Ryobi makes a ton of cordless 18V power tools with a collection of over 350 products, and even though I’ve been buying them for nearly 20 years, there are a few essentials that I can’t live without. Whether it’s to make a DIY repair or project around the house easier, or just a must-have tool, here’s what you need to know.
It’s no secret that I love my Ryobi tools, even if they’re not the best option on the market. And DIYers all over do, too, because they’re quality tools at affordable prices, easily found at any nearby Home Depot. So, if you’re just starting out or are looking to add a few items to your collection, here are four staples in my toolbox.
Ryobi 18V Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo
More than your average drill/driver
Any professional or DIYer will tell you that two absolute essentials are a good cordless drill and driver. There’s a reason every major tool brand offers this as a combo kit with a battery and charger. However, you’ll want to be very specific about which set you buy.
For starters, buy Ryobi 18V Brushless tools, not an older brushed model (that won’t say brushless in the name), as brushless is newer, stronger, better, and should last longer. Then, in terms of the drill/driver combo, get a Hammer Drill and Impact Driver combo.
A good cordless drill is ideal for putting together IKEA furniture, building shelves, installing gates, drilling holes, you name it. Any typical drilling and screwdriver jobs can benefit from this tool. That said, a newer model with the “hammer” function will offer additional power and features, such as the ability to hammer while drilling into tough materials, like a wood knot or bricks.
And second, you’ll want an impact driver for “driving” screws while you’re hanging shelves or building anything. A regular drill can do this, but an impact driver is specifically designed for it. It’s faster, won’t strip screws, and you’ll appreciate having both.
Ryobi 18V Circular Saw
Quick cuts for various jobs
Another essential tool, at least for me and all my little garage projects, is the humble circular saw. You might want a table saw, and I do too, but I can get almost all my jobs done with a portable, powerful, and easy-to-use 6-1/2-inch circular saw.
For starters, my Ryobi Circular Saw uses the same battery as all my other Ryobi tools, which I use to cut wood for garage shelves, laundry room renovations, or while building a backyard patio deck. A saw isn’t essential for repairs around the house, but if you like to DIY anything, you’ll want one.
- Color
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Yellow
- What’s Included
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7-1/4″ Circular Saw, 4Ah EDGE Battery, and Charger
A circular saw is a versatile tool perfect for all your big DIY jobs. It has adjustable blade heights and angles, interchangeable blades for different materials, and more. Everyone should own one.
It’ll cut, sand, grind, and more
If you haven’t figured it out yet, I prefer to do anything and everything myself. I enjoy learning something new, finishing a project, or building things myself to save money. If that sounds like you, don’t forget to snag a Ryobi Oscillating multi-tool on sale at Home Depot.
Many beginners look at an OST (Oscillating Multi-tool) and aren’t really sure what to think, or when they’ll use it. In reality, you’ll end up using this constantly.
Most Oscillating tools have an adjustable, replaceable head that rapidly moves side to side. And while that sounds weird, it’s an excellent tool for cutting, grinding, sanding, scraping, and more. I’ve used mine a ton over the last decade or so, making precise cuts, trimming door jambs and baseboards, sanding, or scraping away old caulk and grout. If you’re renovating a room, you’ll love this tool.
- Special features
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Cushioned Grip, Keyless Blade Change, LED Light, Lock On Switch, Variable Speed
- Tool Type
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Oscillating Multi-Tool
A reciprocating OST multi-tool is great for projects that require cutting, sanding, or scraping. Get one today and have it ready for when you truly need it.
Ryobi 18V Impact Wrench
Handle tough automotive jobs, and more
Last but certainly not least, the other power tool that I can’t live without is a tough impact wrench. This suggestion might not be for everyone, as it depends on your wants, needs, and the jobs you do.
An Impact Wrench looks like a drill but works very differently. Impact wrenches don’t just spin like a drill. Instead, there’s a powerful motor, a spring, a notched hammer, and a bar-shaped anvil. When you engage the trigger, the motor turns just like a drill. However, with something like a tight car lug nut, there is a lot of resistance. An impact wrench feels that resistance, and the spring will engage like a clutch, pulling back and rotating the hammer until it turns the anvil, then releasing with tons of force.
Impact wrenches have a ton of torque for stubborn nuts and bolts, and they’re a great way to finish any job with minimal effort that would regularly require a hand wrench and socket. I use my Ryobi impact wrench for various maintenance on my off-road truck, my daily driver car, and for putting those huge lug nuts into the wall to mount a TV. With how much vehicle maintenance I do myself, it’s a tool I absolutely need.
- Color
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Green
- Tool Type
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Inpact Wrench
Ryobi’s 4-mode Impact Wrench is perfect for tough jobs. Choose the power level you need and get to work.
You’ll use these tools constantly
Naturally, your selection or list of must-have tools may differ from mine, but that’s because you may complete different tasks or value other approaches. Obviously, several tools didn’t make the cut for this list, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less important.
I use my rugged reciprocating saw more often than I thought I would, and a Brad Nailer is an excellent tool for home renovations. However, I don’t use my Brad Nailer nearly as often as the four outlined above. Either way, grab a few of these the next time they’re on sale, snag some battery packs, and get to work.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
