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Are Ridgid and Ryobi Batteries Interchangeable?

Are Ridgid and Ryobi Batteries Interchangeable?

You may have heard that Ridgid, Ryobi, and Milwaukee power tools are made by the same company. With this in mind, it may seem reasonable that you would be able to interchange the batteries on Ridgid and Ryobi tools.

Even though Ridgid and Ryobi are both owned by TTi, the batteries are not interchangeable. The shapes of the Ridgid batteries are different from those of the Ryobi batteries. It is rare to find interchangeable batteries between brands.

So, the batteries of Ridgid tools and Ryobi tools are not compatible, even though they are made by the same company! Are you still wondering if you might be able to make these batteries interchangeable? Read on; we may be able to help.

Are Ridgid and Ryobi Batteries Compatible?

Ridgid and Ryobi batteries are incompatible because they are different shapes and will not physically fit the other brand’s power tools. They are made by the same company, and there are battery adapters available that will allow the user to interchange Ridgid and Ryobi batteries.

Ridgid batteries are built slightly differently than Ryobi batteries. The Ridgid 18-volt lithium is flat and slides onto the power tool, whereas the Ryobi battery has a peg in the center, so the battery is pushed on to engage with the tool.

In order to make these batteries compatible, you would need to buy a battery adapter. This adapter will turn the Ridgid battery into a compatible Ryobi battery. It will also work with similar power tools. However, the use of these devices may be unsafe.

Are Battery Adapters Safe For Ridgid and Ryobi Batteries?

According to the Power Tool Institute, it can be dangerous to use a battery adapter for your power tools. The batteries from different brands of tools do not correspond with each other correctly.

These adapters may cause your battery to:

  • Overheat
  • Interfere with tool performance
  • Cause bodily injury or worse to the user

Therefore, the use of battery adapters is not recommended.

Are Any Other Brands Compatible with Ryobi?

Some brands are compatible with Ryobi. These include:

  • John Deer
  • Craftsman
  • Troy-Bilt
  • McCulloch

That being said, the batteries are not interchangeable without an adapter. However, all Ryobi power tools are capable of using the Ryobi batteries for that particular voltage. So, if you have an older 20-volt drill and a newer Ryobi 20-volt battery, these should work together.

Are There Any Brands That Are Compatible With Ridgid?

Most of the power tool brands available are made by or licensed by TTi, Techtronic Industries. Even though they have the same parent company, they are designed to work only with their brand, not Ridgid. Attempting to use a battery from another, similar brand may damage your Ridgid battery or power tool.

Can I Use Knock-Off Batteries in My Ridgid or Ryobi Power Tools?

There are a variety of copycat or knock-off batteries available to consumers. These batteries are often not made to company standards and will not provide the user with the same performance as the brand factory-made batteries.

Using knock-off batteries may:

  • Cause damage to your power tools
  • Cause damage to your battery
  • Perform badly
  • Have a low life expectancy
  • Have the potential to catch fire
  • Void your power tool warranty

It is always within your best interest to stick with the battery pack intended for your power tool brands. Using any copycat battery will void your warranty should it cause your tool to malfunction.

Do Ridgid and Ryobi Offer Free Battery Replacement?

Ridgid offers a “lifetime,” three-year replacement warranty on their batteries and power tools. Ryobi also offers a warranty on their batteries for a maximum of three years. These warranties will be honored so long as you have followed the manufacturer’s guidelines.

It is recommended that you:

  • Keep your receipt and take a photocopy of your receipt for your records. The store receipts have a way of fading beyond recognition even when stored in the best conditions.
  • Register your power tools and batteries with Ridgid or Ryobi.

Go to Ridgid and select support. Then go to Product registration and fill out the required forms within 90 days of purchasing your tools or batteries. For Ryobi warranties, you can visit their website and register your products under service and support.

If you have registered your products with Ryobi, you can call their customer support line at 1-877-655-5250 with any questions.

These warranties do have limitations, and you need to familiarise yourself with the companies’ requirements.

Ridgid and Ryobi Batteries Are Not Compatible

As frustrating as it may be, Ridgid and Ryobi batteries are incompatible. Even though adapters are available, it is not recommended to use these because of potential damage or physical harm. Stick with the manufacturer’s recommended batteries.

Make sure to register your batteries and tools with the company brand and keep good records of your receipts. This way, if anything does go wrong with your batteries, you will be able to get replacements sent to you.