5 Ryobi Tools That Milwaukee Doesn't Make

Key Takeaways

• Ryobi's 18V cordless bolt cutters can slice through 3/8-inch metal and do 200 cuts per charge
• The hybrid iceless cooler runs on battery or AC power and holds 40 cans without ice
• Milwaukee has 350+ tools but skips niche categories Ryobi covers for DIYers

Milwaukee and Ryobi both run massive cordless tool ecosystems. Milwaukee's M12 and M18 lines cover 350+ tools. Ryobi has even more. But the two brands don't overlap completely. Ryobi builds niche tools that Milwaukee ignores.

The difference comes down to audience. Milwaukee targets electricians, automotive techs, and construction pros. Ryobi builds for everyone, from weekend DIYers to homeowners tackling random projects. That broader focus means Ryobi fills gaps the pro brands skip.

Ryobi 18V Cordless Bolt Cutters

Ryobi released its 18V cordless bolt cutters in early 2026. The tool uses steel jaws to cut through bolts, chains, locks, nails, and other metal up to 3/8-inch thick. One battery handles around 200 cuts per charge.

Hand-powered bolt cutters are notoriously difficult to use. They require serious grip strength and leverage. The cordless version eliminates that struggle. Milwaukee offers a threaded rod cutter, which cuts and rethreads bolts, but that's a different tool for a different job. The Ryobi bolt cutters retail for $115 at Home Depot.

Ryobi 18V Hybrid Iceless Cooler

Milwaukee makes personal coolers for jobsites. Ryobi makes a powered refrigerator on wheels. The Ryobi hybrid iceless cooler holds 24 quarts, enough for 40 cans. It stays cold without ice because it's an actual cooling unit, not just insulation.

The "hybrid" label means the cooler runs on either an 18V battery pack or an AC extension cord. Use battery power on a jobsite or tailgate. Plug it in when you're near an outlet. Milwaukee has nothing comparable in its lineup.

Why Ryobi Goes Niche

Ryobi's strategy makes sense when you look at where the tools sell. Home Depot is Ryobi's exclusive retailer. The store draws contractors, but most foot traffic comes from homeowners. Those customers want tools for specific problems, not just core power tools.

Milwaukee focuses on trades where tool selection stays predictable. Electricians need wire strippers, pliers, and multimeters. Automotive techs need ratchets and impact wrenches. Ryobi chases the long tail of home improvement projects that don't fit neatly into trade categories.

What This Means for Tool Buyers

If you already own Ryobi batteries, these niche tools cost less than buying a new platform. The bolt cutters run $115 for the bare tool. Add batteries you already have and you're set. Switching brands means buying new batteries, chargers, and sometimes duplicating tools you already own.

Milwaukee users who need a specific niche tool face a choice. Buy a Ryobi battery kit for that one tool, or find a corded or manual alternative. Neither option is ideal, which is why platform lock-in matters when choosing a power tool brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Milwaukee make cordless bolt cutters?

No. Milwaukee offers a threaded rod cutter that cuts and rethreads bolts, but not a general-purpose bolt cutter like Ryobi's 18V model.

Can the Ryobi iceless cooler run on battery only?

Yes. The hybrid cooler runs on either an 18V Ryobi battery or an AC extension cord.

How many cuts can Ryobi bolt cutters make per charge?

Around 200 cuts on a single 18V battery charge, according to Ryobi.

Where can you buy Ryobi tools?

Ryobi sells exclusively through Home Depot in the United States.

Source: How-To Geek