My best purchase in 2008. Big thanks to my good friend, Norma Vally, for walking me through the selection process by phone as I stood in Home Depot. The Ryobi cordless tool are powerful and durable. Have tools will travel. Now I can handle outdoor projects anywhere. No long, awkward extension cords. No heavy generator to lug around. Just a bag full of tools, batteries, and potential.
The 18 volt kit that I bought includes a drill, 5.5" circular kit, reciprocating saw, flashlight, battery charger, and two lithium batteries. The batteries last for a while and have charge indicators on them. Fences, raised beds, and decks were easy to build with this kit.
I was so impressed that I bought other 18 volt Ryobi cordless tools. The impact driver, stapler, weed whacker, chain saw, and air pump are great additions. I still want the hammer drill, grinder, router, and maybe the orbit sander, but those can wait.
Right now I have to deal with my air pump. While trying to inflate Sarah's bike tire, the hose nozzle snapped off in my hand (like so many things seem to do). I love that inflator, but before I can recommend it, I'll have to see how Ryobi handles repairs and replacement parts.
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Left: 2nd Place winner - Fiskars garden fork. Strong and durable tools are a must for me. Chicago soils are heavy. Our perennials are dense. And I'm not weak. Regular tools seem to break and unbreakable tools often bend.
I have a scrap yard of broken shovels, forks, and rakes. I didn't want to waste anymore money.
Fiskars' garden fork proved up for the challenge. Lilies, sedges, and even currant bushes lifted with no problem. Best garden fork I have ever had. |
