Thoughts on Ryobi Batteries

[nbpt100]

I just inherited 5 Ryobi 18V chordless tools. A Drill, Recip saw, Circ Saw, Drain auger, and flash light. I have one 2 Amp HR LI ION Battery and no charger.

My initial thought was: is it worth investing in the Ryobi? Should I just sell the bare tools on CL and save up and go with more professional level like a Dewalt et. al. My sense was that Ryobi was low end stuff. A bit above HF or Black and Decker. I Probably would not get much $ for used bare tools.

I want to be objective and not being all that familiar with Ryobi chordless stuff. I set out and did some searches on GJ.

I found that many people find their chordless All One Ryobi collection very good. Considering the cost and they have a very stable battery platform. In other words they have not changed it in 20 years, unlike the rest of the competition. That seems like one of their branding statements. One 18v battery for every tool. They do offer a lot of tools. It seems like they will stand behind it for the future. I also did not hear anyone complain about something not working or it broke after reasonable use.

I also read that Milwaukee, Ridgid and Ryobi are made in the same factories. I believe the old Craftsman too. That likely changed with the SBD ownership.

My opinion has improved of them. It now seems like a good choice for the homeowner or Handyman who does not have heavy use of a particular tool.

I am thinking it is probably worth investing in them. I am looking at Li Ion battery and charger choices.

Should I get the 2 amp hour, 3 amp hr or the 4 amp hour? They also have a 6 and a 9. The are Very pricey and I am not sure it would be worth it for me.

I see on Ebay there are knock off Ryobi LI Ion batteries for 1/2 the price of the Ryobi. Also reconditioned chargers and knock off chargers that are very inexpensive compared to a new one at HD. It looked like most are mulit chemistry chargers. I did not find any comments on the off brand batteries. But I did read that people think the Craftsman 19.2 V off brands on Ebay are fine. I am thinking they are likely made by the same companies in the same COO.

What are folks thoughts on the battery and charger choices and best overall options.?

Sorry for the long lead up to my question but I wanted people to know my thought process and perhaps challenge it if they have good reason to.

 

[Phantomd]

Ryobi has a large tool selection, mostly geared towards the hobbist and home owner. I use their basic tools in a mild industrial setting. I have Dewalt at home but I would not hesitate with Ryobi, I've found them reasonably well built.

 

[Jon_E]

As a homeowner who has an extensive Ryobi collection going back 15 years, I would say that they are the best bang for the buck out there. The standardization of the battery platform is probably the best selling point, as every battery I own works with every tool I own. I lost track but I have at least 25 different Ryobi 18v One+ tools and a dozen batteries at this point. The newest arrivals to my shop are the glue gun, the random orbit 5" sander, and the trimmer/edger. I found the trimmer edger on the side of the highway with a "free" sign on it and a 4-Ah battery in it, turned out the shaft wasn't screwed completely together and it was only working intermittently. A $200 value for nothing. It works perfectly now.

My first tool was the recip saw, which was bought as a disposable tool, specifically for cutting insulated concrete forms for my home's basement. I thought that if I could get the forms cut, and it died afterwards, it would pay for itself. That saw is still running flawlessly and is one of my most-used tools, it gets a majority of its workout from cutting up old pallets and tree pruning.

If I were to do it all over, it would be a tough decision. I specify tools for my department at work and we use nothing but Milwaukee 12v and 18v cordless tools. I really like the Milwaukee products too, especially the compact size of the 12v tools. I think Ryobi is aimed a little better at the homeowner market with the types of tools they have available, where Milwaukee targets the commercial user (who needs a ProPress tool or a thermal imaging camera for home use anyway?)

Edit: to the OP - skip the eBay batteries, they tend to have very poor performance compared to the branded ones. I have 1.5, 2, 3, and 4-Ah batteries in my collection and I select them based on weight and expected use. The 3-Ah ones are an anomaly, they have shorter run-times than the 4-Ah batteries but are the same size and weight - not really worth it but I got a couple for free once with a tool purchase. I don't care for them. The 9-Ah batteries are like carrying a bowling ball around with you. If you have a few batteries in the charger, changing them out is a no-brainer and you'll find you don't need that trade-off between capacity and weight.

 

[jd_1138]

I'd definitely keep them and not sell (won't get much anyway because people are cheapskates). I'd recommend getting a 1/4 impact driver even if it's used or a refurb, as they are super handy and can power through most anything. Probably $30 or so.

Also the jobsite radio (Bluetooth) is nice, and you may as well pick up some more flashlights in case the power goes out or use for working. I usually can buy them new off ebay for like $10 shipped (of course without the battery).

I'd probably pick up at least 2 additional batteries. Some tools or tool sets will come with a battery/charger, so that's the most frugal way to acquire batteries/charger.

 

[mfewtrail]

Black Friday isn't that far away, so if you can wait, I'm sure batteries will be on sale then.

 

[LB-1911]

I just inherited 5 Ryobi 18V chordless tools. A Drill, Recip saw, Circ Saw, Drain auger, and flash light. I have one 2 Amp HR LI ION Battery and no charger.

I am thinking it is probably worth investing in them. I am looking at Li Ion battery and charger choices.

Should I get the 2 amp hour, 3 amp hr or the 4 amp hour? They also have a 6 and a 9. The are Very pricey and I am not sure it would be worth it for me.

What are folks thoughts on the battery and charger choices and best overall options.?

I would start w/ one of the Ryobi starter kits below.

18-Volt ONE+ LITHIUM+ HP 3.0 Ah Battery (2-Pack) Starter Kit with Charger and Bag
Internet #308056104 Model # P166

or

18-Volt ONE+ Lithium-Ion Kit with (2) 3.0 Ah LITHIUM+ HP Batteries, Rapid Charger, and Bag
Internet #304165188 Model # P165 Store SKU #1002964398

 

[rick carpenter]

I have several cordless and corded Ryobi tools. You can't go wrong with them if you don't need godzilla torque. They're owned by TTI, which seems to always be expanding their Ryobi offerings, and I don't think TTI would risk its reputation by putting out junk. They're not pro tools, but while they're cheap they're not cheaply made.

My cordless Ryobi hammerdrill and impact wrenches are on the heavy side. But you'll appreciate the mass when operating them horizontally or downwards. Overhead not so much, but then, every old man's shoulders need to be exercised anyhow. For batteries, I'd say get a couple of 1.5s or 2.0s to have when your big boys are charging. If you need compact cordless drilling/fastening tools though, Ryobi isn't the brand for that.

I'm a little less than thrilled with my 40v trimmer. It feeds line every time you pull the trigger which isn't always needed, and it also doesn't feed the line so well but that may be because of the cheap twisted Ryobi line that came with it. I have some smooth line that's going in next. The blower that came with it is pretty well balanced and you'll appreciate that when using it a lot. My corded tiller is surprisingly strong and the corded 1600 power washer will go all day long.

 

[dagofast]

All good advise up above. During Black Friday sales, I've picked up a 2 pack of the 4ah batteries for $79. That is a steal and they are all I've needed for a long run battery. I wear down before they do. And the weight of the 4ah isn't a deal (or wrist) breaker. I'm really happy with the Ryobi stuff I own, every single tool has exceeded my expectations and hasn't broken the bank.

 

[Uhlee1]

I have no complaints with any of the Ryobi tools I have. As long as you shop the deals like Black Friday and Ryobi Days In spring you really can’t go wrong.

 

[Mr_John]

First of all, Ryobi has a massive lineup of battery powered tools. Second, the One Plus batteries are very high quality, and are reasonably priced - and if you have a Tanger Outlet with a Discount Tools Direct (that sells Ryobi) then you can usually pick up blemished or refurb batteries relatively cheap. The 1.3 Amps sell for about $20 at DTD.

I purchased a Ryobi string trimmer at DTD, for about $28, and it came with a 1.3 amp One Plus batt, and a quick charger. The charger, alone, sells for about $20 - $30, if you purchase it new, by itself.

 

[DFB]

Ryobi batteries are cheap compared to other brands...if the tools are useful/satisfactory to you...invest in it and don't look back

 

[mikebaker1129]

First of all, Ryobi has a massive lineup of battery powered tools. Second, the One Plus batteries are very high quality, and are reasonably priced - and if you have a Tanger Outlet with a Discount Tools Direct (that sells Ryobi) then you can usually pick up blemished or refurb batteries relatively cheap. The 1.3 Amps sell for about $20 at DTD.

I purchased a Ryobi string trimmer at DTD, for about $28, and it came with a 1.3 amp One Plus batt, and a quick charger. The charger, alone, sells for about $20 - $30, if you purchase it new, by itself.

After fighting with Dewalt 18volt batteries going bad left and right I purchased Ryobi stuff from the Discount tools direct at the Tanger outlet and picked up some refurb batteries,I couldn't be happier.
I did like the Dewalt tools but the batteries were a problem and expensive.

 

[supertooljunkie]

The lithium ion batteries are well worth money spent. The older ni cad batteries sucked. You had to have 10-12 to have 2 that would hold a charge.

Overall majority of tools are decent. Their SDS drill is weak for larger stuff, but I have had good luck with mine for 10 or so years. Still prefer the old blue recip saws to new green ones. I have two blue ones I can't kill.

 

[Minnesota Steve]

Well I have Milwaukee M12, but a buddy of mine has Ryobi. They're ok tools. I wouldn't sell them, just use them until they wear out.

The one lesson my buddy learned is you need the bigger battery to run the circular saw. A 3 amp hour would probably be ok, the 4 would be better. When we tried to use the low profile(think it's like 1.5 amps) on his circular saw the overload circuit would keep kicking in. Bigger batteries not just last longer, they can draw more amps so they work better with tools like saws.

Wait for black friday and Home Depot always has deals on batteries.

 

[mrvm]

Every year there are good deals on Ryobi lithium batteries. The 4.0 Ah Li batteries have performed very well on multiple jobs but I can't recommend the compact batteries. Lithium batteries significantly enhanced the performance of the old "blue" tools. Be sure to only charge with the lithium charger and discard/recycle anything Ni-cad.

 

[L5wolvesf]

I was gifted a Ryobi 18v basic set many years ago (maybe 2002 or so). My use is hobby homeowner mostly. I've invested in a number of used Ryobi tools since then (at least 10). I've given the recip saw a lot of use on metal and to bring down trees. The only time it stops is when I run the battery down which takes a while with the Li-on batteries. I’ve picked up additional batteries via eBay and they have been very good. I will continue to invest in Ryobi when other tools become available

 

[nbpt100]

Thanks for all of the feedback. I went on the Discount tools Direct website and see they have quite a bit of Ryobi products as well as others.
Their current Battery and Charger deals are not competitive with other options. As an FYI, they offer a 1 yr. warrantee. Which is fine if you are getting a much better price.

The Tanger outlet near me in Kittery does not have a DTD store. Too bad as i would like to check one out some day. I will either get the $99 Special running now at HD: Two 3amp hr. batteries and a charger with a bag. I don't need the dual chemistry charger as I will be Li ION exclusively.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-1...arter-Kit-with-Charger-and-Bag-P166/308056104

Or as suggested, wait until Black Friday. There may be a good deal where I can pick up an other tool with a couple of batteries and charger. I am in no rush as I have all of these tools in other platforms.

 

[jd_1138]

Thanks for all of the feedback. I went on the Discount tools Direct website and see they have quite a bit of Ryobi products as well as others.
Their current Battery and Charger deals are not competitive with other options. As an FYI, they offer a 1 yr. warrantee. Which is fine if you are getting a much better price.

The Tanger outlet near me in Kittery does not have a DTD store. Too bad as i would like to check one out some day. I will either get the $99 Special running now at HD: Two 3amp hr. batteries and a charger with a bag. I don't need the dual chemistry charger as I will be Li ION exclusively.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-1...arter-Kit-with-Charger-and-Bag-P166/308056104

Or as suggested, wait until Black Friday. There may be a good deal where I can pick up an other tool with a couple of batteries and charger. I am in no rush as I have all of these tools in other platforms.

Here's a good deal for $109 shipped.

https://www.cpooutlets.com/factory-reconditioned-ryobi-zrp1832-ryobi-18-volt-one-plus-drill-driver-and-impact-driver-kit/ryorzrp1832,default,pd.html

You get a 1/4 impact driver, regular drill, charger (has LED's on it to say what it's doing to the batteries), and 2 1.3 amp-hour batteries. Granted, the batteries are half the capacity of the 2 battery kit you mentioned, but you do get 2 additional tools and a better charger.

I've had great luck with CPO; the tools look and operate like they were never used even though they are "reconditioned".

Though you might want the additional amp capacity of the larger batteries. For small DIY jobs, the smaller batteries are OK, and you can sort of make it up in volume by keeping a few always charged. Even at $99, that kit with the 2 batteries and charger is a good value. That and the tools would cost much more in other platforms/brands.

That kit I posted a link to was my starter purchase when I started buying cordless tools around 2012. I quickly amassed about 10 tools and 6 batteries. I hired a guy to help me with a deck, and he was down on his luck and just getting back into the trades. I gave him a Ryobi 1/4 impact, 2 batteries, charger, and a bag in addition to the salary I paid him because he did a great job and showed up on time everyday. He about cried.

 

[mv213]

The larger (4AH and up) batteries make some of the tools perform better. I bought one of the green drills (made for lithium batteries) as a bare tool when I had only the old style NiMH batteries and I thought it was totally gutless. Home Depot ran a sale on a 2-pack of the 4AH batteries and I picked some up. Totally transformed the green drill—plenty of power. I really want to try some of their brushless stuff now.

 

[Farmall450]

They seem pretty legit. It's amazing how cheap, even in HD, the big capacity ones are compared to DeWalt/Milwaukee

I bought a lot of "dead" ones on eBay to bulk up. I put 20v to them for a short while (~30 s) and everyone of them took and held a charge. 5-3 year old batteries. I can't complain. Although I did just get a new one that won't work in my light, but will everything else?

 

[Farmall450]

Here's a good deal for $109 shipped.

https://www.cpooutlets.com/factory-reconditioned-ryobi-zrp1832-ryobi-18-volt-one-plus-drill-driver-and-impact-driver-kit/ryorzrp1832,default,pd.html

You get a 1/4 impact driver, regular drill, charger (has LED's on it to say what it's doing to the batteries), and 2 1.3 amp-hour batteries. Granted, the batteries are half the capacity of the 2 battery kit you mentioned, but you do get 2 additional tools and a better charger.

I've had great luck with CPO; the tools look and operate like they were never used even though they are "reconditioned".

Though you might want the additional amp capacity of the larger batteries. For small DIY jobs, the smaller batteries are OK, and you can sort of make it up in volume by keeping a few always charged. Even at $99, that kit with the 2 batteries and charger is a good value. That and the tools would cost much more in other platforms/brands.

That kit I posted a link to was my starter purchase when I started buying cordless tools around 2012. I quickly amassed about 10 tools and 6 batteries. I hired a guy to help me with a deck, and he was down on his luck and just getting back into the trades. I gave him a Ryobi 1/4 impact, 2 batteries, charger, and a bag in addition to the salary I paid him because he did a great job and showed up on time everyday. He about cried.

I've had similiar good luck w/ CPO. Mine was on DeWalt back in 2013. then the addiction began...