The $40 Tire Inflator: A Tool That Saves Time and Money
My Ryobi tire inflator, which can reach up to 160 PSI, has saved me countless quarters and trips to gas stations. It costs around $40, often on sale for $25. The tool is compact and reliable, making it a valuable addition to any vehicle. It's particularly useful for inflating bike tires and soccer balls, and the built-in gauge is accurate enough for most needs. The only minor issue is that it reads slightly high, but this is easily corrected with a separate gauge. For $40, it's a great investment that pays for itself quickly.
The Random Orbit Sander: Transforming Outdoor Furniture
I acquired a rusty cedar bench from a neighbor and used a Ryobi random orbit sander to restore it. The tool costs around $60, with sale prices often dropping to $35. The sander's random motion leaves no swirl marks, making it ideal for smoothing rough wood surfaces. I used a coarse disc to remove weathering and then worked up to finer grits until the slats were smooth. The bench now looks like new and serves as a comfortable seating option for my patio. For a tool that often costs less than a meal out, the random orbit sander handles a part of the project that people actually notice.
The Power Inverter: A Portable Power Solution
The Ryobi power inverter, which costs around $99, can be purchased for as low as $40 during sales. It allows me to bring a real wall socket and USB ports to far corners of my yard, such as the back fence of my property. This tool is particularly useful for powering small devices during home repairs or yard work. The inverter is a cost-effective solution for odd jobs and can be used with any ONE+ battery, making it a versatile addition to my tool kit.
The Spot Cleaner: A Must-Have for Pool Season
The Ryobi spot cleaner, priced around $99, is a cordless handheld unit that can be used to clean car seats. It's particularly useful for removing sunscreen and pool water stains from car seats. The tool is available on sale for around $70, making it a cost-effective option for those who frequently use their vehicles at the pool or beach. The spot cleaner has proven its worth by saving me from having to replace wet car seats, and it's a must-have for anyone who spends a lot of time in their vehicle during the summer.
The Heat Gun: A Tool for Tight Bolts
A rusted bolt on my vehicle's skid plate had seized so tight that I was one wrench-pull away from losing it. The Ryobi heat gun, which can reach up to 875 degrees in about 10 seconds, solved the problem. The tool costs around $89, with sale prices often dropping to $60. The heat gun has been used for smaller jobs, such as lifting a sunken screw, and it's a handy tool for removing stubborn fasteners.
Conclusion
These five Ryobi tools have proven their worth over the years, with many under $100 and often on sale. They have significantly improved my home and yard work, offering value well beyond their price point. Whether it's saving time and money, transforming outdoor furniture, providing a portable power solution, cleaning car seats, or removing stubborn fasteners, these tools are worth considering for any DIY enthusiast or homeowner.