4 Best-Selling Ryobi Tools (& The Main Problems Users Report)

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Homeowners with a long to-do list are often seeking affordable power tools that are worth buying. Ryobi tools are popular for their combination of value and features. In addition, many of the best-selling tools use Ryobi's ONE+ 18V battery system. This means that you can leverage several Ryobi batteries for the same tool, like if you're doing a job that exceeds the runtime of a single battery.

The best-selling Ryobi tools have a reputation for being easy to use and effective but that doesn't mean they are without any shortcomings. For each of the brand's most popular models, there are some common problems that users report. Ahead, learn more about Ryobi's top tools, including their advantages and pitfalls.

This Ryobi cordless drill has ascended to the top of the bestseller list because it's lightweight (weighing less than 3 pounds) and has user-friendly features like a keyless chuck and a built-in LED light. For $49.97 at Home Depot, this drill includes a 2.0Ah lithium battery and a charger. It has racked up more than 2,400 reviews at the big box retailer with an average rating of 4.6 stars and it also is among Ryobi's 25 most popular power tools, according to the brand.

Reviewers are quick to point out some of the real-world benefits of choosing such a nimble cordless drill, especially if it's time to upgrade your tool collection. "This tool is leaps and bounds over my previous 20 year old one. It can fit into tighter spaces for sure. Lighter too," says one Home Depot reviewer. Another points out the convenience of a keyless chuck, saying: "No chuck key to keep track of—a simple turning of the chuck secures the drill bit easily and tightly." But its biggest shortcoming according to other users is its battery life. For instance, one Home Depot reviewer says, "Thing works great and no issues. Really the only issue with Ryobi is the battery doesn't last as long as others but the power is fine for any project." It is worth noting that this drill is compatible with larger Ryobi ONE+ batteries, which can extend the tool's runtime.

The Ryobi ONE+ 18V Impact Wrench is cordless but packs a lot of power—up to 1,170 ft./lbs. of torque for removing stubborn, rusty bolts. In real-world use, reviewers say that it's more than capable of getting the job done. For instance, one Home Depot user says, "It makes jobs much easier, especially tough tasks like removing stubborn wheel lug nuts on cars or an anode rod from a water heater. Reliable and effortless, it gets the job done when brute force is needed."

While this brushless impact wrench has an impressive rating of 4.7 stars based on 2,767 reviews at Home Depot, there are reports of the tool failing after minimal use. More than one reviewer says that it stopped working within a year or two. As an example, one person says, "Purchased item on or about October 2022 and have used it maybe 15 times in less than 2 years and it has failed." Another reviewer had a great start with this tool but experienced failure even sooner and says, "This was amazing when I first purchased it. I can remove all my vehicle lug nuts with ease. Comfortable to use, but after my 10 times using it, the gears are not engaging anymore unfortunately. Less than a year old." It's worth noting that the product does have a 3-year warranty period.

For projects that involve driving nails, like putting up a fence or installing trim pieces, the Ryobi ONE+ AirStrike Brad Nailer expedites the process. This cordless nailer doesn't rely on an air compressor so people find it to be very convenient and quiet. As a case in point, one Home Depot Reviewer says, "This brad nailer is sturdy, reliable, and surprisingly quiet...The ease of use is phenomenal: no compressors, no hoses, no nonsense. Just point, press, and a soft "boom"—another perfect nail. My old, sagging fence was completely overhauled into a gleaming fortress of neighborhood pride." At Home Depot, the nailer has racked up 3,757 reviews and a 4.5-star rating.

Despite mostly positive feedback on the nailer's performance, a few people noted issues with nails properly sinking. That was the experience of this Home Depot reviewer who said, "Did all the possible adjustments but could not get nailer to consistently drive the nails flush." Another person pointed out that the tool left nails sticking out by ¼ to ½ inch when installing MDF trim. So, some people have struggled with this Ryobi tool's performance while the majority sing its praises. 

This Ryobi Compound Miter Saw has a 14 amp. Motor, an included 10-inch blade, and an LED light to highlight your cutline. It's a popular woodworking tool, as shown by the fact that it has over 2,000 reviews at Home Depot and an average rating of 4.5 stars. Reviewers are typically very happy with the saw and one person says, "The tool is powerful and precise. I would have spent double to grab an entry level one from any other major brand. This was a no brainer."

There is one shortcoming that reviewers tend to agree on: the dust collection system. Many people report that it doesn't function well so expect some mess after using the saw. That was the case for this Home Depot reviewer who says, "Great tool for a home owner who likes to do DIY projects. The only complaint I have is that it doesn't collect the saw dust very well, so there is a lot of clean-up after use." Another reviewer agrees and points out that the saw dust bag collects "absolutely nothing." So be prepared for some extra cleaning effort after using this miter saw.

To find the most best-selling Ryobi tools, we compared popular models at retailers that carry the brand, including Home Depot and the Ryobi website. We considered the models in order of their position on the best-selling list at Home Depot and compared those picks to Ryobi's best-selling power tools. All of these tools have a minimum rating of 4.5 stars and at least 2,000 reviews at Home Depot.