The Beginning:
The Ridge Tool Company was founded on January 5, 1923 in North Ridgeville, Ohio by Carl Ingwer, Sr. The focus of the company is to manufacture tools for tradesmen. Such as the creation of the modern pipe wrench.
1925 – They improved on the Stillson Wrench by making the tool simpler with fewer parts.
The Stillson Wrench was patented on October 12, 1869 by Daniel Stillson, a mechanic working for the Walworth Company in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Improvements.
1930 – The company focuses on new product development by reinvesting their profits, conceiving and testing hand tools with the user in mind. The resulting innovations are known as “Pretested Work-Saver Tools”.
1943 – They relocated to their current location in Elyria, Ohio. Home to corporate offices, manufacturing, training facility, and Factory Service Center.
Going Abroad:
1946 – Began exporting tools to Europe to help trade professionals to rebuild the infrastructure across Europe in the wake of World War II.
1948 – Ridge Tool Company developed a better solution for the tedious chore of pipe threading with an electric portable power drive that turned the material while hand-held tools cut, reamed and threaded the pipe. Known as the RIDGID 400 Power Drive, the tool was an instant success.
1950 – Ridgid improves on the design of the Model 400 with the Model 500. The 500 combined cutting, reaming, and threading all in one unit.
1957 – The company improves on the design of the Model 500 by adding the “Speed Chuck” to the Model 535. This Pipe and Bolt Threading Machine remained the industry standard for over 40 years.
The Emerson Era:
1966 – Ridge Tool Company becomes wholly owned by Emerson Electric. (See who owns your favorite brands)
1969 – Release of their first aluminum handle wrench, providing pros a more lightweight option that’s ideal for use in overhead or tight quarters. At almost 50% lighter than comparable pipe wrenches, the product still exceeds government strength specifications and carries the same guarantee as RIDGID Heavy Duty pipe wrenches.
1998 – Model 1210 threading machine offers portability and clean operation. It’s the first machine of its kind to cut threads without using oil, making the process more environmentally friendly.
1999 – Ridgid introduces its first press tool – Model CT-400.
2008 – They expand their press tool line with the “Press Snap”. It provides a quick and easy way to cut cast iron soil pipe.
2012 – Ridgid adds the “Mega Press” to their lineup. It enables professionals to join iron pipe without the need for threading.
Present Day
Ridgid hand tools are manufactured in America in red and black. Ridgid power tools on the other hand, are manufactured, under license by Techtronic Industries Co. (TTI) in China in orange and black. TTI manufactures other brands such as Milwaukee, Stiletto, and Ryobi. (See who owns your favorite brands)
RIDGID® Celebrates 100th Anniversary with Year-Long Celebration Honoring Trades.
Check out some Ridgid Tools Below:
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