Ryobi Tools That Can Make A Power Outage Less Miserable

Power outages are happening with more frequency in the United States, increasing 10 times since 1980, according to Climate Central. Storms and an aging power grid are causing disruptions to the electricity delivered to your home. If you're looking for some hacks to help you deal with the consequences of a power outage, purchasing some Ryobi products can be a smart choice.

Ryobi is a well-known power tool brand for DIY projects and crafts, offering hundreds of battery-powered tools. Ryobi also has many products that run from its battery system beyond power tools and outdoor tools, some of which may be helpful during a loss of electrical power. You can count on Ryobi for things like lights, fans, powered coolers, power sources, and entertainment options, none of which need a plugged-in power cord to work.

You just need to make sure that the Ryobi products you purchase will work with the types of batteries you have. Ryobi offers 18-volt, 40-volt, and 80-volt batteries that are not compatible with each other or with each others' chargers. If you have a light that takes an 18V battery and a power source that needs a 40V battery, you cannot switch the batteries between the two devices. Ryobi's 80V batteries primarily power its riding and walk-behind lawn mowers. Ryobi even offers a series of products it recommends for performing storm prep. We'll break down the key products you'll want to have on hand for the next power outage.

If you are going to be stuck without power for a while, a couple of items from Ryobi will be must-have items to help you stay connected and have light. For starters, if you don't have a full-home generator for a home power outage, Ryobi offers a few tools that can generate power from a fully charged battery. The most powerful option Ryobi offers is the 40-volt 1800-watt Power Station Kit, which is a good substitute for a generator. When you're connected to a working power source, the device can charge four 40V batteries. When the power goes out, you can use the batteries connected to the Power Station Kit to run other devices connected to three standard three-prong power outlets on the front of the device. The Power Station Kit costs $649 at The Home Depot.

You also may want some light available when the electricity isn't working. The Ryobi Tripower Tripod LED Light runs from a 40V battery and offers 3,800 lumens of light on a 360-degree rotating head on the tripod, so you can direct the light wherever you want it. The tripod reaches up to 7 feet in height, providing extra versatility in how you use the attached light. The Tripower Tripod Light costs $199 at The Home Depot. During times where you have power available, you can plug this light into an outlet for a DIY job at home.

If you need to keep a few items cold when your refrigerator isn't working during a power outage, Ryobi offers the 24-quart Hybrid Power Cooler that you can run from an 18-volt battery. It can reach a temperature as low as minus-4 degrees Fahrenheit, so it could serve as a freezer or refrigerator during a power outage. The cooler's capacity is large enough to hold 40 12-ounce cans. It costs $499 at The Home Depot.

If you suffer a power outage after a rough summer storm, you may want a fan you can use to try to stay cool until your AC is ready to work again. The Ryobi Cordless Hybrid Whisper 14-Inch Fan operates from an 18-volt battery. It delivers an air velocity of 2,300 cubic feet per minute and has a 225-degree pivoting head to aim the air flow in the proper direction. This fan costs $149 at The Home Depot.

During a power outage, you may need to find a radio station to receive important updates on the weather. (You also may just want to listen to some of your favorite music while you're waiting.) The Ryobi Verse Link Bluetooth Stereo Speaker is available at $199 at The Home Depot. It runs from an 18V battery. It can make a Bluetooth connection with your smartphone, and it also has a built-in FM radio.