RYOBI FOR DIY AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR
Mechanics love to hate on Ryobi, but we’ve been using Ryobi tools for years with no issues. So here’s our list of the BEST Ryobi automotive tools…
WHY RYOBI TOOLS?
Ryobi has over 300 cordless tools which use the same 18v ONE+ battery system. From automotive tools like impact wrenches and tire inflators to even woodworking tools Ryobi has it all.
We own tons of cordless Ryobi automotive tools that we use for automotive repair and it’s nice to have the same batteries for the occasional DIY home project cordless Ryobi tools too.
Costs can also add up when you’re buying dozens of different cordless power tools. If you plan on using other tools like a circular saw or a grass trimmer, you won’t need to spend $$$ going with Ryobi.
If you compare other brands like Milwaukee vs Ryobi, Ryobi is around 20% less expensive.
RYOBI MECHANIC TOOL SET
We’ve been DIY wrenching for the last few years on automotive projects from a Datsun Z car to an E46 drift build. None of our Ryobi automotive tools have one tool fail yet.
Here’s the list of Ryobi tools we recommend for DIY auto repair:
1. RYOBI IMPACT WRENCH
Removing lug nuts off can be a pain especially if you had a shop change your tires. I’ve never seen a tire shop use a torque wrench. The Ryobi 1/2” cordless impact wrench has 600lbs of breakaway torque and a brushless motor. It also has built in LED light to help see bolts it darker areas.
Any stubborn bolts you try to loosen come off like butter.
2. RYOBI RATCHET
Stressing your forearms unscrewing long bolts is another pain. The Ryobi 3/8” cordless ratchet makes quick work of taking those bolts off. I have no idea why it took us so long to get a cordless ratchet.
The Ryobi Ratchet has a brushed motor and 35lb-ft of torque. The motor tops out of 230 RPM, but that’s way more than enough to unscrew smaller bolts.
Ryobi 3/8” cordless ratchet removing cylinder head
3. RYOBI DRILL / DRIVER
If you start breaking stuff around your car, then you’re going to need a drill with some drill bits. Hopefully, you won’t encounter broken bolts too quickly on your DIY automotive journey, so you might be able to hold on purchasing the Ryobi Cordless Drill/Driver for a little bit.
The Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Cordless Compact 1/2" Drill/Driver is also brushless, which means the motor will hold up much longer than brushed models.
4. RYOBI AUTOMOTIVE LED LIGHT
You can never get enough light and this Ryobi workbench LED light is bright. It comes with different settings which allows only one or two of the LED panels to light up.
It has hooks you can use to attach to your car hood and one of the panels swings out at different angles.
5. RYOBI TIRE INFLATOR
The Ryobi cordless tire inflator works flawlessly. It has a digital display that checks your tire pressure, then all you have to do is pull the trigger, and fill your tire up. It’s that simple.
It’s low on our DIY Automotive Repair list because there are many other ways to get air in your tire, but this makes things super convenient.
6. RYOBI RIGHT ANGLE DIE GRINDER
We use the Ryobi right angle die grinder for lots of auto body rust repair which is why its last on the list. Not everyone does bodywork, but if you do this is a pretty versatile tool.
You can use a cutoff wheel to cut out bad sheet metal, wire wheels to remove seam sealer, and other sanding/paint stripping disks to do light body work.
Ryobi Right Angle Die Grinder with Sand Pad
RYOBI MECHANIC TOOL STARTER KIT
Ryobi also has a 4-Tool Automotive Tool kit that comes with batteries which will save you some cash…
5 out of 6 of the starter kit tools are on our recommended list. The kit comes with the following:
Ryobi Batteries
Ryobi 3/8 in. Ratchet (the extended reach version)
Ryobi 1/2 in. Impact Wrench
Ryobi Grease Gun
Ryobi Tire Inflator
The one tool in the kit you probably don’t need is the Ryobi grease gun. It’s great if you’re constantly greasing fittings, but you probably won’t be greasing fittings all the time.
Note: The only thing you need to add to the Ryobi starter kit is a cordless drill.
WATCH RYOBI AUTOMOTIVE TOOLS IN ACTION
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