Ryobi Warranty is Trash
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Andres26tnt
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all that for a 40$ tool lol, they ended up giving him a new one. Come on guys Ryobi doesn't have physical stores, it's sold by retailers, mainly Home Depot. Customers should read the details on the warranty when buying stuff. Sorry but to me, it looks like the guy wanted a replacement, not an actual repair or service, and he ended up getting one.
That is 1000% better than that freaking Channel Lock warranty process I went through..
1) wanted a receipt ? ok...
2) want me to send in the ratchet at my cost...$10-ish or $15-ish with postal tracking I think ... ok
3) didn't want to just send me a broken selector switch that was made out of hard plastic... for $1 shipping.
4) just trust him, but there is no RMA or any tracking .... no case number, no reference....
So the guy got a free tool and didn't have to send back the broken one. why is the guy in the yt vid crying... ?
1) wanted a receipt ? ok...
2) want me to send in the ratchet at my cost...$10-ish or $15-ish with postal tracking I think ... ok
3) didn't want to just send me a broken selector switch that was made out of hard plastic... for $1 shipping.
4) just trust him, but there is no RMA or any tracking .... no case number, no reference....
So the guy got a free tool and didn't have to send back the broken one. why is the guy in the yt vid crying... ?
RoninB4
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Bought a Ryobi knock-off of a Dremel hoping for a better moto-tool in the 90's, it was cheaper and I was willing to take the chance. I found it to be a POS and all tools from Ryobi sound/feel like they have not improved the design/build quality. I refuse to purchase anything made by them until proven otherwise.
Andres26tnt
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in the '90s? Brother that's a hella long time ago. Most Ryobi power tools are decent for the price, but they will never be professional tools, and they sure don't market them as professional.
FYI if you watched the actual video...Ryobi previously listed local Home Depot as the authorized return center....After the purchase, RYBOBI de-authorized Home Depot [the entire chain] as authorized return points.
When you go look up the new authorized return locations, they are NOT OEM LOCATIONS...they are just contracted out screening centers, and they all hours away from the retail (HD) distribution network .
The return locations for HD are typically 10-15miles radius, and the new locations can be much more like 4 to 5 times that radius, commonly 50-100 miles away from the Home Deopot alternative
To actually return something this way, in person, it turns out is a fool's errand.
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RoninB4
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-You're entitled to your opinion and your standards of acceptable quality. I have several levels of acceptable quality including homeowner grade "for occasional duty". All Ryobi tools I've handled meet only one category "Cheap **** not worth the purchase". JMO.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
Buy cheap ****, get cheap ****. Is this concept hard to understand? With the arrival of Bauer (mid tier) and Hercules now having a five year Milwaukee like warrantee at Harbor Freight what possible use could anybody have for Ryobi? I have some Ryobi tools, their belt file for example, if it breaks garbage collection in my part of Phoenix happens on Thursday and that's where I'll put it.
roofdweller49
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I want to buy the Ryobi ancillary tools that no one else offers, but then you have issues like new-ish 40v batteries randomly dying... On paper, the cordless rotary tool, glue gun, fans, vacuums look cool, though
The main problem with RYOBI is that every single tool just dies. Every. Single. One.
However, I can see that for some people, they aren't an entirely irrational choice. For your elderly grandparent on a fixed income, with limited mobility and limited retail options, buying a consumer grade tool from the local Home Deopot makes sense
The more important issue is to get the word out. Times have changed, and buyers need to adapt and evolve. Don't keep buying this stuff based actual or expected support from the previous 5-10 or 15 years etc.
FYI this wasn't something I personally purchased, I just happened to be tagging along for the trip. Got to see the events unfold first hand. Pretty shocking actually, I was suprised at the way the whole thing went down.
I learned my own lesson with Ryobi many years ago
However, I can see that for some people, they aren't an entirely irrational choice. For your elderly grandparent on a fixed income, with limited mobility and limited retail options, buying a consumer grade tool from the local Home Deopot makes sense
The more important issue is to get the word out. Times have changed, and buyers need to adapt and evolve. Don't keep buying this stuff based actual or expected support from the previous 5-10 or 15 years etc.
FYI this wasn't something I personally purchased, I just happened to be tagging along for the trip. Got to see the events unfold first hand. Pretty shocking actually, I was suprised at the way the whole thing went down.
I learned my own lesson with Ryobi many years ago
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From my understanding, most TTI power tools have a less than stellar warranty process.
While Milwaukee is my main line of battery powered tools, the two Ryobi items I have work well. Both are more utility items rather than tools (one is a fan, the other is a lamp/battery bank). I see them mostly as an option for occasional use tools that I don’t want to spend lots of cash on.
Though I’m tempted to give the Hercules a try soon, seems like a solid warranty system.
While Milwaukee is my main line of battery powered tools, the two Ryobi items I have work well. Both are more utility items rather than tools (one is a fan, the other is a lamp/battery bank). I see them mostly as an option for occasional use tools that I don’t want to spend lots of cash on.
Though I’m tempted to give the Hercules a try soon, seems like a solid warranty system.
Maybe with daily use. I use mine for DIY stuff and have been very happy. The tools are worked hard and keep coming back for more. The drill that got me into the system is probably 12 years old now. If it died tomorrow I'd still be happy.The main problem with RYOBI is that every single tool just dies. Every. Single. One.
However, I can see that for some people, they aren't an entirely irrational choice. For your elderly grandparent on a fixed income, with limited mobility and limited retail options, buying a consumer grade tool from the local Home Deopot makes sense
The more important issue is to get the word out. Times have changed, and buyers need to adapt and evolve. Don't keep buying this stuff based actual or expected support from the previous 5-10 or 15 years etc.
FYI this wasn't something I personally purchased, I just happened to be tagging along for the trip. Got to see the events unfold first hand. Pretty shocking actually, I was suprised at the way the whole thing went down.
I learned my own lesson with Ryobi many years ago
Sounds like Maybe Harbor Freight was just 30 years ahead of it's time. If it's broke, pitch it in the scrap pile and get another one, or something else. Get on with life. 
That said, what's so great abut the new Hercules "limited" warranty?
Just like the Ryobi, it's 5tool/3battery, the owner still has to ship it to the "service center" at their own expenses. 
That said, what's so great abut the new Hercules "limited" warranty?
Just like the Ryobi, it's 5tool/3battery, the owner still has to ship it to the "service center" at their own expenses. MarvinBerry
Well-known member
I've been using slime green Ryobi nearly everyday in a music production envionment for 5 or 6 years and nothing has burned up or crumbled like a cookie.
I've also done a couple kitchen & bath remodels... rebuilt a friends deck... general home maintenance... the drills have even survived a couple ladder drops.
Yes it was cheap. Yes that's kinda why I bought the first drill kit... replacing worn out 12v DeWalt that wouldn't hold charges anymore.
Figured if the first kit was junk I'd buy something else but no... I ended up adding on and
seriously have zero complaints about any of it.
If we wanna get stupid and compare decades old stuff to today oK fine! Back then I had the Makita 9.6 stick drills. Pretty cool for their day but the modern Ryobi is 1000% better.
I've also done a couple kitchen & bath remodels... rebuilt a friends deck... general home maintenance... the drills have even survived a couple ladder drops.
Yes it was cheap. Yes that's kinda why I bought the first drill kit... replacing worn out 12v DeWalt that wouldn't hold charges anymore.
Figured if the first kit was junk I'd buy something else but no... I ended up adding on and
seriously have zero complaints about any of it.
If we wanna get stupid and compare decades old stuff to today oK fine! Back then I had the Makita 9.6 stick drills. Pretty cool for their day but the modern Ryobi is 1000% better.
blown94conv
Well-known member
You do know who owns Milwauke, right? It’s TTI.
blown94conv
Well-known member
I still have those Makita 9.6 stick drills, they were hard to kill.
And the Ryobi stuff I have, has held up well, and done exactly what I need them to do. If I get to the point where I need to warranty them, I’ll probably just replace them with a newer model, assuming they still run on the same battery.
And the Ryobi stuff I have, has held up well, and done exactly what I need them to do. If I get to the point where I need to warranty them, I’ll probably just replace them with a newer model, assuming they still run on the same battery.
jfleisher
Well-known member
I have probably 40+ Ryobi tools, even some of the old blue/yellow ones. They all work just fine with the newer lithium batteries. As a homeowner I may not use them daily, however I do use them fairly often. I have never burned up a Ryobi drill, however I did burn up a Dewalt corded drill once.
dnschmidt
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The main problem with Ryobi is the damn batteries. Look at their cordless ratchets. Who the hell wants that battery sticking out the end of the tool.
Yes, which is why I said TTI instead of Ryobi specifically. I’ve heard little positive about warranty service for Milwaukee, Ryobi, or Rigid. Haven’t heard anything about Hart.
That said, I still use Milwaukee because the tools I’ve had held up well enough where the warranty hasn’t been an issue, and I hope that stays the case. Same goes for Ryobi, but I only have a couple things with them.
Unless something has changed, or my local HF is wrong, if you have any issue with the tool just bring it in and they’ll swap for another. They just check your receipt to make sure it’s within that warranty window.Sounds like Maybe Harbor Freight was just 30 years ahead of it's time. If it's broke, pitch it in the scrap pile and get another one, or something else. Get on with life.
That said, what's so great abut the new Hercules "limited" warranty?
dnschmidt
Well-known member
The policy hasn't changed. That's all you need to do. HF is taking no prisoners.
update: 1 year after
Ryobi's outsourced warranty repair centers in our area are no longer taking Ryobi business after 12 months. Apparently Ryobi was stiffing them for work and not paying claims. Heard this from the place directly, and apparently there are others in the aread having same issue. Not really suprising given the whole purpose of this setup is to avoid warranty claims being succesful. 5 mile radius for CS becomes 50 mile radius for CS, now is probably much further, etc.
honestly this is a real shame, but its what it is.
Ryobi's outsourced warranty repair centers in our area are no longer taking Ryobi business after 12 months. Apparently Ryobi was stiffing them for work and not paying claims. Heard this from the place directly, and apparently there are others in the aread having same issue. Not really suprising given the whole purpose of this setup is to avoid warranty claims being succesful. 5 mile radius for CS becomes 50 mile radius for CS, now is probably much further, etc.
honestly this is a real shame, but its what it is.
Packard V8
Well-known member
Agree. I've been given a lot of Ryobi as gifts and may end up giving them away just to get out from under the on-going hassle of battery failures, charger failures, handle breakage, et al.
jack vines
Dunno about the HF warranty on cordless tools, but I had a Quinn digital torque tester fail and the HF guy said, "90 days on electrical...." Ok, I'm at 120ish days, so F me. It is what it is. And it just failed on its own, almost no use, never dropped, batteries fine. Just an electronic failure for no reason other than chance.
Ryobi is a low-cost homeowner tool. If that's not for you, then spend more money on something better- DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee.... Nothing's free, get over it. I've had a few Ryobi cordless tools for over a year and they're fine so far and the two batteries show no loss of power. I love the vacuum. The tire inflator was like $40, and the DeWalt is ~$120. Should anyone expect the same quality at a fraction of the price? Yes, I know....
Ryobi is a low-cost homeowner tool. If that's not for you, then spend more money on something better- DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee.... Nothing's free, get over it. I've had a few Ryobi cordless tools for over a year and they're fine so far and the two batteries show no loss of power. I love the vacuum. The tire inflator was like $40, and the DeWalt is ~$120. Should anyone expect the same quality at a fraction of the price? Yes, I know....
Firebrick43
Well-known member
Ryobi has a 90 day exchange policy at the retailer
and after that a three year warranty. I am not sure how having the exact same policy as ryobi for 90 days plus one of the shortest warranty in the industry overall is “taking no prisoners” ?
Sounds like HF is hiding the salami in the customers prison purse.
IndyGarage
Well-known member
I always wonder about somebody who buys a throwaway, cheap tool then spends hours trying to warranty it when it breaks.
And you wonder why you can't afford to pay for something better....
And you wonder why you can't afford to pay for something better....
Decades of Ryobis. From the inception of design some are ridiculous, such as their fishing ice auger that weighs more than a gas version or some of there pressure washers that run 5 min. on a battery & are the equivalent of a garden hose. I have multiple drill drivers & impacts that have been great. Interchangeable weed eater, first gen. is ok. Takes 3 multi hr. charges to do my property & they were no help when the battery melted at the plug in.
neophyte
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1990s Ryobi tools were usually USA made, or possibly Japanese made.
Ryobi is actually a Japanese Industrial manufacturer, that is still in business.
They started manufacturing power tools in 1968.
I believe the power tools were originally Japanese made.
In 1985 Ryobi opened a die casting plant in the USA, and at some point started making power tools in the USA.
Sears Craftsman had a bunch of rebranded Ryobi tools.
Some of the USA made Ryobi Tools were very good, while others were sort of ****.
TTI, the parent company of Milwaukee etc. licensed the Ryobi name for power tool sales in the USA in 2000, and in Europe and Australia New Zealand in 2001 and 2002.
I believe Ryobi kept manufacturing tools for the Japanese market after that, but it looks like in 2018, the Ryobi Power tool brand was dold to Kyocera Group for all the remaining territories, including Africa, the Middle East, Asia and “Latin America”.
The current Ryobi line basically has nothing to do with the older pre 2000 Ryobi tools, except the name.
The color of the tools isn’t even the same.
I sort of wonder what the situation for the brand is like in Mexico and other nearby countries.
I just looked up Kyocera, and they seem own Senco (purchased in 2017), and also produce industrial power tool lines.
Latin America may be better off.
neophyte
Well-known member
He bought into the Ryobi system to stay with one battery system.
Home Depot used to handle warrantee for Ryobi tools, so he figured warrantee would be easy.
Instead, Home Depot stopped handling warrantee services for failed Ryobi tools, leaving the guy holding his impotent wrench in his hand.
He would have to mail the tool, at his own cost, to a service center that I presume might be 100 miles away, and hope they chose to fix or replace the tool, and didn’t just forget about it (I’ve personally had this happen with mailing items in for repair, although not power tools).
His estimate of $10 for shipping seems low. I would expect $15-$20 at least.
He was pissed off, and chose to waste both his time, and Ryobi’s time, to get the repair he wanted.
I have no clue what the actual tool cost Ryobi, but the customer service costs of multiple reps speaking to him over the phone probably is close to or more than the tool cost.
This type of Bullsh!t regarding warrantee can drive customers away from a brand.
Andres26tnt
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not sure why even reviving this thread lol, again Ryobi is a low-cost homeowner tool. They are so cheap, not sure why even go to the trouble of trying to get one fixed or replace. The tool in question was a 40$ tool and consistently sell for about that price. there is duds in every tool brand, personally my 5y old Ryobi tools haven't kicked the bucket. Haven't broken a single tool, heck my brothers TTI made craftsman impact broke and i send him my oldest Ryobi impact(same model) to use(still kicking at 8y old). funny thing the Ryobi in red(craftsman) have a weird following, people love them.
Andres26tnt
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thank for the history lesson, yes i was getting at that its not the same company anymore, most of their tools have improve along the way.
I started the thread because it was $200 tool, and at the time of purchasse, had 2 yr warranty available via Home depot.
After the purchase, the terms of the Warranty changed. Further, after the original change, they changed again. Not only are they ******* off loyal original customers, but ******* off their own business partners (eg the outsourced warranty centers).
This thread documents this case, and allows other to search and read the history of these changes. Ie, to get the word out of these changes so other people can make informed decisions.
Lastly, this wasn't my own purchase. But something observed by a person closre to their target market (ie non-tool enthusianst, on a budget).
The original purchase decision was rational and based on information available at the time (ie, based on written terms that tools have a real warranty). I think this kind of nit-picking is unwarranted.
Nobody here was buying HF electronics expecting Mitutoyu or Milwaukee.
Cheers
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Andres26tnt
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I started the thread because it was $200 tool, and at the time of purchasse, had 2 yr warranty available via Home depot.
After the purchase, the terms of the Warranty changed. Further, after the original change, they changed again. Not only are they ******* off loyal original customers, but ******* off their own business partners (eg the outsourced warranty centers).
This thread documents this case, and allows other to search and read the history of these changes. Ie, to get the word out of these changes so other people can make informed decisions.
Lastly, this wasn't my own purchase. But something observed by a person closre to their target market (ie non-tool enthusianst, on a budget).
The original purchase decision was rational and based on information available at the time (ie, based on written terms that tools have a real warranty). I think this kind of nit-picking is unwarranted.
Nobody here was buying HF electronics expecting Mitutoyu or Milwaukee.
Cheers
The tool in the video has never been 200$, you never mentioned what tool you tried warranty or at least i miss it. Also the person in the video got a new tool, so the warranty did work. The general consensus here is if you buy a cheap tool don't expect a great warranty, clearly you were expecting Milwaukee whith the start of this thread and reviving it. In today's works you should expect terrible service from cheap tools, specially from disposable items.
neophyte
Well-known member
Most people expect “cheap tools” to mean no name Chinese ****, from a brand they’ve never heard of, or
The lowest level power tools Harbor Freight offers.
The Ryobi brand has been a staple brand at Home Depot for literally decades, and the brand is owned by TTI, the maker of Milwaukee, and the current non-plumbing and Vacuum Ridgid branded tools.
Expecting **** service after the warrantee expires is probably somewhat expected.
Expecting a **** warrantee experience during the warrantee period, especially when Home Depot used to handle warrantees themselves, thru their store branches can throw purchasers for a loop.
RivennHewn
Well-known member
Tell us something we don’t know
Interesting the OP had a point, but people piled on when they know they would probably feel the same. A warranty is a warranty.
If HF suddenly pulled their lifetime hand tool warranty, even though they are inexpensive tools, many people would be shitting bricks.
Maybe the moral of the story is if you want Ryobi tools, buy Ryobi tools. (I have a few cordless items they work fine - for now)
If you want Ryobi tools because they advertise a reasonable warranty (that was once easy to complete), you might want to just look elsewhere.
I did warranty a battery with them without problems, but that was 3 years ago.
If HF suddenly pulled their lifetime hand tool warranty, even though they are inexpensive tools, many people would be shitting bricks.
Maybe the moral of the story is if you want Ryobi tools, buy Ryobi tools. (I have a few cordless items they work fine - for now)
If you want Ryobi tools because they advertise a reasonable warranty (that was once easy to complete), you might want to just look elsewhere.
I did warranty a battery with them without problems, but that was 3 years ago.