Here is the new cordless Ryobi 18V One+ flex-shaft rotary tool station (P460), which was mentioned or asked about by numerous readers after receiving an email newsletter Ryobi’s outlet store.
I have not seen the Ryobi cordless rotary tool before – and yes I’m calling it cordless because despite there being a flex-shaft for mechanical power transmission, it’s battery powered.
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The outlet store is selling “factory blemished” inventory, presumably from an early production run, as it’s not yet available anywhere else.
It’s actually technically inaccurate to describe this as a rotary tool, since it is essentially a flex-shaft tool. The motor itself is in the base station, and a handpiece as attached via flex-shaft. This allows for the handpiece to be substantially slimmer and more controllable and comfortable to use than a traditional rotary tool which puts the motor in your hand.
The Ryobi rotary tool base station can be mounted to a wall (or pegboard as shown here) to save some bench space. Or, you can rest it flat on a table or workbench. There are numerous screw keyhole slots on the back, which could allow for other mounting methods.
- Variable speed
- Up to 34,000 RPM
- 36″ flex-shaft
- 1/8″ collet size
- Includes 33 cutting, grinding, sanding, polishing accessories
- “On-board accessory collet accepts most accessories”
- Rubber feet on base to reduce slipping
- Integrated keyholes for mounting or storage
There’s even a built-in accessory storage area on the base station, with holes that could fit burs or other shafted bits.
Price: $89 for the kit
Buy Now(Kit via Home Depot)
Ryobi 18V One+ battery and charger are sold separately.
First Thoughts
What’s the runtime?
Is the handpiece detachable, and if so, can you use Foredom or other brands’ handpieces?
Will replacement flex-shafts be available? Collet nuts? (It looks to use Dremel-sized collets.)
There are separate on/off and variable speed controls, which is nice. However, there are typically two types of flex-shaft tool controls – dial-controlled, and foot pedal-controlled, with both having their own advantages. This Ryobi rotary tool looks to bring a lot of flex-shaft tool features and benefits to users, except for the option to use a foot pedal, and that’s a big one.
Flex-shaft tools are typically mounted next to the work area, by a hanger of some kind. I bought a base for mine so that I could use it on a benchtop, and find that it’s more awkward than hanging it, due to how the flex-shaft moves as hand positioning shifts while working.
The Ryobi flex-shaft tool has several keyhole mounts, two in the vertical direction and two in each horizontal direction, and so a user could potentially rig a bench accessory that can allow the motor base unit to be suspended wherever they want.
I think that this is going to be a hobbyist must-have, especially if the retail price isn’t too much higher than outlet store pricing for factory-blemished units.
While I have tons of questions, and I don’t think it’ll hold up to popular flex-shaft tools in regard to features, performance, or breadth of available accessories, it looks amazing.
Does it have to be cordless? Personally, I’d like to see Ryobi develop a renewed interest in corded benchtop power tools.
Lastly, I can’t help but wonder how a product like this gets brought into being. Do Ryobi or TTI North America have a running wishlist of products they wish existed for personal use? Because that sure seems like it. I can imagine the brainstorming session – “hey guys, wouldn’t it be great if we made a cordless flex-shaft rotary tool so that I could more easily work on carving, jewelry, hobbyist, or small fabrication products in my one-outlet garage?” *Thumbs up* Ryobi, whatever process you have for deciding what cordless power tools to come up and out with next, keep it up.
Jared
It is a very interesting-looking tool. Much like the soldering station, it seems the separate base design is the way to go if using 18v battery packs vs. something like Milwaukee’s rotary tool that can take advantage of the more compact battery form factor.
Any idea what the grey switches are for on the hand-piece?
Gosh Ryobi is clever. They’re going to force me to add another battery platform eventually.
OhioHead
On the base unit (mounted to the wall) the grey = on/off & variable speed dial, I wonder if they grey on the hand held is spindle lock for easier accessory removal.
Stuart
I’d bet that’s what it is. It’s too low on the handle to be anything else, and it can’t be power-related.
Jakobe
I think the handle switch is to lock it to switch accessroies. simialr to the dremel verisons.
Jared
My old comments sometimes entertain me.
I later bought a Ryobi inflator, then the glue gun and then this tool too. I really like this concept.
I sometimes wish I went with the M12 for one-handed operation, but this Ryobi is definitely more precise for benchtop tasks. This is absolutely something that should exist in the Dewalt and other pro brand lineups.
fred
Not the first of a kind – but $900 cheaper than the Foredom cordless:
https://www.amazon.com/Foredom-K-1030-Portable-Micromotor-Kit/dp/B010F7OOJK
I may look into it – might be nice to use while sitting on the beach or in a camp chair.
Bolt
Yeah it’d be great to take out on the deck.
Stuart
That Foredom is different in that it’s essentially a small rotary tool powered by a tethered battery pack, whereas the Ryobi has a flex-shaft connecting the motor and handpiece.
fred
Good observation – I missed that – thought the flex shaft was just an electrical connection.
Daniel Lawson
Yup I ordered mine as soon as I saw it, i also have dremel version but the battery version makes it more usable to take to a place with tight confines/no outlets nearby/2 minute job type thing.
Corey
Ryobi is killing it lately. Wouldn’t be a bad business plan if they were planning a red to Ryobi adapter down the pipe to tie together what I assume are their two biggest platforms. Bunch of Milwaukee owners would jump on Ryobi’s random super handy innovations, and Ryobi users would be more inclined to grab some top line batteries and open up the door to heavy duty pro tools.
Greg
That would be sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo good.
I keep drooling over all the Ryobi “little tools” but i dont want to invest into their battery system (from cost, clutter and environmental perspectives). Stuff that i wouldn’t necessarily buy if they were Milwaukee as I wouldn’t have the use for a heavy duty kind of application … just impulse buy for a small/occasional job.
I can keep dreaming …
glenn
Battery adaptor.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/MILWAUKEE-Battery-Adapter-to-Ryobi-18v-One-Works-with-Ryobi-18v-One-Tools/162425790044?hash=item25d154de5c:g:pE4AAOSwol5YwmM9:rk:1:pf:0
Greg
Oh. Interesting ! thanks !
Carlos
https://surebonder.com/products/mil-18v-ryobi%C2%AE-to-milwaukee%C2%AE-battery-adapter
They have the other major battery platforms as well, I got the Makita one to use the Ryobi inflator and I love it
https://surebonder.com/products/mak-18v-ryobi%C2%AE-to-makita%C2%AE-battery-adapter
Perry
I can definitely see this for craft shows, or hobbyists at events (train shows, r/c car events and races). I don’t know of a use in the trades that isn’t already filled by the smaller handhelds though.
Bolt
I’d like it more if was hybrid and if it cam with a wire bail for hanging it. I know I can make one but it seems like this sort of tool should come with one in the first place.
Aaron
I was going to say something snarky about this being a silly thing to make cordless but some of the other commenters already suggested use cases… So I guess I’m just preemptively eating my hat.
Jim Felt
Hmmm. I’ve got like three sizes of actual Dremel rotary tools and a big hanging variable speed Foredom.
And kinda on a whim a Bosch 12V Dremel-like rotary tool that takes all the same bits. Which I’ve yet to actually use.
I literally can’t think of a use for this lime-ish oddity.
Maybe it’s better for “carving” on a boat dock hammock? fred?
Eric
As mentioned in the other thread, I think this is a neat idea, and a nicer solution for me than a Dremel with the flex shaft.
I have had fantastic success with Direct Tools refurbished Ridgid items.
Bryan
Soon as HD has it in stock I’m in. This is the reason I bought into the Ryobi platform 2 years ago after investing in Milwaukee’s M18 stuff. They come out with tools that other brands don’t or are slow to release. I originally got into their platform for their 18v inflator/deflator, LED lights and radios both of which are reasonably priced and work great. I’ve since expanded into their brushless lineup and have their hammer drill, impact driver, angle grinder, recipe saw and jigsaw. I’ve been able to pick them up at a fraction of my Milwaukee fuel tools and they have performed great. Ryobi has really upped their game the last few years.
glenn
I hope we get this in Australia. I already have an M12 rotary tool for work on job sites but this would be a useful addition around the garage.
David White
Hi Glenn , just hit in OZ ,picked mine up yesterday,orsm bit of kit!
Tim
I got an official reply from Ryobi via Facebook. It will officially debut in may during the Ryobi days promotion.
ktash
My first power tool was a blue Ryobi corded drill. It was small and easy to use in tight spaces, but with a decent amount of power. That was well over 40 years ago. Still works. It was a Consumer Reports recommendation. Since then I’ve bought a number of Ryobi tools, most recently because of this type of innovation, reliability, and price point. Like the cordless brad and pin nailers that fit all those criteria.
I have two Dremels, but this looks tempting. The problem that this solves vs my Dremels is that it can be hung up somewhere conveniently with most used bits right there on the unit. With the Dremels, there are large second cases to take out, open, put away when done, etc. This is grab and go. Maybe I’ll think it over and wait for Ryobi Days.
David Zeller
It seems Toolguyd readers bought them out! Toolguyd should get a commission!
David Zeller
I just saw this was noted in the post. Never mind….
Stuart
Hehe.
I don’t think that Direct Tools has an affiliate program (honestly I didn’t even check), but even if they did, this might be the first time we ever linked to them.
TonyT
What about the Ryobi Uproar RC truck?
IIRC, at least last Christmas its was only available through Direct Tools
Diplomatic Immunity
Nice to see this as I really enjoy Ryobi’s desire to put out cordless tools that other manufacturers seem to skip over but genuine question “other than the flex shaft, being cheap in price, and being on Ryobi’s platform; wouldn’t a cordless die grinder be rather similar in operation and needs fulfillment in it’s operation?”
Stuart
Not quite.
Think paring knife vs chef knife. Sure, there might be some overlapping tasks, but if you need precision and control for intricate cuts, the paring knife is the better choice.
Neil H
The ranges of these ryobi tools is really impressive. The only problem is that they are ryobi. I want them all but would prefer them to be red or yellow 🙂
DrewBHAM
The listing for the flex-shaft rotary tool just showed up on the Home Depot web site. It comes as a kit with a 1.5 AH battery and a new style charger for $89.00 and is Internet purchase only right now. Its not available for purchase right now but maybe soon.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-18-Volt-ONE-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Rotary-Tool-Kit-with-1-5-Ah-Battery-and-18-Volt-Charger-P460KN/307677581
David Zeller
This is back in stock at Tools Direct for $60.
By the way, they have that propane heater for $60, too, if anyone is interested.
David
Jay
Ryobi is having a sale right now at my local home depot for 99.99 I got 2 3ah batteries and a compact charger and the rotary tool and carrying case.
BillyB
Just got mine for wood carving and it works great — plenty of torque and no bogging down. However, included flex shaft cannot be dismantled for cleaning and fresh grease, so probably shorter life. Replacements are $39 shipped from Ryobi. Dremel flex shafts are not compatible (I tried it). Also some other Dremel stuff not compatible (adjustable chuck, little “fan” thing, probably collets but not sure).
TLS
I doubt i would buy this because of the limits of the flex shaft.
Its to short and cagey to keep control off all of the time.
I have a number of wall powered (with a variable speed control between)
dremel type tools that i wired to use zipcord and DC power jacks and power
cords/extension cords…if i need them.
Of course…the limit of this is the power cord and wall outlet.
BUT if i could use the ryobi 18v/120v power converter to power
my set up, that would work.
I’ll have to check out the power requirements.
Jason drennen
I don’t like it. It doesn’t have Dremel threads so I can’t use my mini Chuck. The speed control isn’t smooth it’s kind of like incremental. Is very loud at full speed. The flex shaft is not interchangeable. Which means you can’t remove it and hookup normal tools just to the base which would be nice for grinding. I’m actually taking mine back today.
Chris
How did you mount this to your pegboard? I’d like to moint my ryobi charging station to my pegboard as well. Cheers!
Chris
Stuart
This is Ryobi’s photo; there are keyhole slots mounting to vertical surfaces.
Koko The Talking Ape
I just used one of these for cutting aluminum tubing, stainless steel bolts, etc.
The handpiece is very small and light, which is awesome. But it’s possible to bend the flex shaft in such a way that the friction inside, and the load on the motor, goes way up and the speed drops. You can hear it, so it’s easy to correct, but something to keep in mind.
I didn’t love the plastic-to-plastic screw connection between the shaft and the base unit, but hey, it’s a Ryobi.