RYOBI P1819 ONE+ Combo Kit Review: A Comprehensive Guide for DIY Enthusiasts
For DIYers and homeowners seeking a versatile, budget-friendly set of cordless tools, the RYOBI P1819 ONE+ Combo Kit stands out as a top contender. This 6-tool kit, part of RYOBI’s ONE+ 18V system, offers a well-rounded selection of tools, batteries, and accessories to tackle a variety of home improvement projects. In this review, we’ll dive into the features, performance, pros and cons, and overall value of the RYOBI P1819 ONE+ Combo Kit, helping you decide if it’s the right choice for your toolkit.
Overview of the RYOBI P1819 ONE+ Combo Kit
The RYOBI P1819 ONE+ Combo Kit is a 6-tool cordless set designed to provide essential tools for DIY tasks. It includes a 1/2-inch drill/driver, 1/4-inch impact driver, reciprocating saw, 5-1/2-inch circular saw, multi-tool, and LED worklight, along with a 1.5 Ah battery, a 4.0 Ah battery, a charger, and a tool bag. The ONE+ system ensures compatibility with over 300 RYOBI tools using the same 18V battery platform, making this kit a scalable starting point for building a comprehensive tool collection.
Detailed Features of the RYOBI P1819 ONE+ Combo Kit
The P1819 kit is packed with features tailored for DIYers. Here’s a closer look at each component:
- Drill/Driver: The 1/2-inch drill/driver offers a 24-position clutch and up to 1,800 in-lbs of torque, suitable for drilling into wood, metal, and masonry. Its two-speed gearbox (0-450/0-1,800 RPM) provides flexibility for different materials and tasks.
- Impact Driver: The 1/4-inch impact driver delivers 1,800 in-lbs of torque with a variable-speed trigger, perfect for driving screws and bolts into tough materials. It’s ideal for assembling furniture or light framing.
- Reciprocating Saw: With a 1-inch stroke length and up to 3,400 SPM, this saw cuts through wood, metal, and PVC efficiently. The tool-less blade clamp simplifies blade changes, enhancing user convenience.
- Circular Saw: The 5-1/2-inch circular saw operates at 4,700 RPM, making quick work of 2x4s and plywood. Its left-side blade design improves cutline visibility, and a front pommel handle allows for better control.
- Multi-Tool: The oscillating multi-tool features a variable speed dial (10,000-20,000 OPM) and a lock-on button, reducing fatigue during extended use. It’s versatile for cutting drywall, sanding, and scraping.
- LED Worklight: Emitting 160 lumens, the worklight includes a swivel head, rear nail slot, and 2×4 mounting slot, providing hands-free illumination in tight or dark spaces.
- Batteries and Charger: The kit comes with a 1.5 Ah and a 4.0 Ah lithium-ion battery, offering fade-free power. The charger features IntelliPort technology to optimize battery life and typically charges in about 60 minutes.
- Tool Bag: A durable tool bag keeps everything organized and portable, ideal for storage or transport to job sites.
Performance Review of the RYOBI P1819 ONE+ Combo Kit
The RYOBI P1819 performs admirably for its price point, making it a favorite among DIYers. The drill/driver and impact driver deliver sufficient power for most home projects, such as assembling furniture, installing shelves, or drilling into drywall and wood. Users appreciate the torque settings on the drill, which allow for precise control, while the impact driver’s speed makes quick work of driving screws.
The reciprocating saw and circular saw are well-suited for light demolition and woodworking tasks. For example, the circular saw cuts through 2x4s smoothly, and the reciprocating saw handles small demolition jobs like removing old drywall or cutting PVC pipes. However, these tools may struggle with heavy-duty tasks like cutting thick hardwood or extended demolition, as they use brushed motors rather than brushless ones, which offer more efficiency.
The multi-tool shines for its versatility, enabling users to sand, cut, and scrape with ease, while the LED worklight is a practical addition for illuminating workspaces. Battery performance varies: the 4.0 Ah battery provides ample runtime for most tasks, but the 1.5 Ah battery depletes quickly under heavy use, such as continuous cutting with the circular saw. Charging times are reasonable, though users needing faster turnaround may want to invest in a second charger or larger battery. Thankfully, there are plenty of batteries available and the best value of any cordless brand.
Pros and Cons of the RYOBI P1819 ONE+ Combo Kit
Pros
- Cost-Effective: Typically priced under $200, the P1819 offers excellent value compared to premium brands like DeWalt or Milwaukee, making it accessible for beginners.
- Versatile Tool Selection: The 6-tool lineup covers a broad range of tasks, from drilling and cutting to sanding and lighting.
- ONE+ Compatibility: The 18V batteries work with over 300 RYOBI tools, allowing for cost-effective expansion of your collection.
- User-Friendly Design: Features like tool-less blade changes, variable-speed triggers, and ergonomic grips enhance usability.
- Warranty: RYOBI provides a 3-year limited warranty on the tools (excluding batteries), offering peace of mind for long-term use.
Cons
- Brushed Motors: The tools use brushed motors, which are less efficient than brushless options, leading to shorter runtimes and more maintenance.
- Battery Limitations: The 1.5 Ah battery drains quickly during intensive tasks, and some users report battery longevity issues over time.
- Not for Heavy-Duty Use: While suitable for DIY projects, the kit may not meet the demands of professional contractors or large-scale renovations.
Who Should Buy the RYOBI P1819 ONE+ Combo Kit?
The RYOBI P1819 is ideal for DIY enthusiasts, homeowners, and hobbyists who need a reliable, all-in-one tool set for small to medium projects. It’s perfect for tasks like building furniture, installing shelves, or performing light renovations, such as updating a bathroom or assembling a deck. However, professional contractors or those tackling large, heavy-duty projects may find the kit underpowered and may prefer a brushless or more robust set from RYOBI’s lineup, such as the P1818 brushless kit.
Comparison with Similar RYOBI Kits
Compared to other RYOBI ONE+ kits, the P1819 offers a balanced mix of tools and affordability. The RYOBI P1818 4-Tool Combo Kit, for example, includes a drill, impact driver, reciprocating saw, and circular saw but lacks the multi-tool and LED light, making it less versatile. On the other hand, the RYOBI P1896 12-Tool Combo Kit provides more tools, including a jigsaw and miter saw, but at a significantly higher price. The P1819’s inclusion of both a 1.5 Ah and 4.0 Ah battery gives it an advantage over kits with only smaller batteries, offering flexibility for various tasks.
Where to Buy the RYOBI P1819 ONE+ Combo Kit
The RYOBI P1819 is widely available at retailers like Home Depot, Amazon, and Walmart. Home Depot often stocks it as part of their RYOBI Days promotions, where you can find deals or bundle offers with additional batteries or tools. Amazon provides competitive pricing, customer reviews, and fast shipping, making it a convenient option. Look for seasonal sales like Black Friday or Prime Day to snag the kit at a discount.
Tips for Maximizing Your RYOBI P1819 Experience
- Invest in Extra Batteries: For longer projects, consider purchasing a 6.0 Ah battery to extend runtime, especially for power-hungry tools like the circular saw.
- Proper Maintenance: Clean tools after each use and store them in the provided bag to prevent wear and tear.
- Expand Smartly: Use the ONE+ system to add tools like a jigsaw, angle grinder, or trim router as your needs grow, leveraging the existing batteries.
- Check for Deals: Monitor sales events at Home Depot or Amazon to get the best price on the kit or additional accessories.
Conclusion
The RYOBI P1819 ONE+ Combo Kit is a fantastic option for DIYers looking for an affordable, versatile, and reliable set of cordless tools. Its 6-tool assortment, ONE+ battery compatibility, and solid performance make it a great choice for home projects, from basic repairs to light renovations. While it may not suit professional-grade needs due to its brushed motors and battery limitations, its value and expandability are hard to beat for the price. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned DIYer, the P1819 can help you tackle your projects with ease. Explore deals at Home Depot or Amazon today to add this kit to your collection.
