Tool Review: Ryobi's New Green Lithium

Another box came into the Popular Woodworking shop this morning. This one was unmarked. Secret. No names applied. I had to open it immediately. Inside there was one chartreuse-type green canvas bag with “Ryobi” emblazoned on the front.

Inside was Ryobi’s newest toolkit offerings; the lithium tools that are an extension of the One+ System. And you will not have trouble finding them at the store. They’re hyper green and gray.

There are three different kits available. One kit is the Lithium Battery Upgrade Kit. As the name implies, it’s the new battery, a 2.4 amp-hour (Ah) design that works with all existing tools, and charger. The charger energizes any and all One+ batteries. Prepare to pay $99 for this battery upgrade.

For a paltry $60 more you can pick up the two-piece Lithium Power Drill Kit. This kit has the gear from the first kit plus an 18-volt, 24-position clutch drill with a 1/2″-sleeveless chuck in addition to a high-intensity flashlight with a swivel head.

Feeling extra flush? The four-piece Lithium Power Tool Kit includes a 5-1/2″ circular saw with a left-side blade design (you can see the cut line more easily), a variable-speed reciprocating saw, an extra battery as well as the tools from the two-piece kit , all this for $259.

We’ll use and test these tools in the coming weeks then report back our thoughts. In the meantime, if you want have a large “Honey-do” list around your home or shop, you might want to grab one of these deals right away. The kits are rolling out to Home Depot stores now.

, Glen D. Huey