Your concern with warranty is valid. Email Ryobi with a detailed
report on the circumstances, with pictures, serial number, etc.
Discuss maintaining the warranty, in case something does break,
during your attempted fix. You want a record of having discussed the
problem with Ryobi, and not just blindside them after the fact. I'm
sure they will be accommodating, no matter if they allow you to
attempt a fix or accept replacing it. Doesn't Home Depot have some
sort of service personell. Get someone from HD to witness any
attempted fix, to support the efforts you report to Ryobi, should
future complications arise.

Any contact with Ryobi is evidence of an existing problem. There's no
doubt a phone number on their paperwork, owners manual, etc. That's
one of the reasons as to what the phone number is for, isn't it.

Sonny