Ryobi has launched a new cordless power tool system, USB Lithium, which is based on a new 4V Max/3.6V Li-ion battery.
The Ryobi USB Lithium battery is removable and interchangeable among all of the new – and potentially upcoming – tools in the product family.
Ryobi says that this new system provides compact, portable, rechargeable solutions for cordless power and productivity.
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The new line of Ryobi USB Lithium tools will be available exclusively at Home Depot. Marketing materials say that the tools will be available at select Home Depot stores, and also on HomeDepot.com.
Here is what the lineup will include at launch:
- USB Lithium 2.0Ah Battery
- Rotary Tool
- Power Carver
- Power Cutter
- Cordless Screwdriver
The new tools are expected to be available starting in Spring 2022.
Ryobi USB Lithium Battery (FVB01)
The Ryobi USB Lithium cordless tool system will launch with a 2.0Ah battery.
The battery charges via USB-C port and has onboard LED charging indicator.
It looks like the battery must be removed from a tool for charging. There is no information yet about charging times or rates.
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Price: $19.97
Ryobi USB Lithium Cordless Rotary Tool (FVM51K)
The new Ryobi USB Lithium cordless rotary tool kit features a quick-change collet that Ryobi says allows for 4X faster accessory changes.
The tool has a compact design and variable speed motor that delivers 5,000 to 25,000 RPM. It has a 1/8″ collet size.
The kit comes with (15) accessories and a storage case, collet wrench, and (1) battery.
Price: $59.97
Ryobi USB Lithium Cordless Power Carver (FVH51K)
Although this looks like another image of the new rotary tool, it’s actually Ryobi’s new USB Lithium power carver.
Ryobi says that their new power carver is the industry’s first cordless power carver.
The carver has a 1mm stroke length and 14,000 SPM.
Ryobi says that the carver is ideal for carving on all types of wood and furniture restoration.
The kit comes with a straight chisel, U-gouge, and V-gouge. The straight chisel is designed for detailed carving, the U-gouge is designed for removing large amounts of wood, and the 90° V-gouge is designed for relief carving.
It also comes with (1) battery and a USB-C charging cable.
Price: $69
Ryobi USB Lithium Cordless Power Cutter (FVC51K)
The Ryobi USB Lithium power cutter features a self-sharpening blade that can cut a variety of thin materials, such as cardboard, plastic, carpet, rubber, and leather.
The kit comes with the tool, pre-installed cutter blade, (1) battery, and USB-C charging cable.
Price: $59.97
Ryobi USB Lithium Cordless Screwdriver (FVD50K)
We don’t know much about the new “Twist Driver” cordless screwdriver, but it looks to have a pivoting handle that converts the tool from a traditional right angle screwdriver to an inline driver.
Discussion
This is not Ryobi’s first 3.6V/4V Max cordless power tool system. The Ryobi Tek4 system was vast, and included a wide variety of tools, electronics, and workshop gadgets and accessories. The Tek4 product line was discontinued maybe ~10 years ago.
Since then, Ryobi has introduced a couple of 4V-class tools, mainly different styles of screwdrivers with built-in batteries.
This new Ryobi USB Lithium system seems like a big deal.
Milwaukee’s RedLithium USB cordless platform still holds much potential, and has shown there to be user interest and demand in a USB-rechargeable removable battery system.
None of these tools look to have on-board charging ports, which means the battery must be removed and charged via USB-C cable directly. I’m fine with this.
On more premium products, like Milwaukee’s RedLithium tools and accessories, I like to be able to choose between built-in charging or connecting the battery to a charger.
Here, the battery itself has a built-in USB-C charging port, which means there’s no external charger to lose track of.
The tools could have rudimentary charge status indicator – the rotary tool product image shows a single green-lit LED. At these prices, I’m fine with that.
I must say, I’m excited about these tools, and also the path Ryobi is on.
John Fleisher
I wonder what would happen if I plugged my USB-C phone charger into that battery…
Stuart
The battery would charge?
John Fleisher
What I meant was, would the battery charge my phone…
Stuart
Ah. You did say phone charger. It’s a good question either way.
I would assume that if the battery worked as a phone-charging power bank, Ryobi would have mentioned this in press or marketing materials, but they did not.
Seth C
I’m order to charge your phones battery the Ryobi battery would have to be larger. Since it is only 2Ah and most phone batteries today are around double that, it will not boost (charge) your phone. It’s the same concept as connecting a hose between two tires of different pressures. The higher pressure tire will inflate (charge) the lower pressure tire only until they are at equal pressure, or in the case of a battery, equal charge (I think it would be current capacity?). Hooking two batteries together has the same effect, the higher amperage battery will discharge into the other until they are equal.
Joe W.
Not likely. Battery is nominal 3.6v / max 4v. USB outputs 5v, which is what your phone is going to expect to see as a valid charging source. Even if the Ryobi battery allowed bi-directional charging, and even if it was charged to 4v, your phone still would not likely accept a charge from it.
Chris
I don’t see why it wouldn’t, there are many single cell “power banks” on the market for this exact purpose.
The only difference is Ryobi has used USB-C as a form factor vs dedicated chargers using the cheaper and more universal USB-A port.
Here is an example (one of many). Stuff like these have been around for years.
https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-Ultra-Compact-High-Speed-Technology/dp/B01CU1EC6Y
There’s no reason Ryobi couldn’t engineer a solution.
I would bet it’s an oversight on the marketing department for what would be a common/boring feature.
OR I’m completely off base and they are going to intentionally not allow that function and instead introduce/”sell separate” a “power bank” charger sleeve.
Something like this
https://www.amazon.com/RYOBI-P743-18-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Portable/dp/B088Z213P2
with one USB port to rake in the extra bucks…
Stuart
To rake in what extra bucks?
I would hope they’ll come out with a power bank-type device-charging attachment. Maybe they can get creative with it and have it charge or charge from several of their USB Lithium batteries at once.
Here’s how I see it. If they added power bank two-way charging to every single battery pack, that would increase the complexity, size, and likely the cost for every single user.
The now-unavailable Anker devoice you linked to “contains 5,000 mAh of power.” So that’s a 5Ah battery. It looks like pouch-style power banks are dominating the bestsellers lists these days, with 10,000 mAh and higher charge capacity.
The Anker 3x cylindrical cell power bank I bought nearly 5 years ago has a 10,050 mAh charge capacity.
Would it be useful for each Ryobi battery to serve as an emergency device charger? Sure. But if they come out with a separate accessory dedicated to this function, you’re going to get much better features and performance than if they crammed additional features into each battery. With a separate accessory, you buy it if you want it, and if you don’t, then you’re not paying extra for such a feature to be built in.
kyle
I think USB devices stopped using 5 volts along time ago once PD came out, As long as it can output 10w 15w 20w 30w the phone will charge
Kent Skinner
If I red it correctly, it charges from a USB cable.
Seems like it would work to charge it from anything. Ryobi would be *massively* stupid to use a USB C port with a different standard. That seems like an invitation for lawsuits involving fire.
Stuart
It seems to me that you don’t get an AC plug with the tools, and that this works with the phone chargers most of us have plenty of.
I’d love if one end of the cable has USB-C and USB A plugs to work with any changer, but that remains to be seen.
Matt the Hoople
I wonder if there’s a limit to USBC voltage that can be plugged into it.
Drew McDaniel
Ryobi’s site is showing a USB A to a USB C cable. https://www.ryobitools.com/products/details/33287197491
Stuart
Ah – thank you!
I suppose that if anyone wants to use a USB C charger, they probably already have a USB C cable they can use. I’m sure most users, whether this is their first experience with USB C or not, have plenty of USB A chargers. If not, they’re widely available.
Flotsam
Somehow these pics look like their old tek4 battery form factor stuff , but i see is is somewhat new more squared off and of course has the USB socket on it.
I still have those and they are great stuff. The screwdriver has great torque and action is very positive
I also have the scissor type cutter and it is also good. The rotary cutter is great especially if you have to cut up something like cardboard. I have the Skil branded version of this and it is quite useful.
Steve
That carver looks interesting, I wonder how well it will work on pumpkins.
I’ve always wanted Dewalt to do something like this with their 8V system. Small battery for small tools. Tools I’d like to see in a small battery system:
Screwdriver
Flashlight
Laser Level (with a 360 horizontal preferably)
Expanded Stud Finder
IR Thermometer
Rotary Tool
Laser Distance Measurer
Digital Level
Pretty much anything that runs on a number of AAs or AAAs. Feel free to add to the list.
Ryan
Power scissors
Miniature sawzall
Power clamp (as in, I can hold in one hand and shrink/expand it)
Steve
Ooo, I like the power clamp idea.
RI Guy
Agreed. Dewalt should do this.
Brian Cox
I too have a good amount of the Tek4 tools and I was lucky enough to get battery adapter that I use with rechargable AAA when the batteries started to die out. It would be nice if the new usb lithium system was compatible with the Tek4 sieries of tools.
MM
I think the “stick” style battery that fits entirely inside the handle is a great idea for light-duty low-power tools like these. It reminds me a bit of the old VersaPak system, only now the batteries can be more compact and the USB charging is convenient.
Andy H
I’m psyched for the rotary tool and power cutter.
I have the Milwaukee 12V rotary tool, and for some (finesse) tasks, it’s unwieldy.
I’ve wanted a small power cutter for years. I get enough stuff delivered to me in cardboard boxes, and some boxes are a PITA to breakdown with a utility knife.
Jaycob P.
I wonder if they come out with heated gloves like what Milwaukee has.
Robert Landrigan
Just in time for Pinewood derby season!
Mopar4wd
I have the old Skil power cutter, love that thing. These will be on my list for sure. If the rotary tool has decent power it might replace by ancient Dremel.
Matt the Hoople
Power cords on Dremels are the worst for dremeling stuff.
Hope it has decent power and variable speed control or at least 5 set speeds.
Rascally
I have several Tek4 tools from Ryobi. I’m not sure is the new and old batteries are compatible. I would hope they are. There’s definitely a market for these tools.
John Dugan
Same here. I have a couple old Tek4 tool. Interested to learn of cross compatibility with this new line.
Perry
I’m really hoping the screwdriver is a variable speed trigger. I haven’t seen an affordable 4v that has one yet
Andrew Drozd
Definitely a good set of tools for the hobbyist. I’m intrigued by the power carver, honestly.
Mopar4wd
Some more thoughts.
Maybe they could improve on this idea from last year.
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/ryobi-4v-multi-head-cordless-screwdriver-122020/%3C/a%3E%3Cbr /> I would for sure sign up for that one.
Also I have been very tempted by the Worx MakerX system, these seem to be ideal to go after that market.
DXE
That was my first thought upon reading this post. I have one. After picking it up on a whim I immediately wondered how I lived without it. I have watched for them to show up again To give as gifts.
Drew McDaniel
Looks like there may be more on the way.
https://www.ryobitools.com/products/details/33287192397#
Ryobi’s site has it as a brand new tool for some reason. Says it is coming to HD soon. But it is still has the built in battery, and not the new removable battery. The other thing is when you scroll down and look at the manual, it is dated Dec 2021, so hopefully all we have to do is wait for the shipment to come from China to HD.
Stuart
That was a Holiday 2020 release, and it might have returned or been revised for Holiday 2021.
atomic
Oh, some of those MakerX tools look pretty cool and not too badly priced (I haven’t looked at specs or reviews). I’d just be weary of the longevity of a system like this, no real way to know if it’ll get more tool coverage in the future. I guess if you treated the shared battery platform as a bonus and not a main feature that wouldn’t matter.
Stephen Wylie
How about more than 3 accessories for the FVH51K carver? Might help with the versatility of it and not having to buy the FVM51k. Otherwise a nice product.
Jared
Pretty cool development!
Seems right in-line with Ryobi generally, but better than the one-off 4v tools they’ve been toying with recently. Creates a whole new line of tool ideas for them to play with – power carver is just one example. Maybe we will see a mini “M12” – like explosion of small power tools.
I think it’s great. I’ll look for an opportunity to buy into it and test it out.
What I like most about it is that it’s coming out under Ryobi branding. I think of Ryobi as the brand most willing to release innovative and oddball power tools. I sincerely hope they take the same approach to this 4v line – and that it becomes something with some breadth and depth.
James C
Any idea if the battery has powerbank functionality? That would be a good sales strategy, get people to impulse buy the $20 battery for use as a powerbank. Then down the line they buy a tool because they already have the battery after all.
Jared
It should. USB-C flows both ways.
Alan
USB-C standard allows for it, but devices are not required to implement it both ways. It’s perfectly possible the battery only works one direction.
atomic
While USB C allows two way power, the device would need a lot of extra circuitry to provide that which would take space from the battery and add cost. It’s possible but like Stuart says unlikely as they also haven’t hentioned it. A “tool” that turns it into a USB charger would be cool though.
Stuart
There’s no mention of such functionality in Ryobi press or marketing materials, and so I would assume not.
It is possible, and it’s one of the first thing on my list of questions to answer/have answered.
There’s a built-in charging status indicator, but no other indicators that I can see. Unless Ryobi advertises or chimes in otherwise, I can only assume that charging only works one-way here.
Phillip Milliken
I like it and can see myself adding some of these smaller tools. I would also like to see a cordless glue gun on the new platform. Since all are under TTI stewardship, could Milwaukee and Ryobi standardize on USB C for their small battery platforms?
JoeM
Looks like a painful knock-off of the DeWALT 8V Max lineup. With a Cutter instead of a Flashlight. And a Rotary Tool instead of a reamer.
I say that with no lack of respect for Ryobi here. There’s obvious things that Ryobi did, that DeWALT didn’t… and really should have. It just seems like they’re a deliberate jab at DeWALT for abandoning their 8V Max lineup.
…I’m conflicted… On one hand, I wouldn’t buy Ryobi if you paid me to, because I already have enough battery systems to overwhelm me between DeWALT and Dremel. On the other… I’m kinda proud of them? DeWALT needed a knee-to-the-groin over abandoning 8V Max. It had so much more potential, and we can see it right here with this Ryobi lineup.
I use my DCF680 Gyro Screwdriver so much, I’m working to design a holster for carrying it, and a bit box, as part of my EDC. As well, I’m working to use some of my Leather-Crafting skills to build myself a shop apron, which will also have the holster integrated, among other things. Along comes Ryobi, reminding me of how painful it is, knowing that DeWALT rarely, if ever, keeps making the 8V Max batteries for my most used tool, with zero pathway to an upgrade.
Stuart
This is nothing like Dewalt’s 8V lineup.
And, as mentioned, Ryobi had a not-too-different Tek4 form factor years before Dewalt came out with 8V Max.
Dewalt never “abandoned” 8V Max, they simply didn’t expand it beyond a couple of tools.
JoeM
All true… But I still look at this new lineup, and feel hurt that DeWALT didn’t make any of these for the 8V Max line. Ryobi has gone where DeWALT should have.
It’s really more “Why didn’t DeWALT go this diverse?” than anything else. I don’t think Ryobi literally stole them from the 8V Max Lineup, they just remind me of the let-down DeWALT has handed us by not thinking of any of these for the 8V Max Lineup. They haven’t even released a fresh battery for the system, and no XR/XT type efficiency boosts either. Plus, USB charging for the 8V Max system? I can think of a very simple way to do that, with a pocketable battery socket along the lines of the DCB090/91/92 12/20V USB adapters.
I assure you, I’m lementing DeWALT’s failure, where Ryobi here has done what DeWALT should have. No slight against Ryobi at all.
David Zeller
This seems more like a second run at their own TEK4, which came before DeWalts offering anyway.
JoeM
Yep… Stuart covered that. I answered below him. It’s long, but I did answer.
Rascally
JoeM, I use my DCF682 screwdriver every day for work. I think it’s one of the best tools ever made. The gyroscopic action is simple and works perfectly. This is the pouch I use and it holds the DCF682 perfectly with additional tools. I bought it without the belt.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-2-in-Quick-Release-Tool-Belt-with-5-in-7-Pocket-Clip-On-Utility-Tool-Belt-Pouch-HD2066-TH-BD/318427792
JoeM
Yeah, I have a couple Drill holsters that the 680 Gyro fits in fine… They hold my original DCD785 and 985 right now. But I’m also a leather worker by nature. I have Indigenous blood, half in fact. This is one of those “I Want To Do This” projects, not any sort of “There is no other way” project. It’s in my blood. I even do what all Indigenous people do with regards to Leather, I smell it and form a connection to it. That’s how deep it goes. I could “Buy” a shop apron no problem… but I want to build one custom for myself. My Leather Supplier got in this amazing lot of unused Military All-Terrain Waterprof Leather, and I bought a huge hide of it for next to nothing. And I want to make an Apron out of it. I have a Buffalo hide for the Gyro, and we’ll see what else I do from there. Way off topic, I’m sorry. But I thought I’d clarify why I’d make one instead of buy one.
But I’m glad you see the value of the DeWALT as well! I was hoping for so much more from DeWALT there.
Stacey Jones
Hmm, 4V? I have one TEK4 tool, a pistol grip screwdriver. Not bad, but bulky for what you get. I left it in the attic for filter changes. I just can’t see many tools where 4v makes sense. I like the 8v dremel and 8v makes more sense for most tools. Might have been a good idea 20 years ago though.
Stacey Jones
I just got the email on this. 70+ Hobby, Craft, and maker solutions coming. 10+ Tool and 60+ Accessories & Attachments. Underwhelming.
Jared
10 tools at launch is underwhelming? You’ve got high expectations my friend. 😉
Stacey Jones
Nah, I have a ton of Ryobi 18v & 40v. All of it is great stuff. Some of this has been done before. I have their soldering iron. The only interesting tool here is the carver. If the 4v line failed before, I don’t see why this one will do better. My guess is 10 tools will be on clearance in a couple years.
Tim E.
Looking through the launch e-mail, I also see some new 18V tools for the space, some of which are very interesting. The one that stuck out is an 18V magnifier lamp. The acrylic magnifying element is a bit small at 3.5″, but I like the idea of LEDs around it. One of my most used items painting miniatures is an OttLite magnifier with two LEDs right by the 5″ element. The bad part was it used coin cell batteries, which I quickly modified to run off USB and a voltage regulator. The lighting wasn’t the best, but it was useful for up close work without being blinding.
https://www.ryobitools.com/products/details/3328720125
The other tools if you browse their hobby and craft product page are:
One+ HP Brushless rotary tool (station) PBLRT01B
One+ Cordless rotary tool (station) PCL480B (supplementing the hybrid P460?)
Corded rotary tools in 1.2 and 1.4 amp versions
12V Cordless rotary tool kit TVM01 (looks s to be usb charged with built in battery)
Looks like some new accessories to go with it all, the main one being the RHS01 hobby station that looks similar to Dremel’s “drill press” for rotary tools.
In other Ryobi news, I finally saw the 800W automotive/one+ inverter (only 300W on a battery) in a store the other day, look pretty decently built. Also the 120W automotive inverter was alongside it. Apparently the following “new” items are still on the way:
One+ Patio Sweeper
One+ Wire Brush patio cleaner
One+ Cultivator
One+ 150W USB-C/Gen2 power supply
Solar Panels
New One+ Area Light
One+ HP Dethatcher/Aerator
One+ Gen2 nailers
DanB
I can’t be the only one thinking “those look really handy, but that color!”
I just want a decent tool – not a fashion statement. One of the reasons I’m moving away from the yellow guys. Just too dang garish.
That said, I have the similar fixed battery version of that screwdriver that I picked up on clearance and it works well. I like that cutter and would be game for some lighting options.
JoeM
…Wait… A tool’s colour alone can disuade you from buying it? It’s… a tool… not a piece of clothing… I don’t think anyone tries to coordinate their outfit with what tools they use that day… it would be nonsense, considering how dirty and destroyed said clothing gets after a good day working with the tools.
I… Try to play nice here, I do… but that statement about calling the colour of the tools “Garish” was possibly the dumbest, and most immature, comment I’ve seen in a very long time.
I’m sorry to Stuart as well… I know I should probably keep my mouth shut here, but… My head felt like it was going to explode if I didn’t call it out… I’m sorry.
Jerry
Thanks for the info Stuart. These look to be extremely handy tools with a lot of potential for expansion. Might have to get the rotary tool and carver. I also think it is very smart to be USB and not need any special charger.
I predict a win, particularly if they support the platform and add new tools regularly. Things like a flashlight, IR thermometer, inspection camera, etc.
N. Berg
I know no company would ever willingly give up all that sweet proprietary battery pack money, but I still wish someone would make some tools that run off a bare 18650/21700 cell. It just feels so wasteful to have a device running off of a single cell that can only use some dumb proprietary battery or has the battery sealed into it.
Stuart
While you might think it’s solely about money, I believe user safety and convenience are the primary factors.
Most users don’t want to have to figure out where to source quality 18650/21700-sized cells from. This would have to change first.
I completely understand your frustration, and you’re not wrong in wanting that. But the fact of the matter is that, while reasonable, what you’re asking for is not going to happen at least until it’s a common request.
James C
I think it’s more of a liability thing. And honestly, I can see that. If you throw a loose 18650 into say a tool bag or drawer there’s a decent chance of it shorting on something and potentially starting a fire. Those batteries pack a ton of energy and are worlds different than your typical alkaline battery. I don’t think the average consumer would treat li-ions with the respect they deserve.
Now if I bought into this system, I can’t imagine it’s that tough to crack open the case and swap in a better cell…
Saulac
I think you are giving them too much credit. If they are, indeed, care about user safety and convenience, they can just source the best cells and slap their color and name on them. The additional bunk and mass of the extra shell is frustrating. The tools also have to be bigger and heavier to cover the extra shell. Sure they will say that the shell allows the USB charging…but how much harder to put the battery into the charger. But you are right that it is not common request…just yet. Because those cells are actually not common to the consumer yet (I don’t think can find those cells and chargers at local stores, and online is just a jungle). But for those who know…pure frustration. I have not touched any of the Milwaukee USB yet because of this. I heard great thing about their lights and want to get in but just couldn’t do it knowing how those lights could potentially be smaller and lighter with the standard cells. Anyways, what differentiates this 4v with their previous 4v, that make them want to try it again?
Stuart
They could do that, but then the cost will be the same to end users. What happens when people start using these cells for flashlights, vaping products, or other products they’re not explicitly designed for? If there’s a problem, who gets blamed? The retailer and the brand.
I recently had to source a 16340 battery for a particular flashlight. The flashlight maker couldn’t point me in the right direction since the cells they used to recommend are long-discontinued, but they were able to advise on what some other owners were using.
Like you said, it is indeed a jungle out there when it comes to battery and charger selection.
Let’s say a brand did design their tools to work with plain protected cells. Not all protected cells have the same dimensions. What if users go for cheaper cells rather than higher output ones? How many people would think “I made the wrong choice” compared to “that tool is at fault?”
Customized/encased cells are an easier choice for most users.
When it comes to discussions about universal batteries and the like, I ask myself one question – what would I do if I were the one making decisions for the tool brand?
I believe that proprietary batteries allow for greater convenience, safety, and consistency.
We’ve seen the industry cave to some user demands over time, such as with Bluetooth jobsite radios and USB-C charging over micro USB. We might see small tools with interchangeable Li-ion batteries when the time is right.
Nathan
I was about to say I see milwaukee’s battery mostly when I see that – which I like. surprised this too so long to come out.
I wonder of that battery would output power on the USB connection I’m betting not at first. but give it a v2 in 3 years and it might.
MichaelT
This will be interesting to see, long term, whether it sticks around. Milwaukee made (makes?) an M4 screwdriver – https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Fastening/2101-22
The press release in 2013 talked abut this being the first of a new 4 volt platform but it doesn’t look like anything else ever came of it.
Dave the tool
As others have mentioned, this looks like a reboot of Ryobi’s Tek4 lineup including the battery style. Again, others are asking will the new batteries work in the older Tek4 tools and this remains to be seen. I have collected a few of the Tek4 tools over the years and I like them. They have an almost “cult” like following and even used they get good resale pricing, especially the flashlights! Since we Tek4 users are already used to having to remove the battery to charge it’s no big deal and I would rather have a less expensive battery without the usb charging if the price difference is substantial. BTW you can still purchase New Tek4 batteries online if needed but not the chargers. Used Chargers are plentiful however because Ryobi sold a lot of the Tek4 tools. Possibly not as many as sold as Ryobi banked on and that’s why they discontinued the Tek4 lineup? Perhaps it’s viewed as negative marketing but I don’t know why they just didn’t reissue the tools as Tek4 and make the batteries compatible with the older Tek4?
TimD
The usb is what sells me on it.
I would like to put a driver or two around the house, and not having to keep up with a proprietary wall wart.
Koko The Talking Ape
I’d be interested. I’d especially want to know how these guys perform. Milwaukee’s RedLithium system comes with slightly higher capacity batteries (2.5 or 3.0 Ah) but all they offer is small lights, heated gloves and I think a laser level. Why doesn’t Milwaukee offer any tools that spin, if they could work okay? Does Ryobi have some motor tech that Milwaukee doesn’t?
Or maybe the difference is just about target market. Ryobi seems aimed at DIY and crafters (though there’s overlap.) Milwaukee doesn’t offer a hot glue gun either.
Lastly, I wonder this Ryobi line will compete somewhat with tools using rechargeable AA batteries. Sure they’re less capacity, but they’re cheap, standardized and many people have them already. I have dozens.
Come to that, why did Ryobi shut down their Tek4 line? Why do they think this line will succeed where Tek4 didn’t?
Matthew
How well does the cutting wheel tool work? We go through a lot of boxes and recycling is a chore due to room in the bin. Thinking if I cut the boxes up it would make life easier.
Stuart
I’ve used other brands; Ryobi’s isn’t out yet.
For the other cutters I’ve used, they worked well on standard and thinner carboard, card stock, and other such materials. Thicker cardboard still needs to be cut with a knife.
Breaking down boxes can be easier than with a utility knife, but it doesn’t take any less time since you have to line up your cuts and position the cardboard to allow for proper tool clearance.
Matthew
Thank you!
Scott ALKB
“Cordless screwdriver” just sounds weird. I’ll just stick with my old-fashioned corded screwdriver, harrumph. Wait, I can keep it with my cordless spoon!
Is the thing gyro-enabled, or just on/off?
Stuart
They call it a “Twist” driver, but that could refer to the way you convert it from inline to standard right angle screwdriver. There’s no other official information about it yet aside from its name and model number.
avhjr
I’m still looking for something equivalent to my discontinued Dewalt DW920 hex screw driver- inline/right angle form, variable speed, clutch. I use it all the time.
This new Ryobi doesn’t appear to have a clutch. The Milwaukee has only two fixed speeds and is $179.
Big Richard
I’d say try the DeWalt DCF680. It is gyroscopic, which can take some getting used to, but overall they are awesome, imo. It has a clutch, variable speed, and can twist into a pistol grip as well.
https://www.dewalt.com/products/power-tools/screwdrivers-and-screwguns/8v-max-gyroscopic-screwdriver-1-battery-kit/dcf680n1
MADAK88
So that battery is probably just a rechargeable 18650cell in a fancy Ryobi shell isn’t it? I mean they probably could have approached this and driven the market in an entirely different way if they made that shell work as a battery tray and touted interchangeability with the large number of 18650 rechargeable batteries on the market….I know that’s not really how power companies work but wouldn’t that have been neat to see?
928'er
If these tools are not compatible with the Tek4 system it’s a “no sale” for me… Don’t need or want another dead-end battery system.
Willie B
Always wondered why Ryobi never introduced any more new Tek4 tools. I bought the camera, a pistol style drill driver with chuck and a temperature gun.
Always wondered why there was no rotary tool like the Black & Decker VersaPak series. I loved mine until all my batteries went belly up. I had about 3 or 4 of those tools including the 3 inch thin plywood/paneling saw. All of them used 1 or 2, 3.6 Volt stick batteries.
I see Ryobi finally has a similar rotary tool, but in the new 4V USB tool series.
Kevin
I bought the Cordless Screwdriver and then returned it. It had very little power and would cut out way before my HP54LVN Tek4 screwdriver would. I also like how I can manually torque screws down with my older Tekscrewdriver.
I now bought another Tek4 screwdriver from Direct Tools, so I have a backup if my original screwdriver ever bites the dust. Likewise, I just need to find some newer replacement batteries, as I’m sure the ones I have are getting long in the tooth.