Ryobi Power Tool Batteries Charge With USB, New Tools Released

A workshop filled with cordless power tools is also a workshop filled with battery chargers gobbling up outlets and power strips. Ryobi’s new USB Lithium cordless power tool system trades proprietary chargers for USB-C ports on the battery themselves, allowing them to share the chargers your phone, tablet, and laptop use.The 4V, 2.0Ah lithium-ion batteries feature a built-in LED so each one reports their charging status while plugged into a USB-C cable. The batteries can’t be used to charge a mobile device through that USB-C port nor do they provide enough kick to power cordless tools you’d use on larger construction or carpentry projects but are instead designed to power a new line of tools geared towards home maintenance or craft and hobby projects.Image: RyobiThe $20 batteries are designed to power a new $60 Dremel-like rotary tool delivering 5,000 to 25,000 RPM, a $70 power…

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