Tool Box Buzz

A couple weeks ago I sat down over dinner with an executive of Techtronic Industries to talk about the new tools for 2013 from both RIDGID and RYOBI. This is the second time I’ve done this and it is always enlightening to hear about the tool industry from a brand insider. Besides chatting about the tools and industry he gave me a flash drive full of all the details for this years tools that I can share with you. Here are the three that I think are the most impressive.

High Capacity ONE+ Batteries

The Lithium+ batteries technically came out last year but I didn’t get my hands on them until more recently. I’ve been using them in constant rotation since Sunday to power the RYOBI fan we reviewed last year. The thing seems to run forever on the 4 Ah battery (a lot longer than I care to time anyway). The list of claims is quite impressive and in my use so far many of the claims have proven true. The Lithium+ batteries are a huge upgrade if you’re rocking the ONE+ system. They can be purchased at the Home Depot.

• Compared to 18V ONE+ Ni-Cd (P100):o Up to 4X runtimeo Improves the performance of Ryobi 18V ONE+ tools up to 35%o 20% lighter weight reduces user fatigueo Extreme Weather Performanceo On-board fuel gauge to “Check Your Charge”™o Fade-free power for maximum performance

  o Holds charge 4X longer

Universal Shank Jig Saw Blades

Raise your hand if you’ve ever stood in front of the jig saw blades at the store and tried to remember if you have U or T shank blades? Oh, everyone? RYOBI now has blades with a design that fits both. Don’t stand there and wonder what shank style your jiggy takes just grab a set of these and you’re in business. They come in 5, 10, and 20 piece sets from $5-15 at Home Depot.

• Universal Shank fits “U” and “T”
• Bi-Metal and High Carbon steel blades
• Multi-application kits

TEK4 Right Angle Drill

New TEK4 Right Angle Drill from RYOBI

My favorite new tool coming out of RYOBI this year is the new addition to the 4V TEK4 line. This right angle drill is small, like tiny small. It’s perfect for really tight compact spaces. It’s a great lightweight tool for many household projects. This should be hitting stores October or November 2013.

• Ultra-compact design allows use in tight spaces and overhead areas
• 1/4in. SpeedLoad+® chuck makes changing bits easy, and works with all hex shank bits
• Built-in Tri-Beam™ LED light provides optimum illumination and eliminates shadows on work surface
• 3-Position switch easily changes from forward, reverse, and light-only mode

Other Notable Tools

There were a number of other tools as well some of which we’ve already reviewed here on TBB. Specifically the ONE+ Brad Nailer we recently reviewed is an awesome tool. So awesome that they’ve had a hard time keeping it in stock. Be sure to visit either RYOBI Nation or your local Home Depot to check out all the rest of the new offerings from RYOBI.

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