Ryobi Rotary Tool: 6 Considerations Before You Buy

The Ryobi rotary tool is one of the latest, decently built competitors to the Dremel rotary tool. With several different variations, battery powered options, stands, and accessories to match, the Ryobi rotary tool may give the Dremel a bit of competition.

What is a Ryobi rotary tool?

Let’s break this down a bit.

Ryobi is a brand that has sold tools for DIYers and woodworkers since the 1970s. In the 90’s, a major global tool company, Techtronic Industries (TTI), bought the rights to sell Ryobi tools in America. While not a bad brand for DIYers and hobbyists, professionals and contractors have generally looked down on Ryobi tools because of inferior quality and inability for the tools to last for a long time.

In the last few years, though, Ryobi has been doing a pretty good job of improving the quality of their products. But just so you know, if you are new to woodworking or DIY projects, simply mentioning Ryobi in a group is bound to start a ton of back and forth about the quality of the tools and how you should “NeVeR bUy ThEm!”

Personally, I own quite a few Ryobi tools. Why? Well, they were a cheap set of power tools compared to DeWalt or Milwaukee that I could outfit my whole shop with quickly and affordably. And, I don’t feel like I really sacrificed on quality.

I have never had a problem with any of them or their batteries, which leads me to believe that a lot of talk about how terrible they are is left over, die hard memories of a past when maybe the Ryobi brand was just not that great. Or from professionals who use tools for 8 or more hours a day and pretty much burn out anything that is not professional grade.

So what is a Ryobi rotary tool?

A rotary tool is handheld power tool that is either battery operated or corded. It is similar to a drill in that the action is a spinning, and yes, you can actually use one as a small handheld drill or use a drill press set up

The main difference is that the primary purpose of a rotary tool is to carve, sand, buff, cut, and shape designs into small to large work pieces. They can help DIYers sand off glue, increase a small holes size, and any number of any other tasks. With the right attachment, it can also act as a small cut off saw, make router like cuts, and act like a scroll saw or jigsaw.

For the wood worker, a rotary tool is almost as valuable as table saw. A lot of people in wood working groups talk about how it is an unsung hero of the workshop because of the many different roles it can fulfill. And between the too, I use my rotary tool far more frequently than the table saw.

Features to consider before buying a Ryobi rotary tool

Before you jump in and buy a Ryobi rotary tool, you should take some time to get to know what it has to offer.

First, there is more than one Ryobi rotary tool available for sale. This gives you several options to consider that may work better for your needs.

Ryobi has been pushing a lot of their HP brushless, battery operated tools lately. Their rotary tools are no exceptions with primarily battery operated versions available and only two corded rotary tools. Their selection is not quite as large as Dremel’s, but it does seem competitive with what they have to offer.

The following are the available Ryobi rotary tool options available for sale.

Features available in every type of Ryobi rotary tool

Each Ryobi rotary tool comes with similar features to other models. Some common features to consider include:

• Each Ryobi rotary tool (except the small, USB lithium battery powered models which come with 2 year warranties) come with a 3 year warranty
• Batteries (same warning as above) also have their own 3 year warranty
• Ryobi and other brand accessories will fit every Ryobi rotary tool
• Each model comes with a wrench to change accessories
• Most Ryobi rotary tool models include an assortment of accessories or attachments with small cases to hold them

Where to buy a Ryobi rotary tool

You can purchase a Ryobi rotary tool in a few different spots, including:

• Amazon: The online super store often offers Ryobi tools from different sellers. They are not always the most up to date models, so double check the model you are considering with the one they offer to make sure.
• Home Depot: Home Depot sells Ryobi tools as a flagship brand. You can shop either online or in your local store. You can also ship the Ryobi rotary tool of your choice to your local store for pick up or your home, typically with free shipping.
• Ryobi’s website: Ryobi lists their most recent models and new offerings, but they will open a cart from Home Depot if you select a tool on their site.
• Second-hand sites: Facebook Marketplace and other shops, like eBay, often have options to purchase Ryobi tools, like a rotary tool. Sometimes people sell unopened, sometimes pieces junk. Just use caution when shopping used models from individuals selling them.

When to buy Ryobi tools

Ryobi tools go on sale at least once a year during Ryobi Days. Home Depot runs this special every year around May or June. They offer:

• discounts
• free tool with purchase of a battery pack
• extra tool with value pack purchase
• other deals

It is a great time to update your Ryobi rotary tool, get new batteries, or check out other Ryobi products.

During the holidays, Home Depot often runs specials on a lot of their tools and other products, so it may be worth checking out some of those specials too. You may also find you prefer a different brand and find a good deal on that instead during the holiday season.

Top 6 considerations before buying a Ryobi rotary tool

Here are some of the top considerations before getting yourself a Ryobi rotary tool:

1. Versatility: Though not often thought of as a workhorse of the workshop, the reality is many woodworkers use a rotary tool nearly every day they are in the shop. Many models of Ryobi rotary tool should hold up to daily use.
2. Cost: Ryobi rotary tools are competitively priced with similar size Dremel rotary tools. Though you will likely be happy with either option, if you already have a a lot of Ryobi batteries, it may be worth getting a Ryobi rotary tool over the Dremel version.
3. Accessories: Ryobi rotary tools all have a 1/8 collet size, meaning they will fit any compatible brand of accessory. Many of them come with a quick change collet, which allows for quick, tool free changes of accessories. You don’t have to only get Ryobi rotary tool accessories, so if you see a Dremel accessory or other brand you like, just make sure it fits the 1/8″ collet.
4. Brushless model: Ryobi offers a brushless version of their rotary tool. Brushless means there is less wear and tear on the motor, which can increase performance and lifetime of the tool. If you want it to last a while, you may want to consider their brushless model.
5. Use of batteries: Most of Ryobi rotary tool models use batteries, which means you will likely want to get more batteries or get a spare when you get one. For some, this may be a turn off. Competitors, like Dremel, offer a decent number of corded options if you prefer.
6. User reviews: A lot of the collection of rotary tools is newer with only a few reviews. However, like many of their products, the rotary tools get generally high marks from users, which means at least a decent number of people are pleased with their purchase.

FAQs

Someone, maybe even you, asked these questions. So here are some answers that may help.

Can Ryobi rotary tool use Dremel bits?

Yes, any Ryobi rotary tool can use Dremel bits or accessories. Similarly, if you have a Dremel, you can use Ryobi rotary accessories.

What is a Ryobi rotary tool used for?

Rotary tools are great for a variety of tasks and projects, such as:

• sawing off small pieces of wood, nails, or other materials
• adding fine detail work to a project
• cutting plastic or metal
• making detailed cuts
• as a drill
• clean out or widen a hole in wood
• as a polisher
• remove rust
• sanding small pieces

What bits fit in RYOBI rotary tool?

Double check you model, but most Ryobi rotary tools accept 1/8″ to 1/4″ bits. You can use any competitor brand you prefer, have easy access to, or goes on sale.

Take away

Ryobi has really been moving into the crafter and carver space of woodworking lately with their wide variety of rotary tool models. Many of their models are battery operated, which some people may not like. But if you already have a decent number of Ryobi batteries, it should not be much of an issue.

Their tools accept any brand of accessories and bits that fit in about 1/8″ to 1/4″ collet. Most also come with a quick release for a tool free change of bits.

Overall, the quality of Ryobi rotary tools is decent. They are one of the first actual competitors to Dremel’s rotary tools that I’ve seen.

Need more help?

If you are still building your workshop, check out these other posts about some Ryobi tool options:

• Handheld planer
• Scroll saw
• Table saws
• Circular saws
• Miter saws
• Jigsaws

Need help choosing between a miter saw (chop saw) and table saw? Check out the benefits and draw backs of each in this comparison post.

And if you are new to wood working or DIY, check out this post of suggestions for getting started.