Ryobi one 18v system

[dodge610]

What do the masses say about the Ryobi system bought there 4 piece set. To fill in the gaps where my craftsman c3 system is lacking. So far pretty pleased with it going to add on a few things just wondering what others think.

 

[drivesitfar]

Dodge: plenty of threads if you want to see more posts. i love my Ryobi 18v tools. skill saws are light duty for sure and have broke a couple. chain saw is AMAZING if you keep the blade sharp. my little impact tools have had a ton of use even on rusty bolts and still keep working.

the new batteries are fantastic compared to the old orangish ones they started with and the nice thing is the new batteries works the old blue tools if you happen to own or find some to add to your 4 piece set.

 

[dodge610]

Thanks drivesit never get many answers on here when i ask a question thank you for responding. So far I am pleased with what i have but was lookin to add a few more acc. so thought I would get a few more.

 

[LB-1911]

Ryobi One+
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=323961

 

[pauls_workshop]

Hi Dodge, I have *most* of the Ryobi 18v tools over the last 20 years, some 40v tools now, and also some Ryobi 2 cycle trimmers and attachments. Many are great values for what they are, a few are just average tools, only a handful are real clunkers and they get removed from the lineup quickly when they happen. I can highly recommend the lineup for most DIY or homeowner types AND most pros too. I'd put their drills, impact drivers, and reciprocating saws up against about anyones. The 4.0 Amp Hour Lithium Plus batteries are very very good and the only ones to buy now. I also have now the 40v Ryobi system and love that even more. I have to say I'm not sure why the chainsaw above is recommended though. It is not high chain speed at all. I use pro grade echo 2 cycle saws and really can't recommend the 18v Ryobi one. The 40 v Ryobi one is ok but doesn't oil enough to the bar. So I'd pass on the Ryobi chainsaws anyway. Recip saws are great though! - Paul

 

[drivesitfar]

i have maybe a dozen of the tools now and probably 8 good batteries and chargers. the drill, impact, sawsall, hedger, chainsaw and flashlights are my favorites.

take a look at the other threads and you'll see that GJ as a group really likes them especially since Ryobi started selling the better batteries.

chainsaw might not be as fast as my stihl chainsaws were/are, but it's steady and great for smallish jobs. and it cuts wood. what more can you ask from $100 or less in my case, chainsaw?

 

[dodge610]

Thanks paul I am putting up a privacy fence to keep my nibby nosed neighbor out of my business. Also need to redo my deck floor on the back of the house. So far I am impressed with the circ. saw has worked well for me. The drill is a beast too so far have not tried the sawzall yet that is next tomorrow to be exact.

 

[Katodog]

This photo doesn't include what I've bought since taking it. Drill press, angle grinder, other stuff. I love Ryobi, it's cheap and it works perfectly. I've used it in the workplace and use it at home, and never had any issues. My oldest are 13/14 years old and still run like new...

Ryobi Family Portrait 02 by Edward Durbin, on Flickr


I've used Ryobi on heavy machinery and building maintenance, never had any problems, always performed great. Cheap doesn't always mean poor quality, and Ryobi has stepped up their game a lot lately. The best feature is the fact that you don't have to buy into a new battery platform every time they change, Ryobi sticks with the same battery for all of their 18v stuff.

 

[mv213]

I bought into the system 7 or 8 years ago to upgrade from a 14.4 Craftsman set. Most of the tools are very good, plenty good even for an advanced DIYer, which I consider myself. I think the important thing to do is get the 4AH batteries. I've upgraded to all 4AH batteries. A couple of the tools I thought were underpowered, were just pulling too much juice from the smaller batteries. After using the bigger batteries they were transformed.

Agree with the previous comment about the circular saw, the plastic blade guard is a joke and the base is too flimsy. That's my only complaint about all the tools I've bought so far.

That said, I really like the looks of the new Kobalt brushless stuff....Ryobi needs to step it up a bit or they might get left behind on this new tech.

 

[cybrdyke]

I just bought the Air Pump (Inflator) and I love it!! Chronically flat tires on my riding mower, wheelbarrow, and other assorted sports stuff are no longer an issue! And it's great for checking motorcycle tires before a big ride.
Good stuff!!
CD

 

[mv213]

I just bought the Air Pump (Inflator) and I love it!! Chronically flat tires on my riding mower, wheelbarrow, and other assorted sports stuff are no longer an issue! And it's great for checking motorcycle tires before a big ride.
Good stuff!!
CD

Good to know! I was thinking about trying one, it's always handy to have a portable air source. Would be handy for airing up bicycle tires too I would think.

 

[dodge610]

They have a inflator/deflator pump trying to figure if i want that or the inflator that you got.

 

[supertooljunkie]

I have been using Ryobi tools for 10-11 years as an electrician. I have always liked the tools themselves. I have used and abused mine and had very few problems with them. The older Ni-Cad batteries sucked. You had to have 10-12 charged all the time to have a couple that actually would hold a charge. Since the lithium batteries have come out it has made a hell of a difference. For the price Ryobi can't be beat.

Most of the other manufacturers have smaller lighter drills, and drivers than Ryobi, but at twice to three times the price.

 

[jd_1138]

Ryobi is a great choice. I had 6 or 7 tools and 3 lithium batteries. I sold them to a friend who's starting a light remodeling biz (he already has Ryobi). I then bought DeWalt impact driver, drill, and a light, but DeWalt is spendy. I may go back to Ryobi or Porter-Cable, Ridgid to fill out the gaps.

 

[Ericgst]

Ryobi are okay tools, especially if you don't need all the features or power of the big brands. I was buying some new cordless 18v tools for my parents who are starting some big remodeling projects in their house and almost settled on Ryobi. I learned a lot about their tool line-up including their bundles and higher end bare tools. I was also able to try out several of their newer tools as a lot of people I know have them.

While testing the tools, I found that they were perfectly usable. They are however certainly under powered comparing them to my Dewalt 20v equivalents, especially their saws. Most the tools felt about as powerful as my Milwaukee M12 tools. Their drills are bulkier, weaker, and have clumsier chucks. They do have a somewhat compact drill model but it is not strong enough for larger auger bits and hole saws.

After looking around you could get a lot of tools for the money but I had problems with the tools in all the kits. Ryobi mostly sells the lower level tools in there sets, even their high end set doesn't have all their best tools. For example, the $129 4 piece set has cheaper and weaker tools than any of the bare tools you can buy. And all their sets that have a circular saw, come with a 5.5" version, which is weak and almost useless. They do sell a 6.5" saw but you have to pay full price for it. Once you start to piece all the tools together, a set with the higher end tools starts putting you closer and closer to big brand sale prices.

While it cost me more, I bought Dewalt tools for them. It is easier for me as I also have Dewalt tools and I didn't want to handicap them. My dad is a mechanic and understands the value of quality tools and I didn't want him to be in a situation where he was frustrated due to the limits of lesser tools.


Now with all that said. I still think Ryobi makes good tools depending on your needs. If you doing small jobs occasionally, it may make no sense to spend the extra money. I also like the fact they they have a good sized line-up and battery compatibility even though it somewhat handicaps the tools.

For $129 you can get a Drill, reciprocating saw, circular saw, and a pathetic incandescent light. While these tools are weaker than everything but throw away tools from Harbor Freight or no-name nicad tools from eBay, they will do good for the user that rarely ever uses them and they should remain usable for years to come, unlike the Harbor Freight/eBay tools.

 

[jd_1138]

For $129 you can get a Drill, reciprocating saw, circular saw, and a pathetic incandescent light. While these tools are weaker than everything but throw away tools from Harbor Freight or no-name nicad tools from eBay, they will do good for the user that rarely ever uses them and they should remain usable for years to come, unlike the Harbor Freight/eBay tools.

They did have a 6 tool set for $199 on sale. It included the drill, impact driver, multi-tool, circular saw, recip saw, and a light along with 2 or 3 batteries and a charger. Now it's back up to $299. It will probably drop again.

I'd trust the Porter-Cable set a tad more, though. It's $239 for 6 tools.

http://www.cpooutlets.com/factory-reconditioned-porter-cable-pcck617l6r-20v-max-cordless-lithium-ion-6-tool-combo-kit/pcbrpcck617l6r,default,pd.html?ref=pla&zmam=31282435&zmas=47&zmac=722&zmap=pcbrpcck617l6r&gclid=CjwKEAjw7e66BRDhnrizmcGc8VcSJABR6gaRfksJnYzLBYCPrCqeToJWI6AB_iFUwVk5KUCIrfi75hoCkwbw_wcB

But I don't blame you for getting them DeWalt. It's a higher quality tool that your mechanic dad will appreciate.

 

[Furious Filipino]

I originally bought the 2 tool combo earlier this year with the drill driver and small circular saw and then followed by the newer hammer drill 2-battery combo. The regular drill driver is average, the 5-1/2" circular is close to garbage, as the blade, housing, or shoe is deflecting during the cut--couldn't get it to cut straight or plumb and couldn't detect any play anywhere, it would just deflect somewhere along the cut. The hammer drill is a beast for $99 with 2 batteries. Drilled (36) 3/8" holes, 2-1/2" deep into an old concrete pad. Took 3 hours and the battery would be toast after 6 holes, but that drill was never meant for that kind of work. Highly recommend that tool. Would probably get their 1/2" impact as a backup if it's built off the same platform.

I actually have a collection of Ryobi *corded* power tools: circular saw, jigsaw, drill driver, heavy duty hammer drill, reciprocating saw, small angle grinder. All of them are the blue color and not the newer neon yellow/green. All of the corded tools, save for the jigsaw which was a pain to cut with a guide (yeah, I know they're not for straight cuts), have held up well through 2 bathroom renovations, a small studio build, various landscaping work, and now working on the garage build. After 6 years, the most used circular saw is just getting some play between the shoe and body, but accuracy for what it is used for remains unchanged.

 

[pauls_workshop]

This photo doesn't include what I've bought since taking it. Drill press, angle grinder, other stuff. I love Ryobi, it's cheap and it works perfectly. I've used it in the workplace and use it at home, and never had any issues. My oldest are 13/14 years old and still run like new...

Ryobi Family Portrait 02 by Edward Durbin, on Flickr


I've used Ryobi on heavy machinery and building maintenance, never had any problems, always performed great. Cheap doesn't always mean poor quality, and Ryobi has stepped up their game a lot lately. The best feature is the fact that you don't have to buy into a new battery platform every time they change, Ryobi sticks with the same battery for all of their 18v stuff.

Hey Kato: How well do you like the newer airstrike nail driver you have in the photo? I don't have one of those yet. Also, how do you like the corded surface planer? I see those older ones from time to time. Any good there?

For all here, the Ryobi floodlight for 18v one + with the LED is awesome for about $60ish. It is here:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-ON...-Watt-LED-Work-Light-Tool-Only-P720/205673849

I want to say this light is among the very BEST LED worklights available anywhere in any brand for 18/20v cordless. Very very very bright, like a small sun. A simple must have for anyone with the Ryobi system!!!!

Another favorite of mine is the cordless mouse sander, very handy, and the super dremel with the 1/4" shank. Very good super dremel and another must have for anyone. Complements a real Dremel nicely, as that can do the little stuff at high speed but the Ryobi super dremel can handle the bigger jobs with high torque and high speed. If you can find one, the discontinued reciprocating "pruner" one handed saw is a keeper. It has a 1/2" stroke unlike the bigger strokes of the other reciprocating saws. Ryobi marketed it as a "pruner" but that was terribly wrong. It can't cut branches well at all with only the 1/2" stroke. But it has very very low levels of vibration compared to the big recips! It is super great for fine control and metal cutting work. Very much like the Milwaukee mini recip saw. If you can find one, pick it up. The laminate mini-router is another nice tool, as is the grinder. The air inflater is just fine. The yard tools are OK like the hedge trimmer and grass trimmer, but all of those are trumped easily by the 40v versions which compete with gas engine powered systems. I love the 40v yard tools and the powerhead especially which can drive ALL the Expand-It or Trimmer Plus attachments. That makes that system worth getting. The 40v 14" brushless chainsaw is OK but the oiler doesn't put out enough oil. It is not even close to my Echo cs-310 2 cycle saw, the smallest Echo makes at only 31 cc. That cuts twice as good or more than the 40v Ryobi saw for a litte more money but a 5 year warranty. Back to 18v, the 1/2" impact is also very great and a must have. The 1/4" impacts are also must haves. Could not live without those now for all screw driving needs. The 1/4" can do some car work, but the 1/2" impact is a beast. I have the original. The newer 1/2" is even better. I also have some Rigid 18v tools and consider those just slightly better/more pro grade than some of the Ryobi, but not the ones above, which the Ryobi competes great with anyone, even Rigid. - Paul

 

[dodge610]

Thanks all for geting back just added on the fan,radio,6 port charging unit along with 2 more batteries. Have a list of a few other items I will add on later. It is allways helpful to be able to get on here and see what oters have to say before making a purchase. Between these and my C3 craftsman system i am pretty well covered for now.

 

[PugetDude]

Spent all day framing a big walk-in closet, used my Ryobi 18V stuff.

Cut all the studs, plates, cripples, blocking, etc. with the 5-1/2" Circular saw- with the high capacity lithium+battery, on one battery charge.

Ran a couple of hundred drywall screws with the compact drill/compact lithium+ battery- on one charge.

Drove a bunch of 3" framing screws with the impact driver- compact lithium battery, also on a single charge.

I really like these tools, the forward/backward battery compatibility, and the selection range . Probably own a couple of dozen-drills/saws/drivers/lights/grinders/sanders
Will be getting the jigsaw and trim router next. Really wish they offered a radio/charger.

Recommend them highly. Some of mine are nearly 15 years old and still going strong.

 

[pauls_workshop]

Bump for my Kato questions.... Also, the new 18v/120V AC combo fan is pretty good too. - Paul

 

[Katodog]

The Airstrike is great, I want to get a few of the other ones like the 15ga and the stapler. Never have a problem with the 18ga nailer, love using it. The planer is great too, as long as I keep the bed waxed it works great.

 

[Katodog]

I will also say, Ryobi had a drill recall, and I had two of the drills on the recall. I sent them back, and the two drills I got in return seem to be better than the newer green ones. The grip feels great, they seem to have a slight bit more power, and they have the one-handed chuck. They seem to be the same as the new green one, but the grip material feels better and is designed a little different.

In any regard, the recall went smooth, and so did the one they had for their 1/4" sheet sander. I've so far, in the 13/14 years I've been using Ryobi stuff, had great success with the tools and with dealing with Ryobi.

 

[crerus75]

I bought into the One+ system because:
-I don't need the (admittedly very nice) performance of a top-tier tool like Milwaukee
-I want the convenience of being able to buy tools inexpensively at my local Home Depot
-I see tons of the older blue Ryobi tools listed on CL when their nicad batteries croak
-When I made the call, Ryobi had a wider range of tools than almost anyone else, and new tools seemed to be coming out every week

So far I only have a drill and impact driver, and they're some of the most-used tools in my garage. The impact driver gets used almost every time I'm out there. It drives drywall screws all day without complaint. My only nitpick is that the 6-port battery charger waits until one battery is charged before moving on to the next one. It would be nice if it charged all at once. Even so, I can't remember ever running out of battery power.

 

[SweetD]

They have a inflator/deflator pump trying to figure if i want that or the inflator that you got.

I looked at both, and the inflator/deflator one is way more versatile. It works great for blowing up both low-pressure / high volume stuff (like water inflatables, boat tubing stuff), and high-pressure, lower volume stuff like tires. It also has two hose setups for the two options mentioned, whereas the smaller unit only has one small-diameter tire hose.

For me, the extra $20 was totally worth it - larger unit much more useful.

 

[pauls_workshop]

The Airstrike is great, I want to get a few of the other ones like the 15ga and the stapler. Never have a problem with the 18ga nailer, love using it. The planer is great too, as long as I keep the bed waxed it works great.

Thanks Kato, appreciate! - Paul