Ryobi has announced yet another series of product expansions for their Link system of garage and mobile tool storage products.
Less than a year ago, Home Depot stores put the first wave of Ryobi Link system products on clearance. Was that the end of the new product line? I received a call from Ryobi management early on a Saturday assuring me that they had big plans for the Link system.
Ryobi announced their 2023 product expansion plans several months ago, including new tool boxes with drawers, organizers, a rolling cart, and a vertical tip-out parts organizer. Those products have not yet launched yet – they’re expected in “early 2023,” but here we are with the next series of announcements.
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To sum it up, the Ryobi Link system is getting a new steel wall cabinet, wall-mounted shelves, a cooler, and tool bags, which are all expected to launch in Summer 2023.
It seems that Ryobi is very serious about this product line.
Ryobi Link Wall Mounted Cabinet (STM405)
I am surprised to see that there will be a new wall-mounted steel cabinet. It’s made from 21 gauge steel for the body, and has a weight limit of 200 lbs when directly mounted to wood studs. When mounted to Ryobi Link wall rails, the max load is 120 lbs
The cabinet features an adjustable shelf, integrated power cord access, magnetic door closure, and secure locking point for an optional padlock or similar.
Here’s a look inside the cabinet, showing how it mounts to Ryobi Link wall rails.
Assembly is required.
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Specs: 26″ x 24″ x 13″
Price: $169
Ryobi Link Modular Shelving Bracket (STM460)
At the heart of the new shelving system is a new Link rail-compatible bracket.
The shelving brackets can support 25 pounds each, and allow for continuous shelving runs, which we’ll get to in a moment.
The brackets have a material retention tab, which can be used to keep things in place.
For instance, it allows for PVC, dowels, and rods to be stored without rolling off.
Ryobi also shows brackets holding short lengths of lumber.
Price: $11.97 each
Ryobi Link 21-inch Solid Shelf (STM461)
The shelving system is modular. Add a pair of shelving brackets and this 21″ solid shelf, and you have a flat storage solution that can support up to 50 pounds.
As mentioned, the shelves can be connected side by side in a seamlessly modular manner. One shelf requires two brackets, and two shelves require three. This is appears to be why the shelf brackets are sold individually rather than in pairs.
Ryobi says the solid shelf features a drip tray to catch any spills or messes. The shelf is raised above the Link system cleats, allowing the space underneath to accommodate hooks or other accessories.
Dimensions: 21.5″ x 12″ x 1.2″
Price: $19.97
Ryobi Link 21-inch Wire Shelf (STM462)
A wire shelf is also available, each with a 50 pound weight capacity.
The wire form provides added ventilation, and like the solid shelf it allows for hook access underneath.
The wire shelves can also be positioned side by side in a seamless manner with the use of the same shelving brackets.
Dimensions: 21″ x 12″ x 1″
Price: $14.97
Ryobi Link 17-inch Soft Sided Cooler (STM604)
The new Ryobi cooler features 24 can capacity and 24 hour ice retention. There are 3 exterior pockets, an insulated lid pocket, padded shoulder strap, and sweat-proof design.
It can be stacked on top of Ryobi Link tool boxes and mobile storage products.
Price: $59.97
Ryobi Link 17-inch Tool Bag (STM601)
In addition to the cooler, Ryobi will be launching two new Link system tool bags that all connect to the tops of Link mobile storage products, such as their tool boxes.
The 17″ tool bag features a 60 pound load rating and has 39 pockets for efficient organization. Its pockets are made from a 1680D material.
There’s a hard side pocket for greater protection, an adjustable divider, integrated level straps, and tape measure clip.
The U-shaped zippered opening allows for maximized storage capacity and user convenience.
From the product images, the internal divider has a looped handle and can be removed, allowing users to “grab and go” just a couple of tools if needed.
Price: $74.97
Ryobi Link 17-inch Tool Tote Bag (STM602)
The tool tote is similar to the tool bag, but with an open top compartment.
As with the tool bag and cooler, the tool tote bag is 17″ deep and can be connected to the tops of Ryobi Link tool boxes and other mobile storage products. Two can be connected side by side, just don’t stuff the side pockets too much.
The Ryobi Link tool tote bag has a 60 pound weight capacity, 42 pockets, a hard side pocket with added protection, level straps, tape measure clip, and large pivoting handle. A padded shoulder strap is included.
Price: $74.97
Pricing and Availability
Ryobi Link tool storage products are available exclusively at Home Depot.
Following is a list of all of the new products and their list pricing. Ryobi says the tools will be launching in Summer 2023.
- Wall Mounted Cabinet (STM405) – $169
- Modular Shelving Bracket (STM460) – $11.97 each
- 21-inch Solid Shelf (STM461) – $19.97
- 21-inch Wire Shelf (STM462) – $14.97
- 17-inch Soft Sided Cooler (STM604) – $59.97
- 17-inch Tool Bag (STM601) – $74.97
- 17-inch Tool Tote Bag (STM602) – $74.97
Steve
Is there anybody out there actually making extensive use of the Link lineup yet? I don’t see the value in this at all for me but I want to know if anyone else does.
Lenny
I have a few boxes, wall rails and a some hooks. Overall I really like it. I looked closely at the Milwaukee stuff but it’s just too heavy duty (and expensive for me). Looking forward to the drawers.
Jared
Big development for the Link system! Seems like they’re headed towards this being an option to outfit your whole garage.
The shelves seem pretty light duty, though I appreciate they aren’t that expensive. They aren’t very deep either. I’m not sure how useful they’d be in that context, unless you really like the ability to rearrange your wall at will.
The cabinet looks decent – though again, not that deep. I’d loose a lot of storage space compared to what’s in my garage now. On the other hand, if you have a small garage and park a vehicle in it, it is probably nice to have a low-profile option.
Steven+B
So your tote is about 15% less than a DeWalt?
Sorry, hard pass. Ryobi and I have much different opinions of the value of Ryobi.
The biggest problem with Ryobi is that I can go to Home Depot, pick these up and see how much inferior they are to DeWalt and Milwaukee. Ryobi products are UGLY. The quality is noticeably worse. The features are worse. The only reason to buy Ryobi is if you get a massive discount or you just don’t care about quality, appearance, or performance and will take a very modest discount….or every single store around you sells no other brands.
I’ve found most Ryobi tools to be lower quality than their Harbor Freight equivalents. You can pick one up and feel the creak in the plastic and see it coming apart. You pick up a tool from HF, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, etc and you don’t.
I’ve almost bought Ryobi tools many times…then I go into the store and hold them in my hands and say…nope….sorry, I’ll either spend more today or wait for a DeWalt to go on sale.
Chuck
This is a person who obviously has never bought or used Ryobi tools. I have Ryobi tools over 20 years old that are still going strong. I also have a good number of DeWalt tools. The only battery powered DeWalt drills I had were disappointing.
Jared
I think it all depends on what you buy. Some Ryobi stuff is quite good, other stuff is budget-oriented. Rather than criticism, I think that should be a compliment – it spans a big market segment.
The new HPT line, for example, seems like genuine competition for some “pro” grade tools, albeit at prices that aren’t THAT much cheaper. If you’re a Ryobi user though, aren’t you happy there are pro grade tools in the lineup?
On the other hand, there’s a difference between the $79 Ryobi and the $284 Dewalt caulking guns (those prices are in Canadian dollars). Wouldn’t you expect there to be?
Frankly the same thing applies to Dewalt. The DCD793 is a LOT more expensive than the DCD771 – and the performance is better too.
Steven+B
I have a few. 🙂 Ryobi was the only company that makes a 12″ lawnmower and my place is too small for anything else. The top handle broke before it came out of the box. It’s flimsy as can be, but gets the job done and takes up less of my limited space than a real mower.
I figured “hell, I have a ryobi lawnmower. Might as well get a blower too.” I did my research, found a sale, was about to choose one of 3 models, then I went to the store. I could feel the handles flex when I picked them up…not too terrible, but just not high quality. They were low quality and kind of flimsy. I picked up the DeWalt and it felt perfect…no flex, nicer ergonomics and once I compared CFM to price, it was priced remarkably similarly.
I have a Ryobi small blower and a fan…the fan isn’t bad and DeWalt discontinued their AC/DC fan for some asinine reason, so I bought Ryobi.
If DeWalt is not your jam, try Milwaukee, Bosch, etc.
During moments of short attention span, I go through the tool aisle looking for something I need and get distracted along the way. I like feeling the newer power tools…waiting for my old ones to die so I can justify getting a newer model. I periodically pick up Ryobi tools telling myself “if you can get past the ugliness a Ryobi is good enough and you can save a few dollars…you can put it in storage when you’re done and never look at it again” I pick up the tools and for the basics, like drills and saws and such, I can tangibly feel the difference. They’re noticeably lower quality.
If you want cheaper, I’m much more impressed with HF’s lineup…cheaper, seems like higher quality. I just pay extra for DeWalt and wait for sales. I love everything about DeWalt. They price things well. Everything I’ve had from them works great and lasts. They support their tools. They’re not always the VERY best, but I feel quite comfortable buying anything they make.
One of my biggest problems with Ryobi is they seem to be increasing their relative prices while DeWalt is lowering them. They want to go up market price-wise, but I am not impressed with the quality. I saw RyobiLink at Home Depot…not impressed. They’re slightly cheaper if you really really really need something now, but at this point, I have everything I really NEED…so I can wait for the DeWalt to go on sale or simply do without things like totes that lock into other toolboxes. I have older toolbags lying around that do the job…not as well as these, I suppose, but I’d rather have $75+ tax in my pocket than a compromise bag I really didn’t absolutely need.
If you love Ryobi, who cares? It may not be for me, but I’m glad you’re happy with it. In the end, it’s like that old expression. Power tools are like pizza and sex (at least for guys) “Even when it’s really bad….it’s really good.” My complaints and nitpicks really don’t mean the tool won’t serve you well and get the job done. For more sensible people than me, a tool is there to just get the job done. For me, they’re items that bring me joy and enable projects and often enable me to accomplish things faster, safer, or better. I enjoy using them. (primarily hobby woodworking + occasional home improvement).
Potato
Disagree quite hard with the assessment that they creak and are subpar. I’ve got some oddball ryobi stuff and it’s glass reinforced nylon clamshell housings feel alright, rubber over molding doesn’t feel as nice as Dewalt’s but they are excellent quality for the price I paid for them.
Now the HP stuff seems very overpriced to me, considering it places itself as a premium offering(but without premium features or performance) as are the toolboxes. But every brand has its diehards so I guess its selling well.
The lime green is an eye sore though.
Marc T.
LOL. Ryobi was never intended to compete with DeWalt or Milwaukee. Ryobi is a DIY tool class. And Ryobi is still much less than DeWalt or Milwaukee when they go on sale, which is relatively seldom. I have Ryobi power tools over two decades old and still going strong. They are no comparison to the Chinese Harbor Freight tools; much better; although HF is improving. I already have DeWalt TStak containers for storage so I probably won’t move to the Ryobi Link system. Ryobi continues to innovate with unique tools that are simply not available from most other power tool companies. Most are very specialized for specific trades.
Frank D
LOL
Ryobi being lower quality than HF brands …
Robert
Shelf and cabinet weight capabilities seem rather weak. To make up for that eye hurting color I would need World beating features.
Hk
I love the color.
Mateo
Hey Stuart since this is storage related, I was wondering if you had recommendations for tool storage outside of a garage. More like apartments or a house without a garage. I’ve been looking at all kinds of options from towers of Packout to mechanics tool cabinets and nothing is jumping out to me. My specific situation is a one story house all tile so I guess wheels wouldn’t be all that bad.
Just figured I couldn’t be the only one in such a situation so it could be helpful info.
Thanks
Stuart
It really depends on what you’re looking to store, how much space you have, how often you use your tools and what kinds, whether the space will be accessible to small children, how much money you’re willing to spend, and other factors.
I am extremely particular about storage and organizational products. The more you can share, the more specific recommendations I can make. Feel free to email me!
Bonnie
Every image of this system just looks drastically over-complicated. You’ll spend way more time figuring these things out and attaching 3-5 layered accessories that all add more failure points than just screwing up a couple of shelf-brackets or a regular cabinet.
Harrison
Yup. Why not use that fresh collection of bright green tools to build (or assemble) yourself some storage?
This whole collection is a solution in search of a problem. I guess the main goal is to sell more high-margin plastic junk.
The ‘wood’ rack seems particularly useless.
I don’t really understand who buys this, there’s nothing wrong with Ryobi, but it’s still not an aspirational brand that people brag or want to flex about owning. I don’t understand the desire to plaster a tool brand all over your private space.
Rcward
Can’t stand that color. Would never hang that in my garage .
John
I can’t help but think a different color combo would make these significantly more appealing.
Frank D
The drawer toolbox units are kind of exciting me as a cheaper alternative to the PackOut version … but weight specs are limited, they look small and worst, if you’re going to use these away from a flat garage floor, require keeping track of a metal bar and some extra lock to keep the drawers locked in.
Andy
All they’d need to do to get me interested in this is simply not color everything neon green. As a brand manager myself, I get it. And my 18v kit is Ryobi, so I understand that they make useable tools. But I have no desire for my garage to be dressed up to look like a sci fi video game that also loudly telegraphs my investment in a budget homeowner-grade tool brand.
I wish there wasn’t a status component to this, but there simply is. It’s the feeling you get when you see someone put a racing spoiler on a ’97 Ford Windstar. You ask yourself, “Do they really not know better? Or is this just the best they can afford?”
Nathan
if that wall cabinet was say 99 dollars or such I think I might consider one. I need to get something to lock up chemicals in the garage from curious hands anyway.
for 169 I can make something from wood to do the job – sheet of 3/4 and some 2×4 – makes it easy. but 99 or therabouts would have me think the time savings is made up
The other stuff I have no interest in vs other systems out there. THe boxes are ok not sure the pricing is in line their either vs say Hart at wallmart.
All of this is from the eye of homeowner DIYst.