Ryobi One + 18 volt tools

17 years ago

Hi Everyone

I am looking at purchasing some of these tools and am looking for some feedback. I know they are not contractor grade. From what I have heard, the weakest link is the battery life.

I am looking at a couple of projects where I will probabaly use the tools once and never use them again or very infrequently. In particular, I am looking on feedback on the recip saw and the chainsaw. Looking to demo an old shed and cut a few saplings and small trees (3" in diameter).

Thanks in advance.

FCarp

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Comments (7)

blacknumber1
17 years ago
They're crap. Pure crap. Spend the extra $$$ for some Makita tools, they're not that much more. Heavy duty Sawzall type demo work calls for either a corded tool or one of the new super cordless sawzalls. Battery powered electric chainsaws are a cheap gimmick, anything that a Sawzall can't handle calls for a real chainsaw, corded or gas. Cordless tools don't really last like corded tools, I am not really sold on them. In the long run you'd be better off with a decent generator and some 50' cords.
castoff
17 years ago
Oh gee......... I am going to have to disagree with blacknumber here. A year ago, I would have written just about the same as he did, but not now.

I am a huge Makita fan. I own quite a few corded and cordless Makita products. I think they produce the best products over all. I also own DeWalt and Milwaukee. However, I am in the middle of a major reno on the home of my new wife. HD had a special deal on a big set of Ryobi 18 volt tools that was just too damn good to pass up.

To be honest, I really didn't expect much from this set. I bought it and carefully unpacked it with the expectation of being instantly disappointed and then packing it up to return it. Surprise, surprise. All the tools went beyond my expectations. Are they equal in strength, quality and longevity to Makita or DeWalt or Milwaukee? Nope but so what?

So far, out of the set, I have used the 3/8" variable speed drill, the reciprocating saw (sawzall), the impact driver, the chainsaw, the flashlight, the right-angle drill, the jigsaw, the circular saw with laser guide and the vacuum. All have performed very well. The batteries don't last as long between charges as my other tools but again.... so what?

What I like about this stuff is that the batteries and chargers are inexpensive to buy. Therefore, thanks to my brother-in-law, I now have two more batteries and a double charger. With four batteries and the ability to have three on charge, it's pretty hard to run out of battery power. I haven't had need of the sander so far but I expect that it too will give excellent performance.

What annoys the hell out of me is the cost of batteries for all the other brands. I really feel like I am being bent over a chair and forced to drop my........... uh, well.... you get the picture. No maker's batteries last forever wether they are Ni-Cad or NMH. Ryobi is the first manufacturer to offer you batteries for a reasonable price and the ability to buy the tool all by itself.

No matter what tool you buy, the secret is to use sharp blades. A sharp chain will cut limbs easily. Using the correct blade in the recip saw will allow you to cut wood and nails at the same time. In my experience, Milwaukee makes the best blades for recipro saws.. bar none. Pay the price. They outlast the competition and don't break.

Don't be afraid to buy the Ryobi stuff. It will do what you want and more.
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saltydog806
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Probably to late to help, however, Buy the Ryobi.They are almost contractor grade and for the homeowner you can't do better for the money.If you will, let me know what you decide (decided)and how you do/do not like them.
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dpunisher
16 years ago
I realize this is a resurrected thread but:

For the price the Ryobi stuff is a good deal. The batteries are certainly not the longest lived on the market, but as mentioned above they are cheap. I get a pair for $36. Likely wouldn't use them commercially, but for home use they are more than adequate. The price is their saving grace.

The 18v reciprocating saw is great IMHO. I have a corded Milwaukee (pawn shop refugee) that rarely sees the light of day anymore due to the Ryobi.
polkapete
16 years ago
As the owner of both a Makita cordless chainsaw and a Ryobi cordless chainsaw, I can tell you they both work very well. The Makita is intended to be a "pruning" tool which does a lot more. The Makita is much faster and powerful than the Ryobi, which costs only a fraction of the Makita.

BUT, the Ryobi is just fine for occasional light use, which is what the instructions say. Mine cuts down small trees and does pruning effectively. I squirt the chain with spray lubricant frequently, it is also important to keep it REALLY sharp, you don't have power to waste. While I can't forecast longevity, mine has done a lot more work than I thought it would. Used carefully it works adequately, I certainly am satisfied.
robertzone6
16 years ago
I have a Ryobi 12, 14.4 and 18 volt cordless drills, flashlites, detail sanders and vacuums. Under fairly light use the 12 volt charger gave out, the 12 and 14.4 batteries don't take a charge very well. The vacuums and flashlights are junk. The drills are ok for the price.

If I were a professional, or even used the stuff fairly heavily as a non-pro, I would spend the money for Millwakee or Porter-Cable, even if it was 4 times the price.

I just picked up a old P-C at a garage sale (12V), and the battery is great.

Ryobi One + 18 volt tools

Comments (7)

blacknumber1

castoff

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