5 Top-Rated Ryobi Tools & Products That Cost No More Than $50

The demand for battery-operated tools is skyrocketing thanks to their convenience and affordability. From crafting to construction, hobbies to home repairs, nothing is worse than getting tangled up in a corded device that makes your monthly electric bill, and maybe your blood pressure, suddenly spike. Whether you're simply fixing a stripped screw hole or stopping a serious water leak under your kitchen sink, it helps to have hassle-free tools on hand. Ryobi produces nearly 500,000 power tools each year, with a focus on cordless products, at its Innovation Center in South Carolina. The company's goals are twofold: reducing the size and weight of its products while increasing power – and reducing natural resource consumption for its batteries and packaging material. The company's products are sold through an exclusive partnership with The Home Depot. So, after evaluating dozens of products and thousands of customer reviews, we rounded up five of Ryobi's best cordless tools that cost under $50. 

To make our selections, we looked at cordless tools that had at least 100 customer reviews with a rating of 4.6 or higher. Rather than focusing on any feedback that was collected as part of a promotion, we dug into unbiased customer reviews from verified purchases. If a product had more than 10% negative reviews, we did not include it in our list. Although several of these products may require a separate battery purchase, only items that come with their necessary accessories (ranging from glue sticks and sandpaper discs) made the cut.

Using adequate task lighting is one of the easiest ways to reduce the risk of injuries and eye strain while working on home repair or craft projects (via Ohio State University Extension). The Flexible LED Clamp Light — $39.97 at Home Depot, battery and charger sold separately — features flood and spot lighting modes that can run for over 30 hours on a single charge. Weighing in at just 5 pounds, the light clamps onto a variety of materials, including pipe and lumber. Some feedback suggested that the battery weight works against the clamp in certain positions, but most users found it easy to secure in place. With 4.8 stars on Ryobi, several happy reviewers said the 16-inch flexible neck was durable even when bent into various positions or used as a handle. 

Countless reviewers said the brightness was perfect for working under vehicle hoods and bathroom sinks. Others mentioned using their clamp lights in more unexpected spots, including inside horse stalls, on night fishing trips, and around the campsite. The single LED bulb produces up to 400 Lumens of light output without getting hot. That's just one reason why LEDs are better than regular light bulbs. They are also highly energy-efficient, provide a better color quality, and last longer. 

If your future decorating plans involve hanging pictures, mounting a flat-screen tv, or installing a tile backsplash, consider adding a laser level to your toolbox. Featuring a hands-free design that uses two simple push pins, Ryobi's Compact Laser Level, which is $19.97 at Home Depot, AAA batteries included, shoots a bright red line up to 15 feet in range when activated by the power button. A rotating bubble vial allows for leveling both horizontally and vertically.

Nearly 200 people left five-star reviews, giving it an overall rating of 4.8 stars on Ryobi, praising the level's small size that easily fits between studs, near corners, and in other tight spaces. Feedback about the push pins used to secure the level to the wall varied. Most loved the feature, with one satisfied DIYer describing it as "an extra set of hands". Others thought the holes left behind were too much trouble, especially when their projects took multiple leveling attempts. A few customers complained that the holes were visible once they removed the device.

"Worked perfectly," "Essential for happiness," "Can't beat it." A few hundred customers left high praise for the Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Glue Gun, priced at $49.97 at Home Depot for tool only, with three general-purpose glue sticks included. With a 4.8 star rating at on Ryobi, we could only find a handful of negative reviews, most of which said the cordless glue gun drips after getting too hot. Designed with heavy-duty gluing in mind, the self-standing design heats up ½ inch full-size glue sticks in under three minutes. With glue sticks available in a range of colors (including glow-in-the-dark), it's one of many Ryobi tools that are perfect for DIY crafting.

Like some of the other tools on our list, this battery-operated cordless device is part of the Ryobi ONE+ system. The same lithium-ion technology runs all ONE+ tools, providing forward and backward compatibility for hundreds of products ranging from nailers to leaf blowers. Chargers are sold separately, starting at under $50 each, although the cordless glue gun and several other tools are also available in kits that include both.

If giant yard inflatables are one of your favorite ways to decorate for the holidays, a cordless inflator may be a worthwhile investment. Compact and portable, the Ryobi High Pressure Inflator Kit ($39.97 at Home Depot) weighs less than 1 pound and can inflate items like beach balls or bicycle tires. It also comes with a work light to ensure that you execute your project seamlessly no matter the time of day. With a 4.7 star rating on Ryobi, reviewers like that it works quickly and is easy to travel with. The kit comes with a 2Ah battery, a USB cable, sports needle, and an operator's manual.

This device also utilizes a digital pressure gauge, which makes it easy to make sure you're filling your objects to the right level. However, you will want to carefully review the warranty and exchange policies. Ryobi's USB Lithium power tools have a limited warranty that covers the device and batteries for two years and the accessories for just 90 days.

Although sanding can be a dusty and tedious task, experts say it's one of the most important steps in preparing to paint. For smaller projects, many reviewers rave about the Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless Corner Cat Finish Sander, $49.97 at Home Depot, tool only, with a 4.6 star rating on Ryobi. The triangular base helps DIYers easily sand surfaces, including resin, old wood pallets, and teak chairs, even around corners and edges. Many customers are impressed by the sander's low vibration, and comfortable cushioned grip.

The sandpaper attaches to the device with a standard hook and loop system. Most reviewers said it significantly reduce their sanding time, although others mentioned the battery was difficult to remove. Some users like the way pre-punched holes allow dust to be drawn up during sanding. Others complained that their dust collection bags filled up too quickly and were easily knocked off. The device has an exhaust port that accepts a wet/dry vacuum hose, and Ryobi sells a dust collection adapter and sandpaper discs in a variety of grits. Like most of its ONE+ devices and batteries, the sander has a three-year manufacturer's warranty.