Work In More Places With The Ryobi 12V Cordless Rotary Tool
Ryobi has jumped head first into the rotary tool scene and launched a full lineup of benchtop and handheld rotary tools and accessories. What should you expect from the Ryobi 12V cordless rotary tool? We got it in our hands to find out.
Ryobi 12V Cordless Rotary Tool Performance
Ryobi turns to a 12V power source for this rotary tool. Unlike the removable packs we saw on Ryobi’s 12V drill and impact driver from yesteryear, this one is internal and charges via a USB-C port on the back. There’s a color-changing LED light on the base to give you an idea of how much battery charge remains.
In terms of rotation, this rotary tool keeps up with the best in the business. Its variable speed dial adjusts the rotation from 5,000 to 35,000 RPM. The speed dial has markings for 1 – 5 rather than the specific speed at each interval. Sitting just above the power switch, it’s easily adjustable on the fly.
Ryobi 12V Cordless Rotary Tool Design Notes
Weight and Size
Compared to Ryobi’s precision rotary tools, the TVM01 is beefier in your hand thanks to its internal battery. Without any accessories, it weighs 1.44 pounds and measures 9.75 inches from tip to tail.
Accessory Changes
Standard accessory changes are no surprise, but Ryobi makes it a little easier with a quick-change collet. Press the gray lock button near the tip and turn the collet until you feel it slip into place and lock. From there, insert your accessory and turn the collet until you feel it ratchet down like a drill chuck. If you want a little extra security or you feel the accessory slipping, there’s a wrench in the kit to tighten it down more.
The collet is a typical 1/8-inch universal design, so rotary tool accessories from other brands also fit.
Tool Hanger
On the base of the tool, there’s a steel wire tool hanger. Flip it out to hand it on a nail, screw, or hook on your pegboard. When you’re ready to work, it folds up against the tool so it’s out of the way.
Cutting Guide
The adjustable cutting guide helps you make controlled cuts up to 3/4-inch deep through drywall, plastic, and other softer materials.
45° Platform Guide
This attachment helps to keep a consistent depth and bit angle while grinding and sanding with this cordless rotary tool. It comes in handy when removing grout, as a drywall cut-out tool, or making consistent beveled edges.
Mower Blade Sharpening Guide
This accessory helps you to maintain a controlled angle when sharpening mower blades. Now, you don’t need to bother using an angle grinder or bench grinder to put an edge on them. Plus, due to its compact design, you may not even need to remove the blades to sharpen them.
Additional Accessories
- 1/8 in. High-Speed Steel Drill Bit (x1)
- 1/8 in. screw mandrel (x1)
- Standard 1/8 in. shank rotary mandrel (x1)
- 1/2 in. drum sanding mandrel (x1)
- 1/2 in. 60 grit sanding band (x4)
- 1/2 in. 120 grit sanding band (x4)
- 1/2 in. 240 grit sanding band x4)
- 1/2 in. felt polishing wheel (x3)
- 1 in. felt polishing wheel (x3)
- 15/16 x 1/32 in. cut-off disc (x4)
- Polishing Compound Vial (x1)
- 1-1/4 in. fiberglass cut-off wheel (x4)
- Carbon steel brush (x1)
- 3/8 in. Arch Aluminum Oxide Grinding Stone (x1)
- 3/8 in. Cylinder Aluminum Oxide Grinding Stone (x1)
- 1/4 in. Pointed Aluminum Oxide Grinding Stone (x1)
- Wrench (x1)
Ryobi 12V Cordless Rotary Tool Price
The kit retails for $99.00 and comes with an array of accessories and attachments to get you going along with a case to store everyting in. Ryobi covers this kit with a 3-year limited warranty.
The Bottom Line
With Ryobi bracketing the rotary tool market with so many models, this is the one you want for tougher tasks and awkward spaces. With no cord tethering you to an outlet or battery base, it reaches into work areas more conveniently than many options. Combined with high top-end speed, it can handle grinding and sanding tasks well. Where it’s not as effective is on precision jobs, such as etching jewelry or glass where a thinner, lighter tool in your hand is a better fit.
Ryobi 12V Cordless Rotary Tool Specifications
- Model: Ryobi TVM01
- Power Source: Ryobi 12V rechargeable battery
- USB-C charging port
- Max Speed: 5,000-35,000 RPMs
- Weight: 1.44 lbs
- Length: 9.75 in.
- Collet: 1/8-inch
- Warranty: 3-year
- Price: $99.00
Click here to check out the full line of Ryobi rotary tools!
