Ryobi Tek4 Cordless Electronic Tools

The new line of Ryobi Tek4 Cordless Electronic Tools is built around their cleverly designed 4 Volt lithium ion battery.

The 4 Volt battery provides roughly the same power as three AA sized batteries (which deliver a combined 4.5V). And, at 1" diameter and 3" long, it's not much larger than a fist full of 3 AAs. Given that a Tek4 battery can be recharged up to 2,000 times, you get the equivalent of some 6,000 AA batteries. For most of us, that's a lifetime of batteries.

Plus you get the advantages that lithium ion batteries offer over NiMH or NiCd batteries: high energy density (for their size and weight they can store more energy than other formats); low discharge rates (they retain their charge for a longer period than other batteries) and no memory loss (they always maintain their maximum energy capacity when recharged). At $13 then, these batteries seem like a steal.

There are two battery chargers available for the Tek4 family, a standard version that offers a 3 to 5 hour charge time, and a dual port rapid charger that fuels up the batteries in approximately 30 minutes. Both charges have on-board charging gauges, which show the batteries charge level. The rapid charger also enables you to charge from a USB power source. A number of these tools come bundled with a battery and charger, which offers even better value.

Standard charger

Dual port rapid charger

Currently there are 10 electronic tools in the Tek4 family. Over the coming weeks I'll be shop testing a number of these tools (click on the links in the right panel to read the reviews).

While the perception seems to be that Ryobi products are geared to home owners, DIYers and hobbyist woodworkers, the new Tek4 line of cordless electronic tools will likely go some way to changing that perception. Contractors, carpenters, electricians, plumbers and trades people of every stripe will find these tools of interest.

Component	Model Number	Price
4V lithium ion battery	AP40001	12.99
Standard charger	AP4700	11.99
Dual port rapid charger	AP4302	32.99
Portable power source	RP4900	19.99
Digital camera	RP4200	199.00
High intensity flashlight	RP4400	19.99
Audio headphones	RP4350	69.99
Motion sensing alarm	RP4300	49.99
Digital key lock box	RP4310	69.99
Plumb/cross laser	RP4000	129.00
Laser distance measure	RP4010	159.00
Digital multimeter	RP4020	89.99
Infrared thermometer	RP4030	79.99
AllPlay MP3 Player	RP4510	79.00

Reviewed January 2010