[gizzygone]

I bought a ryobi cordless kit a few years back for chores around the house. I've added to it over the years, so I'm fairly invested at this point.

But I'm starting to notice some of the tools aren't cutting it (literally). The reciprocating saw and circular saws just don't have the power to be useful (whether that's the fault of the batteries or the motor, i don't know).

I'm starting to look at pro grade models, but I'm hesitant: it seems they change out battery technologies every few years, which I'm assuming would warrant upgrades again if something fails.

Plus, finding individual tools seems to require buying online, as many stores only carry combo kits.

Part of the appeal of ryobi tools are they are inexpensive, the batteries are all interchangeable, and the tools are mostly stocked individually locally (so if my impact driver breaks I can head down to the store and pick up a replacement same day).

So I'm wondering, is it worth a homeowner buying pro grade tools? Or would I be better off rolling the dice and just replacing my saws with newer ryobi (hoping they have become more powerful)?

 

[woodworkbykirk]

moer than likely its the batteries. your more likely to notice a power drop on a cordless saw when batteries start to get old than you will with a drill..

how many charge cycles have your batteries been through

 

[Canarywood1]

I wouldn't replace the saw, replace the battery as that's more than likely the culprit.

 

[gizzygone]

moer than likely its the batteries. your more likely to notice a power drop on a cordless saw when batteries start to get old than you will with a drill..

how many charge cycles have your batteries been through

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I wouldn't replace the saw, replace the battery as that's more than likely the culprit.

I'd say about 30 or so. They're lithium, so I thought they tended to have a steady life span.


Sounds like I'm better of sticking to what I have and replacing with Ryobi as I go?

 

[Mort]

I'd be less likely to blame the battery as some of the others here if they're lithium. NiCad, sure, but 30 charges on a lithium isn't much.

Ryobi is fine for most homeowners, but the fact is they aren't as good as Milwaukee or DeWalt. Some guys will tell you they've had Ryobi for years and they've been good, but if you look me in the eye and try to tell me that one of their reciprocating saws are better than a brushless Milwaukee Fuel Sawzall, I'd politely tell you that you're nuts. But it also costs more than twice what the Ryobi does.

You just have to ask yourself whether it's worth it. Since you're already unhappy maybe it is.

And I've seen plenty of bare tools of better brands in stock all over the place so don't let that discourage you.

 

[Oso954]

There is a trade off between making saws powerfully enough to do the work and battery life. While I like my battery tools, I know that for more prolonged use on a project, it is time to get out the corded tool and extension cord.

BTW, when did you last change the blades on those saws that aren't cutting it ?

 

[woodworkbykirk]

30 charges on a lithium battery is nothing.. im running makita 18v and milwaukee 12v . i now for the makita batterys, their supposed to get 1000 charges.. before they have reached life expectancy roughly

 

[mako1]

Why can't anyone just spit it out.Although there are some pros that use Ryobi tools and have decent luck with them they are mostly handyman types that don't use the particular tool all day every day.Ryobyi tools are a homeowner grade tool and not even in the same categorie as Millwaukee.

 

[Mort]

^^^ That's basically what I said. Actually, almost exactly
@Oso954 - With brushless motors and new battery technology, ex. Milwaukee's new 9ah battery, that gap is getting a lot smaller. Have you been to a cell phone store lately and tried to find a non-smart phone? They're hidden in a small corner near the back. That's where the corded tools will be at Hombre Depot in not too long, mark my words.

 

[Canarywood1]

I'd say about 30 or so. They're lithium, so I thought they tended to have a steady life span.


Sounds like I'm better of sticking to what I have and replacing with Ryobi as I go?

What batteries are you using,the ones that come with the tools tend to be under powered, was at HD yesterday looking at tools and saw a P102 in a sawzall, that battery is 1.3 amp hrs. nowhere near what that tool should be using if you expect it to be useful, circular saw and sawzall should have a P108 4 amp hrs. if you want it to work properly.

 

[Nestor_Kelebay]

I don't have any Ryobi tools, but I don't think you should be concerned about the quality of Ryobi tools. In any DIY project, knowing what to do and how to do it are vastly more important than the name on the tool you're doing it with. Ryobi is certainly good enough for most DIY'ers.

 

[jimmyfloyd]

I have all Ryobi Cordless tools and use them fairly often, including my blue sawzall. I upgraded to the 2 pack of high capacity batteries (2x P-108) when they were on sale around the holiday. Since then, I've used them many many times without issue.

If you are looking to upgrade them, and have some available credit bandwidth, you can purchase this Dewalt kit ( Model # DCK296M2 Internet # 204678759 Store SKU # 1000042981 ) along with the Ryobi 2 pack of High Capacity batteries ( Model # P122 Internet # 204321540 Store SKU # 1000018258 ) together. The Dewalt kit currently has a $150 off promotion when you purchase another battery or tool with it, and the discount is spread across both items, making the batteries $68 plus tax. Once you get them, you can then simply return the Dewalt kit.

 

[gizzygone]

The saw blades are new... I figured I'd start with that.

The problem is ryobi's circular saw is only 5.5", so it doesn't cut anything more than a 2x4.

I guess I'll have to try a new battery set and see where that leaves me. Sounds like it's dumb for me to start over and Buy a new kit. At least I don't feel bad if I burn a drill out... Or dropping them.

 

[ZZZZZ]

If you really want to upgrade, you can get a few bucks back by selling the old Ryobis on eBay or Craig's List. There is a decent secondary market for the tools in good condition.

 

[ZZZZZ]

The saw blades are new... I figured I'd start with that.

The problem is ryobi's circular saw is only 5.5", so it doesn't cut anything more than a 2x4.

I guess I'll have to try a new battery set and see where that leaves me. Sounds like it's dumb for me to start over and Buy a new kit. At least I don't feel bad if I burn a drill out... Or dropping them.

Most of my cordless tools are RYobi and about 6 months ago I upgraded the batteries to the lithium ones. (My old nicads were shot after 4 years of steady use.) The lithium batteries are much lighter and they do seem to last a bit longer between charges. And they do recharge much quicker. The downside I see is that when the lithium batteries run dry, they just stop, right in the middle of a task. The old nicads would slow down so you could at least finish the saw cut or hole drill or whatever you were working on.

 

[Canarywood1]

Most of my cordless tools are RYobi and about 6 months ago I upgraded the batteries to the lithium ones. (My old nicads were shot after 4 years of steady use.) The lithium batteries are much lighter and they do seem to last a bit longer between charges. And they do recharge much quicker. The downside I see is that when the lithium batteries run dry, they just stop, right in the middle of a task. The old nicads would slow down so you could at least finish the saw cut or hole drill or whatever you were working on.

They all quit like that,unless you have the ones with a fuel gauge that you can check as too how much battery you have left before you run it dead, the Ryobi P108 has it.

 

[dd57chevy]

What do you do mostly with the saw & drill ? If you're using it once a month for small projects , I certainly wouldn't spend $400-500 on a contractor grade set of tools !

If it's your battery (most likely) you can have them tested .

Some options not usually considered are :

1. E-bay . I've listened to people bad-mouth it (Evil-bay , etc.) , but I've never had a bad experience in probably 30 purchases .....

2. Batteries Plus type places can actually rebuild some batteries .

 

[gizzygone]

What do you do mostly with the saw & drill ? If you're using it once a month for small projects , I certainly wouldn't spend $400-500 on a contractor grade set of tools !

If it's your battery (most likely) you can have them tested .

Some options not usually considered are :

1. E-bay . I've listened to people bad-mouth it (Evil-bay , etc.) , but I've never had a bad experience in probably 30 purchases .....

2. Batteries Plus type places can actually rebuild some batteries .

I'll look into batteries plus.

What are you suggesting I buy from eBay? A tool set or a new battery?

I literally only use it once or twice per month... But I have a basement finishing project were in the middle of, and a shed project coming up. It really sounds to me most people feel Ryobi is fine... I was expecting to hear that the pro brands have more oomph.

 

[dd57chevy]

I needed a battery for a laptop but Bat-Plus wanted over $100 . But while I was waiting I "peeked" over the plexiglass of a work bench . I saw obviously used DeWalt batteries sitting there . The "kid" said they rebuild them .

I ended up getting a new laptop batt on E-bay ......for $12 plus shipping !!!

Oso954 made an excellent point . Your cordless drill is powered by , what , an 18v battery ? An electric drill is powered by a coal , nuclear or hydraulic powered generating plant . A variable speed electric drill is sometimes the better tool .

 

[gizzygone]

I needed a battery for a laptop but Bat-Plus wanted over $100 . But while I was waiting I "peeked" over the plexiglass of a work bench . I saw obviously used DeWalt batteries sitting there . The "kid" said they rebuild them .

I ended up getting a new laptop batt on E-bay ......for $12 plus shipping !!!

Oso954 made an excellent point . Your cordless drill is powered by , what , an 18v battery ? An electric drill is powered by a coal , nuclear or hydraulic generating plant . A variable speed electric drill is sometimes the better tool .

Very true. And I have a few corded tools to get the job done: but I wasn't sure if the pro-grade cordless tools had more power over a Ryobi? Or if they're just more expensive because they're lighter, and more durable (for daily use?).