If you’re a man, you need a solid set of tools, and the Ryobi One+ tool system should be the first in your toolbox. Every man should have at least one toolbox filled with the basics: hammers, spanners, screwdrivers, etc. But the true measure of a man is the quality of his power tools. I don’t make the rules, but it’s my job to convey them to you. At The Practical Gent, we’ve found the best set of tools for those in the market for something new. I’m a Ryobi One+ user myself, and I have to say they are among the handiest tools in the world!
Chances are, you already have a mix of cordless and corded power tools, each cobbled together from various manufacturers or handed down from your parents. These tools are often old, fraying at the wires, and notoriously unreliable. Your power drill battery doesn’t fit your jigsaw, the jigsaw’s battery only lasts 20 minutes because it’s cheap, and the cable on your hammer drill is so short it’s only useful within two and a half feet of a plug socket. What you really need is an inexpensive, efficient system to help you complete your DIY projects faster, without compromising on tool quality. We all know a poor workman blames his tools, but if his tools are rubbish, he’s entitled to! So, as you look at the nightmare unfolding in your garage, you may be wondering if there’s a solution.
Ryobi’s genius One+ system helps you say goodbye to inconsistent battery life, a pile of batteries waiting to be charged, short cables, and dodgy second-hand tools. The system is simple: one battery works with whatever tool you need, whether it’s a sander, power drill, jigsaw, Fein saw, or even a torch. Any tool from the Ryobi One+ family fits any One+ battery. Not only does this save you time, but it also saves space and money. Need to do some work at a friend’s house? No problem—just grab one battery and a few tools and you’re off. Tight on space? One battery powers all your tools, saving you loads of room. The best part is that you save money too, as you won’t have to buy a separate battery and charger with every new tool.
Battery Family and Chargers
The 18V Lithium battery family supplied with the latest Ryobi One+ range is an upgrade from the older NiCad batteries that eventually suffered from performance degradation. Now, you get more value for your money, for longer. There are three batteries in the family, allowing you to pay for exactly what you need and save money in the long run.
The smaller 1.3Ah battery, starting from £36, offers 10% more longevity than Ryobi’s old largest NiCad battery, and it’s more compact and lightweight to boot. If you’re a light user, this is perfect for you. If you tend to embark on longer projects, you might want to go for the middle-range 1.5Ah battery, which lasts 25% longer and also features a handy fuel gauge. For heavy-duty users, Ryobi’s largest 4Ah battery is the first 4Ah battery on the market for power tools. It provides all the longevity you need for intense projects.
The beauty of the system is that all three batteries work with just one charger, so you don’t have to mess around finding specific chargers for each tool. One charger charges all your batteries. Even better, if you have an old Ryobi NiCad battery, it will charge that too—a really handy feature.
Ryobi also offers top-up kits with different battery and charger packs, so you can get whatever you need in whatever order. Whether you need one battery or four, it doesn’t matter. Ryobi even makes a 6-port battery charging station that charges all your batteries at once. Each port has an indicator, so if you’re a tradesman or a heavy user, you’ll always have a battery or two ready. Whatever your line of work, you’ll never be halted by a flat battery again!
Starter Kits
Ryobi offers several starter bundles with their 2015 One+ system, allowing you to get started with the One+ range as cheaply as possible. For under £150, you can get a standard 2.0Ah battery, a charger, a tool bag, and an 18V Cordless Impact Driver. Once you have the charger and battery, you can freely add more tools as needed. If you need something more powerful, the twin drill pack includes the Ryobi One+ CDC1802 Drill/Driver, which is perfect for drilling light masonry, wood, and metals, and can be switched to low-speed screw driving for quick, easy use.
Also included in the twin pack is the R18ID2-120SZ 18V ONE+ Cordless Impact Driver, ideal for masonry and heavier-duty work. With two batteries, an accessory pack, and a charger, this deal is a steal at under £160. Click the image to take advantage of this great offer from Ryobi One+ for this great starter offer currently available, with prices starting at just £123!
Tools
If you already have a battery pack, a charger, and maybe a starter tool or two, you’re going to need more tools. On the whole, Ryobi tools are renowned for their excellent value, durability, and quality. The One+ system offers dozens of options to expand your toolkit. Whether you’re doing serious DIY, gardening, or something as simple as putting up shelves, there’s a tool in the 2015 One+ system for you.
Here’s a closer look at just some of the tools in the new Ryobi One+ system. These tools are supplied without a battery, so keep that in mind when purchasing.
Ryobi R18JS-0 ONE+ Jigsaw with LED, 18 V
The Ryobi R18JS-0 ONE+ Jigsaw pairs with any 18V battery in the Ryobi One+ family. It features a guide to help ensure your cuts are straight and true, using a 4-stage pendulum action for the best cutting performance. Blade changes are simple, thanks to a tool-less blade clamp. The saw accepts both bayonet and universal fixings behind the die-cast aluminium housing, and adjusting the bevel is a breeze with the tool-less base adjuster (0 to 45 degrees). The soft trigger lets you vary the cutting speed for total control, and the anti-splintering device oscillates the blade to ensure only the sharpest blades are in contact with the cutting surface.
This jigsaw has received rave reviews for its low cost and high performance. Plus, the laser guide is a cool feature!
RYOBI P241 Right Angle Drill 18V BATTERY Pounds 1100 RPM 3/8 Inch
The Ryobi One+ Right Angle Drill is perfect for those hard-to-reach places. Its compact size and lightweight design allow it to fit where most drills can’t. The rotating base helps you work in tight spots, and its two gears, with variable speed and reverse options, make it easy to drill or screw with minimal effort. The 10mm keyless chuck makes changing bits quick and easy, with an automatic spindle lock so you can do it with one hand.
This drill may not be the most used tool in your collection, but its low cost makes it a lifesaver when you need it. It’s great for working in confined spaces, whether in your attic or under your stairs.
Ryobi RLM16E36H 1600W 36cm Lawnmower
Yes, you read that correctly: the One+ system even powers a lawnmower! The Ryobi RLM16E36H fusion technology uses two large 18V 4Ah Lithium-Ion batteries to power the mower, creating a powerful 36V system. This mower can cover 600 square meters on a single charge—more than enough for your average suburban backyard. Two batteries are included, so if you start your One+ collection with this mower, you’ll never need to buy another battery.
The mower is easy to use: simply lift it out of the box, extend the handle, fit the grass box, and plug in the batteries. It’s that simple! The height is adjustable from 20mm to 70mm, and the 40cm steel blade ensures efficient cutting. The ergonomic design offers maximum comfort during use.
Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless LED Project Light
TheRyobi 18V ONE+ Cordless LED Project Light is lightweight and durable, making it ideal for use in dark spaces or during power cuts. The swivel head is adjustable, so you can direct the light exactly where you need it. It’s 30% brighter than previous Ryobi models, ensuring you won’t be left in the dark.
The Upshot
The Ryobi One+ system is a cost-effective way to build your collection of tools, ensuring no job is too big or too complicated. The separation of the battery and tool means you never have to spend money on unnecessary battery packs or mess around with different batteries, cords, and cables. With over 30 tools in the One+ system—ranging from hand vacuums to hammer drills—DIY is made easy. Whether you’re tackling the garden with hedge trimmers and shears or working indoors, Ryobi One+ has you covered.
