Disclosure: this post may contain affiliate links, which means I may make a commission if you decide to make a purchase through one of my links, at no cost to you.
You all know I have a thing for power tools – so last week when Home Depot offered me a giveaway for their Ryobi One+ tool system for one of my readers, I was immediately on board. So let’s start this week off right with a combo kit giveaway, shall we?
I got a chance to try out the Ryobi One+ line last year at the Haven conference. We made wine crates.
It was a little silly, but it was still a lot of fun, and I learned a few things about the Ryobi One+ system that I consider well-thought-out as far as tool systems go:
- The key to their system is the lithium ion battery. The whole “One+” concept is built around the fact that the battery is designed to fit on over 50 different tools. This means that in one project you can take the battery, use it in a circular saw for rip cuts, then switch it to use the drill, then the sander, and then even attach it to your hedge trimmer to knock off another project on the to-do list. Sure, you may need to charge the battery at some point during all of that, but the fact that I don’t have to hunt for exactly the right battery to fit on four tools is pretty sweet.
- Lithium ion batteries have a consistent charge that they call “fade free.” But all it means is that they don’t slowly die like Jack Dawson on the Titanic. The charge is supposed to last four times longer than traditional NiCad batteries, can be charged more times (we’re talking quantity here, so if you do a lot of projects, this is a good thing for overall tool life), and – here’s the kicker for someone who’s seen this happen – the battery doesn’t get damaged from leaving it on the charger for too long. Those of you that don’t use power tools very often will usually learn this the first time the hard way.
- Home Depot and Ryobi don’t necessarily mention this one as part of their regular promo materials, but I think they should: when they designed this line, they hired a group of women to help them make the line more user-friendly. They spoke about this at the user conference, and the knowledge these ladies had about every single feature on each tool (and how it compared to other brands) was pretty impressive. I personally like that they recognize that a tool system should be for any DIYer. But Home Depot does like to mention that they made the Lithium Ion batteries in the line 45% lighter, which allowed them to create smaller (and still powerful) outdoor and power tools.
- Little things are important to me, too: like a magnetic strip for holding extra screws, a built-in LED light that comes on when you turn the drill on, or simply the size/shape of the handle plus a laser on the circular saw – in my opinion, all of these things show me that they really had a very important concept in mind: How can we make this tool more convenient and user-friendly? Now, that’s only an opinion of course, but since I’m studying this kind of stuff in school (the whole innovation/business leadership-type stuff), I can appreciate it when I see a business keeping the customer’s needs in mind.
After that, I don’t know what I’ll use the tool for in 2013. But I really want to use it to help cut down the dining room wall (I’m going to rely on some help for it, but still – the idea that I can cut through just about anything merely makes a girl, you know, want to).
In addition to the Ryobi One+ line, there’s Ryobi Nation – it’s basically an online destination for power tool and DIY enthusiasts to share photos of their project successes, vote on their favorite projects, win prizes, and have access to special offers on Ryobi power tools. You can look up other community member projects, vote on them, or even look for a few new project ideas (which is also sortable by skill level).
Ok, so enough rambling and let’s get to the good part – the giveaway part. GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
WHAT YOU WIN:
The RYOBI 18V ONE+ Lithium Ion Compact Drill Kit. It weighs less than three pounds – which means it’s easy for users of any strength or skill level to use. Great starter kit (hint hint to all of you who said you’re afraid of power tools!)
TO ENTER:
1. Share one or more of your first-of-the-year project plans on Ryobi Nation. Just click this link and go (plus it also enters you into the $500 prize contest that they have on the community itself).
2. Leave a comment on this post telling me you did #1. I mean that you went to Ryobi Nation and submitted your project idea – not the bathroom.
That’s it. Really. I like to keep my giveaways simple. So no extra follows, likes, or whatever. There are only two steps. Giveaway winner will be chosen using random.org in about two weeks (I’ll update the post as the date gets closer). If you can’t figure that out, maybe you shouldn’t be using power tools. Kidding. Sort of.
Good luck! Can’t wait to see what you’re planning for 2013!
I did number one! Which one you'll never know…
Ok, I added my project.
Done. I entered my handbulit fridge surround.
my project was submitted!help me finish my half bath :)
I went to Ryobi Nation and submitted my project idea! I have an old picnic table that was my grandmothers before she passed. Just love the old study thing!
landfjacobson @ charter.net
My project has been submitted :). I submitted for this crate coffee table I have been wanting to make for awhile now!
I submitted my new drywall and coffered ceiling project!
Ok, I finally was able to submit my project (whew that was a pain!), which is a work in progress…started by painting the avocado green out of my powder room. Now I'm selling the idea of mosaic or subway tile up the wall behind the pedestal sink, changing to ORB fixtures, maybe board & batten (it's a small space, only 4×7!)…the list makes my husband's eye twitch.
I added my project – bunk beds that I built from scratch. That Ana White, she makes things look soooo easy :)
I went to Ryobi Nation and submitted my project. Built in shelves in the baby's room. I hope I win. I love the idea of having my own power tool that's not my husband's, and feeling like I'm borrowing his toys. If I win, I'm going to write my name in nail polish on it and display it proudly beside his!
i added my project, painting stripes in our new nursery! next step installing new carpet (daunting!)
Done! I really want to completely redo our bathroom, but I entered my curtain rod project.
I added my project: a bookshelf I built using plans by Ana White.
done! fingers crossed!!
I entered! Picnic table and potting bench. Now, if I can just finish the outdoor living set (from Ana White), I'll be good for the summer!
Hey Sarah! I did #1, so here is #2 ;) (Love that you have a sick mind too haha) I went to Ryobi Nation and submitted my project idea. I live in an apt in NYC but still making my rental a home. Hope we can use this tool :)
-SH
Joined RYOBI! great site with amazing projects!
Can't wait to redo some of the spaces in my house!
Maybe a stupid question, but I'm in the process of submitting my project and it's asking about tools I used…none of them were Ryobi. Do they have to be? Seems like a catch22 if they have to be because I can't enter the contest to win a Ryobi tool without having a Ryobi tool…so I'm thinking they probably don't have to be Ryobi?
Can you tell I'm a rule-follower…double checking so I don't get in trouble…
Well it looks like the other projects where they list tools used could possibly Ryobi tools or just any other brand. So I don't think they have to be even though the links will link up to a like tool in the brand line. Your guess is as good as mine (and I wish you luck at winning!).
Thanks for the reply Sarah–I'll link up then (and if I get in trouble, I'll tell them you said it was okay…lol, just kidding!!) It didn't say it had to be Ryobi anywhere that I could find. Glad your site is back up!
I submitted! User name scg00387 scg00387 at yahoo dot com
Done and done. Project bathroom renovation(s) submitted.
Done! I'm trying to re-do my kitchen!
Project is submitted :)
pinktoesandpowertools @ yahoo.com
Hi, so glad I stumbled upon your blog!! You ROCK!! I submitted my first project for 2013
I added our porch celing replacement.
I did it!
Done! The hubby would be so excited if I won this for him – and *I* would be so excited to get to finally build my beautiful Pinterest home ideas in real life :)
My project was submitted. I am refinishing and repairing vintage Ethan Allen chairs.
joannacarnes (at) gmail (dot) com
I submitted my project. I want to build the king farmhouse bed from ana white. I just bought her book and we desperately need a king bed. The dog and the boyfriend are hogging the bed! This is my first attempt at furniture but i think this is doable!
My project was submitted. 6ft Cypress Privacy Fence.
I didn't submit my project on time. I'm unsure about the status whether it had been included or excluded. Anyways! next time.
I'm so excited that I won! I sent you my contact info via email – please let me know if you didn't receive it. Thanks!!!