Is Ryobi's Magnetic Accessory Worth Buying? Here's What Reviews Say

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At one time or another, just about everybody needs to either drill holes or fasten screws, so it's no surprise that a drill driver is top of the list of must-buy power tools for first-time homeowners. At first glance, Ryobi's magnetic accessory, the Rail System, looks like a clever addition. A horseshoe-shaped piece slips over the base of a compatible drill or impact driver, and two screws hold it in place. A magnetic tray that can pivot 90 degrees slots onto one side, and a bit bar with four screwdriver bits and a magnetic slot to hold a drill bit fits onto the other. It's available from Home Depot for $14.97.

So instead of having to go backwards and forwards to your toolbox when you want to change drill or driver bits, you can now keep them handy right on the drill. The magnetic tray can hold a bunch of screws ready for you to insert them or those you have undone (no more rolling off the table and dropping onto the floor).

It sounds like one of those tools and supplies every DIYer needs to own, but reviews are mixed. Only 68% of Home Depot customers who have rated it would recommend it, and the average rating of 3.6 stars is lower than these tools typically receive. Currently, 25% of people have given it only one star.

On the plus side, plenty of people think it's a good idea, innovative and functional. One says it's a fantastic timesaver to have bits and screws on hand right on the drill. Several think it's easy to use, simple, and effective. But there are two main complaints. A few buyers feel that the magnet for the tray is too weak. One person says it wouldn't hold even one screw, which seems strange when others have commented on how useful it is, so perhaps only some are faulty.

Even so, that would suggest Ryobi's quality control could be improved. The major bugbear is that the magnetic Rail System fits only recent drills and impact drivers. Home Depot provides a list, and it's important to check it carefully because many customers ordered the product and were then frustrated to find it couldn't be attached to their model.

So the most annoying feature of Ryobi's magnetic accessory is its limited compatibility rather than an actual fault with the product. There aren't many Ryobi products you should avoid, according to owners, but the issue here is you might not be able to have this one even if you want it. If you like the idea of having screws and bits handy, there's another approach you could try instead: a magnetic wristband, like the one offered by Highever. It's available on Amazon for $11.99.