12 Heavy-Duty Ryobi Tools That Are Incredibly Lightweight

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Is there anything more annoying than embarking on your weekend's DIY to-do list, only to have your most important power tools let you down? It's frustrating, time-consuming to fix, and let's face it, sourcing replacements can also get expensive. For that reason, it's worth investing in tools that you're sure can cope with your demands. Fortunately, today's marketplace is replete with reliable power tool brands. Not only that, but with modern advancements in technology, even some of the most heavy-duty tools come in surprisingly lightweight packages. As an example, look no further than Ryobi's long line-up of cordless tools.

This may come as a surprise. After all, aren't Ryobi tools geared more towards home use than tough jobsite conditions? Well, that's true. But that doesn't mean they pull any punches when your DIY to-do list demands you put them through their paces. In fact, the tools we've highlighted below are frequently praised by buyers not only for their usefulness and price point, but also for their punchy performance. They are also surprisingly nimble, handling heavy-duty tasks without demanding that you stretch before you start. There are trimmers to tame your hedges, alongside Ryobi tools to make cleaning up your yard easier. There are battery-powered bolt cutters to ease the strain on your shoulders, and if you think a handheld circular saw would come in handy, there's one of those included, too.

Unless you live near a gas station, keeping an inflator in the garage can ensure your drive to work is safe should your tire pressure plummet overnight. That doesn't mean that you need to buy — and store — a large, unwieldy compressor. In fact, there are various tools on the market nowadays that'll restore wellness to your wheels without soaking up excess cash or storage space. Ryobi's 18V One+ Cordless High Pressure Inflator is just one of them. It's small, handheld size makes it easy to drag out quickly when you need to re-inflate fast. Not only that, but since it weighs 1.4 pounds, it'll store easily on your shelves without causing them to sag. Crucially, it's capable of re-inflating most items around the house — including your car tires. It inflates up to 160 PSI, with a digital pressure gauge providing clear, accurate readings.

Of course, whether Ryobi's high-pressure inflator is worth buying depends on your need for such a device. But if you have several cars, and especially if the winters in your area are cold (which can lead to drops in tire pressure), user feedback would suggest it's worth considering. In the words of one, "As someone who always needs air this is great!" Another, who agreed that "It works great," explained, "I keep it in my truck. Easier and quicker than stopping at a gas station or turning on the compressor in the garage."

The first thing to say here is that, if you have hundreds of feet of hedge to keep trimmed, Ryobi's 18V One+ 250 CFM Leaf Blower may not be the tool for the job. It's simply not designed for such large-scale clean-ups. However, it's more than powerful enough to handle smaller tasks, particularly in the fall when your patio or deck becomes strewn with seasonal leaves. It moves a solid 250 cubic feet of air per minute (CFM), along with speeds of up to 90 MPH. And yet it weighs less than 5 pounds, offering a lightweight solution that keeps fatigue to a minimum.

"I'm really surprised with this leaf blower, it really gets the job done!" said one 5-star reviewer. In fact, many buyers shared this sentiment, including several who especially valued its balance of weight and power. One user, who said that it does the job well for occasional cleanups, described it as "Lightweight and inexpensive," while another succinctly said that it's "Lightweight, convenient, and perfect for everyday cleanup."

We mentioned that you might need a larger leaf blower if you regularly trim larger hedges. In that case, it's also worth having a quality hedge trimmer to manage the actual cutting. Ryobi has several such tools to choose from, but if you struggle to handle heavier tools, its 18V One+ 22-inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer is worth a look. It weighs 5.5 pounds, which is certainly on the manageable side for a larger tool like this. Importantly, it has a 22-inch blade for trimming medium-to-large hedges. It can cut branches up to ¾-inches thick, and has a motor that yields 3,200 strokes per minute for efficient trimming.

Of course, it's always worth taking the brand-supplied spec sheet with a pinch of salt. At the very least, consult the reviews to see if the tool lives up to those promises. In this case, Ryobi states that the trimmer can "easily tackle thick hedges and branches," and diving into the reviews, it seems that the majority of home landscapers are loving Ryobi's 22-inch cordless trimmer. One user, who admitted that they were hesitant to move from gas to electric tools, explained, "I was pleasantly surprised with how great these have worked so far. They are so light and I was able to make quick work of various bushes around the property!"

There are some tools that every homeowner should have in their toolbox, and a drill is one of the most versatile. Ryobi's 18V One+ Cordless ½-inch Driver/Drill is a useful entry-level tool. With a pocket-friendly $64 price tag, it's likely to suit buyers on a budget. And while that could easily be misconstrued as meaning "light duty," it actually earns plenty of compliments from users, including many who praise its power. Before we get to those, let's look at the specs. It delivers speeds of up to 1,750 RPM, combining that with up to 515 inch-pounds of torque to handle most tasks around the house. It's also notably light, weighing just 2.6 pounds, which helps to reduce fatigue on longer days of DIY.

According to users, it has ample power for everyday drilling and driving. Not only that, but as one buyer put it, it also "feels comfortable and well balanced in the hand." To quote another, who liked their first one so much that they bought a second, it has "Plenty of power for everything I use it for, and it's reliable and easy to handle...If you're already in the One+ battery system or just want a solid drill and a great value, this is an easy recommendation."

Even though it weighs just 1.2 pounds, it's hard to argue that a power tool like Ryobi's 18V One+ Compact Cut-Off Tool weighs less than, say, a hacksaw. However, it's designed to make cutting jobs like removing stubborn, rusted bolts easier by eliminating the need to manually saw. Its brushless motor helps to improve long-term durability versus brushed equivalent tools, and it delivers speeds of up to 19,500 RPM to make cutting quick. As for where it might come in handy, it can be used for heavy-duty applications like cutting metal, plastic, tile, wire shelving, and more — provided that you use the right blade.

User reviews to-date have offered varied feedback, and importantly, the majority of that is positive. One, for example, explained that the tool "cuts as smooth as butter." Another, who originally bought it to cut vinyl siding, explained that they're now looking for excuses to use it elsewhere in their shop. "Cut off tool works just fine," said one 5-star reviewer. "Has a nice light to be able to see by and is very quiet and lightweight. It cuts very efficiently and as fast as you need it to."

Now, just like the leaf blower featured earlier, we should start by saying that Ryobi's 18V One+ 4-½-inch Circular Saw is not designed as an all-out replacement for larger tools. However, if your cutting needs rarely involve anything chunkier than lumber, plywood, OSB, or laminate flooring, it's worth adding to your shortlist. It weighs 3.4 pounds, so it's certainly lightweight for a circular saw. It's also designed to be used one-handed. As for power, it can cut 2-by material with a 1-9/16-inch depth of cut, delivering blade speeds of up to 5,200 RPM.

Price-wise, it's one of several Ryobi finds under $60 that are worth adding to your tool collection, and according to user feedback, it could easily pay for itself. "Love my new circular saw," said one buyer. They said that it handles very smoothly, and explained that it'd be just as useful for carpenters as it would be for home DIYers. Another, who said that the quality of the tool is outstanding, explained, "Amazing circular saw!! It is compact and has PLENTY of power...especially for the price."

Listed as a "mini" tool, Ryobi's 18V One+ 8-inch Compact Pruning Mini Chainsaw is considerably more lightweight than a full-sized chainsaw. It is, admittedly, less capable of handling full sized trees than its fully-grown siblings. However, it nevertheless manages to cut through branches up to 6 inches in diameter. It can deliver up to 65 cuts per charge, too, and if you need to test that theory, its listed weight of 4.3 pounds should help to minimize fatigue. The tool features a durable and powerful brushless motor, and overall, according to user feedback, Ryobi's compact pruning chainsaw packs a powerful punch.

"As far as tools go, this saw was the best investment I've ever made," explained one enthusiastic buyer. They said that it's easy to use, and that it lives up to the spec sheet by easily handling branches up to 6 inches thick. Power aside, its $149 price tag has helped buyers to save hundreds more compared to paying a contractor to manage their trees. Not only that, but there are who specifically praise the tool's compact, lightweight build, which is handy in your yard's more awkward, overgrown corners. As one buyer put it, "It's amazing, comes fully assembled ready to get to work. Easy to use and easy to handle. Perfect for the small branches and cleaning small areas."

While the drill listed earlier will handle most driving tasks, there are certain applications that call for something a little more specialized. For example, if you need to drill holes into tough materials like concrete, then a hammer drill is generally the best tool for the job. This is just the sort of task that Ryobi's 18V One+ Brushless ½-inch Hammer Drill is designed to handle. It delivers up to 850 inch-pounds of torque via a durable brushless motor. Weight wise, it clocks in at 2.3 pounds, which is light for a tool designed for heavy work. Not only that, but Ryobi describes it as its "most powerful hammer drill."

Again, a pinch of salt is always advisable before swallowing promises like this, and it's always worth exploring what previous buyers have to say before you toss one into your basket. In this case, feedback is positive, with the majority of users awarding the tool full marks. As for why, one user explained, "Ryobi has upped their game." They said that the tool is both powerful and well-built, and that it shows how "Ryobi is no longer the cheap weekend warriors tool." Another, who described it as "Very compact and lightweight," also confirmed that it performs well. In their own words, "Plenty of power. Drilled several 3-inch deep 3/16 holes no problem."

We'll open our account on this tool by admitting that Ryobi's 18V One+ Cordless Bolt Cutter is among the heavier items in this guide. At 5.2 pounds, it's not what we'd call excessively heavy. It's heavier than most traditional steel-built cutters, but not by much. And whereas they require physical exertion, Ryobi's cutters work with the pull of a trigger. It's fitted with high-strength steel jaws, which can handle materials up to ⅜-inches thick.

Now, reviews for the most part are favorable. Some users explained that it's a one of a kind power tool that they've struggled to find elsewhere, and that it's much better than manual cutters. As one put it, "Definitely worth the price. Used it to cut wire shelving for all the closets in our house. I was able to cut all 4 wire of the shelf in probably about 10 seconds and without the arm strain associated with regular bolt cutters." Just note that some buyers have questioned the long-term durability of the blades. It's also proven tricky for some to find replacements, which is worth bearing in mind if you intend to use this tool a lot.

Often regarded as one of the most useful types of saw for cutting wood, reciprocating saws can also come in handy for a variety of materials and tasks. They can cut PVC pipe, for example, and can just as easily be used to saw out stubborn, woody roots from your yard. In other words, if you have a regular need for a small, powered saw, a reciprocating tool is a sensible choice. Ryobi's 18V One+ Brushless One-Handed Reciprocating Saw is one of several such tools offered by the brand. Its brushless motor helps to deliver more power and durability than its brushed-motor cousins, while speeds of 3,200 strokes per minute help make quick cuts in materials like hardwood, rebar, and hardened steel. As for weight, it clocks in at less than 4 pounds.

One user, who bought it to trim some larger limbs from their garden trees instead of trying to manage a chainsaw, said, "The saw did a great job and is easy to handle with one hand." They rated it 5 stars, as did hundreds of others, many of whom said it's handy for a variety of applications. One used it to help demolish a bathroom as part of a home remodel, and one, who bought it to use on a jobsite for cutting waterpipes, said, "I'm glad I did, because I love this saw!" They explained that the fitted trigger lock helps one-handed users, and that the variable speed trigger lends excellent control. In their own words, "So much better than the sawzall of old where it's either off or it's wide open on."

Whether you need to handle small spills without hauling out a larger appliance, or need something to help clean your car, it can be worth investing in a handheld vacuum. Ryobi's 18V One+ Multi-Surface Handheld Vacuum weighs a little over 2 pounds, yet it's designed, per the brand, to deliver powerful suction for a variety of applications. Like other handhelds, it's much more portable than a full-sized cleaner, eliminating the need to haul around a full-sized cleaner for smaller spills. It's also cordless, which lends an extra layer of convenience.

Per the name, it's suitable for various surfaces and dry spills, and you can hook it up to a range of accessories, including a dust brush, crevice tool, utility nozzle, and hose. Importantly, users to-date also suggest that it delivers reliable suction. "This vacuum is the real deal!" said one. Another, who said it's effective, explained that it's an "amazingly powerful vacuum for being handheld...the suction is great, you will love it especially if you have pets."

Whether you need tools to make building wood shelves easier or want to restore a smooth finish to your deckboards, an orbit sander will help. Since they're usually handheld, these tools are rarely considered "heavy." However, Ryobi's 18V One+ 5-inch Random Orbit Sander certainly sits at the "lighter" end of its category. It weighs 2.61 pounds, which, for example, is lighter than Milwaukee's 18V 5-inch cordless sander. Admittedly, Ryobi's has slightly slower speeds, although not by much. It still delivers 10,000 orbits per minute for fast, swirl-free sanding. And for those who are interested in the comparison, the Ryobi sander costs $169 less than the tool from Team Red.

If you're concerned about the dip in speed versus tools from more premium brands, it's worth checking out the reviews. One, for example, explained that the Ryobi tool "Makes quick work of sanding projects." Not only that, but they added that it "Doesn't vibrate your hand like others do." As for heavy duty DIY, it earns points among various buyers who've put the tool through its paces. "This Ryobi orbital sander is awesome," said one user, who added, "I used it to sand my deck and front porch." Another, who builds cedar garden planters, said, "I like using this better than the Makita orbital sander. Great quality and convenient to use."