I have bunch of lighter use Ryobi tools, and it's time to replace the batteries.

Looking at Ni-Cd not Li-Ion because, these are occasional use light duty tools.

HD has a battery two pack for $60. For $70, I can get two batteries, a charger, and a new drill. I know the drills are generally a loss leader so they can lock you into a system, but I was wondering if the kit batteries are lower capacity or gimped at all, similar to printer "starter" cartridges that ship with cheap printers.

HD does not have amp ratings on any of their product pages. Anyone know?

The kit batteries are normal - same as the replacements you would buy for spares.

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After a bunch of searching and cross referencing, I came to the same conclusion. They are P100 batteries rated at 1.5maH. Same batteries.

Makes the choice a lot easier!

Just fyi, as of recently, the Li-Ion batter that is $89 separately is available packaged with the weed-wacker for $99. Could be a decent option if you have need for it.

I have a Ryobi set that I beat pretty hard and I'm fairly pleased. But when I wanted a light duty, light weight drill that was inexpensive, I ended up with craftsman Nextec system from Sears. If the actual weight in hand is a factor I'd recommend at least looking. The've had drill + impact river and drill + multi-tool deals in the $50 range lately, with one battery and charger.

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onthedownlow
The kit batteries are normal - same as the replacements you would buy for spares.

This, in regard to the NiCds.. Occasionally you can find a kit with two tools and two NiCd batteries for $99-- I just did this (my 4th set maybe?). The trend is away from including any batteries with the tools though, or including just one.

The Li-Ions are the ones that come in two sizes. Avoid the smaller ones at all costs-- very poor runtime.
Also, there's some info I've come across to the effect that until very recently the chargers were likely to ruin batteries and there's a 'new' charger you want to look out for . . . forget the exact details, but it was mentioned on a review site or page.

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/02/2012 12:37PM by Black.

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Black

The Li-Ions are the ones that come in two sizes. Avoid the smaller ones at all costs-- very poor runtime.
Also, there's some info I've come across to the effect that until very recently the chargers were likely to ruin batteries and there's a 'new' charger you want to look out for . . . forget the exact details, but it was mentioned on a review site or page.

I looked around and the only info I could find on chargers and ruining batteries, was that if you put a defective battery into some chargers, you could ruin the charger? If you have any other info on this let me know.

Also thanks for the advice re: the smaller Li-ion batteries. Reconsidering the Ni-Cd batteries now considering I've had ok luck with Ni-Cd in the past and may not need more beyond two fresh batteries.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/03/2012 04:24AM by DRR.