Ridgid Reciprocating Saw R8642 (2015)

The Ridgid GEN5X R8642 is part of Ridgid’s 18‑volt Gen5X cordless lineup that followed the earlier X4 series and began showing up in separate or in combo kits around the mid‑2010s. In those kits, the reciprocating saw was commonly packaged with a drill/driver, impact driver, circular saw, and work light, all sharing the same 18V lithium‑ion battery system.

Reciprocating saws in general use a straight blade that moves back and forth and are a common choice for demolition, remodeling, and rough cutting of wood, metal, drywall, and similar materials. Trades such as plumbing, electrical, and general construction also use them for cutting pipe, removing old framing, and trimming branches or other awkward materials where precision is less important than speed.

Within that category, the R8642 is a full‑size 18V model with a 1‑1/8 inch stroke and selectable orbital action, so it is typically used for tasks like cutting out wall sections, breaking down framing, and working through nail‑embedded lumber. Ridgid later introduced brushless and “OCTANE” 18V reciprocating saws that updated the electronics and motor design, but many R8642 units remain in service, and users continue to look for repair information and replacement parts to keep them working.

Sources: Wikipedia, Pro Tool Reviews

The Ridgid GEN5X R8642 is a full‑size, two‑handed 18‑volt cordless reciprocating saw with the familiar Ridgid orange and gray plastic housing, rubber overmold on the main handle and front grip, and a black pivoting shoe at the front of the tool. It follows the general layout used on most reciprocating saws: a rear D‑style handle with trigger, a long central motor housing, and a front section that holds the blade clamp and shoe.

The R8642 is typically seen in Ridgid’s standard orange color scheme. The body includes rubber side buffers near the front and around the battery interface so the saw can be set down on its side without the hard plastic contacting the work surface, this may wear away with time and use in older, well-used models.

A key identification feature is the rectangular data label (“identification tag”) mounted on the side of the tool’s motor housing. This label lists electrical information and clearly shows the model number in the top‑left corner; if that number reads “R8642,” the tool is this specific Gen5X reciprocating saw rather than a newer model like the R8643 or R8647.

• Model name/number: Ridgid GEN5X Reciprocating Saw, model R8642 (also seen as R8642N in some kits)
• Power source: Ridgid 18V lithium‑ion battery platform
  • Voltage: 18 V DC
• Stroke length: 1‑1/8 inch (approximately 28.6 mm)
• Stoke speed: 0-3,000 strokes per minute
• Orbital action: Yes, with on/off orbital selector switch
• Blade clamp: Tool‑free, accepts standard reciprocating saw blades for wood, metal, and other materials
• Shoe: Tool‑free, adjustable pivoting shoe
• Variable speed control: Variable‑speed trigger (speed increases with trigger pressure)
• Grip and housing: Plastic housing with rubber overmold on the main handle and front area; rubber side buffers near the front of the tool
• Bare tool weight: Approximately 6.9 lb (3.1 kg) without battery, 8.6 pounds (3.9 kg)
  • With 5.0 Ah 18V Ridgid battery: Approximately 8.6 pounds (3.9 kg)

Sources: Shop Tool Reviews, Pro Tool Reviews, R8642 Manual

Ridgid tools have been sold exclusively at Home Depot stores since 2014, but they are manufactured by Techtronic Industries (TTI). Product issues occurring within 90 days may be handled at the store. Additionally, all Ridgid power tools come with a standard 3-year warranty handled through Ridgid or authorized independent service centers.

As this is an older, but durable design, many will find that their warranties have expired. However, these tools are easily repairable with the help of guides available here on iFixit. Also, due to their large market presence, there is a wealth of replacement parts.

Sources: Home Depot, Ridgid Warranty Information, Authorized Service Centers, iFixit R8642 Repair Guides, Partselect.com