Keep craftsman professional 20v or switch to Ryobi one 18v?

[hondakilla98]

I have craftsman professional 20v lithium cordless tools. I have 2 drills, circular saw, reciprocating saw, light, two chargers and 4 batteries. They aren't made anymore and I can't seem to find an impact driver fir sale anywhere. There are a few other tools I might buy in the future. I started looking at cordless tools and the ryobi one line stands out. Low price, backwards compatibility, and 50 tools that use the same battery. Will I be disappointed? Should I sell my craftsmen tools and buy all ryobi? Maybe just get what I don't already have in ryobi? I'd like a 1/4" impact driver, right angle drill, compact drill, 1/2" impact.

 

[stonesfan68]

I think that it depends one what you are doing with the tools. For basic home owner, DIY jobs I think that the Ryobi tools are fine. If you want something more heavy-duty then you should go to Dewalt, Makita or Milwaukee.

 

[Major Ramifications]

I saw the impact driver (bare tool) on Sears' website this weekend.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-prof...p-00928128000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4

If you are used to these, you will be a bit disappointed in the Ryobi One+ I think.

 

[hondakilla98]

I saw the impact driver (bare tool) on Sears' website this weekend.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-prof...p-00928128000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4

If you are used to these, you will be a bit disappointed in the Ryobi One+ I think.

That's the one, but it's out of stock online and not available at any stores around me.

 

[cheechi]

The C3 and Ryobi 1+ are essentially the same tools, so if you originally chose the 20v over the 19.2/C3 then no you won't be happy with them.

My FIL loves his Ryobi and has all dewalt 18 & 20v at work. He has the option to take home the dewalts any time and still bought the Ryobi for around the house stuff. I have the ryobi hand vac (dustbuster) in the one + and I like it. For my uses, I would tear the ryobi up quick but that's not to say the tools and insides aren't good, they just aren't built for a jobsite.

 

[blacksuit99]

I have had the ryobi 18 volt drill, driver, reciprocating saw, radio and vacuum for 3 or 4 years. About a year ago I went with lithium batteries. These have all been bullet proof, no complaints at all and yes they get abused!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[amolaver]

i've got - and love - almost all of my ryobi one+ tools. the 1/2" square impact is the only real disappointment. extremely weak. i've been through 4 or 5 cordless impacts - a 19.2v HF that was fantastic, a 24v northern (POS), the ryobi, and now a milwaukee M18. the milwaukee crushes all the others, and i believe they have a new 'fuel' one that is even stronger. i've used the C3 stuff and am not impressed.

highly recommend against the ryobi and going with either milwaukee m18 or m12. milwaukee has a broader range of tools than anyone else, and is certainly one of the highest quality, widely available, cordless manufacturers. my milwaukee m18 impact (1/4") has fallen off 15' high scaffolding onto concrete at least half a dozen times - what can i say, i'm a klutz - and works like new.

ahm

 

[Conductor562]

In all honesty there is little difference between the two. The One + won't be any better or worse than what you've been using. Ryobi gets the nod for the number of tools available.

 

[pauls_workshop]

Hi, I have many of the Ryobi one plus 18 v tools for many years. These are good for most of my DIY homeowner non pro needs. Some of the tools in the line I would put up against anything the pro lines have while others are simply not pro competitive. The 20 v you are used to will be more power than the one plus at 18 volt. Since you have so many of those already, probably best to stay in that line. You can always get battery packs rebuilt or do it yourself later on if you needed to. There may be other options too.

You can also make a "converter" battery pack if you ever wanted to to use another brand of batteries in your tools. I'm doing this at the moment converting some old black and decker 18v tools to let me use my ryobi batteries in them since I don't feel like repacking them or buying more black and decker batteries! Go to http://www.instructibles.com and search on battery to see some of the things people are doing with these. Someday, I might upgrade to Rigid but if I do, I have no intention of losing the use of my current Ryobi tools. I would probably just make a Ridgid battery converter to plug into my old Ryobis at that point. Ryobi also just came out with a new 4 amp hour battery that blows away just about anything out there now for run time but it is still 18 volts, not 20 or more. Also parent of Ryobi also is parent of Ridgid and Milwaukee and most Craftsman cordless are same as Ryobi except rebadged and switched to use the Sears proprietary battery pack. So going to Ryobi won't be any real upgrade for you for the tools you have and a bit of downgrade from 20 to 18 volts. - Paul

 

[Moose97]

I've got most of the Ryobi 18 volt cordless. I like them all and they work great for me as a DIY'er. The impact drill is fantastic! Not thrilled with the circular saw. Won't hold up to big jobs but I break out the cord and plug Ryobi saw and no problems.

 

[pauls_workshop]

I've got most of the Ryobi 18 volt cordless. I like them all and they work great for me as a DIY'er. The impact drill is fantastic! Not thrilled with the circular saw. Won't hold up to big jobs but I break out the cord and plug Ryobi saw and no problems.

Moose, my top ryobi tools are their drills, which are all very good and their little 1/4" hex impact driver. These are world class tools. The impact drill I have has problems with bits loosening in the chuck after about 30 seconds, so not so world class there. Some of them do have design issues, like the string trimmer, which fails on me. The hedge trimmer is great, reciprocating tiger saw is ok. - Paul

 

[Major Ramifications]

In all honesty there is little difference between the two. The One + won't be any better or worse than what you've been using. Ryobi gets the nod for the number of tools available.

Conductor, I don't think you are familiar with the Craftsman Pro red 20V lithium ion tools he has. They are a large step above the One+ and the Craftsman C3 stuff. Like night and day almost.

 

[kythri]

The Craftsman 20V stuff is essentially the same as the Craftsman C3 stuff.

There's NO major difference between the two.

 

[hondakilla98]

The Craftsman 20V stuff is essentially the same as the Craftsman C3 stuff.

There's NO major difference between the two.

One thing that's far nicer on the 20v is the all metal one handed Chuck. As far as internals go, I'm not sure.

 

[itguy08]

I doubt anyone will notice the difference in 18v vs 20v. Most 18V LiIon is closer to 20v right off the charger anyway and under use they both sag to about the same voltage.

I'd go Milwaukee M12 or M18 depending on if you want compactness. Or start a collection of both. Milwaukee is innovating like no other in these spaces and they have a wide range of class leading tools in both platforms.

Ryobi is good as well but the "pro brands" are a step up in quality. They may be the last ones you buy.

 

[MN4x4]

IF you are going to jump ship on what you have, I need to ask 'why'? Some possibilities

1. You have fallen out of love with them, i.e. don't like them anymore

2. Batteries are getting old, and too expensive to replace

3. The line doesn't have other tools you'd like to add

4. You just need to spend some money.

If my answer were ANY of those four, I wouldn't consider either of your choices. Like others have said, I'd be looking at either the Milwaukee M12 or M18 line. It is better quality, well respected, 'pro' tested and approved, the 'Fuel' stuff is new this year, and there are more tools available than any other line.

Problem solved.

 

[firebox40dash5]

I doubt anyone will notice the difference in 18v vs 20v. Most 18V LiIon is closer to 20v right off the charger anyway and under use they both sag to about the same voltage.

There is no difference, just marketing. It's just taking the rounding that started with 10.8v tools being called 12v to a new level of dishonesty. I got it when they did the former, 12v was an established, common voltage, and who wants to be that precise anyway? It's just kinda stupid rounding 18v up to 20v... 18v tools were already common, and it's a whole number. I don't put 15v batteries in my vehicles to satisfy an OCD desire for everything to be a multiple of 5. At least the 19.2v nicad stuff had an extra cell stuffed in there.

I wouldn't bother "upgrading" to Ryobi. It's more like a sideways move or a step down anyway. I had Ryobi tools once, never again... they were nutless when they were new, and the batteries (nicads) were toast in well under a year. They're cheap, but you can pick up better options without breaking the bank, too.

 

[Joe B.]

I have some of the older Craftsman 20V Pro line tools. They have held up to heavy use with no problems. I could not see a reason to change. I don't think lower end Ryobi stuff would be more appealing other than having a lot of tools options you probably don't need.

 

[djjsr]

Even at list prices, Ryobi is a better value than most other brands and you can usually find some good deals on them either at HD or their website, which makes them an even better value.

 

[pauls_workshop]

Here is a real good discussion in hot deals on the new 4 amp hour Ryobi batteries and a comparison of the impact driver with it vs. pro competition (Ryobi beats them ALL). Check it out:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=225915

 

[69supercj]

Not sure about the newer Ryobi batteries and tools but I've got an older(8 years or so) drill 18v with the Ryobi one+ batteries and they're junk. The batteries will not hold a charge. Toss em and get a good set of the Milwaukee M18 or M18 Fuel stuff. You wont be sorry.

 

[itguy08]

Here is a real good discussion in hot deals on the new 4 amp hour Ryobi batteries and a comparison of the impact driver with it vs. pro competition (Ryobi beats them ALL). Check it out:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=225915

Only because it was the only one with a 4.0 Ah battery. Pop a 4.0 on a M18 Fuel and it will run circles around the Ryobi unit.

 

[djjsr]

Not sure about the newer Ryobi batteries and tools but I've got an older(8 years or so) drill 18v with the Ryobi one+ batteries and they're junk. The batteries will not hold a charge.

If they're 8 years old, they're nicads and you will probably never find any nicads of any brand name that will last that long.

 

[kythri]

Well, 8 year old batteries, I'd expect aren't exactly in their prime.

You can't really judge the quality of a tool based on a consumable. That's like saying an entire make of car ***** because the tires are bald and the oil needs changing on the one you're looking at.

The 4.0Ah Li-Ion batteries are a heck of an investment for your Ryobi tools.

To the OP: Since your question was "Keep Craftsman 20V or switch to Ryobi 18V" not "which other brand should I buy" (people keep seeming to miss that), I'd put my future tool investment into the Ryobi 18V line.

I don't think you're going to recoup much on the sale of the 20V stuff, so if it were me, I'd either keep it and use it until it dies, or gift it to someone who has nothing.

Either way, I'd definitely jump all over the Ryobi stuff.

I freely admit, I'm biased, having bought heavily into the line, but the stuff really is great. A lot of folks try to claim that it's poor quality, and tout the ever-popular "real professionals use Brand X" line, but, quite frankly, that's just not that accurate anymore.

In my job, I contract out a lot of services from various high and low voltage electrical contractors, and interact regularly with generals and others.

The number of Ryobi 18V cordless tools in these folks bags/carts/work vehicles outnumbers DeWalt, which is the next most popular brand.

Knowing the Ryobi line-up like I do, I know that quite a few of these guys are using Ryobi stuff that's 5 years, 10 years old.

I don't put my stuff through the stress and rigors that they do, which, to me, means that my stuff will last even longer (and it's already lasted nearly 10 as it is).

The line is always expanding, and I wouldn't be surprised to see brushless motor stuff hit the line soon.

 

[pauls_workshop]

Only because it was the only one with a 4.0 Ah battery. Pop a 4.0 on a M18 Fuel and it will run circles around the Ryobi unit.

Well, sure the 4.0 amp hour battery makes a big difference but don't say "only". The little ryobi 1.4" impact I would put up against anyones as competitive which just happens to be what was just done and it won. This is not an accident. It really is a world class tool. Not as high a torque as the more pro brands, slightly bigger, slightly heavier, but really fun to use all day long and fast and effective. I don't see any reason of any sort to use anything else for a 1/4" impact. Now, I do wish the 1/2" impact Ryobi makes had more torque to it. I want one of those but am on the fence about the Ryobi one for that. It is only a bit more powerful than this 1/4" impact is. Ryobi has some real champs of a tool and this one I put at the very top of them all. I've had mine several years now. Can't kill it or slow it down. - Paul

 

[firebox40dash5]

The little ryobi 1.4" impact I would put up against anyones as competitive which just happens to be what was just done and it won. This is not an accident. It really is a world class tool. Not as high a torque as the more pro brands, slightly bigger, slightly heavier

Um, what? Less power, bigger, heavier, and it's "world class"?

I'm glad the Ryobi junk I had was a gift. I've had better ROI from a ********** visit.

 

[Shipfittin]

There is nothing wrong at all with switching over to Ryobi from Craftsman. I assume you specifically asked about switching to Ryobi instead of what brand to switch because you have put some serious thought and research into their product line.

I've had some Ryobi plus one tools in the past and had no problem with them.

Ryobi and Milwaukee are both produced by Techtronic (TTI). TTI also produces or used to produce Ridgid power tools sold at Home Depot, Ridgid is not listed on their (TTI's) website.

 

[hondakilla98]

The reasons I'm looking to switch or add ryobi tools.

1. The 20v craftsman aren't made anymore.

2. Limited options of tools that use the 20v battery.

The reasons I'm looking at Ryobi.

1. Price. They're cheaper than the alternatives.

2. Variety. They have 50+ tools that use the same batteries.

3. I've used my friends ryobi 18v tools and like them.

Right now I'm thinking I'll pick up just the impact driver and maybe the compact drill(for the wife). Most likely whatever I can find for a good price on craigslist. All my craftsman tools and batteries work great. So it's not like they need replaced.

 

[KaHuNaZ]

The reasons I'm looking to switch or add ryobi tools.

1. The 20v craftsman aren't made anymore.

2. Limited options of tools that use the 20v battery.

The reasons I'm looking at Ryobi.

1. Price. They're cheaper than the alternatives.

2. Variety. They have 50+ tools that use the same batteries.

3. I've used my friends ryobi 18v tools and like them.

Right now I'm thinking I'll pick up just the impact driver and maybe the compact drill(for the wife). Most likely whatever I can find for a good price on craigslist. All my craftsman tools and batteries work great. So it's not like they need replaced.

In that case, I would pick up the P236 impact driver over the older p234g (p881kit). Though they are very similar on paper, the newer style autoload chuck and the tri-led make all the difference in the world. being able to change out a bit with one hand is really useful. If you want the most power out of your ryobi tools, then upgrade to the lithium+ line of batteries. They improve tool performance by up to 35%.

 

[krdiesel03]

BTW the craftsman C3 is made by Ryobi. Well, TTI is the parent company that makes the C3, Ryobi, Milwaukee, Ridgid, and some others.

 

[pauls_workshop]

Um, what? Less power, bigger, heavier, and it's "world class"?

I'm glad the Ryobi junk I had was a gift. I've had better ROI from a ********** visit.

Fire, I think that last statement says a lot more about you than it does about me or the topic being discussed and I'm not sure I'm going to try to compete with that one! But it is MORE power, not less, to run much longer than the others. Power = Work over Time. It is less torque though. If you are trying to drive 4" long 3/8" screws without pre-drilling all day, don't buy the Ryobi. For 2.5" long drywall screws, can go all day no problem.

World class includes price. The Ryobi is by far the cheapest option as a tool (though the new batteries are pricey. You don't have to use those though.) It is very very good for the price. That is the point. I think most PROS would be more than happy using it with the new batteries all day long, even if 10% less torque and 10% heavier than the pro options for more money, which is also a point. They would also be happy using the pro brands too. - Paul

 

[pauls_workshop]

The reasons I'm looking to switch or add ryobi tools.

1. The 20v craftsman aren't made anymore.

2. Limited options of tools that use the 20v battery.

The reasons I'm looking at Ryobi.

1. Price. They're cheaper than the alternatives.

2. Variety. They have 50+ tools that use the same batteries.

3. I've used my friends ryobi 18v tools and like them.

Right now I'm thinking I'll pick up just the impact driver and maybe the compact drill(for the wife). Most likely whatever I can find for a good price on craigslist. All my craftsman tools and batteries work great. So it's not like they need replaced.

Hey Honda, and when you do have trouble with the old 20 v batteries, you can either easily repack them again or make a converter and use another battery pack in them! I'm going to try to post a how to on this in coming months on Black and Decker using Ryobi batteries when I'm all done with it. Any brand can drive any tool! It is just that they make it not easy so you have to make a little converter so the other battery will fit in the original plastic battery housing and solder a few wires. You can use a little epoxy or some Sugru equivalent to make it fit nicely in there. No need to ever waste an older cordless tool investment at all !

I also found out Black and Decker packs fit in the Harbor Freight old line of tools. That is another reason to try to save not just my old B&D trimmer and hedger but also then let me pick up some HF tools when I find them cheap used and run them all off Ryobi batteries, now awesome! A few of the HF are really good, like their 1/2" impact, much better than the Ryobi one! Buy the HF and run it with the new 4 amp hour ryobi battery! Beat out Milwaukee which will run out of fuel in comparison!!!!

Just kidding on that one Milwaukee guys but will be really really good for not much money at all. I think the HF one was about 2x the torque of the Ryobi one.

Also, if you want a brand new unused Ryobi drill, I have one I can sell you cheap that was an extra in a kit I bought. Best way to get in the way you said is a combo deal on drill + impact driver + 2 mini lithium batteries + charger, but useful to have the spare drill too, which I can sell you, just PM me! - Paul

 

[CoryZ]

I wouldn't switch from one consumer grade product to the other. I have the Ryobi One+ stuff and while there is a lot of stuff, I'm about ready to spring for one of the premium brands because the bread / butter tools are weak.

I don't use this stuff for a living. This is all around the house projects and occasionally building something in the garage.

Bad:
The drill is horrible.
The jig saw eats batteries.

Good:
The light isn't bad.
The dust buster is OK. Not excellent but not horrible.
The lawn string trimmer rocks.

 

[pauls_workshop]

Cory, try those new 4 amp hour full size lithiums, world of difference for the Ryobi tools!!

Just got my old Black and Decker weedwacker working with my convertor for it. Man, about as powerful as an engine driven weedwacker now with the 4 amp hour Ryobi battery driving it. Pretty awesome now! Way better than Black and Decker ever was before! - Paul

 

[firebox40dash5]

Fire, I think that last statement says a lot more about you than it does about me or the topic being discussed and I'm not sure I'm going to try to compete with that one! But it is MORE power, not less, to run much longer than the others. Power = Work over Time. It is less torque though. If you are trying to drive 4" long 3/8" screws without pre-drilling all day, don't buy the Ryobi. For 2.5" long drywall screws, can go all day no problem.

World class includes price. The Ryobi is by far the cheapest option as a tool (though the new batteries are pricey. You don't have to use those though.) It is very very good for the price. That is the point. I think most PROS would be more than happy using it with the new batteries all day long, even if 10% less torque and 10% heavier than the pro options for more money, which is also a point. They would also be happy using the pro brands too. - Paul

A 4.0ah battery is a 4.0ah battery. Ryobi isn't the only brand with one, in fact Metabo has something like a 5.8ah (IIRC) battery available. Battery capacity can be changed with battery capacities, and negated by just changing batteries. I was referring to torque, which is what the tool can do with that battery power, which is mostly static. I don't care if Ryobi comes out with a 36v, 28ah battery, if their tools can't do squat with it, it doesn't do me any good to be able to do not much for a really long time.

The ones I had were not "very good for the price". They were not very good in any sense. I know what they cost, I know they're cheap, I tried them and found them utterly useless. It was a matter of months before the batteries would only hold a charge for a matter of hours, and only last a couple minutes of use. The tools were SERIOUSLY down on power... I felt like I was using an old Makita 9.6v stick drill, but heavier, bulkier, and built like ****. IMO they might be cheap, but their VALUE is abysmal. I'd rather pay <$50 more, and get better, more powerful tools that won't piss me off every time I try to use them. Life's too short to want to punt your impact across the site every time you need it.

 

[KaHuNaZ]

A 4.0ah battery is a 4.0ah battery. Ryobi isn't the only brand with one, in fact Metabo has something like a 5.8ah (IIRC) battery available. Battery capacity can be changed with battery capacities, and negated by just changing batteries. I was referring to torque, which is what the tool can do with that battery power, which is mostly static. I don't care if Ryobi comes out with a 36v, 28ah battery, if their tools can't do squat with it, it doesn't do me any good to be able to do not much for a really long time.

The ones I had were not "very good for the price". They were not very good in any sense. I know what they cost, I know they're cheap, I tried them and found them utterly useless. It was a matter of months before the batteries would only hold a charge for a matter of hours, and only last a couple minutes of use. The tools were SERIOUSLY down on power... I felt like I was using an old Makita 9.6v stick drill, but heavier, bulkier, and built like ****. IMO they might be cheap, but their VALUE is abysmal. I'd rather pay <$50 more, and get better, more powerful tools that won't piss me off every time I try to use them. Life's too short to want to punt your impact across the site every time you need it.

The 4ah batteries not only improve run time, but tool performance as well (up to 35%). You can actually hear the motors spool up faster. Even Milwaukee claims 2x more run time and 20% more power with their 4ah battery. I upgraded to the 4.0 for my circular saw and it was a night and day difference when cutting 2x material.

You stated before that you use to own the nicad's. I have a feeling you are basing your opinions off your experience with the outdated nicad tech. I used to have quite a few sets of the old tools and only just recently gave them away. I know the batteries sure gave them a bad rep. Price-wise, It made more sense to buy a new kit, then to just replace the batteries. I started upgrading to their lithium lineup this January, and I do not find the new tools lacking at all. I am not trying to sell Ryobi tools. You have obviously moved on to other brands that you prefer. I just wanted to clarify a few things.

Here are a few pics of how much bigger the Ryobi impact is compared to my Milwaukee m12 impact:

To the OP. I cannot tell you whether you should switch or not as I have never used the Craftsman pro 20v. Though it is nice to find opinions from users that have experienced both, I find that reading the user reviews that are available sure helps. People will let you know when they purchased a product and it sucked. Good luck.

 

[pauls_workshop]

A 4.0ah battery is a 4.0ah battery. Ryobi isn't the only brand with one, in fact Metabo has something like a 5.8ah (IIRC) battery available. Battery capacity can be changed with battery capacities, and negated by just changing batteries. I was referring to torque, which is what the tool can do with that battery power, which is mostly static. I don't care if Ryobi comes out with a 36v, 28ah battery, if their tools can't do squat with it, it doesn't do me any good to be able to do not much for a really long time.

The ones I had were not "very good for the price". They were not very good in any sense. I know what they cost, I know they're cheap, I tried them and found them utterly useless. It was a matter of months before the batteries would only hold a charge for a matter of hours, and only last a couple minutes of use. The tools were SERIOUSLY down on power... I felt like I was using an old Makita 9.6v stick drill, but heavier, bulkier, and built like ****. IMO they might be cheap, but their VALUE is abysmal. I'd rather pay <$50 more, and get better, more powerful tools that won't piss me off every time I try to use them. Life's too short to want to punt your impact across the site every time you need it.

Fire, sounds like you really had some bad ones. Ryobi had problems with their chargers and their batteries in the past. I had some that would not take a charge at all anymore or a very reduced charge from the yellow P113 charger now on recall. Tried them after sitting in a box a year in a newer P118 charger and they all took a charge and very strong. Might have been battery or charger issues, but I can say that most don't have the experience you did above with the new batteries and new chargers. But you also sound like a Pro so your expectations are set pretty high! I still love the little impact driver for what it is and most of their drills. Certainly, the pro brands like Dewalt, Hitatchi, Makita, Milwaukee, Rigid etc all have many merits too, but they also do all cost more! - Paul

 

[firebox40dash5]

Fire, sounds like you really had some bad ones. Ryobi had problems with their chargers and their batteries in the past. I had some that would not take a charge at all anymore or a very reduced charge from the yellow P113 charger now on recall. Tried them after sitting in a box a year in a newer P118 charger and they all took a charge and very strong. Might have been battery or charger issues, but I can say that most don't have the experience you did above with the new batteries and new chargers. But you also sound like a Pro so your expectations are set pretty high! I still love the little impact driver for what it is and most of their drills. Certainly, the pro brands like Dewalt, Hitatchi, Makita, Milwaukee, Rigid etc all have many merits too, but they also do all cost more! - Paul

Don't recall details, other than they were ni-cads, the tools were the old blue ones, and I hated them with a passion. I am a mechanic, but I wasn't trying to use them professionally at the time. They were just that bad- they were like toys IMO, the drill and the impact both had horribly low power, even new. The batteries just sealed their fate. Buying their lithiums for that stuff would be like trying to swap a Ferrari engine into a Kia.

I'm sure the new green stuff with lithiums is better, partially because the bar is set so low, there wasn't much room to make them worse. A quick look at HD confirmed that with those improvements, they're also not as cheap as the blue **** used to be, which is to be expected. I stand by my opinion that they don't represent a very good value- you can buy M18 sets on sale for not a whole bunch more, and it seems like Ryobi only sells their Li kits with compact batteries, so you have to buy fullsize batteries separately if you want them? Just because something is the cheapest doesn't make it the best value, it's often anything but.

 

[givemethewillys]

I have had the ryobi 18 volt drill, driver, reciprocating saw, radio and vacuum for 3 or 4 years. About a year ago I went with lithium batteries. These have all been bullet proof, no complaints at all and yes they get abused!

I've had the complete opposite experience with the lithium ryobi batteries I used the nicad ones for 10 years with no problems as long as you kept them charged, but out of the 4 lithium ion batteries that I own, only one of them works 1.5 years later.

And by works, I mean AT ALL. The Nicads would work for a short time as they wore out, but they always turned the bit for at least a handful of screws. With the Lithium ion batteries, it won't even make a noise Sounds like I might have an issue with the charger though, since I think mine is a P113 model.

I'm personally going to swap out all of my ryobi stuff for ridgid when I can save up the money. Lifetime batteries!

 

[pauls_workshop]

So as promised, here is my brand new how to save old orphan cordless tools thread! Let me know what you think over there! - Paul

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=229042