BEST RYOBI TOOLS – MY TOP 10 MUST HAVE RYOBI TOOLS
written by Mads
Last updated: February 2026
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Quick Answer
The best Ryobi tool is the Impact Wrench 18V ONE+ Brushless.
It’s the most versatile and the one I use the most for car work and DIY projects.
My personal experience with Ryobi power tools
After I published the article about my move from air tools to power tools, I got tons of questions – mostly: what are the best Ryobi tools?
Short answer: I use a lot more than ten.
But these are the ones I actually reach for all the time – in the garage and for DIY projects.
👉 Important: I bought and use all of these tools myself. No sponsored picks.
Working on cars?
Check out my dedicated guide:
→ Best Ryobi Tools for Working on Cars
IF YOU JUST WANT ONE — GET THIS
🥇 RYOBI IMPACT WRENCH 18V ONE+ BRUSHLESS
If you’re working on cars, this is the one tool that changes everything.
Powerful enough for basically any bolt (up to 400 Nm), reliable, and the tool I use the most. From changing tires to building a full deck — it just works.
→ Best for: cars, heavy bolts, real work
All time favourites
1. Ryobi Impact Wrench 18V ONE+ brushless
The first Ryobi tool I bought – and still the one I use the most.
Up to 400 Nm of torque, 3 speeds, and surprisingly versatile (even works with hex bits). I’ve used it for countless tire changes and construction work.
Battery life is excellent, and going brushless was absolutely the right call.
→ Best for: cars, wheels, heavy duty work
2. Ryobi Angle Grinder 18V ONE+ brushless
Everyone needs one at some point.
I had to cut out old shocks on my Saab 900 – impossible without it. Lightweight, easy to handle, and the adjustable handle makes it super flexible.
Disc changes are quick, and the tool stores the spanner itself (small detail, big win).
→ Best for: cutting, metal work, stubborn parts
3. Ryobi Drill Driver 18V ONE+ brushless
This is the perfect all-rounder.
Great grip, ideal size, and very easy to work with. I actually bought two – one for drilling, one for driving screws. Saves a lot of time.
→ Best for: DIY, woodwork, everyday use
4. Ryobi 270 Degree LED Work Light 18V ONE+
Underrated but incredibly useful.
950 lumens are more than enough for engine work or working underneath a car. The 270° rotation and hook make it super flexible.
→ Best for: garage lighting, working at night
5. Ryobi Power Ratchet 18V ONE+
One of my absolute favourites.
Perfect for tight spaces, lightweight, and very easy to control. Once you have it, you won’t go back.
→ Best for: tight spaces, engine work
6. Ryobi Jig Saw 18V ONE+ brushless
Replaced my old wired jigsaw after ~25 years.
This one is light, quiet, and just fun to use. Used it for custom Porsche door cards and more.
→ Best for: precision cuts, interior work
7. Ryobi Circular Saw 18V ONE+ brushless
Bought this mainly for building a pool deck.
Strong, precise, and cuts up to 60mm. Bonus: battery compatibility across all tools.
→ Best for: construction, wood projects
8. Ryobi Orbit Sander 18V ONE+
Great for both sanding and polishing.
Used it for car prep and woodworking. Works with standard pads and can be connected to a vacuum.
→ Best for: surface prep, finishing work
9. Ryobi 18V 4Ah Lithium-Ion High Capacity Battery Kit
Honestly impressive performance.
Long runtime, reliable, and worth going original instead of aftermarket (seen the difference first-hand).
→ Best for: extending runtime, reliability
10. Ryobi Battery Fast Charger 18V, Lithium-Ion & Ni-Cd
Faster than the standard charger and very practical.
Mounted mine on the wall. If you use multiple batteries, this makes a big difference.
→ Best for: fast workflow, multiple batteries
One more thing: Ryobi Power Inflator for Tires 18V ONE+
Super handy.
I always have it in the trunk when going to the track. No compressor needed, just plug in a battery and go.
→ Best for: on-the-go tire pressure
NOT SURE WHERE TO START?
If you’re just getting into Ryobi, here’s what I’d do:
- Working on cars? → Impact Wrench
- DIY / home projects? → Drill Driver
- Garage setup? → Ratchet + Work Light
FINAL THOUGHTS
Not all my Ryobi tools fit in my Hazet tool storage, but the ones I use most are always within reach. Everything else lives in the basement workshop – with custom shadow boards to keep things organized.
If you’re interested in that setup, let me know.
Looking for more Ryobi setups? → View all Ryobi tool guides
RYOBI TOOLS – FAQ
What are the best Ryobi tools to start with?
If you’re just getting started, go for the essentials:
- Impact Wrench → for cars
- Drill Driver → for DIY
- Battery + Fast Charger → for a solid setup
These three will cover most use cases right away.
Are Ryobi tools good enough for car work?
Yes – especially for DIY and garage work.
I’ve used them for everything from changing tires to suspension work. For most non-professional use, they offer more than enough power and reliability.
Is Ryobi better than Milwaukee or DeWalt?
It depends on how you use your tools.
- Ryobi → best value for money, great for DIY & enthusiasts
- Milwaukee / DeWalt → more heavy-duty, but also more expensive
For most people, Ryobi hits the sweet spot.
Which Ryobi tool is the most useful?
If I had to pick just one:
👉 Impact Wrench
It’s the tool I use the most and the one that makes the biggest difference when working on cars.
Are Ryobi batteries interchangeable?
Yes – that’s one of the biggest advantages.
All Ryobi ONE+ 18V tools use the same battery system, which makes expanding your setup very easy.
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