Ryobi Cordless Tool opinions sought

I saw a Ryobi 18V combo kit at Home Depot which includes a circular saw, reciprocating saw, vacuum, flashlight and drill for a pretty decent price. I looking to get it as a gift for my dad who already has a Makita MForce drill. He's really only interested in the saws for occaisional "convenience" use. The circular saw alone is more than half the price of this entire kit. Is Ryobi a good quality brand, especially in terms of the two saws they have ? I'd be interested in any feedback about their cordless products.

Kevin
ksb1@cox.net

 

Kevin,

Ryobi is not top-of-the-line in tools, but they're not bargain basement either. I've had the 14.4 combo for about three years now and I love them. That lil circular saw is great when you don't want to haul out the big old heavy skil saw. The flashlights are great if you camp or fish. And I use the drill almost daily.
I have no complaints at all.

fred

 

That's what I figured given the value price, but they looked to be of halfway decent quality. I'm more familiar with the performance of Makita, Milwaukee, Bosch, and the like.

 

My .02¢. My Mother in law bought the Ryobi 18V kit that you are talking about for use around her house. I have done a couple of projects for her using these tools.
The tools performed just fine, the circular saw cut wood just fine, although it was not that thick, 1/2" I think was the size. Like Fred said in his reply, it was nice not having to drag out the big corded model.
The flash light was handy to use while I was under the sink replacing the faucet, and disposal.
I have a Ryobi 14.4V drill that is ok, was not totally satisfied with the performance, so I bought a Milwaukee 18V hammer drill. Not really a fair comparison, but the Milwaukee is like using a corded drill, it does not lack for power.
Bottom line, for occasional home use, should do just fine.

 

I've had the Ryobi 18V Combo Kit for about two years. No complaints. It has performed very well. In fact I built/finished my basement with it. I know I've heard how its not professional grade but for your average guy it's more than adequate.

 

being on a limited budget years ago i bought a ryobi 12 v drill/driver. have been very happy with it. no complaints.
in fact,i bought a 14.4v drill/driver for my son last year.
i use my drill for ALL projects around the house.

 

I have had two of there tools in the past two years. A ROS sander and there weed eater gas type trimmer. The sander burnt up, and the trim er blew up!
Would I buy another product from them, Haw, Haw, Haw, Haw, Haw, get the point.
Changeling

 

changeling,

Apparently, you are the exception to the rule - who knows why???

My Ryobi trimmer/brush cutter is about nine yrs old and going strong.

fred

 

Fewalt please don't misunderstand where I am coming from. I am glad that you havn't had any problems with your Ryobi. However the guy was asking for opinions, and mine is negative because of two bad experiences.
I certainly hope you can see my side, 0 and 2 is not a good record for purchasing another of there tools from my viewpoint.
Changeling

 

I resisted serious temptation yesterday in purchasing a Skill, 18 volt kit w a drill and skillsaw in a "door crasher" sale.
The price in CDN dollars was $200.00 which is a bargain around here.

I've handled the equivalent Ryobi and although I havn't tried either, the Ryobi seemed to be a notch or two above the Skill.

What struck me the most though, was the fact that their 18 volt battery was quite a bit smaller than my 18 volt Milwaukee and way lighter.

A person I guess could research the milli-amp/hr rating of the batteries to compare.

 

Greg,

The milli-amp/hr rating would be a good comparison on the batteries. Also, some of the better tools, not sure on the newer Ryobis, have NimH batteries as opposed to NiCad.
NimH = less memory problems.

fred