"Andrew" wrote in message
oups.com...
Looking over Ebay auctions, I noiced that Ryobi tools are going for way
less than other brands and most don't have any bids. I've always
thought Ryobi to be a decent DYI brand, good for the price at least.
Perhaps a step above B&D, on par with Skil, but definitely below PC.


Many years ago, ummm late 1980's it was pretty good. Since then it has
basically gone the route of B&D. I would not put it above B&D IMHO.
Probably good for the price but you know what they say about the price.


But it looks like people are actually avoiding Ryobi at the (IMHO)
decent prices and paying 2-3x for a Dewalt. Personally I don't
understand the Dewalt craze.

If you work with a tool all day long, you start to appreciate the
differences.

You'd think at least frugal woodworkers
like myself would rather have a cheapie Ryobi than no tool at all.

Some do.

I bring this up because I got a used 12V 3/8" drill kit (2 batteries +
charger) for $30, which I thought was an okay price, at a local shop.
I'm very happy with it even though 12V is now outdated.

I would venture to say that 90% of purchasers are buying large voltage
cordless drills for the same reason the 60 year old neighbor just traded in
his 4 door sedan for a new Corvette. Typically a 9.6 or 12 volt will do
what 90% of larger voltage drill owners end up using their drills for with
less weight and typically longer battery life. I have been using 9.6 volt
drills for 14 + years and have only recently moved up to 12 volt.