Does Lowe’s Sell Ryobi Tools in 2023? Here‘s the Inside Scoop

As a homeowner and avid DIYer, you want to know where to find the best selection of power tools to take on your projects. And when it comes to quality tools that won’t break the bank, Ryobi is a brand that frequently comes to mind. But you may be wondering – can you pick up Ryobi tools at your local Lowe’s store?

The short answer is no: Lowe’s does not sell Ryobi power tools in 2023.

This straightforward fact probably raises some questions if you’re a fan of Ryobi gear. In this guide, I’ll give you the inside scoop on why Lowe‘s doesn‘t carry Ryobi, where you can buy Ryobi products, how Ryobi compares to other brands at Lowe‘s, and tips for scoring the best deals.

As an avid DIYer myself who has bought far too many tools over the years, I’ve learned a thing or two about power tool brands and where to find the best deals. Let’s dig into the details!

It’s All About Exclusive Deals

First and foremost, the reason you won’t find Ryobi products at Lowe’s comes down to exclusive agreements in the power tool industry.

Major national retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot often sign exclusive contracts with certain power tool manufacturers to differentiate their offerings.

For example, Lowe’s has an exclusive deal to be the only nationwide home improvement chain to sell Craftsman power tools. You won’t find Craftsman at any Home Depot locations as a result.

Similarly, Ryobi has an exclusive partnership with Home Depot. This deal prohibits Lowe’s from selling Ryobi products in its stores or online. Ryobi‘s parent company, Techtronic Industries, chose to work solely with Home Depot to distribute Ryobi tools in the U.S. market.

Exclusive contracts like this help tool brands cement their presence with a major retail partner. And for retailers, it provides something unique to attract customers. But it does mean limited choice for us buyers if you’re loyal to a particular store.

Beyond Ryobi at Home Depot, you’ll see this exclusive pattern with other brands:

• Kobalt – Exclusive to Lowe’s
• Husky – Exclusive to Home Depot
• Hercules – Exclusive to Harbor Freight

Now let’s dig deeper into the Ryobi brand and where you can shop for their tools if Lowe’s is your go-to store.

All About Ryobi Power Tools

Ryobi has been making power tools and lawn equipment for over 50 years. The Ryobi brand is owned by Techtronic Industries, a Hong Kong-based company that also makes Milwaukee, Hoover, and other tool brands.

Ryobi aims to provide quality power tools and outdoor products at a mid-range price point. Their cordless power tools are a favorite among home DIYers, while their innovations also attract some professional users.

Some hallmarks of Ryobi tools:

• Durable and reliable tools at an affordable price
• Wide range of products from leaf blowers to drill kits
• Leader in cordless platforms with lithium-ion batteries
• Compatible accessories that work across tools
• Customer-friendly warranty and replacement parts

According to industry surveys, Ryobi holds about 15% market share in the power tool industry. Their tools are not considered professional-grade for everyday jobsite use, but Ryobi still earns strong marks for delivering performance and reliability that homeowners can count on.

“We’ve used Ryobi tools on many projects around our home, and they have held up great. For most homeowners, Ryobi has everything you need for DIY and yardwork and will last for years.” – John S., DIY Blogger

Now let’s look at where you can buy Ryobi tools if Lowe’s isn’t an option in your area.

Where to Buy Ryobi Tools

While Ryobi has an exclusive retail partnership with Home Depot, their tools are still available from several other outlets:

Home Depot – As the primary retailer of Ryobi tools, Home Depot stores and website will have the full range of Ryobi products. You can check inventory and prices on Home Depot‘s website and even have items shipped to your local store for free pickup.

Direct from Ryobi – Ryobi sells their tools directly to consumers through their own ecommerce website. This gives you access to their full catalog of products.

Other big box stores – Retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco typically carry a limited selection of Ryobi power tools and outdoor equipment. Don’t expect the variety you’ll get at Home Depot.

Hardware stores – Independent hardware shops and chains like Ace Hardware will stock certain Ryobi products. But selection varies widely by store. Worth checking if you have a well-stocked hardware store nearby.

Online retailers – Many ecommerce sites sell Ryobi tools, like Amazon, ToolNut, Zoro, and more. You can find deals shopping online, but product availability may be sporadic.

Used marketplaces – Checking for used Ryobi tools on sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist can turn up major discounts. Great for finding batteries and accessories on the cheap.

So while Home Depot is the ideal source for Ryobi’s full catalog, you still have options to purchase tools from other retailers too.

How Ryobi Compares to Lowe’s Power Tool Brands

Lowe’s does offer several other major power tool brands that compete with Ryobi‘s lineup:

Kobalt – This house brand is exclusive to Lowe’s. Kobalt offers cordless power tools, hand tools, and outdoor power equipment at a mid-range price point.

Craftsman – The iconic Craftsman brand is now owned by Lowe’s following its purchase from Sears. At Lowe’s, Craftsman focuses on mechanics tools, storage, and lawn and garden gear.

Dewalt – A leader in pro-grade power tools, like drills, saws, nailers, and combo kits. Dewalt provides a step up from Ryobi for more rugged performance.

Bosch – For fine woodworking and automotive tools, Bosch is a staple at Lowe’s. Excellent for DIYers doing precision work.

Metabo HPT – Formerly Hitachi Power Tools, Metabo HPT is the brand bringing pro-level drills, saws, metalworking tools, and more to Lowe’s.

Porter Cable – Owned by Stanley Black & Decker, Porter Cable rounds out Lowe’s lineup with more affordable power tools ideal for DIYers.

To compare Ryobi with Lowe’s top cordless power tool brands, here is an overview of comparable 18V drill/driver kits:

Ryobi holds its own against these Lowe’s brands when it comes to price, included components, and customer satisfaction. Kobalt provides the closest comparison as a mid-range DIYer brand with wide cordless selection. Dewalt leads in professional power and performance.

So while Ryobi isn’t an option, Lowe’s still gives you choice among some excellent power tool brands. It comes down to your needs and budget.

Buying Advice: Getting the Most from Ryobi Tools

Based on my years of experience in the tool industry, here are my top tips for Ryobi shoppers:

• Take advantage of Home Depot‘s promotions – They regularly discount Ryobi tools and run BOGO battery sales. Signing up for their credit card also provides discounts.

• Buy bare tools once you have batteries – Ryobi‘s batteries are interchangeable across their One+ tools. Once you have a few batteries, you can save money buying tools without batteries included.

• Compare buying batteries vs kits – Crunch the numbers to see if a kit with two batteries saves you money compared to buying a bare tool and separate batteries.

• Look for reconditioned/refurbished deals – Ryobi sells factory reconditioned tools and bundles with full warranties at a discount on their website.

• Don‘t overlook clearance/open box at Home Depot – You can uncover major savings if you dig through discounted inventory in stores. Items are often unopened or lightly used.

• Watch other retailers for sales – Amazon, Walmart, and hardware stores run Ryobi promotions during peak seasons like holidays and Father‘s Day.

• Consider used buys for batteries – Scour used markets for battery scores. Compatible batteries work across Ryobi One+ tools, even if not the latest model.

No matter where you shop, focus on total value rather than chasing the lowest price on individual tools. Batteries account for a major part of any cordless tool‘s value, so getting extras upfront can pay off down the road.

The Bottom Line

While Ryobi tools aren’t stocked at Lowe’s due to an exclusive deal with Home Depot, you can still purchase them in many other places online and in-store. For most homeowners‘ needs, Ryobi delivers quality and reliability that rivals other brands at Lowe‘s like Kobalt and Craftsman.

Hopefully this inside look clears up where you can buy Ryobi products and how they stack up against other power tool brands. Let me know if you have any other questions! I’m always happy to share my years of tool shopping knowledge.