Ryobi has launched another updated 18V cordless power tool, a 10″ variable speed random orbit buffer, model PCL465.
The new Ryobi cordless buffer is designed for polishing and buffing larger surfaces, such as cars, trucks, boats, and from some of the product images, things like surfboards.
It comes with an applicator bonnet and buffing pad.
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The cordless buffer has a variable speed dial and can achieve speeds between 2,000 and 3,600 OPM (orbits per minute).
Ryobi says you can start the buffer slower for more controlled spreading of polishing compound or wax, and then raise the speed for a clean and smooth finish.
The buffer has a multi-grip handle, as well as a vertical D-handle for comfort and control.
- 10″ pad size
- 2,000 – 3,600 OPM
- Random orbit pattern
- Up to 2-1/2 hours runtime on a single charge
- Multi-grip handle
The new buffer will be available in tool-only (PCL465B) and kit (PCL465K1) options. The kit comes with a 4Ah battery and charger.
Price: $50 for the tool, $119 for the kit
Both are available now, exclusively at Home Depot.
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Discussion
Ryobi already has a 10″ orbital buffer in their 18V cordless power tool lineup, the P435.
Compared to the older model, the new one has the inclusion of a vertical D-handle, as well as greater coverage of the multi-grip handle.
Basically, compared to the older model, the new one has new hand-grip options at the front and rear.
The new model is presently $50 on Home Depot’s website, matching the price of the older model. There is a now-unavailable listing for a kit of the old model buffer, with 2 buffer bonnets, a single 2Ah battery, and charger, for $138. The new model’s 4Ah battery kit is lower priced at $119, not to mention better configured.
Interestingly, the older model delivered speeds up to 2,500 RPM, and runtime of up to 1-1/2 hours with a 4Ah battery. The newer model can deliver speeds of up to 3,600 RPM.
I would presume the new model’s “up to 2-1/2″ hours of runtime” spec references the 4Ah battery size included in the kit.
The polisher presumably has a brushed motor, and not brushless, which is expected at these price points. But if it delivers the as-described runtime and doesn’t bog down during use, brushless vs brushed isn’t a big deal.
Overall, it looks like Ryobi thoughtfully updated and upgraded their 18V cordless buffer, and without having to raise the price.
Jared
$50! I might have to get one of these. I’ve got an ancient Simoniz and it would definitely be nice to lose the cord on a tool like this. It’s nice that it is priced low enough to make sense as an occasional-use homeowner tool and not an extravagant professional item.
Big Richard
I hear ya. I had an old corded Turtle Wax model and trying to keep the cord from dragging across a freshly waxed car was always a hassel. I replaced it with the Craftsman V20, which was also only $50, but this Ryobi seems to have some better specs.
Saulac
I thought this form factor had been replaced in favor of the “rear handle”. Beside the cordless, I feel like I can get a few of these in any thrift store any day. I like Ryobi for the variety of tools that they willing to make and understand their value position. But I think tools like this unnecessary cheapen their brand.
Stuart
You bought into the Ryobi 18V platform and want a polisher.
Offering this tool gives Ryobi a greater chance at winning your purchasing decision.
Ryobi is mainly a DIYer/homeowner tool brand. Why would a tool like this cheapen the branding?
James
Agree with the sentiment, this does not cheapen Ryobi’s brand. I’m already in the Ryobi ecosystem (8 batteries?), so it’s potentially something I would spend $50 on if I thought I might want it. I have quite a few lime green tools in my garage that are one-off homeowner / DIY quality that work just fine for me. I also have M12 (keeping) as well as Bosch 18V/12V (fine tools for when I purchased them, but I prefer M12). This would not be a tool I would get in a premium brand (red, yellow, teal) as the price would likely be more than what I would consider even though I’d expect those to be better quality. Original poster is probably right that cheap corded options are common, this would not be a reason to enter the Ryobi system (kit should sell quite poorly). I like it that Ryobi has bare tools like this in the lineup and think they’ve been doing a great job releasing relatively affordable tools that expand the ecosystem comparable with my existing batteries. To each his own, this isn’t for everyone (and probably isn’t for me…my truck stays fairly dirty in between rain storms)
Saulac
I don’t think even Ryobi call this a polisher.
I don’t want to see Ryobi wins people’s purchasing decision only to lose people’s faith.
I think tools like this cheapen the branding because it is a cheap/outdated design that should not be made any more.
Ryobi actually already has a very good rear handle polisher/buffer, but at triple the price. At the same time, they also have several angle grinders at this same price point. I could be wrong, but I would think it does not take much to make a lower price polisher/buffer based on those grinder.
Maybe I got hype up from the memory of using these buffers years ago. I put these buffers in the same class with those “multi-function universal wrenches”. They look good. They sound good. They have new versions come out every holiday…,But they tend to collect dust after a few uses.
Stuart
They call it a buffer, but describe its polishing functionality. Terminology across the industry looks to be split, with 10 “ random orbit buffers described as buffer/polishers or polishers more often than just as buffers.
Perry
I agree with author of post. . I am a professional remodeler whose nose was up in the air in 2005 about showing up at a job with Ryobi tools. However every Ryobi tool I have (except grinder and oscillating saw) has performed as well or better than more expensive brands. Price point by Ryobi, and the commitment to keep the use of same battery style for all tools will put me in line for this polisher.
JR Ramos
This is what cheapened their Brand. In 1993. Before that they made some beefy gas powered drills and other unique tools. I’m not sure they ever really rose above the level they sank to…their tools are ok, some better than ok, sometimes some great innovations.
https://www.ryobitools.com/products/details/33287122257
JR Ramos
“The bugger has a multi-grip handle…”
Did you turn Brit on us, Stuart? 🙂
Stuart
Oops. *buffer*.