I bought my first Ryobi power tool over 20 years ago, back when the tools were blue instead of the neon greenish yellow we have today. More importantly, I still use that drill all the time. That’s pretty impressive for what many consider a mid-tier budget brand that gets a lot of hate online from Milwaukee and DeWALT fans.
After 20 years, I’m still happy with that decision, and here’s what I’ve learned along the way.
The secret sauce is Ryobi’s 18V ONE+ battery system
A huge ecosystem that’s all backward compatible
A lot of people will tell you that Ryobi tools aren’t the best, and they’re probably right, but I still love mine. Just because they’re not the “best” doesn’t mean they’re not excellent tools worth buying. And that’s especially true for DIYers, homeowners, or casual users. I’m not a professional, and I don’t need to spend top dollar.
When you buy your first Ryobi tool, just as I did over 20 years ago, you’re buying into a massive 18V ONE+ platform and ecosystem. That platform has 350+ tools that all run on the same battery, and it continues to expand with more tools arriving each year. A few other brands have similar selections, but not all under one battery.
The secret sauce to Ryobi’s success and why I’m still buying its tools after 20 years all comes down to that platform. For example, my 20-year-old blue Ryobi drill pictured above still works, and any battery sold today will work with it. I can walk into Home Depot, buy a new lithium-ion 18V ONE+ EDGE battery, and toss it in my blue drill.
That longevity and backward compatibility are unmatched, especially given how many tools this company offers.
And if you own all the power tools you need for around the house, or at work, Ryobi’s 18V ONE+ platform also works for the yard, household fans, Bluetooth speakers, flashlights and LED lighting, gardening equipment, and so much more. It’s not just a battery for power tools; it’s a battery that powers anything you can imagine for around the house. And that’s a big deal.
The Ryobi 18V ONE+ platform is versatile, affordable, and offers a massive array of choices, and everything is backward compatible.
Affordability and accessibility are key
The value and ease of access outweighs pro-grade needs
It’s no secret that Ryobi tools are primarily geared towards homeowners and DIY enthusiasts, and that’s perfectly fine. For the target audience, these tools deliver.
If you’re a homeowner, DIYer, doing light home repairs, or even a contractor, Ryobi tools are affordable, durable, and, as mentioned above, stand the test of time. They offer a great overall value, and the performance is “good enough” for anything you’ll do at home or in the garage. There’s simply no need to pay more for pro-grade tools.
The other half of that value proposition is accessibility. Oftentimes, the right tool for the job is whatever you have on hand, or whatever is the easiest to get. In that case, head to a nearby Home Depot (or order online with next-day delivery) and you’ll be set. Ryobi’s massive collection at fairly reasonable prices makes it easy to take a quick drive and grab a new impact driver, leaf blower, or other various tools.
Sure, Milwaukee, DeWALT, and popular names like Makita are nearly as easy to find, but the largest home improvement retailer in the United States is Home Depot, and it carries more Ryobi tools than any other brand.
I’ve needed other brands on occasion throughout the last 20 years, which is why I also have a small but growing collection of Milwaukee M12 tools. At the end of the day, when I need or want something new, Ryobi is where I look for all the reasons mentioned above.
Whether you already own a few Ryobi tools or are just getting started, it’s always worth spending a little extra on newer brushless models. Almost all Ryobi 18V ONE+ tools with “HP” in the name, which stands for High Performance, feature an upgraded brushless motor.
After years of using a wide variety of HP tools, these newer models are better, stronger, more capable, run cooler, and offer longer battery life. It’s a good way to get a “better” tool without spending pro-grade cash.
Ryobi offers a pretty run-of-the-mill base model 18V drill that’s super cheap, but for $30 more, you can get the HP brushless model. In the long run, that’ll be an excellent decision, especially if you’re using it in 20 years like I am with my old blue drill.
Ryobi’s entire lineup is already pretty affordable, and even when you spend a little more on an HP model, it’s cheaper than the DeWALT competition while still delivering plenty of value, performance, and capability. I’ve slowly replaced all of my older tools with brushless versions. Well, except for my original 18V sawzall, because it’ll run forever.
Battery care is more important than you think
Stop killing your Ryobi batteries and follow these few tips
And last but certainly not least, as we all know, Ryobi battery packs are not cheap. Sure, they’re more affordable than some of the other brands, but as long as you take care of them and follow a few tips that actually work, they’ll last longer than you think.
I’ve only had one lithium-ion battery fail in the last 15 years, and it was a small 2Ah model that I’ve had for a very long time. Every other battery still works and holds a decent charge. Here’s how I treat them.
5 tips to maximize your Ryobi battery’s runtime
Extend the life of your Ryobi battery packs by following these simple rules.
We all have a few bad habits with our power tools. They see a ton of abuse, get used in tough environments, and in the end, most people just throw them on a shelf in the garage. These four tips actually work to help extend the life of those expensive battery packs.
- Store Ryobi battery packs at 50–60% charge
- Avoid excessively high or low temperatures
- Rotate and use your battery packs often
- Don’t let the battery completely discharge
Make sure you store your Ryobi batteries in a cool, dry place, keep them charged to around 60% during winter break or when they’re not used too often, and don’t overuse the same battery. Rotate your collection and keep batteries from completely discharging.
As long as you do this, you’ll have better luck than most people, and your battery packs will continue to operate as intended for years on end. Ryobi offers a 3-year warranty on all of its 18V ONE+ battery packs, but these changes should hopefully help you avoid having to swap one out under warranty.
The right tool for the job is the one you have
In closing, the right tool for the job is whatever you have on hand. If you don’t need pro-grade tools, choose something like Ryobi, just as I have for the last 20 years. They’re affordable, versatile, durable, and time-tested around my house and shop.
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- Color
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Green
- Tool Type
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Drill
The Ryobi ONE+ 18V HP drill/driver is a great starting point for any project. Whether you’re drilling holes or assembling furniture faster, this drill comes with a battery and charger.
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- Special features
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Cushioned Grip, Variable Speed
- Tool Type
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Hackzall
Make quick work of wood, walls, branches, and more with Ryobi’s new lightweight one-handed reciprocating saw for only $79.
