The Ryobi Tool Appreciation/Review Permathread!

[LawnBoy-5247]

Just wanted to give a shout-out to the P261 3-Speed Impact Wrench.

I've owned it for about a year, but really had only fiddled with it for a couple of wheel swaps, as I really do prefer my air tools over cordless tools.

Had to go over to a wrecking yard and pull a front bumper off of an '05 F-350 Super Duty this morning. Not that this was a super difficult task that really put the tool to the test (4 18mm-head bolts, 2 13mm-head bolts), but it performed admirably, and I had the bumper off the donor wreck in right around five minutes.

Massive time-saver, and it didn't come close to stressing the tool.

I will second that, I have no doubt that it lives up to its 300ftlb rating for $120 you get your moneys worth that is for sure.

Sent from my LGLS991 using Tapatalk

 

[mv213]

How many lumens is that mamma jamma?!

It is a fantastic light, I used mine out in the desert a couple of weeks ago. Very bright and shines a very long ways.

 

[JABgj]

I have a handful of the blue Ryobis and no complaints at all. Still working and put up with a lot. I have the P208 drill that is trying to tell me to retire it. The switch is getting fussy and when pushed it will start to smoke. So before all that smoke leaks out, which of the new green Ryobis is a good replacement/upgrade? I could only hope the green one is as robust as the old blue model.

 

[dodge610]

I have a handful of the blue Ryobis and no complaints at all. Still working and put up with a lot. I have the P208 drill that is trying to tell me to retire it. The switch is getting fussy and when pushed it will start to smoke. So before all that smoke leaks out, which of the new green Ryobis is a good replacement/upgrade? I could only hope the green one is as robust as the old blue model.

I have the P271 and the hammer drill no complaints on either they have both held up to any job I used them on.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[kythri]

I have a handful of the blue Ryobis and no complaints at all. Still working and put up with a lot. I have the P208 drill that is trying to tell me to retire it. The switch is getting fussy and when pushed it will start to smoke. So before all that smoke leaks out, which of the new green Ryobis is a good replacement/upgrade? I could only hope the green one is as robust as the old blue model.

Got a pic of the specifications plate/sticker of your drill?

 

[awdblazer]

the glue gun is super handy!!!

 

[kythri]

the glue gun is super handy!!!

Oh yeah! Great item!

 

[joseywales]

I almost bought the glue gun, since I have an arsenal of Ryobi, but read where the glue just oozed out at some point, due to the inability to control temperature. Is anyone having that issue?

 

[SweetD]

Bought the lower-end 18V cordless hedge trimmer a couple of weeks ago - I had been using a very old and dull B&D corded trimmer - total PITA.

The Ryobi works great and is so much easier to handle without the cord - I did about an hour's worth of trimming forsythia and privet hedges, and it never skipped a beat.

 

[joseywales]

Bought the lower-end 18V cordless hedge trimmer a couple of weeks ago - I had been using a very old and dull B&D corded trimmer - total PITA.

The Ryobi works great and is so much easier to handle without the cord - I did about an hour's worth of trimming forsythia and privet hedges, and it never skipped a beat.

That's consistent with what I've heard. In fact, on the recommendation I received, I returned my EGO trimmer and bought the Ryobi. I have the EGO blower and weed whacker. The EGO blower will move you back a tad when you hit turbo. I'm liking that for sure

 

[Muggzy]

I'm kinda surprised at the (positive) sentiment on this thread for Ryobi tools. I had a gas string trimmer that seized up on me after about 2 yrs. Since I had invested in a few attatchments, I decided to try their 40v lithium trimmer and the only really good thing I have to say about it is the home depot chick let me return it just after the 90 warranty was up.
I came on GJ tonight looking for a recommendation for a trimmer (gas or battery) that people were happy with? Should I try the Ryobi again?

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[awdblazer]

I almost bought the glue gun, since I have an arsenal of Ryobi, but read where the glue just oozed out at some point, due to the inability to control temperature. Is anyone having that issue?

no problem with mine
glue only flows when i push the trigger

 

[kythri]

no problem with mine
glue only flows when i push the trigger

Same here.

 

[kythri]

I'm kinda surprised at the (positive) sentiment on this thread for Ryobi tools. I had a gas string trimmer that seized up on me after about 2 yrs. Since I had invested in a few attatchments, I decided to try their 40v lithium trimmer and the only really good thing I have to say about it is the home depot chick let me return it just after the 90 warranty was up.
I came on GJ tonight looking for a recommendation for a trimmer (gas or battery) that people were happy with? Should I try the Ryobi again?

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

I can't speak to the 40V line, myself. I own a couple of 110V tools that work just great, I've got a bunch of the mostly-discontinued 4V TEK4 lineup that I like, and I've heavily invested in the 18V ONE+ lineup, which I just can't say enough good things about.

If I was in the market for a heavier-duty cordless electric trimmer, I'd probably consider Ryobi seriously, but I just can't get my head past the thought that gas is just more appropriate for that kind of tool.

I'm pretty sure there are a few people here who have the 40V stuff, and think it's great, though - hopefully they'll chime in.

 

[ducksface]

I just bought two of their new iteration of reciprocating saws. The biggest one of the
God only knows why
THREE VERSIONS
they now offer.

One of them lasted only one week. Just stopped. Won't go. No diagnosis because I'm just going to replace it under the two year warranty.

One of my original blue ones is so old it uses an Allen wrench to install a blade. I think it is from the first month ryobi offered 18v tools. It runs just fine.

This, and one chainsaw are the only failures I've ever had.

 

[ducksface]

I have the two battery 18v/110v 16inch wide mower.
Does a good enough job.
I can do about 2000sqft without a battery change.
Lightweight, stores well, battery or cord your choice.
I'd recommend it if you have a small yard, a good base of 18v batteries and don't want another damn engine and fuel to deal with.

 

[dodge610]

Snagged a few more Ryobi goodies for the garage got some projects coming up I will need them for.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ChaseDE]

Recently bought the Ryobi gas trimmer chain/pole saw attachment to use on my troy-bilt 4 stroke trimmer, that thing cuts like butter, i feel like he-man cutting through all the brush in the back yard.

 

[fivespdcat]

Anyone use the pin nailer yet? Just saw it on the HD website and haven't heard anything about it.

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

 

[joseywales]

I went nutso and bought most of the Ryobi line. it was time for an upgrade for me. Part of the reason I chose it was the hybrid water pump. I use it, with the standard battery and it worked fine. It's not a super fast pump, but was using it to pump water off the pool cover. Because I could reach the water, it ended up faster to push most of the water off, but I ran that pump for a while, through two batteries, without issue.
Also, we have a sump pump and backup power, but if that should ever fail and we have no power, this pump would bail me out. See what I did there???l

fivespdcat, not sure what you mean by pin nailer. I have the 18 gauge nailer and used it to replace just a few pieces of trim. Easy to use and worked fine, but it was only a dozen or so whacks.

 

[kythri]

Bought the "18V LITHIUM+ JET FAN BLOWER" (tool only) a couple weeks ago.

Home Depot has the tool-only listed as the P2108A, and the kit (battery, charger and blower) listed as the P2180. Not sure if the 0 and 8 are transposed on the tool-only or not, but, it's the same blower as in the kit.

ENORMOUS difference between my old 18V leaf blower (currently sold as the "P2102 Sweeper".

Coupled with a 4.0Ah battery, the thing is just amazing.

The old leaf blower functioned, but had me out there for a while, especially when leaves are wet.

The new one just blasts wet clumps of leaves exactly where I'm aiming - huge amount of power!!

 

[fivespdcat]

I went nutso and bought most of the Ryobi line. it was time for an upgrade for me. Part of the reason I chose it was the hybrid water pump. I use it, with the standard battery and it worked fine. It's not a super fast pump, but was using it to pump water off the pool cover. Because I could reach the water, it ended up faster to push most of the water off, but I ran that pump for a while, through two batteries, without issue.
Also, we have a sump pump and backup power, but if that should ever fail and we have no power, this pump would bail me out. See what I did there???l

fivespdcat, not sure what you mean by pin nailer. I have the 18 gauge nailer and used it to replace just a few pieces of trim. Easy to use and worked fine, but it was only a dozen or so whacks.

Brand new and I've seen absolutely nothing about it



Ryobi18-Volt ONE+ AirStrike 23-Gauge Cordless Pin Nailer
https://homedepot.app.link/JRqbh1CsZH
SKU# 302238848




Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

 

[joseywales]

I was jammed in a 20" space and had to notch a stud. I used the Ryobi multi-tool. It worked fine. I had ear muffs on, but it wasn't too noisy. I was twisted various ways to get the cut. Perhaps brighter light on the tool would help, but to be fair, I didn't have any light in the closet - part of the reason for the notching of the stud actually.

Anyway, I'm happy so far.

 

[toolaholic]

I’ll take a pic tonite or tommorow. About 10 years ago I bought a ryobi corded made in Japan drill with the RAD head and a metal case brand new for $110. Drill is circa 1996. Super strong.

 

[ronaldSwanson]

Anyone used the SDS rotary drill yet? Got one for free by buying the hammer drill kit with battery since I already had all of the other free items. I have to dig a french drain in my crawlspace and figured a clay spade bit should make it easier.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[PR1Gneon]

I love my P720 lamp. Lost count how many hours I used it during the hurricane Maria blackout for nearly 2 months.


Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

 

[kythri]

Welp, took advantage of the Black Friday sale:

P1813 Brushless Hammer Drill Kit ($149.00, comes with a P108 battery and a P117 charger)
P508 7 1/4" Brushless Circular Saw (bare tool, free with above purchase)
P738 High Power Volume Inflator ($19.97)
(3) 2-pack of the P108 4.0Ah batteries to rotate into use ($79/each)
P3800 Uproar RC Truck (uses Ryobi 18V batteries, this thing is a hoot! $59, comes with a stem-charger and a P102 battery)

Interesting tidbit: Look at the second picture of the saw:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-18-Volt-One-7-1-4-in-Circular-Saw-Bare-Tool-P508/301848641

That's got a 6.0Ah battery mated to it.

I'm going to conjecture something:

Two or three Black Fridays ago, Home Depot started offering the 2-pack of P108 batteries for $99. Within a year or so, that became a regular deal, no special sale, you could walk into most Home Depots or order online, 2-for-$99.

This year, the 2-pack is $79 for Black Friday. Bigger batteries in the US have been rumored for quite a while. Ryobi Australia has 5.0Ah batteries, while 6.0Ah and 9.0Ah batteries have been being teased for quite a while, and are a "confirmed" deal overseas - Russia, as an example:

http://ryobi-instrument.ru/product/akkumuljator-one-li-ion-6-ach-18-v-ryobi-rb18l60/
http://ryobi-instrument.ru/product/akkumuljator-one-li-ion-9-ach-18-v-ryobi-rb18l90/

Assuming they don't discontinue 4.0Ah batteries, I'm predicting that this will become the "regular" price point for them, setting up for release of the 6.0Ah and 9.0Ah batteries.

 

[Packard V8]

I've been using Ryobi since the beginning and all I can say is you get what you pay for and sometimes a little more.

Unfortunately, the 40-volt line is continuing the long tradition of random failures of batteries and chargers. The leaf blower is strong and the hedge trimmer is as good as any electric, but heavier to hold at arms length for hours.

Within the first year of 40-volt use, I've had two batteries and two chargers fail. Home Depot knows they're marginal, but won't just replace the charger or the battery. To get them warrantied without hassle, you have to bring the receipt, box, and all the misc. Does no good to just ask for another charger or another battery. They just hand you a NIB replacement tool and say, "Yeah, we get a lot of them back."

jack vines

 

[moparfreak]

I have a bunch of the Ryobi tools, both 18V and 40V. Pleased with all of them. The Ryobi drill and impact driver set which is what I started with, is even better in fit / feel than my Milwaukee set.

I also have 3 of the nailers (18G brad, 18G crown stapler, 16G finish) and they are all indispensable and awesome. I eventually plan on getting the 15G finish and 23G as well.

I have the large LED spot light that makes an insane amount of light, have used it many many times. Also have the inflator, and one of their older recip saws that holds its own.

I have the 40V jet blower and string trimmer. Both perform well and the battery lasts a long time. I've even used the string trimmer body with the other attachments and used it to drive a small tiller, and it did well at that too. My only complaint on the jet blower is the air intake is in an area where it tends to **** onto my clothing with how it wants to be held. So, that is an annoyance but not really a big deal.

Not trying to be a spokesman for Ryobi or anything, as soon as something comes up and breaks I'll post but so far with all the tools I've got from them I only have good things to say. With 4-5 batteries in the mix now, I can get the bare tools and nothing really breaks the bank.

 

[redmondjp]

I haven't seen it mentioned here yet, but I recently picked up the P781 area light (camping lantern) with the USB port on it. It has two light levels that you cycle through with the pushbutton switch. The P781 is the newer 330-lumen version, whereas there was an earlier model w/o the USB port and a lower light output that can still be found in some stores and online, so buyer beware.

Also on Black Friday I couldn't help but pick up the 2-for-$79 batteries, even though I really don't need any more of them. Also got the P738 high-volume inflator for $20, which will be just perfect for inflating all of the air mattresses INSIDE the tent. Right now we have one of those 12V corded inflators (aka screamers) so we have to inflate the air mattress at the car, and then get it over and inside of the tent, on our annual car-camping trip.

So now, with the lantern above, and the inflator, it looks like my 18V cordless will be coming camping with me every year! I picked up the P737 18V tire inflator earlier this year as well (the cheaper one w/o the automatic shutoff feature).

 

[fivespdcat]

I haven't seen it mentioned here yet, but I recently picked up the P781 area light (camping lantern) with the USB port on it. It has two light levels that you cycle through with the pushbutton switch. The P781 is the newer 330-lumen version, whereas there was an earlier model w/o the USB port and a lower light output that can still be found in some stores and online, so buyer beware.

Also on Black Friday I couldn't help but pick up the 2-for-$79 batteries, even though I really don't need any more of them. Also got the P738 high-volume inflator for $20, which will be just perfect for inflating all of the air mattresses INSIDE the tent. Right now we have one of those 12V corded inflators (aka screamers) so we have to inflate the air mattress at the car, and then get it over and inside of the tent, on our annual car-camping trip.

So now, with the lantern above, and the inflator, it looks like my 18V cordless will be coming camping with me every year! I picked up the P737 18V tire inflator earlier this year as well (the cheaper one w/o the automatic shutoff feature).

That usb port is about useless. Doesn't have enough power to charge either my Samsung or Apple.

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

 

[kythri]

Does it not put out the advertised 1A?

It certainly wouldn't be a "quick" charge, but 1A should be more than sufficient to charge at least an iPhone...

 

[GasNSteering]

I haven't seen it mentioned here yet, but I recently picked up the P781 area light (camping lantern) with the USB port on it. It has two light levels that you cycle through with the pushbutton switch. The P781 is the newer 330-lumen version, whereas there was an earlier model w/o the USB port and a lower light output that can still be found in some stores and online, so buyer beware.

Also on Black Friday I couldn't help but pick up the 2-for-$79 batteries, even though I really don't need any more of them. Also got the P738 high-volume inflator for $20, which will be just perfect for inflating all of the air mattresses INSIDE the tent. Right now we have one of those 12V corded inflators (aka screamers) so we have to inflate the air mattress at the car, and then get it over and inside of the tent, on our annual car-camping trip.

So now, with the lantern above, and the inflator, it looks like my 18V cordless will be coming camping with me every year! I picked up the P737 18V tire inflator earlier this year as well (the cheaper one w/o the automatic shutoff feature).

Which batteries did you get? I saw the high capacity shown as a 2 pack but were $79 each. Read reviews seemed to be a lot of problems with batteries

 

[kythri]

Which batteries did you get? I saw the high capacity shown as a 2 pack but were $79 each. Read reviews seemed to be a lot of problems with batteries

What do you consider "a lot" ?? The Home Depot page for the battery records 2049 reviews, with 1757 of them being a 5-star and 196 of them being a 4-star.

There are 21-star and 39 1-star reviews, and the very first 1-star review listed isn't even for the batteries, it's for someone griping about a circular saw.

Less than 3% of reviews are 1-or-2-star, and almost 86% of them are 5-star.

I wouldn't call that a "lot of problems" at all.

Hell, even looking at 3-star reviews, I see another review of the circular saw, a complaint that the battery took longer than an hour to charge, and a complaint that the batteries are too expensive.

Frankly, the 1, 2 and 3-star reviews are so few that they could be dismissed as statistical anomalies.

Myself, I can certainly personally attest to zero legit battery problems (and I've got a fair number of batteries).

I've got P108, P107, P102 and P100. The only batteries that have any issues are the older P100 NiCad that are ancient, and have failed or are failing due to issues inherent with any NiCad battery.

 

[ronaldSwanson]

Got my black friday toys in and figured I would contribute to the thread.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[stonesfan68]

I have used the Ryobi model TSS102L 10” sliding miter saw for a month now for installing base boards and door molding and the saw has been great.

 

[zbyler]

I've been slowly updating my power tool collection with Ryobi tools and have been really impressed with all of them so far (just for DIY homeowner/mechanic jobs). Most recently I picked up the following:

- 1/2" Impact Wrench
- Brushless hammer drill deal with the brushless impact driver
- 2 pack of 4.0Ah batteries ($79 black friday special)

I was replacing the brake pads and rotors on my truck over the weekend and bought the impact hoping it would make quick work of removing the brake hardware. I had high hopes for it until I tried to remove my lugs, which are always meticulously torqued to spec at 140 ft-lbs. The impact on the highest setting wasn't able to brake them loose. I removed them with a tire iron, re-torqued them to spec, and tried again. Same outcome, even with the 4.0Ah batteries....... I then tried to use the impact to remove some stuck caliper bolts and again, no dice. Unfortunately had to return it. Bummer

The hammer drill and impact wrench have really impressed me so far. I built a quick firewood rack and hung a bunch of things around the house and the impact was fantastic. Highly recommend it and I'm and idiot for not buying it sooner. Plus you cant beat the $149 for 2 tools deal!

 

[DTuck]

I've been slowly updating my power tool collection with Ryobi tools and have been really impressed with all of them so far (just for DIY homeowner/mechanic jobs). Most recently I picked up the following:

- 1/2" Impact Wrench
- Brushless hammer drill deal with the brushless impact driver
- 2 pack of 4.0Ah batteries ($79 black friday special)

I was replacing the brake pads and rotors on my truck over the weekend and bought the impact hoping it would make quick work of removing the brake hardware. I had high hopes for it until I tried to remove my lugs, which are always meticulously torqued to spec at 140 ft-lbs. The impact on the highest setting wasn't able to brake them loose. I removed them with a tire iron, re-torqued them to spec, and tried again. Same outcome, even with the 4.0Ah batteries....... I then tried to use the impact to remove some stuck caliper bolts and again, no dice. Unfortunately had to return it. Bummer

The hammer drill and impact wrench have really impressed me so far. I built a quick firewood rack and hung a bunch of things around the house and the impact was fantastic. Highly recommend it and I'm and idiot for not buying it sooner. Plus you cant beat the $149 for 2 tools deal!

Impact wrench in the lugs or impact driver? You said wrench for building the rack. My impact wrench blows off the lugs on my 14 F150 after I manually torque them to 150. Not sure if you were using an extension or something but mine has been flawless.

 

[mv213]

What do you consider "a lot" ?? The Home Depot page for the battery records 2049 reviews, with 1757 of them being a 5-star and 196 of them being a 4-star.

There are 21-star and 39 1-star reviews, and the very first 1-star review listed isn't even for the batteries, it's for someone griping about a circular saw.

Less than 3% of reviews are 1-or-2-star, and almost 86% of them are 5-star.

I wouldn't call that a "lot of problems" at all.

Hell, even looking at 3-star reviews, I see another review of the circular saw, a complaint that the battery took longer than an hour to charge, and a complaint that the batteries are too expensive.

Frankly, the 1, 2 and 3-star reviews are so few that they could be dismissed as statistical anomalies.

Myself, I can certainly personally attest to zero legit battery problems (and I've got a fair number of batteries).

I've got P108, P107, P102 and P100. The only batteries that have any issues are the older P100 NiCad that are ancient, and have failed or are failing due to issues inherent with any NiCad battery.

I have 8 of the high capacity (4Ah) batteries, bought the first two when they first came out. ZERO issues with any of them, and their higher discharge rate gives some of the tools more power in addition to the longer runtime.

 

[fordgasm]

Sorta new to the Ryobi family. Had Craftsman C3 stuff and started selling it off this year due to Craftsman sucking basically in their power tools department (among other things they currently **** at). I know much of the stuff Ryobi and Craftsman have are made by TTI. Most of my power tools are Milwaukee Fuel but some stuff Ryobi makes that Milwaukee doesn't. I recently bought their P737 power inflator kit since my air compressor now lives in my parents garage. Needed something for car tires, ended up buying the impact wrench kit for $99 from HD to keep around (even though I have 2 Milwaukee Fuel ones as well) since its a great deal and bought 2 more P108 batteries. Looking at buying a few other power tools like the fan, radio, etc. So far really enjoying their stuff.