5 essential and affordable Ryobi power tools for renters

Published Oct 7, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT Patrick Campanale has been in the tech space for well over a decade, specializing in PC/gaming news and reviews, as well as maker-focused products to build small businesses. With a start in technology back in 2010 surrounding the Palm/webOS ecosystem, Patrick spent his formative years developing mobile applications as well as blogging for various publications, eventually leading to starting his own website in 2014. After running a technology blog for a few years, he stepped out of that role and into the world of high-end custom PC manufacturing and building, with a focus on YouTube video production and overclocking. Then, in 2017, Patrick joined the 9to5Toys team as an editor/writer/reviewer with over 14,000 articles being published during his time there, ranging from deals and roundups to in-depth reviews on the latest technology, video games, 3D printers, and more. In his free time, Patrick loves to create projects from wood using various robots and methods, including leveraging the technologies of CNCs and lasers. If Patrick isn't working on a computer or playing video games, he's likely in his 2-car garage workshop creating something unique. In addition to all this, Patrick is also the media director at his local church where he feels God has called him to serve, and he loves every minute of it. Are you looking for some affordable DIY power tools to tackle simple projects in your rental? These Ryobi tools are perfect for just that. From drilling and driving to refinishing furniture, here are five essential, affordable Ryobi power tools you should consider picking up. Everyone needs a good drill and driver From hanging pictures to assembling furniture, there are many uses for a drill and driver When my wife and I were renting our first apartment, I did what all DIYers do — got a full tool kit with all sorts of tools. Well, we primarily only used two the entire time we were there: a drill and an impact driver, often sold as part of a 2-piece kit. Thankfully, we were allowed to drill into the wall as long as we patched it before leaving. So we had plenty of stuff hung on the wall, and both the drill and impact driver came in handy. We also used the impact driver many other times to assemble the furniture we got. Since we were on the third floor, most of our furniture came flat-packed and had to be assembled (and then disassembled) in the apartment, so that impact driver was perfect for the task. If you're not sure what the differences between a drill and an impact driver are, let me quickly explain. A drill is the age-old drill you've always used. It typically has two speeds and a clutch on the front of it. The clutch can go into "drill" mode where it doesn't give way, or it can be set to "stop" at a certain amount of torque. You'll typically use a drill to make a hole. While it can drive a screw, there are better tools for that out now, called an impact driver. An impact driver has a hammering mechanism inside that helps drive screws and bolts much better than a normal drill. For me, I reach for a drill when I need to drill a hole, and I reach for an impact driver when I need to drive a screw. Ryobi ONE+ HP 1/2-inch Drill and Driver Combo Kit What's Included Battery Included, Charger, Tool Bag Tool Type Driver and Impact Driver Warranty 3-Year Manufacturer's Warranty This Ryobi 18V HP kit is all you need to get started around the house. With a 1.2-inch drill, impact driver, two battery packs, a charger, and a carry case. Tackle all those projects! Refinish furniture projects to spruce up your home with a sander Your landlord might not let you do demo projects, but they can't stop you from refinishing a table you bought I've always been into DIY projects, but when my wife and I lived in our apartment, I couldn't really do any woodworking projects. Being up on the third floor just wasn't conducive to building a table or doing other woodworking. However, what we could do was sand and refinish projects. While we didn't do it much, having a sander around is definitely useful because you can pick up a new table and chairs on Marketplace that someone is giving away and refinish them. Sanding can definitely make a lot of dust, though, so get something with solid dust collection and, if you can, do it on a patio to help keep dust down inside the house. But a sander is a great investment, as it's something that you can use for so many different projects, and it doesn't take up a ton of room, either. Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cat Corner Finish Sander Special features Cushioned Grip, Lock On Switch, No Tool Disc/Pad Change Tool Type Sander Warranty 3-Year Manufacturer's Warranty With 50% less vibration than previous models and an easy-to-use one-handed design, this corner sander shaped like an iron is a great tool for various projects around the house. Keep working on those projects with portable saws like a jigsaw or circular saw Table saws and miter saws might be too big for your space, but everyone has room for a jigsaw or circular saw Okay, now we're stepping into a bit more advanced territory for rentals, but this would be a good option if you have a patio or can work in the parking lot—a saw of some sort. Now that my wife and I own a home, I've converted my garage into a full workshop. But before that, when we were in the apartment, I used my circular saw if I needed to cut anything down. A circular saw is a handheld saw you can use to cut a wide range of materials. I've cut down full sheets of plywood, 2x4s, melamine shelving, and so much more with a circular saw. A jigsaw does a very similar task but in a very different way. Instead of spinning a blade, it moves a blade up and down while also oscillating it forward and backward. A jigsaw is much more nimble and maneuverable while cutting than a circular saw, so you can use it to cut things like holes, curves, or anything else that isn't a straight line. Ryobi ONE+ 18v Circular Saw Color Yellow What's Included 7-1/4" Circular Saw, 4Ah EDGE Battery, and Charger A circular saw is a versatile tool perfect for all your big DIY jobs. It has adjustable blade heights and angles, interchangeable blades for different materials, and more. Everyone should own one. You can still do DIY projects even if you're renting Just because you're renting doesn't mean you can't do DIY projects. Just make sure they follow your landlord's rules. For my wife and me, we did things like hang Wall Control on the wall of the office, wall-mount our TV, or hang a headboard in the main bedroom. Those are simple DIY projects you can easily do in a rental and remove and patch when you leave.