I think we've done the rounds about the relationship between Ryobi and
Performance Pro over and over again. However today when I popped into
the local shed to buy some stuff, the displays of the Ryobi and PP tools
were next to each other. Mostly the two ranges are difficult to
distinguish, but the PP range appears to have more than one supplier.

The battery types for the PP range varies, I could spot at least three
types of 18V battery with mutually incompatible connectors. The Ryobi
18V range all use the same battery and charger.

What was interesting is that one of the PP batteries (which fits the PP
tools that I have) is identical to the Ryobi 18V battery, with one small
detail change. The connector on the PP is 180 degrees reversed from the
design of the Ryobi. Other than that the two designs fit each other. The
PP batteries fit the Ryobi charger and vice versa. Sadly the Ryobi
batteries won't fit the PP tools because the body of the battery is 180
degrees out of alignment with the tool.

Ryobi saw blades fit the PP tools however, and as I mentioned before
it's possible to see a "Ryobi" marking on the motor of one of the PP
tools I own, so some other spares may be interchangeable. B&Q continue
with their policy of offering a tool for a few weeks then dropping all
support including spare batteries, chargers and blades. I wonder WTF the
managers of the store are smoking.

On Sun, 02 Apr 2006 02:35:54 +0100, Steve Firth
wrote:

I think we've done the rounds about the relationship between Ryobi and
Performance Pro over and over again. However today when I popped into
the local shed to buy some stuff, the displays of the Ryobi and PP tools
were next to each other. Mostly the two ranges are difficult to
distinguish, but the PP range appears to have more than one supplier.

The battery types for the PP range varies, I could spot at least three
types of 18V battery with mutually incompatible connectors. The Ryobi
18V range all use the same battery and charger.

What was interesting is that one of the PP batteries (which fits the PP
tools that I have) is identical to the Ryobi 18V battery, with one small
detail change. The connector on the PP is 180 degrees reversed from the
design of the Ryobi. Other than that the two designs fit each other. The
PP batteries fit the Ryobi charger and vice versa. Sadly the Ryobi
batteries won't fit the PP tools because the body of the battery is 180
degrees out of alignment with the tool.

Ryobi saw blades fit the PP tools however, and as I mentioned before
it's possible to see a "Ryobi" marking on the motor of one of the PP
tools I own, so some other spares may be interchangeable. B&Q continue
with their policy of offering a tool for a few weeks then dropping all
support including spare batteries, chargers and blades. I wonder WTF the
managers of the store are smoking.


Cigars, I would imagine.


--

..andy

"Steve Firth" wrote in message
...
I think we've done the rounds about the relationship between Ryobi and
Performance Pro over and over again. However today when I popped into the
local shed to buy some stuff, the displays of the Ryobi and PP tools were
next to each other. Mostly the two ranges are difficult to distinguish, but
the PP range appears to have more than one supplier.

The battery types for the PP range varies, I could spot at least three
types of 18V battery with mutually incompatible connectors. The Ryobi 18V
range all use the same battery and charger.

What was interesting is that one of the PP batteries (which fits the PP
tools that I have) is identical to the Ryobi 18V battery, with one small
detail change. The connector on the PP is 180 degrees reversed from the
design of the Ryobi. Other than that the two designs fit each other. The
PP batteries fit the Ryobi charger and vice versa. Sadly the Ryobi
batteries won't fit the PP tools because the body of the battery is 180
degrees out of alignment with the tool.

Ryobi saw blades fit the PP tools however, and as I mentioned before it's
possible to see a "Ryobi" marking on the motor of one of the PP tools I
own, so some other spares may be interchangeable. B&Q continue with their
policy of offering a tool for a few weeks then dropping all support
including spare batteries, chargers and blades. I wonder WTF the managers
of the store are smoking.

The ONE+ Ryobi range is excellent. All use the same 18v battery and the
tools come without batteries. They are taking off in a big way. The Impact
Driver is great value and well made. the batteries have Panasonic cells. Two
batteries, one charger, an Impact Driver and an angle drill will cost £60 +
£70 + £60 = £190, £175 in some Internet places. That is not much more than
one 12v DeWalt angle drill with only battery that I saw in B&Q. Most
Makita, Bosch and DeWalt Impact Drivers are north of £200 alone. The ONE+
range has a 2 yr guarantee and service centres if that is what turns you on.

Only DeWalt and Ryobi push one battery ranges. Wickes are making an attempt
at a one battery range using 14.4 v batteries, but the range is limited.
The PP Pro range, as opposed to PP, is really only for one off buys and as
been mentioned sourced from various makers, although overall good quality
and good value for money.