RIDGID is celebrating  a major milestone this year: 100 years of designing and building innovative tools trusted on job sites around  the world and handed down from generation to generation. To commemorate the occasion, RIDGID will spend 2023 celebrating the trades, their impact on our world, and the brand’s legacy.  

“A lot has changed over the past century, but one thing that has remained constant is the dedication of the skilled trades to build a stronger tomorrow,” says Heather McLin, vice president of marketing, professional tools for Emerson, RIDGID’s parent company. “RIDGID is honored to be by their side every step of the way. From our iconic pipe wrench that started it all to our newest tool solutions, every product we make is designed to help trade professionals get jobs done easier and more efficiently. That’s a legacy that will never change.”  

In 1923, the Ridge Tool Company invented the modern straight pipe wrench, introducing it to the world under the brand RIDGID. Since then, every step forward has been with the tradesperson in mind. Today, RIDGID’s pipe wrench design is the best-selling pipe wrench in the world and many of the wrenches that were sold back in the 1920s and 1930s are still in use today. The RIDGID commitment to quality has never wavered, McLin says. RIDGID’s signature red heavy-duty straight pipe wrench bodies are still cast at its ductile iron factory in Erie, Pennsylvania, assembled at its headquarters in Elyria, Ohio, and then shipped from its distribution facility in Cambridge, Ohio.

Along with these locations, RIDGID has grown over the past century with global facilities that help keep up with demand from around the world. The company’s product line has also grown. RIDGID launched power threading solutions in 1948, drain cleaning equipment in 1967, press tools in 1999, and most recently pipe patching in 2022 as it continues its proud tradition of innovation.  

More than 100 patents and 100 years later, RIDGID continues to deliver purpose-built tools that are known around the world for their ability to complete jobs more quickly and reliably. RIDGID currently offers more than 300 tools for plumbing, mechanical and HVAC professionals. 

“Our first 100 years is just the beginning,” says Becky Brotherton, director of engagement marketing for RIDGID. “From day one, RIDGID has had a dedicated team that strives for best in quality, product innovations, technical support and customer service. We are committed to the professionals using our tools as well as the future of the trades. There’s a reason why RIDGID has been trusted by the trades for 100 years and why they will be for the next 100 years, too.” 

In recognition of the milestone anniversary, RIDGID will be holding giveaways of commemorative  anniversary wrenches and other brand swag throughout the year. RIDGID will also be launching “RIDGID Wrenched 100,” a specialty beer developed in collaboration with Unplugged Brewing Company, located less than a mile away from RIDGID headquarters in Elyria. In addition, the  company will host commemorative events at major trade shows.  

To learn more, visit RIDGID.com/100 or social channels — @RIDGIDTools on Facebook, @RIDGIDTools on Instagram, and @RIDGIDTools on TikTok.