The Ryobi Tool Appreciation/Review Permathread!

[pauls_workshop]

Hi Guys, over the years there have been a number of Ryobi tool threads covering various things. I think it would be good to consolidate and have one thread for all Ryobi Tool comments and reviews, good or bad, on any Ryobi tool. Corded, cordless, 18v One +, 40V, or gas powered too and even Expand-It extensions here. Ryobi is under TTI which also makes the Ridgid and Milwaukee tools, and there is more than just a similar appearance to the family. Most Ryobi are good tools, just not quite as pro as Milwaukee or Ridgid but great values for the DIY, homeowner, or even pro contractor or tradesman who don't want their expensive tools stolen.

Please list the actual model number (Pxxx or similar) of the tool you are talking about or reviewing. Tell us why you like it or don't and your experience with it. I'm thinking alot like the Harbour Freight Pass/Fail thread, except I expect most Ryobi reviews to be positive. Do list the negative reviews as they come up. I've had a few Ryobi clunkers myself, but most are out of production soon after they are known to be clunkers. Also, this can be an everything Ryobi topic thread, not just the reviews but anything Ryobi we want to talk about. It is for all of us with the hope that community input will help others to either make a good tool purchase or dive into a format like 40v or 18v or NOT do that if it just isn't for you and your needs. True pros may still want to stay with the more pro brands for instance, but many many contractors use Ryobi tools now also.

I've been using Ryobi since it was all made in the USA back in the 80's and early 90's, followed to 12v, 14v, 18v, and now 40v. I also have a number of the gas powered yard tools, which MTD ended up taking over when Ryobi electric and cordless went under TTI ownership. I probably have about 75% of the available tools out there (or representative tool type) for the battery powered formats. Not every model number of each type of tool of course. I've also made a battery conversion adaptor to use Ryobi 18v batteries to power Black and Decker 18v tools! I want to do a 2x 18v to power 40v converter later on as well. Another fellow has done a Ridgid 18v converter to power the Ryobi 18v tools! I also want to do that but the inverse and use Ryobi to power Ridgid as I have some Ridgid tools now too. Another fellow bought a Ryobi to C3 adaptor to power C3 tools.

Many of the One + 18v Ryobi tools are also very common with the Craftsman C3 tools. There is a C3 Appreciation permathread which can cover those, but there can be some crossover here for the same tool or interest from Craftsman users, as most of the tools are the same guts as C3. A few C3 tools are unique and not available in the Ryobi lineup otherwise due to exclusive Sears licensing agreements made, even if made by TTI. And a few are not made by TTI and fully unique. Then also because of those Sears agreements, some TTI Ryobi tools also are only available in Europe or other places and NOT the US. We can cover those here too. The C3 threads are here: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=335860 and http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=297733

I'll reserve the space here for links to all existing previous Ryobi related threads on GJ I can find:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=334456&highlight=ryobi
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=323961&highlight=ryobi
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=331269&highlight=ryobi
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=328593&highlight=ryobi
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=280234&highlight=ryobi
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=327564&highlight=ryobi
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=318417&highlight=ryobi
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=312524&highlight=ryobi
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=311252&highlight=ryobi
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=311171&highlight=ryobi
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=284051&highlight=ryobi
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=297211&highlight=ryobi
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=299698&highlight=ryobi
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=301529&highlight=ryobi
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=294477&highlight=ryobi
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=284328&highlight=ryobi
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=283528&highlight=ryobi
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=271779&highlight=ryobi
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=229042&highlight=orphan

Let's all have fun with the thread and help each other with decisions to buy or not as appropriate for each person's needs and also tell Ryobi what we may like or not about the tools.

- Paul

 

[pauls_workshop]

Review: Here is my review of the P720 20 Watt LED 18v One + Worklight to kick this off. It is simply the best light I have ever seen cordless in any brand and blows away smaller wattage LED lights:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-ONE...P720/205673849

This guy would equal the light output of about 10 of the Rigid ones easily. It will light up the whole yard in the pitch black of night to about 50 feet. I want to say this is one of the 5 best tools in the whole Ryobi 18v lineup. - Paul

 

[pauls_workshop]

Review: Ryboi P3320 Cordless 18v One + / Corded Fan:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-ONE-18-Volt-Hybrid-Portable-Fan-Tool-Only-P3320/205022215

This is another favorite recent tool. Two speed fan is just great when working in the summer heat like this year in the Midwest. Lasts for hours on one big 18v Lithium + battery. Can also use corded if you want. - Paul

 

[pauls_workshop]

Review: 40V Ryobi 14" Brushless Chainsaw RY40502B

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-14...y-and-Charger-Not-Included-RY40502B/204839368

I got into the 40v system last year with a great deal on some used tools/batteries I couldn't pass up. Later I picked up the new 40v 14" Brushless Chainsaw. I had high hopes for this as a lightweight but powerful trimming/limbing saw for 6" or less dia branches. It has power similar to about an average 38 cc two cycle engine powered saw. Not bad at all and good buy for the money. I am just slightly disappointed in that Ryobi didn't provide enough oil through the auto oiler for the bar/chain. It runs pretty dry. As such, I will put a cap or two of oil on the bar/chain every minute I use it to help. It could tackle up to 10" dia branches OK with that extra oil, but about 6" max without it. Oil makes a big difference.

I'm a 30 year plus chainsaw user who does chainsaw milling and also have an Echo 30.5 CC Cs-310. I want to say that is easily 2x the saw of the 40v Ryobi here. But I'll call that a best buy for a smaller saw, easily the equal of most 38 cc saws out there and a beast with just a small muffler mod to open up the muffler restriction a little. I'm keeping the Ryobi saw also, but don't use it for bigger than 6" duty. Ryobi please improve the oiler flow for the next edition, then it will be a real champ. Make it adjustable, so the user can decide and change the flow rate. Only flaw I can find with it. For those who get this one, use the lightest viscosity oil in it you possibly can to help the flow rate. - Paul

 

[mv213]

Review: Here is my review of the P720 20 Watt LED 18v One + Worklight to kick this off. It is simply the best light I have ever seen cordless in any brand and blows away smaller wattage LED lights:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-ONE...P720/205673849

This guy would equal the light output of about 10 of the Rigid ones easily. It will light up the whole yard in the pitch black of night to about 50 feet. I want to say this is one of the 5 best tools in the whole Ryobi 18v lineup. - Paul

Totally concur----This light is amazing. It's rated at 1700 lumens, it is BRIGHT and has a good spread. Makes a good worklight in the attic or crawlspace, or under a car.

 

[peteco]

I have to report a fail on the ONE+ 18-Volt Power Caulk gun. I had a lot of caulking to do at a rental house. I have a CH air powered gun but thought the battery unit would be less cumbersome. The Ryobi gets good reviews. My experience was disappointing. The lowest setting put caulk out too fast. And I thought that when you released the trigger it should stop dispensing immediately. But it still put some caulk out. So I took it back to Home Depot and went back to using the pneumatic and the hand pump unit.

 

[pauls_workshop]

I have to report a fail on the ONE+ 18-Volt Power Caulk gun. I had a lot of caulking to do at a rental house. I have a CH air powered gun but thought the battery unit would be less cumbersome. The Ryobi gets good reviews. My experience was disappointing. The lowest setting put caulk out too fast. And I thought that when you released the trigger it should stop dispensing immediately. But it still put some caulk out. So I took it back to Home Depot and went back to using the pneumatic and the hand pump unit.

Sorry to hear on the caulking gun. This one tool I never got as I don't caulk that much. Others who have it, have you had similar problems? Sometimes quality issues happen with anything, either as some one off problems or a production run of problems, but not necessarily the design or all of the units made. Would be good to establish if it is design here or other quality issue. - Paul

 

[gdocktor3]

I have quite a few Ryobi tools. A table saw, jig saw, rotary cutter, flood light, hand planer, and a 10" sliding compound miter saw TSS100L. I actually received this from Ryobi after my older 10" compound miter's blade guard failed and came in contact with the blade. It blew apart and barely missed my eye, cutting and bruising the skin around it. Partly my fault from years of use and little maintenance, but Ryobi took care of me. They sent me a refurbished (you'd never know) TSS100L in exchange for the old broken one that I sent back in the new saw's box. I did carpentry professionally part time during the day for about 4 years (my real job was 2nd shift) and this saw was my primary miter saw. While it is not top of the line, it was good enough for me. It had plenty of power and would slide smoothly and firmly. With a good blade this thing would cut great. The only complaint that others have is that the knob to lock the deck in place for cutting angles would sometimes come loose and give an incorrect cut. I just took my time and double checked it every so often. This saw serves me very well then and now. For the price, their tools are a good deal.

 

[jd_1138]

I recommend the Ryobi multi-tool (corded or cordless). I have the corded one ($30 or so at Home Depot). If you don't yet have a multi-tool, get one and get some quality cutting/sanding blades for it. You won't regret it.

 

[dodge610]

I have the Ryobi one 7 1/2 miter saw just got it a few weeks ago. I am putting a deck on the back of my house. Should say I am resurfacing a deck. This little miter saw has cut every board and angle cuts so far without the least hesitation. I am super impressed with the quality of the saw and the ease of use and the light weight of the saw I can take it right out on the deck and cut away.

 

[dodge610]

I also have been using the Ryobi 6 1/2 inch circular saw on both projects. Very impressed with that little saw and the speed of the cuts. Not to mention again not having to string an ext. cord out to plug it in.

 

[DatacomGuy]

Anyone have the new brad or finish nailer yet? Thinking of getting to do some out buildings.

 

[dodge610]

If you are speaking of the air strike guns there was a guy on here that recently got one and was very surprised with the power they had. I was looking at them but now looking at he hitachi reconditioned finish nailer also. Cant make up my mind at this point.

 

[DatacomGuy]

If you are speaking of the air strike guns there was a guy on here that recently got one and was very surprised with the power they had. I was looking at them but now looking at he hitachi reconditioned finish nailer also. Cant make up my mind at this point.

Yep, thats the one. Would love to hear about it. And perhaps how much usage per battery.

 

[lilcraigford]

I've been using Ryobi since it was all made in the USA back in the 80's and early 90's...

Sorry to deviate from purpose of the thread, but maybe you can provide some insight on the Ryobi post linked in my signature.

 

[PugetDude]

I have the Ryobi one 7 1/2 miter saw just got it a few weeks ago. I am putting a deck on the back of my house. Should say I am resurfacing a deck. This little miter saw has cut every board and angle cuts so far without the least hesitation. I am super impressed with the quality of the saw and the ease of use and the light weight of the saw I can take it right out on the deck and cut away.

I have the same saw and I hate it... I'll give it away to anyone who wants to come pick it up.

I am generally a Ryobi fan, have had good service with my most of my 18v stuff (drills, impact drivers, sanders, lights, circular saw, reciprocating saw, radio, except:

1. The 18V Cordless Vac. Worthless. Threw it away.
2. The 18V Cordless Grinder. Heavy, completely unbalanced, underpowered. Use it mostly on wood with a flapper disc; steel with a grinder disc is too much.
3. The 7-1/2" Cordless Miter saw. Underpowered, flimsy, inaccurate

My 30 year old Ryobi miter saw, 10" Planer, and Benchtop Joiner are all still going strong.

What I wish Ryobi would offer is a jobsite radio/charger.

What I REALLY wish is that they would bring back the little Tek4 Flashlight...

 

[DatacomGuy]

What I wish Ryobi would offer is a jobsite radio/charger.

Same..

 

[yamaha0343]

I have the 10 inch miter saw (non-sliding) and it's been nothing but great so far.

 

[thugline]

I like the P261 1/2" impact wrench. It's got decent power and a relatively compact size. I recently ordered the new workbench light P727 from Home Depot. When it arrived, I plugged a battery in and nothing happened. Dead on arrival! I got my money back but was disappointed as it seemed like it would be super useful for automotive work and was really looking forward to testing it out.

 

[dodge610]

I like the P261 1/2" impact wrench. It's got decent power and a relatively compact size. I recently ordered the new workbench light P727 from Home Depot. When it arrived, I plugged a battery in and nothing happened. Dead on arrival! I got my money back but was disappointed as it seemed like it would be super useful for automotive work and was really looking forward to testing it out.

Just ordered one see how my luck holds out read the reviews seem to be good. Sounds like your light was a day they were lax on QC.

 

[Katodog]

I've got a garage full of Ryobi, love the brand and don't have any issues with any of the tools. I did a vid a while back for another forum, showing some of my Ryobi stuff. I ramble but it's a good watch...



<iframe width="854" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zYX_QrJX-jo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[pauls_workshop]

Sorry to deviate from purpose of the thread, but maybe you can provide some insight on the Ryobi post linked in my signature.

Hi LilCraig, I remember seeing that when you posted it but couldn't help then. I don't have that drill unfortunately and don't know much about it. It is going to be one of the original US made ones before Ryobi went to TTI as another GJ'er posted. I have a few of those older tools. An old 10" non-sliding miter box saw from about 1992 or so being the main one. Still going strong with its 15 amp motor after all these years. I also have a few older routers and sanders.

Let's see if anyone else here may be able to help. I want this thread to be "all things Ryobi" so we can all help each other, so don't anyone worry about off topic. Everything is on topic! I think we can also tell Ryobi what we want or want different too, as I would hope someone there would listen in from time to time. GJ gets pretty good Google exposure, so after a time, they should be able to find and read what members may post here.

Thanks all for the great support here so far. Lot's of new posts in just a few days! - Paul

 

[dodge610]

Another winner in the Ryobi line is there cordless fan handy little item in this hot weather we have been getting. Working in the garage at the workbebch I pop a battery in mine and let it cool me off as I am working.

 

[dodge610]

The Ryobi jigsaw this thing is a beast just used it to cut the angles on some deck boards very smooth cutting. The adjustable blade speed is awesome. And the light is a life saver so you can follow lines on the wood.

 

[dodge610]

. All this was done with ryobi one cordless tools. All of the ryobi tools have operated flawlessly no complaints.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[pauls_workshop]

Review: Ryobi 155 MPH 300 CFM 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Jet Fan Leaf Blower
Model# RY40402A

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-15...y-and-Charger-Not-Included-RY40402A/204839367

I've had this high powered 40v blower for about a year now. I also have a couple gas powered blowers for years as well. This one is the most powerful blower in the current Ryobi lineup for non-gas powered. I want to say it is a real champ. It will last me about 45 minutes of almost constant use on a full size battery. Power is about the same as a 32 cc gas powered blower. This one is strong enough to blow wet leaves over a lawn or grass. Great for blowing out gutters full of wet leaves and sludge. Of course, best for blowing dry stuff. I can highly recommend it. No problems with mine after 1 year of regular use. - Paul

 

[pauls_workshop]

Review: Ryobi 24 in. 40-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Hedge Trimmer - Battery and Charger Not Included Model# RY40601B

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-24...y-and-Charger-Not-Included-RY40601B/204252924

Same story background as above. I've had this about a full year and used it plenty for trimming 3 houses worth of bushes regularly. I've not used a gas powered hedge trimmer but electrics of many kinds over the years. I want to say this also is a real champ. About as powerful with the 40v system as an electric. Blades sharp and work well. Haven't needed a resharpen yet on them. The "sweep" feature at first I thought would be an annoying gimmicky thing to get in the way, but in fact, it is a great idea and design. It will sweep out of the way the clippings you just cut, making it much easier to get the job done. A great idea and unique to Ryobi as far as I have seen. They should patent that if they haven't yet. For any hedge trimmer, always add some oil to the blades before you use it. Makes it work much better due to less binding friction present. - Paul

 

[pauls_workshop]

Review: Ryobi Expand-It 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Attachment Capable Power Head
Model# RY40225

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-Ex...tachment-Capable-Power-Head-RY40225/204839366

As above, I've used this 40v power head for about one full year. I've used it mainly to power an expand-it pole chainsaw instead of using a gas powered trimmer type powerhead to reach the high branches. I think the 40v powerhead is about equal to a 32 cc gas powered Ryobi powerhead or other brand of powerhead. I've used the Expand-it (Ryobi) or Trimmer Plus (MTD) or compatible attachments with a gas powered compatible power head for many years. I have the tiller, edger, hedge trimmer, pole chainsaw, grass trimmer, small blower, and recip pruner attachments. Just a great way for a homeowner type to have all these tool capabilities with a single power head unit without having to buy each individual engine powered tool. Now that this 40v powerhead is available and compatible, I just had to have one. It is much more convenient to grab it and go than using a gas powered unit. This alone to me is a strong reason to get into the 40v Ryobi lineup. A real champ after one year of use each week and can't recommend it enough. - Paul

 

[pauls_workshop]

Review: Ryobi 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Shaft String Trimmer/Edger - Battery and Charger Not Included Model# RY40201A

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-40...y-and-Charger-Not-Included-RY40201A/204252928

I also have the direct 40v grass trimmer above. (I got a lot of a bunch of the 40v tools used all at once for a great price). I also have the 18v One + grass trimmer. The 18v is actually fine for average yards. My 1/2 acre can get done mostly with just the 18v and one full size Lithium + battery. BUT, the 40v is a different beast entirely. It is easily twice the grass trimmer the 18v one is and for not much more cost if you are already in the 40v format. Like the other 40v tools, about equal to a 32 cc gas two cycle engine powered trimmer. You do get much more weight though with the 40v full size battery pack in this trimmer vs. the 18v trimmer weight. So if you are older, the weight of it is just a bit less than a gas powered trimmer and might be a reason to stay with the 18v one + trimmer instead. Another great 40v tool in the lineup.

So that's it for my 40v tools. I'd like to ask if anyone can do a 40v lawnmower and 40 v snowblower review to add to these above. And all please share your thoughts and comments on all reviews in the thread, whether you agree or disagree. Let's get all community experiences and thoughts going. Please don't comment though if you have not actually used the product and for a bit of time so we can all be honest here.

I'd also like Ryobi to stick with the 40v format permanently like th 18v format and add some more tools to it. Thoughts would be a 40v versions of a cordless miter box saw, circular saw, reciprocating saw, wet tile cutting saw, router, nail guns. And how about a 40v high pressure small water sprayer? Basically, whatever tool needs more power than 18v and could be cordless should be on the docket to develop and expand the line to be more useful. - Paul

 

[pauls_workshop]

Review: 18V ONE+ Cordless Pruner Model: #P561 | Home Depot Sku #: 532556

https://www.ryobitools.com/products/details/395

Here is a tool Ryobi should absolutely bring back with new marketing. This is discontinued but is a one hand held precision reciprocating saw for 18v. One of the best most used tools in the Ryobi 18v system is the normal big two handed reciprocating saw in their basic kits. It has good power and is great for yard trimming work up to about 2-3" branches or any rough cutting demolition work. BUT it has very high vibration levels and the blade will "flagpole" back and forth from the vibes in use. Great for rough work, but for anything like precision cutting just forget it completely. Enter the "pruner" recip here. It has a 1/2" stroke unlike the big recips with a 3/4" stroke, but more importantly it has very low levels of vibration. The blade is straight as a rail when in use. With 1/2" stroke, it is pretty worthless as a tree branch pruner, which is how it was marketed, and it did not last long before discontinued. BUT for precision wood or especially metal cutting, it is great and may be the best Ryobi tool to do this. I'll use it to fast precision cut boards and timbers or metal in lieu of any jigsaw as it is much more powerful and faster than any jigsaw. This is really the Ryobi 18v version of the Milwaukee one handed reciprocating saw, which many love for metal cutting. Ryobi, please bring this tool back just as it is but don't call it a pruner, call it a precision one handed reciprocating saw. It will sell ! One of the best tools in the lineup when it was around! - Paul

 

[pablo94sc]

My review of the 18V, 3/4" hedge trimmer. I use the heck out of the thing.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=330241

 

[pauls_workshop]

Thanks Pablo, I'll go ahead and quote your review here as well:

Decided I needed to do something about the bushes and shrubs around the house and knew the ancient, corded trimmer I had wasn't going to cut it. Looked online and saw the (new?) Ryobi P2606A 22" trimmer for sale at the Home Depot for $69.97. Only had 16 reviews but all were positive so I thought I'd give it a whirl. It has a 3/4" cutting width, 22" blade, blade rotates 90* in both directions, and has a sweeper on top to help brush aside trimmings.

For all of you guys and gals on the fence about using a cordless trimmer, this is the real deal. It will easily cut 1/2" limbs and with a little extra effort takes care of limbs up to the 3/4" spec. Battery life is extremely good; barely used half of a 4Ah battery. It made quick work of everything in my yard without breaking a sweat. I highly recommend it. - Pablo

Paul comments: I also have one of these in the previous versions without the sweep and have used it several years. Very good and functinoal 18v tool. Having both, I'd say the 18v trimmer is about 75% as good as the 40v trimmer. The blade and cutting functions are the same, the 25% difference is just the power available in the 40v version, but again, it weighs much more. So if you are strong enough, 40v is king, but if you don't want the weight of it, the 18v version is just fine for most DIY/homeowner types. I would put a similar electric trimmer at a little more power than the 18v version. Perhaps 80% or so of an electric for power, but sharp blades can easily make up for that. I like to use some HF diamond honing file plates for sharpening when needed. - Paul

 

[pauls_workshop]

Here is a link to the Ebay Deals Permathread! over in hot deals. I jjust posted the only current auction going on the 18v precision one handed recip saw just reviewed up above. See what it goes for:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=275031&page=119

- Paul

 

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

Hmph, I wanna get into a single 18v system, have considered Milwaukee and Dewalt, now I may have to consider Ryobi, since their tools seem a lot more affordable and will be stricly "once in a while" tools for DIY tasks around the house and on my vehicle.

 

[pauls_workshop]

The Ryobi jigsaw this thing is a beast just used it to cut the angles on some deck boards very smooth cutting. The adjustable blade speed is awesome. And the light is a life saver so you can follow lines on the wood.

Dodge, how are the vibration levels on the jigsaw? I have an older blue 18v jigsaw but not the latest version. The blue I wasn't that impressed with as it had alot of vibration to the blade. I usually go for a corded high amperage jigsaw when I have to use one now. Or I'll use a guide rail and that 1/2" stroke precision recip saw for straight cuts instead of a jigsaw. Also list the exact model number if you would. Your deck looks real nice! Thanks! - Paul

 

[pauls_workshop]

Hmph, I wanna get into a single 18v system, have considered Milwaukee and Dewalt, now I may have to consider Ryobi, since their tools seem a lot more affordable and will be stricly "once in a while" tools for DIY tasks around the house and on my vehicle.

Hi Tolkien fan (I am also one of those having read LOR and HOBBIT both when I was all of 10 years old back in the 70's). I'm a huge Sci Fi fan.

For me, it was a gradual conversion over to Ryobi after being impressed with the value of a few starting tools about 25 years back, but the 18v system is really the only one out there with yard tools for the DIY type at reasonable cost and good function. My first was the 10" Ryobi 15 amp non-sliding miter box saw a few others on the thread have had also. Just a champ at accurate cutting with plenty of power for 25 years for me. I still use it and have no need for any other 10" miter box saw yet. (But I do have a 12" Rigid Slider for the jobs needing that capability, another awesome tool to have. The Rigid though does not move from its place *ever*, whereas that 10" Ryobi is light enough to take along to whatever place I need to use it).

You can get more pro tools in say Echo cordless now or a few other brands, but you won't have the large range of tools available or even close and at much higher cost. For those that do have expand-it type sytems for interchangeable attachments like Stihl or Echo, the non-compatability with the huge volume of available Expand-It or Trimmer Plus (MTD) attachments and much higher cost of each proprietary expansion tool make that option less deireable for non-pros if cost is any factor at all. You may choose another brand for pro type core tools that may be a little better (drills, saws, etc.) but for yard stuff, Ryobi in 18 v is really king for a lineup. I never planned on jumping to the 40v system, but got a great deal and dove in (about 1/3rd new prices on my 40v stuff lightly used). Now, I just really use the 40v tools for those tools and not the 18v versions of yard tools much as they are all better. Either way, hard to beat either 18 or 40 in Ryobi for DIY/Homeowner cordless yard tools. The 20 watt floodlight reviewed at the start of the thread is essential for ALL Ryobi 18v users out there. Don't pass that one up.

But once you are in for that reason, the other core tools are mostly very good too. Most Ryobi core tools I put at 80-90% as good as Rigid and 70-80% as good as Milwaukee at 1/2 the cost new or less and some I say are better than Rigid. Later I'll review more of these unless others beat me to it!!! Need more reviews guys, comeon now!! - Paul

 

[pauls_workshop]

I also have been using the Ryobi 6 1/2 inch circular saw on both projects. Very impressed with that little saw and the speed of the cuts. Not to mention again not having to string an ext. cord out to plug it in.

Dodge, the 6 1/2" Circular is the brand new one this year right? How does it compare directly to the older smaller 5 1/4" circular in the basic kits? The 5 1/4" I've not been that impressed with really. Can only handle so thick a board. - Paul

 

[pauls_workshop]

I have the same saw and I hate it... I'll give it away to anyone who wants to come pick it up.

I am generally a Ryobi fan, have had good service with my most of my 18v stuff (drills, impact drivers, sanders, lights, circular saw, reciprocating saw, radio, except:

1. The 18V Cordless Vac. Worthless. Threw it away.
2. The 18V Cordless Grinder. Heavy, completely unbalanced, underpowered. Use it mostly on wood with a flapper disc; steel with a grinder disc is too much.
3. The 7-1/2" Cordless Miter saw. Underpowered, flimsy, inaccurate

My 30 year old Ryobi miter saw, 10" Planer, and Benchtop Joiner are all still going strong.

What I wish Ryobi would offer is a jobsite radio/charger.

What I REALLY wish is that they would bring back the little Tek4 Flashlight...

Hi Puget, I may be willing to buy the cordless miter box saw from you if you want. Send me a PM. On the cordless older hand vacs, I have found them useful for sucking up sawdust around tools or on the bench but not where stronger suction is needed. Have to agree with you on those not being too useful. In fact, I have a Black and Decker "cyclone" type hand vac in their 18v system that I keep that is much better for hand vaccing I use with my Ryobi to B&D battery adaptor with Ryobi batteries! B&D tools are transformed with the Ryobi Lithium + battery power!!! I do keep the Ryobi one just for the easy sawdust sucking job though as it is fine for that. Those Ryobi vacs are also great to re-use the female side battery terminal connections to make a nice adaptor from for another brand of cordless tools you want to use Ryobi batteries to power! :>) Just cut the end off, stick in your other brand of battery pack once gutted, epoxy together, connect wires to terminals and away you go! If anybody has old vacs or flashlights not wanted anymore and wants to donate them to the cause, send me a PM! I *may* also make some more adaptors later on as my time allows in the depths of frozen midwest winter. PM to discuss.

The 18v hand grinder may be one of those tools much better served in the 40v format. Would add some weight to it but then it would have the power and really *torque* it needs to do metal cutting or concrete grinding jobs the way a corded high amp hand grinder can do. I have noticed though the auction guys on cable on those storage unit auction shows use the Ryobi 18v hand grinder exclusively to grind the padlock off each door at the start of the auctions. I think it can work but much slower to do it than a normal corded grinder and battery life not good at all for this tool's very heavy amp-hour demands. Portability away from cords may still make it useful for those needs but not same as a corded tool for this one - Paul

 

[pauls_workshop]

Here is a link to recent thread talking about what can go wrong with Lithium Ion cells in any brand of battery pack and what can be done about it if they won't charge anymore on your charger. May be of interest to some here:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=336139

- Paul

 

[cheechi]

first gen 4 cycle Ryobi trimmer lasted for about a decade. what eventually failed were the threads for the spark plug. I still have the brush cutter blade, the trimmer head was used after the engine was replaced but eventually failed a few years later.

The grey/yellow trimmers were hit or miss. If you got a good one you'd still be doing carb adjustments every time you used them. Maybe every other time in the fall.

Blue bench grinder. Obvious fail.

Blue 18v 'dust buster' vac. great little vac. However it was replaced by the M12 version and wife likes it better. Still a good tool and better than you'd expect for drywall.

Don't know the model, got a blue corded drill from the clearance for stupid cheap, burned up after a few years of wire wheel, abrasive disc, general 'other than cutting holes' type usage. Got my money's worth but it was far from amazing.