Ryobi or Dewalt?
Features of Ryobi and Dewalt
History and Track Record
Owned by Stanley Black & Decker, DeWalt has earned its reputation in the power tool industry. It is known for being a reliable and trustworthy brand. DeWalt got their beginning in 1924 from Raymond Dewalt who introduced the radial arm saw.
DeWalt tools has changed hands a few times since the 1920s and was sold to the American Machine & Foundry in 1949 before finally settling into a more permanent home under Stanley Black & Decker.
Ryobi is a younger company than DeWalt. It was founded in 1943 by Yutaka Urakami. Ryobi actually got its start creating die-cast items. Until much later, in 1968, the brand entered into the power tools market. Ryobi focuses its efforts on two main markets, specifically the Ryobi Power Tools and the Ryobi Outdoor Equipment lines.
Price Point and Warranty
If you are looking for decent quality at an affordable price tag, Ryobi is our professional recommendation. Because of the lower prices, Ryobi power tools do not come with a very extensive warranty, but it’s still quite decent compared to other brands.
Their power tools have either a 2 or 3-year manufacturer warranty while their big outdoor power tools have up to 5 years. Ryobi’s handheld tool line comes with a limited lifetime warranty. While it sounds like good coverage, it’s still not as comprehensive as DeWalt tools.
DeWalt offers a 30-day money-back guarantee in addition to either 3 or 7-year limited warranties depending on the products you choose. However, the brand is more generous with their lifetime warranties and some of their corded and cordless tools plus handheld tools feature limited lifetime protection.
DeWalt comes with a higher cost but also more protection, which is why our team of contractors prefer Dewalt for this category.
Proprietary Technology
The reputation and popularity of a woodworking machine is no longer just about the brand, but it is also about the technology. DeWalt batteries are known to be excellent with FlexVolt and Dewalt 20V Max lines. The FlexVolt allows you to switch between voltages depending on what you need. The 20V Max is a lithium-ion battery [1] giving enough power for long working hours.
DeWalt has the ToolConnect, an added bonus feature on some of their tools. It makes operation enjoyable for professional users and DIYers alike. ToolConnect enables DeWalt power tools to be Bluetooth-ready and allows you to track your tools via the compatible app.
Ryobi is known for the One+ system. This line is made up of 18V power tools and outdoor tools that all work with the same battery and charger. You can have a multi-tool workshop that only requires one type of battery and charger. The One+ system is powered by 18V lithium-ion batteries.
Our team of professional woodworkers favor DeWalt tools over Ryobi, because the ToolConnect plus efficient lithium-ion batteries blow all the competition out of the water.
Brushless Drills: Ryobi and DeWalt
The drill is a basic power tool that every contractor, homeowner, DIYer or professional needs in their tool box. Both Ryobi and DeWalt have brushless motors on their cordless drill. A brushless motor on Ryobi vs DeWalt tools will allow various speed settings as well as torque and voltage adjustments depending on what you’re working on.
Table Saw: Ryobi and DeWalt
Table saws usually feature the same abilities regardless of the brand. Aside from cordless power tools, Ryobi offers table saws as does DeWalt. As respected power tool brands, both table saw lines offer durability and dependability. You can find small compact benchtop table saws, jobsite options and ones that have wheeled stands.
Our expert contractors concluded DeWalt to be the winner of this section because of the selection they offer. DeWalt has a total of 8 table saw models while Ryobi has 5.
Miter Saw: Ryobi and Dewalt
Ryobi is a younger brand that got a later start in the power tool industry. While the brand is comparable to their competitors’ efficiency by incorporating brushless motor technology into their affordable tools, their downfall is the variety of power tools they offer.
Combo Kits
If you choose the Ryobi 6-tool kit, you get a Ryobi cordless drill, circular saw, reciprocating saw, an impact driver and a multi-tool. What’s great about Ryobi is they offer two batteries so you can work while one is charging. Ryobi has other combo kits with more or fewer pieces that can match your needs.
However, Ryobi construction tools cannot handle grueling work for 8 hours every day. If you’re a professional woodworker or contractor that needs to use cordless drills from the combo kit and a hammer drill, then DeWalt is the better tool brand.
A DeWalt 6-piece combo kit comes with a reciprocating saw, a circular saw, impact driver, drill, LED work light and a battery plus charger. DeWalt only offers one battery, which could be a con to some users. DeWalt has great tools that can outlast Ryobi tools if we look at durability alone.
Impact Drivers
Battery Quality
Ryobi is a good entry-level choice for consumers, and their products can handle the job well. However, DeWalt remains the winner due to its lithium batteries. DeWalt lithium-ion batteries are 20V, while Ryobi’s are only 18V.
Ryobi batteries have a long lifespan, but DeWalt offers more variety in terms of battery power and technology. If you work in the construction industry, then our team’s recommendation is to opt for Dewalt batteries.
Ergonomics: Ryobi and DeWalt
Product Selections of Ryobi and DeWalt
As you have noticed, Ryobi is not known for their product line but more for its affordable range of options. Chainsaws that were made by Ryobi focus on power tools such as the compact drill, saws and hammer drills to larger outdoor machinery. They also offer handheld tools. DeWalt has an extensive range of products, each with more choices than Ryobi.
You can find accessories such as a driver kit and base lithium batteries from both brands, but this section of the Ryobi rivalry with Dewalt ends with the latter as the winner yet again.
FAQ
Is Ryobi better than Dewalt?
Overall Winner: DeWalt
Our team has chosen DeWalt as the winner in this comparison. The brand does not only have more presence as in the power tool market, but it provides a wide range of options and offers better warranty coverage. From the quality of the tools to additional technologies such as FlexVolt and ToolConnect, DeWalt is an excellent brand for all.
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