Ryobi ONE+ Cordless Platform

One of the largest and most innovative power tool manufacturers in the world, Ryobi have won over a dedicated following in the gardening and DIY sector with their distinctive lime green machines, several of which offer some unique and inspiring features. Here, Tooled Up takes a closer look at their ONE+ cordless platform.

ONE Battery Fits All

Integral to all tools in the range is the Lithium+ battery that powers them, and these are available in capacities from 1.5ah up to 5ah; in fact Ryobi were the first manufacturer to release a 5ah lithium ion battery in the DIY marketplace, offering triple the runtime of the 1.5ah model and enabling users to drive up to 1,613 screws or drill 934 holes into pine on a single charge. Lithium+ batteries are specially designed to offer optimum results with ONE+ tools and have several integrated technologies to ensure ease of use and long lasting performance: an Intellicell intelligent monitoring system regulates power output for optimum efficiency and an electronic protection circuit automatically shuts down the tool if it is being overloaded, preventing the battery and motor from suffering adverse affects created by overheating and excessive load conditions, thereby providing both your tool and battery with a longer lifetime. Additionally, all Lithium+ batteries have built in fuel gauges, enabling the user to instantly verify how much charge is remaining at any time. Every Lithium+ battery is compatible with any tool in the ONE+ range, which brings us onto our next subject…

ONE+ Power Tools

The ONE+ power tool range consists of a comprehensive selection of machines which are ideal for a multitude of DIY tasks and creative projects. As well as all the standard drills, saws and sanders common to the numerous cordless power tool platforms out there, the Ryobi ONE+ range also boasts a number of specialist tools, the likes of which are not typically found in this price class.

Firstly, the ONE+ user has a couple of cordless nail gun options available to them, providing a powerful and convenient fastening system without needing to invest in additional equipment like gas canisters or air compressors – instead, Ryobi’s AirStrike technology compresses air within the body of the tool, releasing it in powerful bursts to drive nails firmly into wood, plaster and flooring.

Of particular interest to woodworkers, Ryobi also manufacture one of the only cordless routers on the market; the Ryobi R18TR Trim Router. This ¼” trim router is ideal for routing on more complex projects where a power cable could easily get in the way, as well as quick and easy tasks around the workshop (or indeed anywhere) with minimal set up time.

Similarly, the Ryobi R18B cordless handheld polishing buffer stands out in a marketplace that has historically been dominated by corded electric machines. This compact and ergonomic power tool can provide up to 2 hours of runtime in conjunction with a 5ah Lithium+ battery, enabling many buffing and polishing jobs to be completed on a single charge. This is great for polishing your car without dragging an extension lead out into your driveway, and ideal for use on boats and other vehicles that are commonly stored away from power outlets.

Another machine which is likely to have seasoned power tool users doing a double take is the Ryobi R18BS cordless belt sander, the first of its kind when it was introduced to the market. This powerful stock removal tool is ideal for sanding outside, e.g on decking or garden furniture, and has an adjustable top handle which enables use right up against walls, corners and other obstacles.

ONE+ Garden Tools

Many of Ryobi’s ONE+ garden power tools feature innovative technologies designed to assist with the demands of outdoor applications. Firstly, several of the models in the range are higher powered machines which require a 36v supply; ordinarily this would make them incompatible with Lithium+ batteries, which are 18v. However, they operate on the Ryobi Lithium+ Fusion 36v principle, and instead of being powered by one 36v battery, they use two standard 18v Lithium+ batteries, enabling them to be incorporated into your existing tool collection without having to fork out on additional batteries and chargers. This provides an economical way to add power hungry machines like lawnmowers to your cordless tool kit.

Another unique feature of the ONE+ range is hybrid technology, which is employed in some of the available trimmers, blowers and lawnmowers like the Ryobi RLM18C36H225 Lawnmower pictured. This system enables the user to swap between corded and cordless operation as and when required, e.g by plugging into the mains for unlimited power when mowing close to the house, or unplugging and switching to Lithium+ battery power for mowing the further reaches of your lawn. This is a great feature that really provides the best of both worlds on those more demanding garden maintenance tasks.

Ryobi have always had a strong line in petrol garden tools alongside their lithium ion alternatives and the ONE+ Easy Start system effectively bridges the gap between them. The ONE+ Easy Start module is a starting aid which is powered by a Lithium+ battery and enables compatible petrol engine machines to be started quickly and easily at the push of a button, negating the need for repetitive and strenuous pulling of the starter cord.

Other ONE+ Tools

Several products in the ONE+ range are also ideal for general household use or for outdoor activities like camping and hiking. The Ryobi CHV182M for example is a cordless handheld vacuum cleaner which is ideal for quick clean up tasks around the home and in the car, as well as for vacuuming up debris and dust from DIY jobs. Portable lighting options like the Ryobi RFL180M handheld torch and Ryobi R18ALH worklight are ideal for outdoor activities, and the R18F cordless fan provides a supremely portable cooling solution for hot summer weather, providing up to 18 hours of runtime with a 5.0ah battery. For cleaning and removing condensation from windows, mirrors and other glass surfaces around the home, check out the R18WV Window Vac, which comes with an additional detergent spray bottle and cleaning pad. There is also a cordless Bluetooth speaker and digital radio in the ONE+ range: the Ryobi R18R, which can stream audio from up to 10 metres away and can provide over 24 hours of runtime on a single battery charge.

Conclusion

Hopefully this overview has given you an idea of some of the capabilities of Ryobi’s ONE+ line up. For more information on Ryobi’s corded, cordless and petrol power tool solutions be sure to check out our catalogue online, including our dedicated Ryobi ONE+ category. And if you’ve already invested in the ONE+ platform, what are your favourite tools in the range? Let us know in the comments below.