Ryobi vs. Craftsman: 6 Tools You Can Only Get From Ryobi
Both Ryobi and Craftsman have long been recognized as dependable tool brands geared towards affordability, making them popular choices for DIY enthusiasts and casual users. While Craftsman boasts a slightly stronger reputation for durability – a legacy built over nearly a century – Ryobi has surged in popularity in recent years thanks to its expanding lineup of cordless power tools. Ryobi now offers a vast array of tools and accessories, ranging from compact USB-powered gadgets to full-sized riding mowers, catering to a wide spectrum of needs, from woodworking and automotive projects to lawn care and plumbing. In some cases, Ryobi provides tools unavailable from Craftsman, making it the necessary choice for specific applications. Here are six such tools.
The Ryobi 6-Amp AC Biscuit Joiner: Precision Woodworking
Biscuit joiners aren’t essential for every woodworking project, but they can significantly strengthen joints and offer a valuable addition to any workshop. The fact that they aren’t universally needed may explain why Craftsman doesn’t manufacture one, but many woodworkers – both professionals and hobbyists – appreciate the precision they offer. Ryobi caters to this demand with its 6-amp AC Biscuit Joiner, complete with its own branded biscuits.
The Ryobi 6-amp AC Biscuit Joiner allows for cutting angles between 0 and 135 degrees, featuring positive stops at key angles like 45 and 90 degrees. Cutting depth is also adjustable, accommodating #0, #10, and #20 biscuits. A carbide-tipped blade ensures precise cuts, while the 6-amp motor generates up to 11,000 rpm, capable of handling even harder woods. The tool’s metal fences with rack and pinion adjustment, coupled with an ergonomic handle, enhance usability during extended projects.
The Ryobi 6-amp AC Biscuit Joiner Kit (model JM83K), including a dust bag, storage bag, and #10 biscuits, is currently available at Home Depot for $179.
Ryobi 18V One+ Fogger: Targeted Chemical Dispensing
For gardeners and landscapers, the Ryobi 18V One+ Fogger provides an effective way to dispense herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and other essential chemicals. While Craftsman offers a Mosquito Repellent Deet Free Outdoor Device and sprayers, it lacks a dedicated fogger like Ryobi’s. The difference between fog, mist, and liquid dispensing is significant, making a fogger the ideal choice for certain applications.
This cordless, handheld tool allows for application across large properties. Lightweight and boasting a half-gallon capacity, it’s easily transported. A simple trigger mechanism controls operation, spraying up to 15 feet and covering 1,000 sq-ft per minute. A single charge can cover up to 10,000 square feet, minimizing interruptions. The translucent tank allows for easy identification of the chemical being used.
The Ryobi 18V One+ Fogger (model P2805BTL) is available from Home Depot for $75.
USB Lithium Power Cutter: The Modern Pair of Scissors
The Ryobi USB Lithium Power Cutter has gained popularity for its compact size, lightweight design, and convenient USB recharging capability – eliminating the need for a dedicated charger. More than just a convenience, this tool functions as a powered alternative to traditional scissors, making it incredibly useful for a variety of tasks.
Its primary function – effortlessly opening packages, including notoriously difficult plastic clamshells – is a game-changer for those lacking the grip strength or dexterity for manual scissors. It can also be used on leather, rubber, and carpets. It’s surprising that more brands, like Craftsman, haven’t developed a similar device.
The tool features an integrated guideline for straight cuts and a self-sharpening blade for longevity. Like other USB Lithium devices, it includes an LED fuel gauge and a USB-C port for charging other devices. The Ryobi USB Lithium Power Cutter Kit (model FVC51K), including a 2 Ah battery and charging cable, is currently available from Home Depot for $49.97, a $10 discount from its usual price.
40V HP Ice Auger: Beyond the Garden
Craftsman offers a Cordless Multi-use Garden Tool that can function as an earth auger, but it doesn’t extend to the specialized realm of ice fishing. Ryobi fills this niche with its 40V HP cordless Ice Auger. While visually similar, ice augers and earth augers are distinct tools and shouldn’t be used interchangeably. Ryobi’s ice auger includes a crucial ice bit and delivers significantly more torque than its earth auger counterpart.
According to Ryobi, this battery-powered auger offers 30% more torque than gas-powered models, generating 54 ft-lbs of torque and spinning at up to 200 rpm. Weighing 34 pounds, it’s designed for portability, essential for winter ice fishing trips. The tool is engineered to minimize vibration without sacrificing power, enhancing control and comfort. It offers versatile operation with low, high, and reverse speed settings.
The Ryobi 40V HP Ice Auger Kit (model RY40712), including a 4 Ah battery, charger, and 8-inch auger bit, is available at Home Depot for $299.
Mud Mixer + Cement Mixer: Heavy-Duty Mixing Solutions
The Ryobi 18V One+ HP ½-inch Mud Mixer is a cordless, handheld tool designed for effortlessly mixing thick materials like paint, cement, grout, mortar, plaster, or drywall joint compound. Craftsman currently does not offer a comparable tool. For larger projects requiring substantial mixing, manual labor is often impractical. Ryobi also offers a Portable Cement Mixer to keep materials in motion and prevent drying during use, a product also absent from Craftsman’s catalog.
Ryobi’s 18V One+ HP ½-inch Mud Mixer features a powerful brushless motor capable of delivering up to 800 rpm. Six adjustable speed settings allow users to tailor the power to the material being mixed, conserving battery life. Ryobi claims the mixer can handle over 30 buckets per charge. It includes a steel chuck compatible with standard ½-inch paddles and integrated chuck key storage. Weighing only 7 pounds, it’s highly portable and easy to operate.
The Ryobi Concrete Mixer has a 5-cubic-foot capacity and features integrated wheels for easy maneuverability. It includes the barrel, stand assembly, and mixing tines. Powered by a ½-horsepower motor, it operates on a standard 120V circuit.
The Ryobi 18V One+ HP ½-inch Mud Mixer (model PBLMM01B) is available from Home Depot for $199. The Ryobi Portable Cement Mixer (model RMX001) is available from Home Depot for $349.
Ultimately, while both Ryobi and Craftsman offer valuable tools for DIYers, Ryobi’s broader and more specialized lineup provides solutions for projects that Craftsman simply doesn’t address.
