Ryobi's new Tek4 series of 4V Li-ion products range from measurement to security to portable backup power. All tools share the same 4V rechargeable power supply and feature an industrial look, with Ryobi's new signature green accenting each dark gray tool as accents. Since all new Tek4 tools use the same Li-Ion 4V battery (AP4001) with over 200 recharge cycles, it lasts longer than standard alkaline batteries.
Ryobi's new Tek4 series of 4V Li-ion products range from measurement to security to portable backup power. All tools share the same 4V rechargeable power supply and feature an industrial look, with Ryobi's new signature green accenting each dark gray tool as accents. Since all new Tek4 tools use the same Li-Ion 4V battery (AP4001) with over 200 recharge cycles, it lasts longer than standard alkaline batteries.
We asked Ryobi for the entire Tek4 range so we could get our hands on each tool and see what makes these new 4V Li-Ion tools so unique in the market. Our approach is to dissect each tool to give you an idea of its capabilities and the possibilities of each product.
The Ryobi Tek4 system includes countless tools that definitely benefit the journeyman or even the real estate trade – covering electricians, air mechanical installers, inspectors, agents, estimators and more. While we've included an overview here, we've also included a dedicated review of each tool:
- RP4200 Ryobi Tek4 8MP Digital Camera Review
- RP4010 Ryobi Tek4 Professional Laser Rangefinder Review
- RP4030 Ryobi Tek4 Professional Infrared Thermometer Review
- RP4530 Ryobi Tek4 Noise Canceling Headphones Review
- RP4300 Ryobi Tek4 Motion Sensing Alarm Review
- RP4020 Ryobi Tek4 Professional Digital Multimeter Review
- RP4000 Ryobi Tek4 Self-Leveling Vertical/Cross Laser Review
- RP4900 Ryobi Tek4 Portable USB Power Supply Review
- RP4310 Ryobi Tek4 Digital Key Lock Box Review
- RP4400 Ryobi Tek4 High Intensity LED Flashlight Review
- RP4700 Ryobi Tek4 4V Standard Charger Review
Of the aforementioned tools, we do find the 8MP camera, laser rangefinder, infrared thermometer, noise-canceling headset, self-leveling vertical/cross laser, digital key lock box, and LED flashlight to be particularly valuable. In terms of sheer performance, the laser rangefinder, self-leveling vertical/cross laser and digital lock box stand out in their class and do a great job. Keep in mind that the potential value to consumers may go up when you factor in the 4V rechargeable batteries in each tool. For those who use multiple tools, the Tek4 system's battery system just got even more powerful.
What's unusual about these tools is that the Ryobi Tek4 4V battery system doesn't work the same way in each tool. For example, cameras, thermometers, headphones, USB power supplies, and flashlights all have removable threaded caps. However, the rest of the tools use different methods to secure the battery. This includes single-screw doors, double-screw hinged doors, and even hidden latches where the battery slides into place inside the tool. Oddly, none of the tools use the same battery compartment, although this certainly doesn't affect the performance of the tools themselves.
However, the RP4700 4V Standard Charger is definitely the weak link in Ryobi Tek4's line of tools. This is the charger that comes with every battery using tool. While small and convenient, the charger takes five hours to recharge a fully depleted battery. not kidding. 5 hours, which we thought was too long. In the 12V and 18V tools, the longest charge time we have used is 60 minutes, and most 12V tools are completed in about 30-40 minutes. Ryobi's dual-port fast charger, sold separately, costs $35 and charges in just 36 minutes — more in line with what we've come to expect from lithium-ion technology. Anyone using multiple Ryobi Tek4 tools will want to purchase this charger rather than the one that comes with the individual tools.
The entire Tek4 line is backed by a 2-year limited warranty and sold exclusively at The Home Depot.
in conclusion
In my opinion, there is no doubt that the Ryobi Tek4 series has completely taken the market by storm. They're especially attractive to those in the real estate, inspection, and estimating fields, and we can't believe the overall value most of these tools offer. The only downside is that the 4V battery takes an inexplicably long time to charge (5 hours!). For us, even a partial charge took an average of 2.5-3 hours. You should check out these tools at your local home improvement warehouse to see for yourself the variety and impressive features of these products.