Is the Ryobi 4v USB Lithium screwdriver kit worth $40?

[@ernestgalvan9037]

This Ryobi 4V screwdriver is sold as a lightweight electric screwdriver . In my view, it is NOT designed to assemble fences, nor frame a house, not build a deck. Testing a 3” screw into a plank is over the top. I have one, and use it constantly to work on house wiring, small appliances (such as a toaster) etc. And saying that a 20V driver is a good substitute is really ignoring that this is a SMALL TOOL. And that is all it is meant to be. I would NEVER work on SSD, nor small cases (1”-3”) nor plastic items, nor small BLDC motors, with a 20v driver. And I think 3-5 seconds is NOT a long time. Perhaps I don’t compete in “Speed Drive” competitions. So I have never been stymied by the “long shut-down time”.

[@TBKHomeworld]

Simply looking at any other manufacturer's version of an electric screwdriver will show just how far Ryobi missed the mark on this. Even Project Farm noted that it had shutdown issues and how inconsistent it was due to that issue. I am happy that you are content with yours and that goes to show that it does indeed fit someone's needs, just not mine.

[@jrod78415]

@ernestgalvan9037 agree this for hobbyists and electric components believe that's a huge audience. Even to car dashboards which are delicate every car mod knows this. They arr usin 24v drill hammer to install dashboard with machine capable 114ft/torq. They need something slow and precise not to over torq the smallnscrews in plastic components in the car this makes senses. This is not a home builder equipment. It's hobbyists and small electronic equipment

[@jayshinmusic]

I do low voltage work and it works great for portability

[@TBKHomeworld]

Awesome to hear! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@BillLaBrie]

I have one and use it regularly. The trigger would work better as a fwd/rev rocker. The supplied bit should be a two-ended phillips/slot. The size, weight, battery life, and light are all fine.

[@TBKHomeworld]

Great ideas and recommendation! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@shuster1921]

I took mine back after that pause, and bought a No Cry 7.2v small hand drill and love it!!

[@TBKHomeworld]

I don't blame you at all! If I wasn't doing a video of mine I would have returned it as well. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Phillip-y6d]

NO on those pistol grip screwdrivers ...cant put pressure on them and you'll have a long day using needle nose pliers to dig out stripped heads. believe me (bad Idea) when you're doing a lot of boxes and plates on the job.

[@saigyl9149]

the long recovery time is why i returned my ryobi 4v ratchet. which on the plus side was right when milwaukee had a sale on their m12 ratchet and screwdriver which cost me the same as if i would have bought the ryobi 4v ratchet and screwdriver

[@TBKHomeworld]

I was wondering if the 4v ratchet had the same issue. Ryobi really missed the mark with these considering none of the others seem have this same problem. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@taniksambo1969]

the weight for me for a screw driver of this type was a bit heavy in my opinion. but still trying to think if I should still get it or not. but I see their 3 or 4 device kit for 100 bucks so that is kind of steering me to get it.

[@TBKHomeworld]

I would not personally purchase this particular electric screwdriver as a stone alone because of my use case. If you are referring to the $100 USB Lithium Project Kit with Rotary Tool, Inspection Light, Screwdriver, and Glue Pen (plus 2 batteries) then that is a good deal imho. We use the rotary tool almost as much as we do my 18v one, we love our 4v flashlights and I will soon be releasing a video on the glue pen. The screwdriver is the only thing in that group which I have serious reservations about. If you are simply going to be using it periodically around the house to do small jobs, like put on a door knob, put a screw into sheetrock, etc then the electric screwdriver will work fine for that. Thank you for the thoughtful comment and watching!

[@rinyotsu2.0]

I'm glad I watched this video. I love sticking to Ryobi when I can, but I had to go with Skil in this case after watching your video and the Torque Test channel

[@TBKHomeworld]

I can't blame you for going with Skil after that, those are really great tools! I too like to stick with a specific type/brand of battery as much as I can, thus my silly large collection of Ryobi tools. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@jrod78415]

@rinyotsu2.0 I saw that videos that skill did have power to drill a screw into wood

[@KrazyBerserker]

You should definitely try out their USB Lithium ratchets, I've got the 3/8th and I used it to pre drill and drive 1-5/8in screws (weird tool for the job, but it was a tight area) and it did so successfully without timing out. I even drove 3in deck screws 95% of the way in and finished them off with the ratcheting mechanism. If you can snag it on a sale I think it would be worth it.

[@TBKHomeworld]

That is indeed a strange tool for the job, but you gotta do what you gotta do in order to get the job done! I am glad to hear it worked so well for you.

[@elflordsjourneys]

Love the light and the handle, use it as a screwdriver and i use my drill when i need a drill.

[@TBKHomeworld]

I agree that the light is nice and the flip handle is indeed a great feature! Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@pchris6662]

I’m glad to see you changed your opinion to a no-vote. I agree with you. I bought this and I wanted to like it, but it’s failed to do three simple disassembly jobs now because it stalls too often and I just don’t bother digging it out any more because it’s often a waste of time. I fear perhaps the 4V battery just can’t deliver the power needed. I also bought the hot wire tool and it seems to only cut a few cuts and the battery is flat and needs charging. Have you tried the other pistol grip screwdriver? I still like ryobi and would try again, but this one burnt me.

[@TBKHomeworld]

I too have now used the screwdriver on mulitple assembly/disassembly jobs and the shutoff feature has directly impacted my joy of doing the job itself. It now sits on the shelf behind me and doesn't get touched at all. My wife purchased me the Bauer 1894F-B (after seeing how well my son's did) and we use that one instead of the Ryobi. kzbin.infoj9HQUo2VQr4 I was interested in the foam cutter but I don't cut enough foam to justify the purchase. The other stuff in their line (so far at least) work pretty darn good, the fan, flashlights, carber, and rotary tool all work as expected. Although the rotary tool has serious limitations and is for hobby work, not for real medium or bigger work. I have not tried their other pistol grip screwdriver, frankly after the disaster of this one I decided to stay clear of it. I have heard others really like it but I've decided the Bauer is good enough for me. The newer 4v electric screwdriver from Ryobi has the same issue, so I've opted to not purchase it either. kzbin.info4VvpNnMTCDo Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@MikeMouradian]

I make guitars and have 3 of these but they are older and don't have the cutoff issue. I love mine and couldn't live without it. But good review.

[@TBKHomeworld]

Nice! I am glad to hear that the older versions don't have the cutoff issues and I can see them doing great for building guitars. I hope they remove that 'bug' on the next version of it. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@felinemccatdaddy7634]

I’ve been waiting for someone to make videos about the whole line! I can’t wait to see the Dremel video, that’s the one that caught my eye

[@TBKHomeworld]

I hope I do the series justice and it helps you in your decision making. This week will be the fan, I will specifically request my editor work on the high speed rotatry tool (Dremel) next. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@TBKHomeworld]

Here is the video on the rotary tool: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6GUi4eVd7RmjLc

[@KrazyBerserker]

Given how low power the tool is, I think that it did a decent job driving in those big deck screws! If it didn't have that power shut off I think it would've fully sunk the screws. It's so annoying that Ryobi added that feature, and made it stay off for such a long period of time. It makes me wonder how good their newer multi-headed screwdriver is.

[@TBKHomeworld]

That is a great point, I do hope they take that into consideration with their new tool.

[@rogertyler3237]

I Have A Ryobi Cordless Screwdriver I Bought Around January Of 2020 & It Works Fine. I've Used Every Brand Bit Out There. Tje Sudden Stoping I Don't Think That'll Go Over With The Consumer. I Seen Thatone Instore At Home Depot. & I'm Glad I Didn't Get It.

[@TBKHomeworld]

I have heard the older cordless screwdriver didn't have this 'feature' on it and it works great, I might have to try to find one on ebay. I know of several folks who have not purchased it beacuse of this problem. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@johnnytrongaming]

Yeah the cutoff on the 4v screwdriver is quite annoying. I have noticed that once it does cutoff the most of the time the screw is done being inserted and I can turn the tool like a normal screwdriver for the rest of the way . Which usually is a1/4 of a turn.

[@TBKHomeworld]

Most of the time I have encountered the same thing, however a few screws I have put in hit a weird tight point and then stop, I twist a little bit by hand and then it continues on after the timeout. Overall it 'works' but it certainly isn't as good as many of the other options out there. Hopefully Ryobi sees this and other similar videos and takes the constructive criticism to make the next version better. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@jameshorigan3322]

Nice channel. Thanks for the great review!

[@TBKHomeworld]

Glad you like the channel!! Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@ChefDuane]

Is this 2 speed? Can you use it as a small job drill?

[@TBKHomeworld]

It is just a single speed going forward and a single speed going backwards. Technically you could use it with a quarter inch shanked drill bits going into softer materials like plastic, non-hardwood, etc but I would not try to use it with metal or harder woods like hickory. In a pinch it would work but I think you would be better of with just a standard drill or even a high speed rotatry tool with drill bits then trying to use this to drill with. Thanks for watching!

[@jrod78415]

My old 8 volt ryobi still works I bought three years ago it goes to 500 rpm. They should make 8 volt usb version that would be nice

[@TBKHomeworld]

Since they use 2 X 4v batteries for the new heater seat I see no reason why they couldn't do 2 X 4V batteries in a screwdriver like this (other than size issues) to get more power. It would certainly give it more power but at what point does it become oversized and just better to buy the 18v models.....hmmm. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@prerecordedresponse9884]

I've got 2 of these and I'm 50/50 on them. I really enjoy using them for smaller tasks like replacing wall outlets or something where I need low torque. However, I have encountered that weird lockout over-torque delay. When it first happened I thought I broke it. I don't understand what Ryobi were thinking with a 3+ second delay in work.

[@TBKHomeworld]

I really wanted to like it and the first time I hit the lockout I was suprised as I had not seen anything in the instructions about it. I'm disappointed that Ryobi opted to do this and I'm also glad it wasn't just me who encountered it. Even Project Farm did a review of it and noted it having the same lockout issue. I'm wondering if perhaps the Ryobi engineers weren't thinking that day :) I hope they fix the next version. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@derekp6636]

tbh I kinda considered one to get but I just couldn't justify it, my 12v old one is still running and lightweight enough.

[@TBKHomeworld]

The older 12v were indeed great to have! I certainly wouldn't want to be stuck with this one over the 12v. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@jchavins]

the old version is a better piece but you missed the biggest problem with the old and new version------the bit doesn't lock in place. They wind up falling out and bouncing around on the floor. In any case you are trying to over use the tool. As far and small packages of bits, Ryobi has been selling them for years. There is no reason to include it with the unit.

[@TBKHomeworld]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@debconing3922]

Mine holds just fine

[@louisd95714]

I think Ryobi screwed up on th9s one. They should have made it a bit more powerful. As for me, I am thankful for my Milwaukee M12 Fuel impact driver. It is very strong, but at the same time can do delicate work also..

[@TBKHomeworld]

I completely agree on the Ryobi front. I've heard nothing but great things on the Milwaukee impact driver, but I do not own one nor do I have direct access to one, otherwise I'd love to do a side-by-side with them. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@andyharker5431]

That stop would be good for putting together cheap particularboard desk dressers TV stand. Where is very easy to strip the screws out other then that it's pointless. I have ryobi tools now.

[@TBKHomeworld]

While I can understand what you are saying, I would much rather use one with a clutch on the tool than to use this with the overload/overheat feature. At this point mine just sits on the workbench and doesn't get used. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@andyharker5431]

@TBKHomeworld I was gonna get it but after your review in not gonna waste my money. I'm looking more at the buar or hyper tough for a stick screwdriver. Any others to look at with out spending a lot.

[@TBKHomeworld]

I really like the Bauer, it does a great job and doesn't do this stop stuff.....I have a short comparing the two of them here: kzbin.infoj9HQUo2VQr4

[@andyharker5431]

@TBKHomeworld do you do a review of 3/8 12v ???

[@TBKHomeworld]

As of the moment I don't have any of the 12V series of either Bauer, Ryobi or Hercules. I've considered getting into it but so far you're the first person who has requested anything. Are you specifically referring to the Hercules model 56563?

[@Phillip-y6d]

I remember my 1st Ryobi drill had a mag tray on it...I was so pissed then they discontinued that feature but maybe they're on to something in that all metal is composite crap today :)

[@TBKHomeworld]

I could imagine that having a mag tray on one of these electric screwdrivers would be great. I do enjoy that the larger drills/impacts have magnetic trays but they are pretty weak magnets overall and won't even hold onto a 1/4" bit when using the drill. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Phillip-y6d]

@@TBKHomeworld It was the original blue stand up nicad 18 volt,saved me a lot of time at work. retired now, I don't care anymore, it had those clip holsters for bits too, gave it to my brother when lithium came out :)

[@Rhond-i7r]

Black and Decker came out with those tools.Many years ago and they did not PAN out. They're too small and the tools and batteries are too week and they're overpriced.

[@TBKHomeworld]

I recall B&D doing tools similar to this back in the early 1990s and they were indeed very weak. These tools are good for a very specific job and so long as you know that going into them then it's a good buy. For example, we've gotten so much great use out of the flashlight and personal fan. I am hoping that Ryobi sticks with them because I would hate to see the line go away due to how much usage I have gotten out of them so far. Thanks for watching!

[@Phillip-y6d]

wait, those 2 at 6:53 look like they have mag trays ! no ?

[@TBKHomeworld]

The full size drills/impacts do indeed have the mag trays, although the magnetic on them is a bit weak.

[@maxomaxwell7003]

No it’s not because I just got a bundle that was 67 percent off from Home Depot that comes with that , the inspection light, small rotary tool , and glue pen . All for 99$

[@TBKHomeworld]

Congrats on getting a good bundle!

[@jonathansims525]

Great review! I really love the idea of little, usb charged lithium batteries that can be used in a variety of tools and be used to charge your USB C devices. I have really enjoyed my Ryobi USB tools overall, but this screwdriver has been a disappoint to me as well. I think it comes down to the fact that I just don't have much use for a 4 volt screw driver, especially one without torque control. This thing can't put an IKEA shelf together. Even with the pre-drilled holes, 4v just doesn't seem to do it! That or this Ryobi is trash. For $40 you can buy a rechargeable 12v driver with a similar form factor, adjustable torque, and a bit kit. It can do everything this can do and way more- basically any task an home owner would need to do. The only thing the no-name 12v screwdriver would be missing is being in a useful battery eco system, and Sally Homeowner and Joe Blow don't necessarily need a whole tool ecosystem. So as much as I love the idea behind these batteries, there definitely seems to be a limit on what they can accomplish. I hope Ryobi keeps innovating, but doesn't release too many under-powered tools in their USB lithium line.

[@TBKHomeworld]

I completely agree with your logical and your experience is great to hear....it shows I'm not the only one w/issues. I hope Ryobi is able to resolve problems like these because I really want to have a handy 4v screwdriver that can do way more. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@blakeyboy7]

Amazon wouldn't just send the charger, so I look it at like I got the Screw driver for free

[@TBKHomeworld]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@billdonohue2389]

The old one was such a better tool than this one. I hate the over torque feature. In fact that’s gonna make me quit using it. This is a pile of junk.

[@TBKHomeworld]

I have heard nothing but praise for the last generation one, unfortunately I didn't buy that one and I got stuck w/this one. I have grabbed this bad one a couple of times since making this video and it works good so long as you don't hit that over torque feature...but each time I hit that it reminds me of why I stopped using it for weeks at a time. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@billdonohue2389]

It is nowhere as good as the previous model.

[@TBKHomeworld]

I have heard that from several folks. Unfortunately I don't have the previous model but if I find one I'll be sure to buy it. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@mortenvinje1817]

Thanks - I'll stick with mine, then.

[@royurick]

That cutoff is a HUUUUGE con. Even running machine screws it shuts down. Unacceptable. I threw mine away. Absolute junk. looks like the new model (the 51) might be better with more torque. Still needs a locking chuck.

[@TBKHomeworld]

I completely agree and I've now just stopped using the tool entirely and I lean on my Bauer when I want to use an electric screwdriver. I contacted Ryobi about the FVD51K, which is the one with the swappable heads, and it still has this same shutdown feature. It is very unfortunate they opted to go this route. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Phillip-y6d]

cool channel too

[@TBKHomeworld]

Thank you very much! It has been a work in progress and I am really liking where the channel is moving to with the reviews of Ryobi products and I'm sure I will move into even more brands/tools.

[@garyd3725]

It’s purpose isn’t meant for driving long screws in wood. Get a drill instead.

[@TBKHomeworld]

Thanks for watching.

[@robertherrmann4823]

It is weak and cuts off way too soon. Garbage.

[@TBKHomeworld]

Compared to some others it is indeed weaker and yes, the cut off is very annoying and makes the tool unusable for me. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@RobertFollis]

OMG! how can you be so fussy and prtescriptive with a $39 product. If Ryobi did everyting yoiu want it would cost $100+ Tested totally out of context too

[@TBKHomeworld]

I'm not being fussy about a product, I am showing that it has a very specific problem with the shutoff. The testing, while exaggerated, is specifically designed to show that it has really great torque behind it and it is effective in doing that without showing raw numbers from test device. The items I am describe can be included for not much extra money and would make the tool much more usable. There are other brands out there doing similar for less, like Bauer. Thanks for watching.

[@RobertFollis]

@@TBKHomeworld Thanks for the feedback, great channel

[@davedauria4782]

stop calling it a drill. it isn't a drill. it has 4 volts of power. you can't expect it to be a tourq monstor. in my opinion you're just using it for things it wasn't built for. you should compare it to other electric screw drivers rather than comparing it to drills. if someone brings this to a job site they're an idiot and I wouldn't let them work on anything of mine. also, as someone who works on small electronics, you dont torque the screws down with the electric screwdriver. you get them very close and then torque by hand. all the examples you show are appropriate for drills not screwdrivers. you use a screwdriver when you're putting a screw into something that is already tapped. do you ever take your manual screwdriver and start screwing a fence together? of course not because it wasn't built for that purpose and it will do a bad job.

[@TBKHomeworld]

Thanks for watching and commenting.