So I picked up a Ryobi router

[Greenman]

And it's a pretty good tool.
I needed a router on the job the other day, and my 15 year old Porter Cable was stolen a few weeks back, so I grabbed a Ryboi from the Homey because it was close and cheap. I'm very pleasantly surprised, it's a good tool. Well designed, appears to be well made, and does the job.

I've always considered Ryobi to be the upper end of junk equipment, I may have to rethink that position. They might end up being my go to for limited use or disposable tools. If they make a worm drive saw I'll defiantly buy it, my guys murder skilsaws very quickly, generally by dropping them off a roof. I hate watching $200 slide over the edge and disappear.

 

[DrPizza]

Every once in a while, you get lucky with a power tool. 2 Chistmases ago, I picked up a set of HDX nailers at HD. It's the only thing I've ever purchased an extended warranty on. I think the price had dropped down to 70 bucks by Christmas. Finishing, brad, pin, and crown stapler, all for $70. No way they're going to last, I thought. I'm on my 3rd box of finishing nails now; the finishing nailer has put in about 4500 nails so far, and it's still working like brand new. I just wish the little foot on it didn't leave black marks on the wood so easily.

I also have the Ryobi router - but haven't used enough routers to be able to comment one way or the other about its quality.

 

[Humpy]

The nicest 4" angle grinder I've ever used was a Ryobi. It was smooth and quiet compared to the usual racket they make. I had borrowed it on a jobsite for just one cut so it was just a first impression.

My favorite disposable chop saw used to be the $99 Ryobi 10". Probably bought 8 or 10 of them over the years. My father and I each still have survivors ~10 years old that spent the first half of their lives being beat to shit as utility saws on commercial jobs.

 

[echo4747]

The nicest 4" angle grinder I've ever used was a Ryobi. It was smooth and quiet compared to the usual racket they make. I had borrowed it on a jobsite for just one cut so it was just a first impression.

My favorite disposable chop saw used to be the $99 Ryobi 10". Probably bought 8 or 10 of them over the years. My father and I each still have survivors ~10 years old that spent the first half of their lives being beat to shit as utility saws on commercial jobs.

I had very bad luck with a ryobi 4' angle grinder. It last me probably 2hrs if that. On the other hand I also have a 10" ryobi chop saw that is at least 6yrs old. Its been abused badly and still works well. I also have a cheapo ryobi table saw, which seems ok so far, for the little bit I use it

 

[Micrornd]

Every once in a while, you get lucky with a power tool. 2 Chistmases ago, I picked up a set of HDX nailers at HD. It's the only thing I've ever purchased an extended warranty on. I think the price had dropped down to 70 bucks by Christmas. Finishing, brad, pin, and crown stapler, all for $70. No way they're going to last, I thought. I'm on my 3rd box of finishing nails now; the finishing nailer has put in about 4500 nails so far, and it's still working like brand new. I just wish the little foot on it didn't leave black marks on the wood so easily.

Those HDX air nailers are actually Freeman air nailers.
I liked mine so much, I picked up the HDX angled framing nailer.
Just remember to oil them and they will last.

You might want to try cleaning the foot, mine doesn't leave any marks on the pine, birch, poplar, red oak, white oak or cherry I've used it on.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Ryobi isn't the best, no, but they're usually alright.

Definitely a step up or three from friggin' Performax, Tool Shop, or whatever Harbor Freight is selling.

 

[Subyman]

I consider them mid level consumer-grade. It should last a few years of light duty. I recently picked up a Bosche router that has been really nice. The soft start is a good feature. I don't use it too often except to mortise doors and rabbit channels for trim work or frames.

 

[Greenman]

I consider them mid level consumer-grade. It should last a few years of light duty. I recently picked up a Bosche router that has been really nice. The soft start is a good feature. I don't use it too often except to mortise doors and rabbit channels for trim work or frames.

Bosch is pretty solid all the way around, I have their top of the line jig saw, it's very well thought out, and they make a rotohammer that's hard to beat. I like Fesstool as well, but their prices are insane, I paid $450 for a freaking sander. I'll grant that it's far and away the best sander I've ever used, but for that price it should with a gram of coke and a cute hooker.

 

[Subyman]

Best I could justify is a Hilti drill set when my dewalt ends up going out. I've got a 20V dewalt lithium impact and drill set that have held up well to daily use. I don't think I'll ever get near Festool due to price.

 

[Greenman]

Best I could justify is a Hilti drill set when my dewalt ends up going out. I've got a 20V dewalt lithium impact and drill set that have held up well to daily use. I don't think I'll ever get near Festool due to price.

The only Hilti tool I own is an electric jack hammer. Other than that, I've never considered Hilti tools. I should have a look at them