[PK.]

I have the compact too and I love it. Best drill I've ever used.

 

[End Grain]

I have the compact too and I love it. Best drill I've ever used.

And there you have it! Great minds DO think alike! :thumbup: :wink:

 

[PK.]

Did you get the impact driver too? I've been considering getting one of those, although I don't really need it, but figure it might come in handy every now and then. I use that drill 90% of the time for driving pocket screws.

 

[End Grain]

To tell you the truth, PK, I purchased the diminutive 10.8v Bosch Litheon pocket impact driver a few months back to complement my 10.8v Bosch Litheon pocket driver/drill which I've had for close to year. Two cordless tools, four lithium-ion batteries and two rapid chargers for around $330 total. For their size and weight, both are incredibly powerful and battery life is exceptional. But, I do have a corded fullsize Makita impact drver for the gut-buster deck screws and lags.

 

[gonutro]

cordless nail gun?

As a professional remodeler, I use a large number of tools, mostly corded. Hitachi, Porter Cable, Milwaukee, DeWalt, Bosch, Fein, and even a Festool RO sander. One of my cordless tools is an 18V Ryobi. I use (and abuse) it daily now for three years. Best bargain I have ever gotten in a tool.:thumbsup:

Have you ever used the cordless trim guns? I recently got the paslode 16ga and love it. Much more power than what I exected.

 

[End Grain]

Have you ever used the cordless trim guns? I recently got the paslode 16ga and love it. Much more power than what I exected.

I had a DeWalt 16ga straight cordless nailer for almost 3 years and it worked very well. However, it was heavy to hold out at arm's length on a ladder, let alone rest securely on the ladder's paint pail platform.

No oiling. No breakdowns. Decent number of nails per charge. Occasional bent nail would jam it but there was a very quick release that allowed it to be removed with no problem.

I sold it several months back and opted to carry and use my various compressed air nailers instead. For my needs, they're more versatile. 16ga, 18ga, 23ga pin, staples, etc.

Never owned a Paslode but their reputation is excellent and they are widely used by the various tradespeople.

 

[lostsoul74]

I have the paslode impulse cordless gas setups, the 16 ga angled nailer and framer. I've been very happy over the years. I've never used the Dewalt cordless, I originally got the Senco air free cordless trim nailers when they first came out years ago (probobly 6 yrs ago), wasnt impressed at all, and I guess Dewalt uses the same system, thats why i've never bought or used theres. I remember with my air free senco I had multiple problems daily. It used a type of band and pulley system, but if I hit a knot or another obsticle, it would lock up in the middle, then i'd have to stop, unscrew the whole gun apart, and reset the pulley system, needless to say it was returned a few days later, and the whole line was discontinued, I guess dewalt uses a similiar system, unsure if it's as problematic. But absolutely by hands down, Paslode impulses are preferred by most contractors, for x mas i'm planning on getting the 18 ga brad nailer gas cordless. Just my 2 cents, but again, I havnt used the dewalt, but I'm told it's a similiar design as the faulty senco.

 

[Rehabber]

I recently purchased the Kobalt CO2 portable air system, (OK I'm a tool whore) I really like the portability for trim work. Tank refills are $2.00 at paintball stores. Much easier to haul around than even my small compressor, and I still have the light weight of my brad and finish nailers.:wink:

 

[lwmcd1]

hi,

is RYOBI a good brand name tool? home depot has a sale on a ryobi battery powered circular saw (5 1/2") and two speed drill, with one battery and charger, for $49.95. 18 volt.

thanks,

bob

I have just about every cordless tool they make. I haven't really had in problems with them. The batteries give out after a tear or so but that's pretty much true of any battery. They have came out with a new "improved battery that maybe better.
That being said they are not THE best but the price is right with a decent warranty. I also have Ryobi sliding compound miter saw that I have have for close to 20 years and it still works fine and cuts true. I am a finish carpenter so that is very important to me.

 

[s0lidgr0und]

People who say Ryobi are crap tools are full of it. Maybe in an heavy-use setting, but for light to moderate use around the house they can't be beat. I've had the 18 volt drill for three years now and remodeled most of my house with it and it's still going strong.

 

[End Grain]

People who say Ryobi are crap tools are full of it. Maybe in an heavy-use setting, but for light to moderate use around the house they can't be beat. I've had the 18 volt drill for three years now and remodeled most of my house with it and it's still going strong.

For many folks, one of the more important aspects of buying cordless power tools is the "system" that they are a part of. Batteries that fit multiple tools, chargers that will charge different voltages and older technology batteries as well as the newer ones, availability of accessories, etc.

IMO, DeWalt, Makita and Ryobi probably have the most comprehensive systems with Hitachi now perhaps a distant fourth. Black and Decker/Firestorm has way too many platforms and variations on the same theme with very little interchangeability. Same with Skil. Bosch's offerings are okay but not nearly as comprehensive as say DeWalt. They have very nicely addressed a niche market within the larger power tool market with their lithium-ion power drivers. Ridgid, a good brand name and company, still hasn't figured out where or what they want to be and HD is ruining the line's image with their hokey pricing schemes and positioning against DeWalt. Instead of showcasing it, they give it short shrift on the same display as the bigger name brands and keep beautiful well-stocked DeWalt, Porter Cable and Ryobi displays on their ends caps in the main aisle. Milwaukee has great tools (pre-China) but not as large or varied a system as the others. Porter Cable is now a mere shell of it former self. That's a tragedy altogether.

If you like Ryobi and are pleased with the tools' performance, reliability and durability, then by all means you should continue to build on their system. It's huge. And, they offer some very unique cordless tools that the others either never did or no longer do. 7.2V drill. Staple gun. Blower fan. Corner sander. Etc. But I think it's hard to get the average pro to look twice at investing in the Ryobi line when HD is footballing the line around and discounting the tools to where newbie DIY-ers and homeowners won't pass them up. That type of loss-leader merchandising creates the impression - right or wrong - that the purchase price is a direct correlation to the tools' performance, reliability and durability.

I'm now at the point in my career and business where I no longer buy the system concept, no matter whose brand it is. I personally feel it's too much of a compromise across the various tools I have to carry. Rather, I do my homework as best as I can and try to buy the very best power tool available at the time for the specific needs I have. My workbench has 8 or 9 chargers on it and that's fine with me. I keep three different duplicate chargers in my truck for my mainstays and workhorses. And, I carry spare batteries with me all the time.

My corded tools are a cacophony of brand names - a veritable who's who of manufacturers - again because I selected each based upon my needs, the tools' specific features and any available reviews.

All of this is just my opinion and everyone's mileage is going to vary.

 

[Clutchcargo]

Some Ryobi are better than others.

I've got both a Ryobi 18V cordless 1/2" drill and 18V Ridgid drill. The drill I usually go for is the Ridgid; it spins a little faster for both drilling and driving and I have 2 batteries for it so it's always available. Price paid on sale, $99.00.
The Ryobi is about an inch bigger so it doesn't fit into tight spots as easily.
What I do like about the Ryobi is that it has a level built in so you know that your holes will be realatively square on at least one plane. It does what it's supposed to do and for $29.00 which included 1 battery, charger, and a flashlight, it was a bargain.
When I bought the two, my plan was to keep only one and return the other, I kept both because I couldn't make up my mind and it is nice to have one fitted to pre-drill and the other to drive.
My ownership on the drills is about 2 years.
I also own the Ryobi corded hammer drill and power planer both great tools.
The Ryobi impact driver is on my Christmas list and for $69 + batteries, how can you go wrong.
I also owned the Ryobi jigsaw and used it for one project. It didn't keep the blade straight enough and I returned it and bought a Bosch, night and day on that tool. My buddy owns a Ryobi table saw, what a piece of crap that is.
.02

 

[End Grain]

Perhaps at some point in the not-too-distant future, Ryobi will offer true ramped up versions of their consumer/DIY power tools aimed at piquing the interest of the pros and contractors. Not so gadgety in design, not so kitschy in appearance. More pro-oriented features. Fewer models within a category sans reiterations and bundling might be a good place for them to start. If Ridgid is supposed to be the pro/contractor line, then I have to say that they've missed the boat, at least here in AZ. HD simply does not stock or merchandise the Ridgid line properly. As an example, HD is currently selling a nice compact heavy duty 12V Ridgid drill/driver for $99. With 2 batteries and a charger, that's more than just a pretty good deal. In three stores that I frequent for business, not once did I hear or see store help recommend it or even talk about it. But, I will see folks walking out with a Skil or B&D drill for the same amount of money.

Sadly, B&D will always be consumer/DIY because of DeWalt and Skil will always be the ersatz stepchild of Bosch. Both brands were once hallmarks of power tools and many out there probably still have those oldies-but-goodies hanging around in their workshop, basement or shed.

The bottom line is that everyone should choose and then stick with whatever works the best for them and gives them the greatest post-purchase satisfaction. That's always the real proof of the pudding, individual impressions and opinions aside.

 

[s0lidgr0und]

Rigid and Ryobi are made by the same manufacturer. I found this out when I went to order a carrying case for my battery operated drill.

 

[End Grain]

And that's why I can't figure out why HD doesn't showcase the Ridgid line in their stores here in AZ. They push Ryobi at numerous display points throughout the store like it was going out of style but they don't make any effort to actually merchandise the Ridgid line of power tools. Truthfully, one has to actually look around to find the boxed Ridgid merchandise that relates to the items on display. It's a shame IMO because now that Makita and Milwaukee and a few other brands are being made in China, Ridgid (China) ought to benefit greatly as a result. Oh well....

I have the convertible Ridgid oscillating belt/drum sander in my shop and I'm very pleased with it. I'm glad I chose it over the Delta oscillating drum sander. Quiet and very smooth-running. I also have a benchtop Ryobi drill press (5 years) which is small yet just right for my shop needs and an $87 Ryobi 10" table saw which serves solely as the grunt for rough cutting the garbage and scrap wood that I wouldn't cut on my Bosch.

I just may splurge and go out to buy that 12V Ridgid compact drill/driver from HD. $99 is probably too good to pass up for the RPM's and torque it has.

 

[jnyfive]

I read through this thread but didn't see an answer to my question so I hope I'm not asking something a second time.

I went online to look up a Ryobi battery for the ONE+ line and the batteries I saw listed said RYOBI - RIDGID battery in the description. Does that mean that the Ryobi battery will work in both sets of cordless products? If it does then that doubles the available list of products. Does that include the Lithium line of batteries too?

Thanks.

 

[s0lidgr0und]

hi,

is RYOBI a good brand name tool? home depot has a sale on a ryobi battery powered circular saw (5 1/2") and two speed drill, with one battery and charger, for $49.95. 18 volt.

thanks,

bob

I can only vouch for the drill. It holds a decent charge, it's strong, and it's not awkward to hold. So yes, in my opinion, that is a very good deal. The ONE+ system is a very good option for homeowners. I've never used my tools in a heavy-duty setting. I tend to use my corded tools for work.

I hope that answers your initial question. As for the battery compatibility between the Ryobi, Ridgid, and Ryobi Lithium - I'm not sure.

 

[ratherbefishin']

jnyfive, don't believe everything you read on E-bay. Ryobi uses a tower configuration, Ridgid has a shoe base.
Just to clear a little fog, Ridgid is manufactured by One World Technologies, a subsidiary of Techtronic Industries (TTI), under contract with Ridge Tool Company, a division of Emerson Professional Tools.
TTI owns and manufactures Ryobi, AEG, Homelite, Hoover, Dirt Devil, and a couple other things I can't remember at the moment. Oh, yeah, they acquired the Milwaukee brand not long ago.

I have to agree with the comments about HD's current poor displays of Ridgid. Makes me wonder if their exclusive marketing deal is nearing its end....guess time will tell.

 

[End Grain]

It's getting to where the same Chinese factory will simply use a different colored plastic, a different mold and slap a different label on the same power tool or kitchen appliance or whatever. The American manufacturers have finally succumbed to their own greed. Profit first, quality fifth after dividends, performance bonuses and platinum parachutes. Forget about consumer satisfaction altogether. Nowadays, it's vogue to simply hire a PR agency to SAY on TV and in ads that consumer satisfaction is at an all time high. Once the bar gets repeatedly lowered, it's awfully easy to make a living being just mediocre. Soon enough, all things everywhere will be made in China. And the Chinese factories will probably then ship parts to Mexico for actual assembly. :wink:

Wishful thinking here cause this would never happen but...... a few manufacturers should at least offer something higher-end and much better made than what their factories China are currently mass producing. If a Milwaukee made in China fetches $200, then how about a limited Milwaukee PRO line model that's made in either Europe or the USA and fetches $400 to $500? Fewer sales for sure but at least offer the end user the option.

Okay, my morning's rant is over. :laughing:

 

[my_other_brother_darrell]

hi,

is RYOBI a good brand name tool? home depot has a sale on a ryobi battery powered circular saw (5 1/2") and two speed drill, with one battery and charger, for $49.95. 18 volt.

thanks,

bob

Home Depot has just started selling Ryobi lithium-ion batteries and chargers. $100 gets you one battery (2.4Ah) and a charger. The batteries are 18V and work with all 18V tools. They also have a couple of lithium-ion tool bundles.
The new batteries have to be charged in the new charger - they won't work with the old ones
Ryobi claim that the batteries are 20% lighter have twice the runtime and hold their charge four time better.
I got the lithium-ion upgrade kit and the impact driver.
I haven't used the impact driver a lot yet so I can't verify any of that.
Oh yeah the new batteries also have a button you can push to see how much charge is left. The button will glow either green yellow or red.
There's no dual-slot charger for the new batteries yet.
I'm only gonna be using my tool for miscellaneous around-the-house projects so I don't need something like Makita or Panasonic (not that I wouldn't like to have that Makita driver/impact driver set...)