Ryobi has just released a brand new 5pc combo kit as part of their Tek4 power tool system. Included in the combo are two new and three familiar tools – a cordless screwdriver, power snips, smart noise-suppression protective headphones, an LED flashlight, and a mobile device charger.
When I first wrote about Ryobi’s Tek4 4V Li-ion tools and accessories a few months ago, I had considered the Tek4 system in a neutral if not somewhat positive light. Still, at the time it had seemed unlikely that the Tek4 system would enjoy widespread popularity.
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Well, this 5pc set could very well be what Ryobi needs to springboard the Tek4 system to mainstream popularity. This set is well configured, the tools are feautureful, and it’s priced at a real bargain.
The new screwdriver and snips included in this combo kit deserve much more attention than we could afford today, and so they will be discussed in much more detail later in the week, so don’t forget to check back.
This 5pc combo will set you back a very reasonable $99 at The Home Depot.
uthscsaedu says
That seems like a decent deal. If I recall correctly, just before Christmas they were selling a FOUR piece set for the same price, but I don’t recall what tools were included.
There are already some “positive” reviews at the Home Depot site.
SharkBreath says
HD’s site doesn’t mention anything about the charger or battery included. Can someone confirm if they are included?
sawconundrum says
I received this combo for Christmas. I’m pretty happy with it. Can’t say that I’ve done much yet but I’m glad I received it. The snips are nice, I’ve cut through 10 sheets of paper at a time, corrugated cardboard and cloth; all with ease. The flashlight is compact and bright, though not quite as bright as a new 2AA MagLite LED.
TO ANSWER THE LAST QUESTION, it comes with 2 batteries and a charger that will charge one battery at a time. This charger is not a rapid charger, expect 5 hours to recharge a single battery. HD does sell a dual charger that will charge 2 batteries simultaneously in less than an hour.
Stuart says
I had assumed that the set includes two batteries – it’s not mentioned in the product specs, but two batteries are shown in the product image.
FIVE HOURS to charge a single battery? That’s a bit extreme and an incentive to splurge for a rapid charger if I ever saw one.
It will be very interesting to see where Ryobi and Home Depot take the Tek4 system to. Yes, 4V is somewhat limiting, but such a small battery size permits smaller and more unconventional tools.
sawconundrum says
Yes, when playing with the kit I charged one battery beforehand. It showed about 1/3 charged (according to the LEDs on the charger) out of the box. It took about 3 hours to complete the charge on that battery. So the 5 hours is believable. The Dual charger w/o batteries is priced at $28 on HD’s website, Dual charger with a battery is $35. $7 for a spare battery seems like a pretty good deal too.
I’ll be interested to read your review even though I already have mine.
uthscsaedu says
I would like to see if the charge time improves with subsequent charging. I noticed you haven’t had the set very long.
Were the charging conditions and temperature ok?
sawconundrum says
The battery was fresh out of the combo box and had not been used in a tool yet. The box had been in the house overnight so I know it was up to room temp which was approximately 70 degrees F.
I have only used the set slightly since the initial charge so I’m not close to depleting it yet.
I do believe that I read a review talking about charge times on this set running around 5 hrs. From what I’ve read the dual charger is supposed to charge 2 batteries BUT serially and each takes 36 minutes to fully charge. So approx 1 hr 10 minutes to fully charge both.
Scott Dirks says
I have had mine for less than 3 months and used very little. I have already had two battery failures. I can not find any answers.
Leo Clarke says
I too have had 3 battery failures. Home Depot has been very good about returning them. Kudos to them but Ryobi may have a big problem! It would be a shame this tool could go far.
[email protected] says
Do not be fooled again. Ryobi and Home Depot know the batteries are crap. That is why they sell a new improved Lith-Ion battery and charger to you. So you fall for it twice! They get fat and happy, you finally learn a lesson! Skip that step and buy anything but Ryobi! The Lith-ion are just as crappy! Do not get sucked in again! Shame on you if you do!
Steve P. says
I own most of the Tec4 stuff from Ryobi and have rarely had any trouble at all from any of them they also have a one year warranty I broke the small flashlight after nine months and called them up and they replaced it with a new one no charge I’ll give the Tec4 five stars and I use it all , all the time