgid?
No, TTI does not own Ridgid; it manufactures Ridgid power tools under a licensing agreement with owner Emerson Electric.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.