Ryobi is a Japanese brand that offers affordable and versatile power tools for woodworking and outdoor projects. It is a popular choice among DIY enthusiasts and professionals due to its thoughtfully designed tools, such as the finish nailer and wet/dry vac. However, Ryobi is not designed for professional use.
The brand’s history, reputation, range of products, and pros make it a solid choice for homeowners and DIYers looking for versatile and affordable power tools. Ryobi’s 18V ONE+ System is a reliable platform for getting the job done with cordless technology and over 300 tools in the lineup.
Ryobi tools are great for small tasks like hidden shelving, fixing plasterboard, and sanding, but not for structural work. They have been used for building sheds and assembling pools. Some users prefer Dewalt tools, especially the 18V models. For the money, Ryobi is OK for home improvement jobs, including the kitchen.
There are five of the best Ryobi power tools to help save money on simple home repairs. Ryobi is a good brand for homeowners and DIYers who want versatile and affordable power tools. However, they may not be suitable for professional use due to their durability and lack of durability.
In conclusion, Ryobi is a decent brand for homeowners and DIYers looking for versatile and affordable power tools for home improvement projects.
📹 Why I Traded In DeWalt for Ryobi Tools
I finally address why I got rid of all of my expensive Yellow DeWalt Power tools for Green Ryobi power tools. ➤Ryobi Power Tools …
Can professionals use Ryobi?
Ryobi cordless power tools and accessories are utilized extensively by professionals, contractors, and tradespeople due to their adaptable solutions. Nevertheless, Ryobi has recently disclosed that none of the professionals currently utilize the Link system toolboxes.
What brand is comparable to Ryobi?
Harbor Freight, a well-known U. S. company, offers a wide range of tools for various industries and applications. One of their tool brands, Bauer, is a solid option for those looking for cheap Ryobi substitutes. The brand offers a tool selection that rivals Ryobi’s, with nearly every item Ryobi sells having a cheaper price tag. Bauer tools are manufactured in various locations around the world, and quality is more about the materials used and the manufacturing process than the country of origin. Many top tool brands, including Ryobi, Milwaukee, and Makita, produce appliances overseas. Bauer has a reputation for quality and most power tools feature excellent user reviews.
Warrior, another Harbor Freight brand, offers a wide range of power tools, including miter saws, flashlights, drill attachments, grinder accessories, drills, heat guns, and angle grinders. However, Warrior’s selection is less comprehensive than Bauer’s, and you may not find a Warrior version for every Ryobi device. Some products may work in place of Ryobi devices, such as Warrior table saws, miter saws, and reciprocating saws.
Is Ryobi a Japanese or Chinese company?
Ryobi Limited is a Japanese manufacturer of components for automobiles, electronics, and telecommunications industries. The company offers die cast products, electric power tools, lawn and garden equipment, builders’ hardware, and printing equipment. Ryobi Power Tools and Ryobi Outdoor Power Equipment are brands of Techtronic Industries, used under license from Ryobi Limited. Ryobi Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
Was founded in 1943 and began selling die-cast products in 1944. In 1961, the company began manufacturing offset printing presses and was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Ryobi began producing power tools in 1968 and changed its name to Ryobi, Ltd. in 1973.
Is Ryobi a Home Depot house brand?
Home Depot has entered into a contractual agreement with Ryobi, whereby Ryobi is permitted to sell its products in Home Depot stores. This is analogous to the arrangement between Home Depot and Toro Irrigation, whereby Toro Irrigation is permitted to sell its products in Home Depot stores. Ryobi products are not a proprietary brand of Home Depot; however, they are available for purchase at the aforementioned retail establishment.
Is Ryobi part of DeWalt?
Ryobi products are primarily designed for the DIY market, while DeWalt is more commonly used by professionals. DeWalt’s “Guaranteed Tough” motto suggests its tools are built to withstand jobsite rigors, but Ryobi’s products are not designed for constant use. Ryobi’s parent company, Techtronic Industries, owns Milwaukee, a direct competitor to DeWalt, making it unwise for them to compete directly.
DeWalt tools are generally more expensive than Ryobi counterparts, with the more expensive tools showing a dramatic difference in performance and durability. For example, a DeWalt impact driver has 370 ft-lbs more maximum torque than a Ryobi version, which is a key feature of those tools.
DeWalt is a U. S. manufacturer with extensive manufacturing in the U. S. and assembles products using global materials. The company also has manufacturing plants in Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, Italy, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Some of DeWalt’s production is imported, and not every DeWalt tool sold in the U. S. is made in the U. S.
Ryobi, a Japanese brand, has manufacturing facilities in China, the Czech Republic, Germany, Mexico, Vietnam, and the U. S., with a plant in Anderson, South Carolina that spans over 1 million square feet. The choice between Ryobi and DeWalt depends on the individual needs and preferences of the user.
Who competes with Ryobi?
Ryobi Tools is positioned within a highly competitive market, with 14 major brands vying for market share. These include industry leaders such as CRAFTSMAN, DEWALT, Makita Power Tools, Greenworks Tools, SKIL, Mac Tools, Hilti, Snap-on, Valeo, Klein Tools, Metabowerke GmbH, Hilti India Private Limited, and STIHL.
Is Ryobi made in Germany?
Ryobi, founded in 1943 in Hiroshima, Japan, is a leading manufacturer of tools and equipment. The company has manufacturing plants in the United States, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. Ryobi’s manufacturing process involves careful selection of raw materials, meticulous engineering and design, and rigorous testing and quality control procedures. The tools are then packaged and prepared for distribution, with each component crafted with precision and assembled with care. Ryobi’s manufacturing locations are equipped with advanced technology and adhere to strict quality standards.
Are Ryobi tools made in USA?
Ryobi, a global die cast manufacturer, expanded its production base to include locations in China, Mexico, and Thailand in 2005. The company aimed to provide high-quality products worldwide. Ryobi also increased productivity and profitability in its Builders’ Hardware Business and launched a new brand, RMGT, in its Printing Equipment Business. In 2018, Ryobi sold its power tools business to a separate, newly founded company, focusing on maximizing its strengths and management resources.
Where does Ryobi rank?
The 2024 America’s Most Trusted Study ranks 13 power tool brands, highlighting the importance of trust in consumer decision-making. The study, based on consumer trust, helps brands understand how consumer trust impacts business performance. The study, published annually in January, is a definitive ranking of brand trust. Trust building is crucial for power tool brand customers’ return or repeat purchases, as it determines the brand’s reputation and ability to deliver its promises.
Consumers who trust a power tool brand are more likely to purchase and recommend it to others, and brand trust also contributes to customer loyalty. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding how consumer trust impacts business performance to be successful in the power tool market.
Is Ryobi owned by DeWalt?
Ryobi tools, made by Techtronic Industries (TTI), are a Wisconsin-based company that owns various tool and home appliance brands. Despite not having the same quality and durability reputation as some of TTI’s other brands, Ryobi has received mostly favorable reviews from both consumers and professionals. Their 18V 6-tool combo kit has a 4. 6 average rating from over 300 Amazon buyers, with 81 rating it a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. Zippytlsr praised the collection as “great tools at a great price” and noted the included batteries working well. These tools are suitable for home do-it-yourselfers.
Is Ryobi owned by Dewalt?
Ryobi tools, made by Techtronic Industries (TTI), are a Wisconsin-based company that owns various tool and home appliance brands. Despite not having the same quality and durability reputation as some of TTI’s other brands, Ryobi has received mostly favorable reviews from both consumers and professionals. Their 18V 6-tool combo kit has a 4. 6 average rating from over 300 Amazon buyers, with 81 rating it a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. Zippytlsr praised the collection as “great tools at a great price” and noted the included batteries working well. These tools are suitable for home do-it-yourselfers.
📹 The Hater’s Guide to Ryobi Tools | What To Buy and Avoid
People love to hate Ryobi Tools. I’ll tell you what tools are worth the price and which ones to avoid. This video is not sponsored.
▼EXPAND FOR LINKS TO THE TOOLS▼ 🎥 Watch Next – Hater’s Guide to Harbor Freight – youtu.be/_WzDCxfJXAY 🛠 Tools In This article: Ryobi 8-Tool Combo Kit – homedepot.sjv.io/a1qKRj Ryobi Router – homedepot.sjv.io/Jr1LE2 Ryobi Variable Speed Router – homedepot.sjv.io/oeAXEo Ryobi Brushless Tools – homedepot.sjv.io/0JbxLO DeWALT Jobsite Table Saw – amzn.to/3QrlO6r DeWALT Miter Saw – amzn.to/3QkPulL Metabo Miter Saw – amzn.to/3ZhWlR1 Skil Miter Saw – amzn.to/3QmbHQe Milwaukee M12 Kit – homedepot.sjv.io/rnZg4G Milwaukee M18 Router – homedepot.sjv.io/EaMNNP Ridgid Router – homedepot.sjv.io/RyzOvX Other Tools/Equipment I’m Asked About Often: Where I get my t-shirts (mostly) kerusso.com Toolbox in Background – homedepot.sjv.io/x9B2xy Tool Wall over Miter Station – amzn.to/3ZgWq7B Digital YouTube Sign – amzn.to/3GL2a2e Some of my Favorite Under $30 Tools DFM Square: amzn.to/3Jfb5H2 Thin Rip Jig: amzn.to/3LKm2lB DFM Saw Height Gauge: amzn.to/3jidia1 Small F-Clamps: lddy.no/157u9 (If you use one of these Amazon and other affiliate links, I may receive a commission) Some other useful links: Daily Tool Deals on my website: 731woodworks.com/tool-deals Subscribe the 731 Newsletter: mailchi.mp/7e44c16eefdc/731-woodworks-email-newsletter Check out our easy-to-follow woodworking plans: 731woodworks.
I live totally off grid in the wilderness. I have 22 Ryobi Lithium tools. They have been reliable and cost effective for me. I had a 7 1/4 inch Ryobi brushless circular saw that was used daily to cut firewood for my wood stove. I cut thousands of pieces of ironwood and mesquite with it. I also used it for wood working. It lasted 3 years before it died, so I without question bought a second one.
Ryobi has a special place in my heart. My entire life, my Dad used Ryobi for household fixes. So I grew up perusal him use them. They were a reasonable price and got the job done. When he passed away in 2014, my mom gave me a lot of his Ryobi tools since I am a woodworker. I love those tools. I love even more that I can buy new batteries and use them in my Dad’s tools. ♥️
I love the fact that Ryobi kept the same 18 volt battery when they went to lithium batteries. It breathed new life into my old blue tools I bought back in the early 2000’s. I still have every blue tool and they all work flawlessly. I’ve been adding the newer tools to my collection and my two favorites are the grease gun and the backpack sprayer. I run a lawn care business and have been using the backpack sprayer almost every day with zero issues.
I’m a professional cabinetmaker. I’ve used Ryobi tools since they were still blue and grey and ran on Ni-Cad batteries. The commonality of the battery design was the deciding factor for buying the new brushless models; the new batteries would fit my old tools which would become my “Home” set. I still have a few of the new, green tools that are not brushless, but the majority of my collection is. I have pretty much every tool type in this article and 10, 3 and 4 amp hour batteries along with five chargers. Pro Tip: Wait until the “Ryobi Days” sale, buy the 2 batteries and charger combo and get a free (brushed) tool. I’ve picked up a couple like that. The tools with brushed motors are being discontinued so don’t have the best features. I use these tools every day, both to build cabinets and countertops, as well as install them. The brushless impact driver will drive 3″ #8 screws hard enough to snap them on it’s high setting. The 6″ circular saw is a battery hog, but handy for quick cuts, the router is top heavy, and the table saw has alignment problems at times. That said, I had a coworker over-stress a sander and kill a new battery. Ryobi replaced it with no questions asked, I just had to go to Home Depot and pick it up. Some of my coworkers have Rigid and Milwaukee tools, but don’t have the variety I do, so my tools get a LOT of use. These are NOT DeWalt. But I think DeWalt are overpriced for what they are. What Ryobi has produced in the One+ line are good tools for the money they charge.
My first power tools were Ryobi and Ive been planning on upgrading to more premium brands over time. However Ive been having a hard time since my Ryobi tools just wont die, they have never done me wrong. I will agree you should stay away from the larger saws and whatnot, but their drill/drivers and other small tools are great for the price minded diy/homeowner.
Swapping out all my DIY-tools for ryobi when it’s possible or something breaks. They have a really nice feel and the number or products with the same battery makes it for me. Started with garden tools but now also more and more for my hand\\build tools. Think they are great value and yes go for the HP brushless. 👍🏻
The biggest thing I love about Ryobi is that they were the first one to adopt the battery platform idea and really run with it. Since the beginning of battery-operated tools my biggest complaint was that they changed the battery every time the new tool came out almost forcing you to buy it and throw your old tool away.
I keep hearing “if your a home owner or DIY’er”. I have used Ryobi for over 25 years in commercially work and still use them today. I still own blue Ryobi tools that work like new…once I updated to lithium batteries powering them, it was like renewing them. have had great results while costing less than others. The battery compatibility is also a huge plus. I have dropped them several stories and they survived, never broken one yet. Love them. Really like the website.
I have bosch for work but recently started using ryobi garden tools and they’re fantastic especially for the price. Mower, chainsaw, brush cutter and hedge trimmer work great. Their features and ergonomics are really well considered. I’m aware that I need to be more careful with them compared to my bosch tools but I’m still very pleased.
I have gone mostly all in on Ryobi over the past 3-4 years and have been completely satisfied. The single greatest motivation is the battery compatibility. Ryobi has gone on the record to say their batteries will always have compatibility. I had bought a set of Craftsman cordless 20 years ago but they eventually not only left the C-3 system behind but disappeared as a store. I use not only the drill driver, impact driver, saws and sanders but also have the tire inflater, impact wrench, hedge trimmer and caulk gun. Yes. The caulk gun. It gives a smoother bead when filling long, narrow cracks in my blacktop driveway than I ever could using a manual caulk gun. I have a few if their portable lights as well that are as handy under the bathroom sink as they are under the hood of a car.
The Ryobi drill is amazing. I treated mine so badly – completely overloaded it mixing tons of concrete, dropped it off decks, accidentally left it in the rain for days, spilled paint all over it etc. It lasted 5 years and I was amazed. Bought a replacement immediately and was so cheap. For the price you just can’t go wrong.
I’ve been a custom home builder for almost 25 years now and the majority of my tools are Ryobi. Using the right tool for the job as well as the larger capacity batteries is what truly makes a difference. I have some makita hammer drills and drivers that i abuse the crap out of for more industrial work. My Ryobi tools have lasted me many years in residential construction and still perform very well. I even have lots of that older blue line, still running strong today with the help of the newer battery technology. I do feel the cheap combo kits are for beginners and are priced really affordable for them, but the separate perchased tools and HP brushless line are game changers. I’ve also over the years wasted tonnes of money and have bags of broken Dewalt and Milwaukee tools in my garage, that suffered burn outs, multiple motor and battery failers, non brushless and brushless. I like Dewalts larger tools chop saws, table saws etc, but avoid their cordless hand tools like the plague.
I’m a maintenance technician at a local University and every one of my 13 power tools is Ryobi and I have yet to have one fail on me. To be fair I have only been in maintenance for about three years and I just recently decided to buy most of these tools, within the last 6 months. I am absolutely loving all of my tools so far and I hope they do last. I will update if anything changes
Great review! Impartial and not biased. I have Ryobi products and purchased them just for reasons you mentioned. I don’t use them daily but have put them through the paces over time. I do take care of all my tools and imagine that is why my drill driver and impact driver have lasted 13 years and still kicking. You hit the nail on the head when you spoke of the batteries and cost. That is what attracted me to Ryobi initially.
I am a big fan of Ryobi. My collection of tools spans almost the full breadth of the 18v line (both brushed and brushless) and a good chunk of the 40v line. The versatility of the 18v battery across so many tool options is a godsend for the hobbyist and home owner because I can make a big mess during a project using several 18v tools, then turn around and use the same 18v platform to clean up my mess as well as finish and polish my project. Then I can turn around and use that same 18v battery platform to make and clean up another mess in my yard from trimming my trees to pruning my hedges and string trimming my grass before switching to the 40v platform to cut and bag my grass and blow everything into a nice pile. And if I were feeling particularly productive, I could switch back to the 18v platform and wash, polish, and vacuum out my car after covering it in grass clippings from the string trimmer. All that being said, I do think that you have a point about full scale construction site durability. Do I think the batteries or equipment would fail if used for their intended purposes on a job site, no. But I, too, used to do construction, and I have witnessed the thoughtless abuse of tools by workers because the tools weren’t their own. So, I believe that under those circumstances I would opt for more robustly constructed tools simply because people are going to be people, and often they have a more callused approach to things that are not their own or that they don’t have a vested interest in.
At my highschool we use Ryobi exclusively in tech theater for building sets, I’ve seen a drill or impact drop 50 feet from the catwalk while we were changing lights. It still works. The main problem with the older ones is that the rubber grips peel a bit but they get used with people who have no idea how to use tools all the time and hold up well.
I’m a Ryobi fan boy(78 year old kid), they work great and I like the ergonomics. The only tool I wasn’t to happy with was the 12″ chain saw, leaks bar oil out all over the place(maybe the line is off, will take it apart and see). I even have the 40+ system for lawn care and quite impressed with the 20″ lawn mower, works much better than I thought it would. Will keep buying Ryobi for my home shop.
First time home buyer, here. Your described use case for these is exactly why I went with Ryobi. They’re great for the occasional DIYer. I have their 40v brushless string trimmer, one of their impact wrenches, and one of their palm sanders. I’ve been really happy with all of them. Their battery compatability throughout their massive product catalog definitely played a role in why I chose them. Great article!
Used them professionally for a few years. I stepped up to Dewalt 20v XR and the difference is huge. That being said, I use Ryobi for all my diy stuff and couldn’t recommend it more highly for that purpose. Ryobi is 100% the best for at home. The versatility is crazy. They make a pool cleaner for Gods sake haha.
As a DiY homeowner, it’s Ryobi for me. Battery compatibility is key for me. I’ve several of them and one of their pod chargers. Had them for years and convenient knowing I can just grab a battery and a tool and do the job. Not one battery for this tool, another for that one plus whatever chargers. Great review.
I love the Ryobi tools I haven’t bought anything except Ryobi in the last 10 years the battery interchangeability is the biggest feature to me I have an electric chainsaw and can use the four amp hour battery and I use the amp and a half on my smaller tools I would suggest using the smaller battery on the router and it won’t be top-heavy another great article thanks
I personally love Ryobi tools. I have never had an issue with them. The only thing I would probably skip out on is the drill bit and countersink drill bit sets. They are not the steadiest, and I have broken a few before. I love how lightweight they are, as well as how they fit in my hands. Gotta love the interchangeable battery system, too!
Being almost entirely A Dewalt shop, I was hesitant to buy into a new battery platform. But then I found the Dewalt Battery to Ryobi tool adapter, which allows me to buy Ryobi tools, but still use my Dewalt batteries. I especially love the Ryobi glue gun…it’s terrific! As always, thanks for your articles!
I started my woodworking several years ago with Ryobi. I picked them up at a swap meet from a guy that bought return pallets, and he would test them and sell the ones that worked. I only had a couple that failed in the first year, and the rest I am still using. I have added and upgraded with new ones from Home Depot over the last couple years when they sold more brushless tools. I have been very happy with them. The $$ I save on tools allows me to buy wood other than pine.
I started using Ryobi tools when they were blue. I choose them due to price and at one point wanted to try another brand but again price won. In my opinion, Ryobi is now competing with professional brands and can handle bigger jobs. I’ve had two contractors test my P238 impact driver and was impressed. One used it to drill several lag bolts through 6×6 cedar posts for a gazabo and another drilled self-tapping screw through 2×4’s into a 14 gauge square tube for a sliding gate, they both continued using the impact! Majority of my tools are Ryobi and I will admit not all of Ryobi’s line is ready for heavy lifting, so I do have other brands in my shop.
I don’t have much experience with Ryobi, but I do think they have their place in the tool world. I really think you should try out Flex tools. They really hit the ground running since their release of their 24 volt line in 2021. They have also extended their lifetime founders warranty through 2023. I bought into the line and love them. Definitely worth a try. Only downside of the line is the amount of tools they have at the moment, but that is because it is so new. They are releasing many more tools this year.
I think another point is that Ryobi often make multiple versions and models of the same type of product. The impact driver is a perfect example, there are at least (that I’ve counted) 3 or 4 models you can buy that all have different features. The driver I have does have 3 speed modes on it but costs obviously a little more than the base model. So for those that want those features they exist, and for those that don’t need them you can save a few bucks.
I’ve been invested in Ryobi since my first years as a homeowner in the blue tool days. I stayed with them for compatibility and because the value was there for my limited needs. I now have 20+ tools and have really enjoyed the non-traditional ones. The nail guns and the outdoor line have been especially helpful and somewhat unique at the time I picked them up. I still have the blue drill and impact driver. As I look to replace them with something more compact, it’s obvious that Ryobi is also held back by their larger battery footprint. I want to stay with them, as I have 12+ batteries, all 4+ Ahr, but I’m also drawn to the more compact offerings, especially those 12 volt ones. I would love to see Ryobi offer a limited 12V lineup that does not cannibalize their One+ 18V tool commitment.
I sold all my craftsman and switched to Ryobi. I love their tools for general crafting like the clamp on magnifier/ light. Makes my life so much easier. Picked up a vacuum and the HP 10″ sliding miter too. The 10″ sliding miter came with a 4 amp battery and the saw stand for $270. Kinda hard to beat and does everything I need as a non professional. I’ll always love my dewalt stuff but I think Ryobi will take a considerable amount more of my money in the future.
I bought the brushless Ryobi tool set for home renovation projects 4 years ago & they were all great. I’ve never ran across issues & they’ve all held up well over the years, doing 4-7 projects/year. I recently bought their hedge trimmer & absolutely love it! I have no idea how these tools will hold up if you were to use them everyday but it’s the best bang for your buck for casual hobbiest DIYers + homeowners!
I have had Ryobi tools for years now. It started with an old blue drill and driver set that my father gave me and I have stuck with the platform ever since. I love the compatibility and versatility of their tool line and have never had an issue with anything breaking or failing. I would highly recommend any of their tools.
As a DIYer, I’ve been using Ryobi for about ten years. I love the battery compatibility. The only issue I’ve had with my Ryobi tools have been with their 18v nailers. I’ve had two, and both broke. I personally love their drills/drivers 1) because they have a light and 2) they have the magnetic base to hold bits.
Howdy Mr. 731… I am EXTATIC at this article!!!…. I literally put down my buffer and work in my shop came to a COMPLETE stop so I could watch this article. 😅 I feel personally responsible for this articles creation as I’ve been harping on you about Ryobi for over a year now. Am I a fan. Yeap. Absolutely. And keep in mind, I’m a Dewalt guy. Let’s also keep in mind to those who don’t know and “hate” Ryobi….Dewalt is made by Black and Decker. How many woodworkers out there wouldn’t even think about having a Black and Decker in their shop? Well, if ya got a Dewalt, congratulations, you’ve got a Black and Decker. SURPRISE!!!! Back in the day, “Dewalt” was sold exclusively by Sears. Which also exclusively sold Black and Decker. This was Dewalts infancy, the “call to action” if ya will of Black and Decker stepping up to include “Contractor” grade tools. So, those who shy away from Ryobi…take that under consideration. Ryobi does have its caveats. As you mentioned, tablesaws and miter saws. Those are an outstanding NOOOOO!!!!! As well, Ryobi has recently got into the “Dremel” side of tools and bits. I can’t personally speak about their line of carvers n such, but I can speak about their bits. AVOID THEM!!!! Spend a little extra and get the Dremel line of bits or Kutsall. Ryobi, for the most part, make excellent tools “DEPENDING” on your purpose of that tool. Drills and Impacts. Fantastic. I’ve had mine for over a decade. You’re drilling a hole. Do you need a $200-$300 drill for that?
As a beginner woodworker, I’ve been researching different brands to slowly replace my old cordless Porter Cable power tools(tools still work great, but the batteries are wearing down after 15 years). I started looking at Ryobi and was impressed with the variety of tools available and they almost fit my budget. Looking at the larger tools, I agree that the table saw quality isn’t the best, so I would probably go with a more premium brand. However, I bought the Ryobi 18v miter saw and it seems like a much better quality tool, plus it was a great value for the price this past Christmas. I’ve only had it a few weeks, so I’ll have to see how it performs long-term.
My first cordless tools were craftsman19.3 volt. When I saw the writing on the wall for craftsman, I started buying Ryobi 18v., mainly because they were sold locally. I started with the yard tools, ” limb saw, chain saw, and string trimmer “, all the ONE + tools. Later I replaced all my craftsman woodworking tools with the Ryobi brand. I had three tools fail on me pretty close together, and almost ditched the whole bunch, but after I calmed down, I decided to stay a little longer. I don’t regret it because I think they have improved a lot in the last few years.
When I first started out, I got some advice that I am incredibly thankful for. Start with Ryobi tools, and upgrade when it breaks. Saves you a ton of money by not buying expensive tools you’ll only use once. Needless to say – while my garage has all the nicest sanders, tablesaw, saws etc, there are still plenty of lime green tools hanging out too.
I have a ton of Ryobi tools. My favorites are the staplers and nail guns. I like the PVC pipe cutter. I like the cordless router. I even like the small circular saw because it’s so light. I have the blower, the weed whacker, and the hedge trimmer that I use often and they’re great! If you don’t use them every day they last a long time.
I love my Ryobi tools, have been in the platform since they were all blue. Have never had one actually fail on me and I have remodeled more than half my house and built a 12×12 shed using them. I probably have more than 30 of the tools now and will continue to buy them as needed. Just bought the stick vacuum and speaker last weekend, wife loves the vacuum and the speaker lasted almost 12 hours with the 4ah battery and sounds pretty good.
I think the main takeaway from all of these tool brand review articles is to “do what’s right for you.” Nice Matt. FYI I had a Bosch corded router that burnt up just like that. I exchanged it for the exact make and model and haven’t had any other issues. It seems that no matter what brand you choose, sometimes you just get a dud!
Thanks, Matt. This has rapidly become my fav website. You are super insightful and people can tell you are a been there done that kinda guy based on the way you review tools. As far as ryobi, i bought my set based on everything you said at the beginning, but primarily because of battery swapability. For bigger jobs and longevity, obviously go for the plug in highend stuff. For us weekenders, ryobi has my money. I’ve built a garden, deck, cutting boards, workbench, and numerous other projects around the house with just ryobi. Keep up the great work. I’m interested to see if you ever get into lathe work. I’ll stay tuned.
I was also a ryobi hater until I saw and bought the same kit. I bought it for cost and the number of tools that come in the kit. Ergonomics are great. The 4ah battery is pretty powerful and replacements are also competitively priced. The 1.5 ah battery that came with the set is good for the flashlight but its not powerful enough for the motorized tools. Leave it on the flashlight. Great article, great presentation!
I purchased my first Ryobi cordless drill 25 years ago. I was a cheap DIY and couldn’t spend 2.5X for another brand. The tools were blue at the time. When I decided to finish my basement, I purchased the cordless combo kit and a cordless reciprocating saw. These were inexpensive and used the same 18V batteries that I already had. They were blue as well. Since then, I’ve purchased the new line of brushless tools including their cordless circular saw and new drills. All of the Ryobi tools that I’ve purchased are still working. All of them…even the ones I purchased 25+ years ago. I own a bunch of Festool tools as well and know what works best for me. The Ryobi line is great for a lot of folks. Tools snobs and those married to another platform won’t love them, but to each their own. The only Ryobi tool I’ve been disappointed in is the jigsaw. I replaced it with a Festool jigsaw last week. 🙂
Hey Matt, this seems like an extremely fair assessment of Ryobi, from what I can tell. I appreciate that you dug deep for the history and even took polls about the tools before hand… You did your homework and we appreciate that thoroughness! I have a few Ryobi tools. I’ve been happy with the cordless brad nailer and caulking gun, not too crazy about the router or the drill bits & router bits… my Ryobi plunge router always plunged unevenly, and actually got worse as I had it.
Great article Matt. Couple of things. Go brushless if you can. The gearboxes are not built for continuous use, so, when you run a battery from 100 to 0, leave the tool cool down especially the grinder & the sawzall. The 18 gauge nailer is one of the best thing they make. Hedge clippers, brush cutter & chemical sprayer are great too. Good platform for the price & the range is fantastic.
Yeah, I think you nailed it. I was a professional cabinet maker / contractor, and I used pro tools. I am not a pro now, and I use tools maybe 10 hours a month, rather than 10 hours per day. Ryobi are just fine for me. Actually likely better for someone who has the “feel” for when a tool is being abused. A lot of beginners are going to over stress the little brushed motors. The brushless are quite a bit better.
I love Ryobi! I’m a prop and set builder for movies and amusement parks I’ve dropped them many times and they still work! A lot are scuffed up a bit but still work! And also when you’re on a huge movie set and have many crew members working on set sometimes your tools might walk away! If that does happen you can replace your tool without breaking the bank!
I have a few of Ryobi tools and I LOVE them. The only thing I would advise (and that is probably valid for other brands) – is to stay away from sets and kits. Their tools might look the same as the ones you can buy separately, but they actually are not. Separately available ones are usually more powerful and/or offer more features. Plus, you buy what you actually need, and not what the company tells you what you need.
Love the different options that Ryobi offers, it was the major selling point, along with the battery platform not likely to change. My newest favorite Ryobi tool is the air-inflator which works great as a duster for my PC. No more cans of compressed air, this thing does great. I have lights, USB-charger, saw, drill, etc with Ryobi. Makes it hard to move to another brand with so many useful tools. Hot glue gun, tire pump, dremel, soldering iron, I mean does Dewalt do all that? I don’t think so. My old Dewalt drill? Yeah they don’t make the batteries anymore. I had to buy an knockoff battery, and I gave it to my Mom to keep at her place. Haters gonna hate, but to me it’s just ignorance.
I started as a handyman 3 years ago and I picked Ryobi because of the amount of tools and the battery. Out of the 3 years I’ve been doing my handyman service, I only had one tool die on me. That was the oscillating tool. I do have that table saw and that miter saw, I think it does all right. For what I needed to do which is cut wood relatively straight it does a job.
The poll results really surprise me. I bought the ryobi 18 gauge brad nailer and started making wooden American flags in late August last year (never done any woodworking before then) and as soon I I posted them on Facebook the orders started flying in. From basically the first of September to Christmas I made 31 flags and used it pretty much every day with absolutely no problems. And even with all that use I only had to charge the battery once. I got the ryobi radio with Bluetooth for Christmas and it works great also. Now I’m thinking about a project for my scrap. I’m thinking about doing end grain coaster sets. My next ryobi purchase I’m planning on is the angle grinder. I want to give wavy flags a try. So needless to say I guess I’m one of the few that has nothing but good things to say about ryobi.
I started with a Ryobi string trimmer because it was $20 used with battery and charger. Now I’ve got their driver and a drill and feel they work really well for the price. I’m not doing heavy construction with them, but they handled building a laundry room very well. What sold me was the battery compatibility.
Ive had a Ryobe drill that has sat in the tray of my truck for 5+ years which leads to it getting fairly grimy. I primarily use it for drilling in concrete and bitumen and it still works perfectly for what I need. Even though they may not be as good as the higher end brands the savings in price, large varitey and lower cost makes them perfectly fine for any jobs imo.
I very much enjoy Ryobi! They are great for DIY and even some more intermediate stuff! Especially now a days, and they have never strayed from their original battery design for their main battery operated line, now they have the 80V, 40V, and the small USB Lithium lines which is great! Over the years, they have definitely gotten much much better. We still have a drill and saw from probably 15+ years ago, they’ve been dropped, kicked, tossed, or whatever and are still working well! Today my bro and I just picked up a brushless set deal for 200 bucks, 2 1.5ah batteries, a charger, carrying bag, Brushless Drill, Brushless Compact Circular Saw, Brushless Angle Grindor, and Brushless Impact Driver, all fantastic feeling and very quality overall. Also got the Brushless High Impact Torque gun and it’s very nice. Looking to get the Gen2 Oscillating Multi-tool next. The router is decent overall, the Soldering iron set is pretty good too, and so is the plainer, also the electric stapler is fantastic.
I got started with Ryobi because of their fans. I have dogs that I show in various dog related sports. Outdoors and even indoors, air circulation for the dogs is critical! Since I already had Ryobi batteries, I started acquiring various (numerous) Ryobi tools! I love them and have almost no issues with them. They have something for almost everything!
By far the best thing other than the value you get with Ryobi is the variety of tools that go with the battery system. Once you buy a couple of the 4-5Ah batteries you’ll find everything has more juice. My 2 personal favorites that get use all the time are the inflator/deflator (for tires and air mattresses) and the hybrid work light (can use extension cord or battery). Even though I cannot speak to efficiency with respect to its corresponding system, Ryobi batteries are cheaper than the other brands.
Im an average Joe DIYer and I love Ryobi tools. I never understood any hate on them unless people are just set in their ways on super high-end pro brands. One of the best things imo is the battery platform. Even if you’re buying a new product you dont have to worry about getting new batteries because the same ones you have at home will fit. Also, they have SO many sales and bundles that you end up acquiring extra batteries at basically no cost to you. Never have to worry about whether you have enough power to take on a project and its peace of mind knowing im not gonna have to lose my momentum on something just to sit around and wait on a battery to charge. Also they are very affordable. Ive never done any pro level construction so I can’t speak to how they perform in a professional environment but from what I have read they do well. But I digress. My option is you can’t choose a better brand as a DIYer.
I actually had much experience with ryobi. It started out with the starter kit like you bought and I have added many more since. I am in the final stages of finishing my house and I am proud to say that the entire thing was built with nothing but ryobi tools. The only time I have had them fail on me was when I was constantly cutting pressure treated 2×12 and when I was using the drill to stir some concrete. Other than that no problems whatsoever
I’ve been using Ryobi 1+ system for years. Started out with the blue, and have since added the green in almost everything I could dream of needing. I am a weekend wood worker (woods wood works) and plan to retire to the wood shop with my Ryobi, they have only let me down once with the Sawzall. But I bought another one just like it😃
I use them for commercial use. I have been very pleased. I use the lower impact driver the most. I’ve had it smoking drilling inch and a half paddle bit time and time again on a large disability ramp. That was a year ago, and it is still going strong. They have really picked up their game. I love 6 1/2 inch circular saw. I work it to death.
Appreciate the great article! One thing I’d like to point out is that while brushless motors are inherently better, reading the specs on the Ryobi offerings, their 1/2″ drive HP Brushless drill loses both torque and speed to the brushed standard offering. For a basically $60-80 drill, I’ll take a slightly shorter battery life and even tool life over less power and speed any day.
Thanks, this was helpful. I’ve been looking at a Ryobi impact wrench and ratchet wrench for working on the car, and I like that the battery compatibility is a big thing with them. A couple of 5AH batteries and I then have the option of buying more tools later on that take the same batteries. I’m not gonna be tearing down cars all day and night, it’s just a DIY thing to save the cost of taking it to the shop on fairly simple jobs, so I think Ryobi is probably a good choice for me.
All of my poer tools are ryobi except for a dewalt orbital sander and some corded skil saws and I haven’t had any issues out of them! Granted I’m using them as a diy Hobbyist but I do use them a lot. I also own the table saw and miter saw and have yet to have an issue. I do know that if i want to get more serious that I would have to get better equipment! By the way, your articles are great and very informative!
As a retired cabinet maker and trim carpenter for much of the last 50+ years, I so wish that they had been around much earlier. The amount of effort I have put in lugging heavy tools and stringing out air hoses and extension cords in the decadesprior to acquiring my Ryobi collection…my word !!! I now grab my 7 1/4″ chopsaw, my pin gun (that actually sinks 2″pins with no problem IN OAK !) and hit the job. Batteries are fast charging and somewhat reasonably priced, and the number of tools compatible is mind-boggling. First purchased a combo kit mainly for the circular saw and reciprocal saw because of the pricing, have added a dozen more, with another dozen on my list to go. Some “friends ” scoff (the Dewalt and Milwaukee guys mostly) and while I started my career with Makita 40+ years ago, they simply didn’t keep up and became spendy enough to step back and re-evaluate my purchase direction. Have yet to have even one tool “go bad” & and only one battery fail. Pretty good record for this guy, who is known to put his tools through some often rough workouts ! Thanks Ryobi for the products that mak e my visions come to fruition and garner accolades for my finished projects….I owe you !
I have Ryobi cordless tools and I didn’t like only a couple that I returned one was the 18v inflator and recently my wife’s 4v glue pen. I own their 40v carbon fiber shaft trimmer, 40v chainsaw, 18v brushless 10″ sliding miter saw, circular saw, pole saw, jigsaw just to name a few and all of them work great and have never given any trouble. If you try hard enough and your goal is to abuse a tool to the point whereas it finally fails, you can do that with any brand and snob that brand because it’s “inferior “. I also own Makita and DeWalt and using all the tools properly as how it’s suggested to be used will give you years of service, probably longer than you expected.
I Love Ryobi tools and won’t buy anything else. They have longevity, durability, quality, versatility and interoperability. Their Customer Services teams are also incredibly helpful and understanding. I have received a replacement 18v lawnmower and new 9Ah 18v battery from them in the past year. Thank you Ryobi, keep on innovating.
I have pretty much every RYOBI tool there is, I first started buying RYOBI to replace my other tools that were dying out. I was hooked by the “One battery fits all” idea. Over the years I have only had one battery that died but it was one of the batteries I first purchased with my first tool. (so it owed me nothing) I am a D.I.Y guy and get called on by many friends and family to fix or build something in their home. I love my RYOBI tools, they have never failed me. If I had to say something negative it would be the 18 volt circular saw. I find it just doesn’t have the torque or power to do a long continuous cut with out stopping or kicking back. But I also have a full size RYOBI circular saw that cuts through everything like hot butter. So as much as I love the “No cord” freedom I find for the bigger D.I.Y. jobs, I just use the corded circular saw. Otherwise I would suggest RYOBI for any weekend worrier, D.I.Y.’er. Love your reviews, keep it up!
I started with ryobi tools. I was a young and broke contractor. I still have that basic set 10 years later at home. It’s by no means great, but it did it’s job well enough for me to grow my business. Anyone who ever makes fun of someone’s tools isn’t welcome in my site today. We all have to start somwhere and thanks to Ryobi and Ridgid for making it possible.
10 years as a fabricator building everything from mobile grandstands to lorry bodies, started with the blue ryobi tools, all STILL work, got a few newer yellow ones and again the ONLY failure in the last 17 years was a motor in a yellow drill, the blue drill however still goign strong, and this thing used to be used putting hardwood floors down onto lorry backs.. its not been treated gently.. great kit, great price, and with the availability of high capacity non genuine batteries from ebay for literally a few quid, a win win in my eyes
Never really noticed until now, but I have quite a few Ryobi tools that I’ve had for years with very few problems. The only tool that stopped working was a drill (old blue one) that was the most used and dropped from heights. I guess it’s because I already had the batteries. I still have a bunch of Ryobi blues. I didn’t know people didn’t like the brand.
Love my Ryobi tools! Back when battery tools started coming out I bought a lot of the B&D as they were affordable and usable for a DIY person. Batteries now cost more than the original tool and you are lucky to get more than 1 year out of them. I started collecting Ryobi and love that my yard tools as well as shop tools all use the same battery and they seem to have a fantastic lifespan as well as use-span.
I’m a professional and have spent decades in the fine finish carpentry trade and I’ve used ryobi since they were blue. Some of those blue ones are still going strong after more than 25 years and thousands of holes drilled. I get kind of tired of the narrative that they are only for homeowners or light diy types. I don’t abuse any of my tools so maybe I’m not the typical knuckle dragging tradesman but if you respect your tools they will usually last regardless of how much money you spend. I do agree with your assessment of their table saw’s however I have a ryobi 10″ sliding compound miter saw in 18 volt and I have found it to be extremely accurate. Anyway I appreciate the perspective.
Over the years, ive had a mix of many tools – powered and cordless. Dewalt, Makita, Delta and black and decker. Over the years of use, I cant point to one that is better than the other. Ive burned up a Makita as quickly as a dewalt or black and decker. 3 years ago I started replacing tools. Went with Ryobi. So far I have several products and liked the design, quality and commitment to battery compatibility. The main question is, will it do the work I need done and last 15+ years. I feel that it will. Is it going to last as long as a dewalt on a construction site? Maybe not. I agree on the Ryobi table saw. Not a fan. But my 2 Ryobi miter saws have done well.
I have all ryobi and love them all my tools still work great, except for my original drill purchase which I bought 13 years ago and used it for everything, thought it was giving up the ghost but is still running strong, saving new drill when it eventually gives up. Have about 13 tools and they all use the same battery is just awesome, the battery compatibility, tool selection and price is what sold me. I am always on the look out the next sale, to pickup my next ryobi gadget, my uncle felt the same and has a wide selection. Again the battery longevity is key. who wants a bunch tools that need different batteries and chargers it just simplifies everything.
I gave my blue Ryobi drill to my son in law. I bought it around 1996. Bought two new batteries for him and it’s still going strong. I have the green one. I’ve had it for 5 years. I’ve dropped it off the bench multiple times and from several ladders. It still works. I’m not sure why Ryobi gets treated like a step child. They’ve worked great for me.
I dont know if you all know what OCD is, but I have been diagnosed with OCD. As my doctor explained it. It doesnt always call for excessive washing, cleaning, or hoarding. It also applies to buying, keeping and not using. I buy all of the same stuff, I keep all of the same stuff usually new, and I buy new stuff just because its the same brand and I like it. I found myself with seven toothbrushes, package after package of the same toilet paper. Its hard to explain. He asked if my dad or momma had a hoarding problem. I said my dad. WHen my dad died he had 150 church suits. He would buy them and never wear them but the same four or five he wore all the time. My OCD is buying things that I like in the brand that I already bought. I like granite pots and pans. I have three sets of granite pots and pans. I have knives that I wont use but go buy a new one when I need one. All in storage closets as I live buy myself. I guess its like hoarding as I have food out the wahoo and I rotate it. I love ryobi so dont be surprised that I have like three of the same ryobi drills and ten of the same batteries. I ranted and im done. I love ryobi
I started in carpentry with the blue Ryobi tools. They lasted forever. They were the tools I’d lend out. They are durable for what they are. I tell people that ryobi is the home owner grade tool but if you don’t have the cheddar they should buy the Ryobi to get started. Then get the others once your making money and make the ryobi your backup
I also love the variety of tools all on one battery platform. There’s the obvious things like drills, saws, sanders, etc. But then there are flashlights and fans, soldering irons and bluetooth speakers. String trimmers, leaf blowers, etc. Even household stuff like upright vacuums. Ryobi markets this stuff to regular people instead of contractors and I think their engineers and product designers get a lot more creative because of it. As much as she despises the chartreuse color, my wife loves the clip fan, handheld vacuum, and upright stick vac that we have.
I love my Ryobi tools. When I need something new, the first things i do is check what they have available. Our local Makerspace is 100% Ryobi for all of their handheld tools – that’s where the value is for price and reliability. The only motor I’ve burned out on a Ryobi tool was on the random orbital sander.
As a contractor I exclusively use Ryobi mainly just due to cost vs performance. For the most part these tools have worked well for me over many years. I still use batteries from 2014. I am not as happy with the newer brushless tools and still buy the brushed tools when I can. I’m not sure that I will continue to buy brushless Ryobi, the ones I have bough don’t perform any better, they suck more power and they also don’t seem to last like the brushed.
I want to be able to use them with AC / Corded, if I want. That doesn’t seem to be a priority for any of the companies. Also the battery shape on Ryobi seems to limit its profile potential. I haven’t fully decided which route I’m going. Ryobi does make some really cool stuff. The difference in profile between the Ryobi/Dewalt ratchet got me thinking a little more about it. Battery statistics would be cool to see.
I am a little late to the comments but I have a suggestion. For your Router, though it is a little top heavy, why not use the 2ah battery. It is smaller and lighter. Won’t last as long but how long do you need to use a Router? I love Ryobi tools. I am a home owner and a DYI (just cheaper that way :)) and have bought several of their tools and love the convenience of the ONE+ battery system.
I have recenetly switched to Ryobi from Makita, mainly just because of price point. And I am no longer working in the trades. so I don’t need the “better brand” and honestly I really like them so far, the impact driver I have now is a 3 speed with an auto option, the drill is brushless and I picked up a big 1/2″ impact wrench and it was very very useful. i love that I could a small cordless rotary tool kit that uses the same batteries. and I will be picking up the cordless soldering iron as well to replace the plug in one I have. these are great tools for the at home user. very much enjoy, and I have 3 batteries now. a 1.5, 2, and 4. and honestly for the stuff I do I likely won’t need to upgrade any time soon. or even get another one.
I’ve had Ryobi tools since they came with the NiCad batteries. Never had a problem (except battery life with the NiCad’s). Built sheds, worked as a contractor for a couple years. Never disappointed with performance. Still have all the blue Ryobi tools. I don’t know what all the crabbing is about Ryobi hand tools. I do agree that the table saw and band saw were disappointing, the miter saw and drill press were mostly acceptable.
I agree that the “hate” comes from contractors who value the tool more than the skill. These are NOT made for day-in/day-out use. That said, in the over 20 years since I bought my first “kit” I’ve only burned out one drill (actually just lost the variable speed – but still works). While I have moved to Makita, I still find myself looking over Ryobi’s latest innovations – I’ve seen them on a lot of occasions bring a tool out years before the “contractor” brands. Also, with battery adapters, you can have multiple tool companies and single battery platform.
I started out (in the 80’s-90’s) with Makita and Milwaukee tools and switched to Dewalt because I used a coworker’s drill and it felt so much better in my hand, the batteries worked in multiple tools and they held a charge far longer than my Makitas and Milwaukees. I had used various Ryobi tools in the past and wasn’t impressed. After a couple of decades, Dewalt tools were just getting too expensive because they were great tools and everyone used them. When Ryobi came out with their new line of cordless tools, I needed an impact driver to finish a job, but all they had at Home Depot was the 20v Dewalt w/charger and 1 battery (I had 18v batteries so I couldn’t just buy the tool), for over $200 and I saw the Ryobi with batteries and charger for $89, so I tried it out. The Ryobi felt lighter and more comfortable and it was every bit as powerful as my Dewalt that just died on me. Granted, my Dewalt batteries were a few years old, but I used that Ryobi impact driver for weeks before having to charge it and I don’t think my Dewalt batteries ever lasted that long, even new. For the past couple of years, I have replaced almost all of my cordless tools with Ryobi tools and I can’t find anything about them to complain about. I still have my old Dewalt tools, but as those die off, I will be replacing those with Ryobi as well. I can’t believe they are so much cheaper because I haven’t noticed a drop in quality by switching. But then, I’ve had my Dewalt tools for decades, so I guess I will have to report back in 20-30 years (if I live that long) for an update on whether the Ryobi tools are still working.
I’ve worked in various trades over the years. For the most part, my employer provided all the power tools necessary. When I decided to get my own tools for household projects I didn’t have the funds to buy less tools for more money. This meant the big name brands were out of the question. I ended up buying a five piece Ryobi tool set and seperate impact driver. Both came with batteries and charger. They were on sale and was a good deal at just over $200 for everything. That was 15 years ago. All the tools still work. I have had to buy new batteries at least three times. When I bought the tools they were still Ni-cad batteries. The lithium ion batteries last longer and are much better. I’ve considered “upgrading” several times but can’t justify the hefty price of new tools versus having to buy a couple batteries every few years for tools that work fine. Instead of switching brands we just buy more Ryobi tools. Keeping the same battery platform over the years was a genius strategy for Ryobi.
I actually have a Ryobi miter saw and think it is a great budget saw. I have the one where you can pull the blade out so you can make a 10 inch cut. I got mine on sale for $140 and I use it regularly. I have a lot of Ryobi tools and really like them. I do have a few Milwaukee tools which are definitely have slightly more torque (in the case of my auto rachet) but the cost beneift is Ryobi as I am not a professional and just do a lot (a lot) of DIY work.
I bought a Ryobi BT-3000 table saw at Costco about about 25 years ago for maybe four or five hundred dollars; way before that vizzy green. It came with a sturdy steel stand, has a sliding table/miter fence feature, a router table and came with a nice 36 tooth FTG blade and included a router. The router was something of a fail and I prefer my trusty Porter Cable 690, but the table bears absolutely NO resemblance to that plastic POS at the end of this article. It cuts straight and clean, is well made, with actual aluminum rails and tables and has been a great workhorse for me. Yeah, it’s only a 1 1/2 horse motor but it does everything I need to do. Unfortunately, it has been discontinued. After looking at the table top saws available now, they all have a junk look and feel to them and that’s why I took it apart, gave it a good cleaning, replaced the shims so it didn’t take two hands to raise and lower the blade (the only issue with the model) and we’re back in business. Tools can surprise you. Some tool makers ain’t what they used to be and some are better than you would expect.