Ryobi 18v One+ HP Hedge Trimmer Repair P2680

During my testing of the Ryobi P2680 Hedge Trimmer, the unit stopped working about 30 minutes into the test. Basically, the loctite that had been applied to the fastener attaching the blades to the drive shaft failed, which let the screw to come loose and allowed the blades to become disengaged with the shaft, causing them to not move. I will probably have to go back and tighten this again in the future.
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As with any do-it-yourself project, unfamiliarity with the tools and process can be dangerous. This video should be construed as non expert, informational advice. I, will not be held responsible for any injury or damage due to the misuse or misunderstanding of any DIY project or videos. By Watching or following anything in this video, you assume all risks associated with using the experimental information or advice given, with a full understanding that you, solely, are responsible for anything that may occur as a result of putting this information into action in any way, and regardless of your interpretation of the advice.

[@radicalrick9587]

I got a 40V Hedge Trimmer that stopped working as well. I'm sure it just might be the same issue. Thank you very much for thinking out loud and recording it for the rest of us.

[@FernbarkFrist]

My 40v trimmer still works great. I abuse the heck out of that thing. Bummer yours doesn't. At least Home Depot has a decent return policy.

[@bbollig9288]

Actually, you have some of the best camera work I've ever seen on these DIY videos. Thanks.

[@FernbarkFrist]

Thanks !

[@shovelhead8]

Good diagnosing and a good repair. Thank you for showing us how it is done, Fernbark. Stay safe and stay warm

[@FernbarkFrist]

Thanks. I was glad it was an easy fix and nothing was snapped.

[@davesdiversions8078]

I gotta be honest, when I watched the previous video and the Trimmer failed, my first thought was that the fastener attaching the blades to the drive shaft failed, which let the screw to come loose and allowed the blades to become disengaged with the shaft, causing them to not move, or in Lay-person terms: The Do-hickey failed to engage the Thingamajig correctly". I'm glad you were able to confirm my theory. Great follow-up video.

[@FernbarkFrist]

I think this comment was longer than the actual fix to the trimmer.

[@davesdiversions8078]

@@FernbarkFrist By at least 5 minutes.

[@dubc3615]

Nice repair and thanks for showing the follow up on this. Some better Loctite and should be good to go. I never have good luck when taking things apart like that now I just take pictures at each step.

[@FernbarkFrist]

Yes, taking stuff like this apart is easy. Putting back together is a different beast. This actually wasn't too bad. Probably because I had the cam rolling to refer back to.

[@tracyphillips3325]

I would have fixed it like you did. If it was on the market, and under warranty I would call Ryobi and get some new pieces and keep them for a spare. Great video buddy, one of my favorites!

[@FernbarkFrist]

This fix was actually less time than taking it back and dealing with the store. Just a loose screw.

[@tracyphillips3325]

@@FernbarkFrist , yep. I don't go back to the store, just use the phone.

[@pacificbushcraftandfirecra6358]

At least they let you get into it for basic repairs as you showed. Nice job on the diagnosis Dr. Fernbark!

[@FernbarkFrist]

There's no returns on this stuff. I opened it up because that was my only option. But luckily, I was able to fix it without a big hassle. We shall see how long my repair holds.

[@divingadventures121]

@@FernbarkFrist how long did your repair hold?

[@FernbarkFrist]

@@divingadventures121 Haven't really used it again since I fixed it. I will pretty soon now that stuff is growing again.

[@richrichricherd]

Good video. My only recommendation would be at the beginning of the video describe and show the problem you're fixing, so we know we're having the same issue

[@FernbarkFrist]

Thanks for the input.

[@ilovemoney2762]

Thanks for this video brother got me running again! After one weeks use it died, your a hero!

[@FernbarkFrist]

I hope your repair works. Mine only lasted a little while. Hope you used lots of loctite.

[@ilovemoney2762]

@@FernbarkFrist u got that right it stopped working again on first try, got some red loctite hope i wont have to donit again 🤞🏼

[@fiouable]

Mine is P2608. Thanks for the demo. Useful for once. Camera work was fine.

[@FernbarkFrist]

Thanks!

[@welbyroberto6581]

Going to tackle my 18v Ryobi, it had a powerful clicked sound but nothing, I was it was the rusty blades now I am going to open it all the way and see. Thanks

[@welbyroberto6581]

Mine too, seller gave it to me when he realized it was beyond his ability to repair. Going to tackle it now

[@stokestack]

Helpful, thanks. Pretty sure this is exactly what's going on with mine at the moment.

[@FernbarkFrist]

This was a bad design it looks like. My repair video has more views than the review video.

[@stokestack]

@@FernbarkFrist Yep. I left a comment there with details about what I found in mine. The design is clearly defective.

[@renetrujillo5513]

Thanks i have the same problem, fix it!! Thanks so much again!!

[@FernbarkFrist]

You are welcome. Hope your fix lasts.

[@leah890]

Well if need be I can take one of these apart now. Thanks for sharing 😁

[@FernbarkFrist]

You should do it. It is fun and educational. Hard to believe that tiny motor can clip a half inch branch.

[@SmittyMRE]

GKoS solving one mystery of the universe at a time

[@FernbarkFrist]

Too bad the mysteries I solve aren't anything anyone cares about. And it makes my friends watch shitty videos.

[@blasterjapemaster]

Thanks alot!! 😁🤘

[@dewycox7576]

Seems to be a common issue with them! Nice video

[@FernbarkFrist]

Thanks. Was a huge bummer this thing broke on the first battery.

[@59chevt]

Nice repair, what talent, and to think you have Dave's telepathy as a resource...............

[@FernbarkFrist]

Indeed, fortunately I rarely have to call on it.

[@lindsayclaudino9538]

FYI, the 2.5 Allen wrench works on these screws too.

[@FernbarkFrist]

Good to know

[@impeccablebeats0448]

Thanks for this video! Does this fix last or does it keep needing to be refixed?

[@FernbarkFrist]

I had to fix it again.

[@BeachRebel]

Mine stopped working yesterday, probably the 3rd time I have used it, my assumption is I am having the same problem...

[@FernbarkFrist]

I've done this repair two more times and it quits working. If you have the receipt, I would swap it out or return for another brand. I do have the 40v version, and I beat the crap out of it with zero problems.

[@BeachRebel]

@@FernbarkFrist Thanks, I ended up doing an in-store exchange today...

[@divingadventures121]

I have the same issue w/ mine right now, looks like I know what to do now to fix it....I'm thinking this might be a design problem.

[@FernbarkFrist]

Fortunately Home Depot has a good return policy.

[@lesleybenyon7686]

I had the same issue. Took it apart and tightened down the screw. 10 minutes later...same problem. Other than adding more loctite, is there a way to keep this from continuing to happen?

[@FernbarkFrist]

I don't think so. I've already talked to Ryobi about this. Don't know if they plan a fix.

[@johnjingleheimersmith9259]

The whole design is garbage. The way these sheets of metal punch outs are supposed to just slide on each other just on grease? Wtf. My cheaper model of this from Ryobi also jammed within 30 minutes of using the first time. What a piece of trash

[@FernbarkFrist]

@@johnjingleheimersmith9259 You are correct. They sent me a second one, and it broke right away too.

[@johnwakefield2083]

Yes absolute crap, the 'double D' end of drive shaft breaks off when screw come loose, resulting in the hedge trimmer being a write off.@@johnjingleheimersmith9259

[@grantfinlay3185]

Well on the premise that by now perhaps Ryobi will have figured out an extra squeeze of loctite costs a good bit less than constant returns and bad press,... And the fact I have the batteries already, I'm gonna bite the bullet and get one. I'll be reporting back here of course.

[@FernbarkFrist]

Works great when it is running. The second one they sent me is still working, but I have not used it too much. I also stopped trying to cut branches over 1/4 inch.

[@grantfinlay3185]

@@FernbarkFrist Well looks like I won't be getting the hedge trimmers. They're not in the shops and when I went to order from the online Ryobi shop, Ryobi UK won't send to me in Northern Ireland as they only deliver to the UK mainland. I did email them asking about returns policies if I did manage to get one but of course in the event of it breaking I would have to pay the postage to them and get it delivered to a friend on the mainland and pay my friend to post to me. Not worth it. I'm regretfully giving Ryobi up as s bad job. Any recommendations for s reliable mid range one battery fits all brand?

[@BandWidthExpired]

You would think they couldve made it so you get right at that(the failure cams), if nothing less just to remove the blades for sharpening.

[@FernbarkFrist]

I was thinking the same thing. Sharpening is going to be a pain. I will probably just touch it up with a dremel with a sandpaper wheel.

[@gruivis]

Damn, I just dropped mine off for warranty repair. Wished I would have seen this video first.

[@FernbarkFrist]

They didn't just swap it out?

[@gruivis]

@@FernbarkFrist no, because we're outside of 90 days it goes to an authorized repair shop. This device really has a design flaw. At any point where you exceed a certain amount of resistance the internals will absolutely fail.

[@FernbarkFrist]

At least yours lasted 90 days. Mine busted before I got thru the first battery.@@gruivis

[@king2005lee]

Sir, I don’t understand why this tool cannot work, can you explain?

[@FernbarkFrist]

The screw that held the blades to the motor shaft came loose.

[@king2005lee]

@@FernbarkFrist thanks for the response. Did you find same issue again?

[@YourOldPalFernbark]

Is there anything you can't fix?

[@tracyphillips3325]

🤷🤦

[@leah890]

Right! He is magnificent isn't he 😁

[@FernbarkFrist]

The list of failure is long and distinguished.

[@bowesman1000]

THERE WEREN'T ANY IN THE STORES PROLLY CUZ EVERYBODIES FELL APART AND THEY EXCHANGED THEM ALL OUT.

[@facetious_1]

Your definitely not supposed to be cutting trees down with em. It took me a few times of breaking mine to figure that out....its literally for trimming hedges..

[@robertbutler8004]

A normal person would have just returned it for a new one!!

[@FernbarkFrist]

A normal person is lazy. Also, someone who isn't lazy reads the comments and knows why I did not return it.

[@johnwakefield2083]

This trimmer is a load of junk, the 'double D' end of drive shaft where screw fits breaks off resulting in the tool being a write off. Very poor quality and design.

[@FernbarkFrist]

Correct