As previously mentioned, the Ryobi Tek4 5-piece kit features two new additions to the Tek4 lineup – a cordless screwdriver, and power snips. We gave these new Tek4 tools some more thought, and were able to briefly give them a try in-store. All in all, we are pretty optimistic about these new tools, and the Tek4 system as a whole.
Ryobi’s Tek4 cordless screwdriver is claimed to be capable of driving up to 55 screws per charge, which, to be fair, is quite reasonable given its specs and 4V power system. If you’re looking to drive more than that 55 screws, either ensure that you have a second battery charged and ready to go, or opt to use a more powerful 12V driver.
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What really sets the Tek4 cordless driver apart from other brands’ 4V drivers, is its 24 position clutch and two speed settings, features ordinarily reserved for more sophisticated (and expensive) drivers. This of course does not bring the Tek4 driver into the same league as 12V drivers, but that makes the special features no less handy.
As for the snips, they’re [intended to be] capable of cutting aluminum, fabric, wire, carpet, paper, and a variety of other materials. With one charge, these snips can cut through “up to” 580 feet of material, depending on the type and thickness of the material.
Although the product specs for the snips claim that it could be used on aluminum, we would assume that this refers to thin foils, rather than aluminum sheeting. When we hear “snips,” we think of metal snips and shears. Based on these snips’ size and power, we would instead describe them as “hobby” or “craft” shears. Still, maybe they are capable of cutting through thin sheet aluminum, but we wouldn’t count on it.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that the Tek4 snips are bad or that we think poorly of them; we’re just trying to be realistic about what 4V powered snips can be reliably capable of. Aside from hobby and craft use, we could definitely imagine that these snips would work wonders on thin tough-to-cut plastic, especially the kind that is often used in clambshell product packaging.
Currently the Tek4 5pc kit is on sale (or possibly clearance) at Home Depot for $50, from a regular price of $99. For what you get – a cordless screwdriver, powered snips/hobby shears, noise-suppressing headphones, a flashlight, a mobile device charger, and two Tek4 batteries + charger, $99 was a heck of a good price, but $50 is astounding!
SharkBreath says
It makes a person wonder why HD dropped the price by half. Maybe they will be offering a different kit, or, quite possibly they’re already on the way out.
Personally I don’t need or want another battery operated device in my shop.
Stuart says
There are numerous possibilities – perhaps the set was only specially stocked for the winter holidays, and they’re taking up too much storage space.
To be fair, I think that the Tek4 system does have potential, but it desperately needs active marketing to help it reach that potential. Maybe this will be realized in time for Fathers Day.
Alex says
Just got this kit in the mail today… Everything looks and works well. I am especially impressed with the noise canceling headphones and the flash light. Both seem durable and well made. The snips are pretty low powered but had no problems with thick cardboard or plastic. I have not used the screwgun yet. As for the $50 dollar price, according to the Home Depot website as of right now it is still $99.
Tim says
I have had three of the Tek4 screwdrivers and every one of them has locked up during use. I have looked for a reset button and can’t find one. Does anyone have any idea how to fix this besides returning the stupid thing. This is turning out to be a complete waste of money. The battery was and still is fully charged. Hope someone can give me an idea what to do. I can’t find my receipt so sending it back in to Ryobi for warranty work can’t happen.
Stuart says
I’m not quite sure what could be wrong with the drivers that cause them to lock-up. Have you tried giving Ryobi a call?
charles says
I have also had problems with the drill locking up.. I had it happen on two drills on the very first use!! I did not even get one screw out of both of them. I think something electrical is malfunctioning in the drills. Not sure if I will get a new one or my money back. I think I’m going to test them right in the store untilled I have one that works!