3 Ryobi tools you should buy before winter

Published Oct 26, 2026, 9:30 AM EDT Cory Gunther is a senior author and Newsletter Editor at Valnet, covering cutting-edge tech, Android, and more for How-To Geek. He's covered Android, cars, and technology for over a decade. When he's not reviewing the latest gadget, you can find him off-roading in his Toyota truck, fixing said truck, or doing something outdoors with friends and family. He's covered CES, SEMA, and MWC and reviewed countless phones, TVs, speakers, EVs, e-bikes, and more. Before Valnet, Cory worked for GottaBeMobile. His writing has also appeared on SlashGear, InputMag, and AndroidCentral. He's written over 9,000 articles. The cold, harsh winter months are quickly approaching, and snow is on the way, which means it's time to get out or upgrade your winter tools. There's no need to manually shovel snow from the driveway when it's freezing, especially when cordless options exist. With that in mind, here are a few cordless winter tools you should buy before winter. If you already have a collection of power tools from a big-name brand like Ryobi, we have good news. Home Depot's bright green Ryobi tool line has over 300+ tools that can run from the same 18V battery. Or, if you have a bigger 40V battery from a lawn mower or leaf blower, you'll be even more prepared for the cold, long, chilly winter. Ryobi offers everything from drills, drivers, impact wrenches, wet/dry vacs, lighting, fans, speakers, and more to level up your DIY game. The power tool brand has something for every season, including winter. Ryobi 40V Cordless Snow Shovel Credit: Home Depot Shoveling snow is one of those tasks we all dread, but it has to be done. Instead of fighting all the ice with some elbow grease, let the Ryobi 40V cordless electric snow shovel make quick work of it for you. Ryobi's 40V collection is smaller than the One+ 18V line, but it offers longer runtime, more power, and support for various bigger power tools. That's why you'll be glad to see the brand has a 40V electric snow shovel with a 12-inch width, and the ability to reach snow up to 6 inches deep. So, if your driveway is frozen and covered in snow, bust this thing out, throw in a battery, and you'll be done in a matter of minutes. This powerful electric snow shovel works with all of Ryobi's 40V batteries, can throw snow upwards of 25 feet away, and has a two-wheel design that makes it easier than ever to tackle the biggest driveways. And when you hit deep snow or thicker ice, there's a secondary speed to power through. Just keep in mind that the auger blade is plastic. Get one today at your nearest Home Depot and easily clear driveways, sidewalks, and decks. And if you already have a Ryobi trimmer or weed wacker that's part of the Expand-it line, you can save some cash and get the add-on electric shovel for only $149. Ryobi 40V Cordless Snow Shovel Color Yellow Special features Two wheel design Tackle that snowy driveway with ease using the Ryobi electric cordless snow shovel. It comes with the tool, a 40V battery, and a charger. Ryobi 21-inch Electric Snow Blower Credit: Ryobi If you're familiar with Ryobi's many tools, even the winter options, you'll be happy to hear the company just released an all-new (2025) 40V electric snow blower. This is an upgraded 21-inch single-stage auger unit, which is only $549. The previous 21-inch model was over $700, making this an affordable and versatile tool worth adding to your collection. I know what you're thinking—how can a battery-powered tool handle huge driveways? Well, Ryobi's 40V HP technology delivers more power and torque than a comparable 208cc gas blower, and comes with two of those battery packs. Charge both batteries, and the company says you'll be able to clear up to 25 car spaces or an entire driveway multiple times per charge. Ryobi's new 2025 model 40V electric snow blower uses an auger to effortlessly move forward. It throws snow around 35 feet away and features a 21-inch clearing width and just shy of a 12-inch clearing depth. Basically, you'll be able to easily toss a foot of snow out of your driveway, and there's enough battery life for another pass when you need it most. This new model is in stores as we speak, so grab yours at the link below. Ryobi 40V Electric 21-inch Snow Blower Color Yellow Battery Life Clears up to 25 car spaces per charge Ryobi's new and improved 21-inch cordless snow blower is here. With a wide track, nearly 12-inch depth, and powerful 40V motors to blow snow 35ft away, clearing your driveway will be easier than ever this year. Ryobi Cordless Hybrid Forced Air Propane Heater Credit: Home Depot Whether you're tailgating during the cooler months, sitting on the back patio enjoying some coffee, or dealing with a power outage and need to keep the garage warm, Ryobi has you covered. Most people in cold climates have an outdoor heater or two, but the Ryobi One+ 18V cordless hybrid tool kicks things up a notch. This is a forced air propane heater that runs off a regular extension cord. But if you need it to be portable or the power goes out, you'll get the same 60,000 BTU of heat when running it from an 18V battery. Ryobi claims it can safely and effectively warm up to 2,500 sq. ft. of space, like a garage. Thanks to all the forced air, it'll also keep you warm outside in the open. Ryobi's 60,000 BTU cordless heater is a solid option to add to your arsenal, and it's only $159. Ryobi 18V Cordless Propane Heater Material Metal Color Green Stay warm this fall and winter with the Ryobi One+ 18V hybrid forced air propane heater. Special features Variable temperature control dial for 30,000 - 60,000 BTU Several other Ryobi tools didn't make this list, as we're focusing on items designed to make life easier (and toasty) during the winter. I'd also recommend a Ryobi 18V jump starter, or its 40V Ice Auger, for all you fishermen out there. And remember, don't store or charge your Ryobi battery packs in a cold garage. For the best performance and recharge times, ensure they're somewhere that's not below freezing until it's time to go outside.