The two Ryobi tools I refuse to hit the road without

Published Oct 10, 2026, 10:00 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. Being caught empty-handed on the side of the road is a situation no one wants to experience. I'm the type of person who likes to be prepared, so I keep a little travel toolkit in my truck. Additionally, two Ryobi tools are usually in my vehicle and come along for every ride. Automotive tools can get expensive quickly, especially when you're buying niche items for specific repairs. But when it comes to general items that everyone should have in their trunk, Ryobi has you covered with several affordable options. If you don't want to be stranded and waiting for a tow truck, get yourself an affordable battery-powered inflator, along with Ryobi's portable jump starter. Ryobi's portable jump starter can handle most dead batteries 1600 peak amps and a built-in LED light One of the most common problems a driver will face, and a leading reason people call a tow truck, is a dead or low battery. Whether you left the lights on, didn't shut the door completely, or it's just getting old, it happens all the time. And sure, jumper cables are nice to have in your trunk, but then you'll still need someone to stop and help. Last year, I found Ryobi's neat 18V battery-powered portable jump starter on sale for $139, and it's been in my truck ever since. This is an all-in-one device that'll save you in a pinch, and it's strong enough to jump-start cars, SUVs, big trucks, or even diesel engines. Ryobi's jump starter runs on the 18V ONE+ battery pack you probably already own, and it can deliver 1,600 amps of peak power to jump-start a dead battery. Ryobi says the tool has anti-spark technology for safety, and I appreciate the built-in handle, LED light, and protective cover that encloses the battery and shields it from the elements on the road. I have a 2Ah battery that came with a combo kit on mine, although for the best results, you'll want to use a bigger 4Ah cell. Sure, this is a little more expensive than a regular set of jumper cables, but it sure beats waiting or relying on a stranger, and it's cheaper than paying for a tow truck or roadside assistance. Get this affordable $40 tire inflator Say goodbye to low or flat tires Along with a dead battery, the other leading reason for a tow truck or roadside assistance is a flat tire: blowouts, punctures, small leaks, and the like. Obviously, you can't fix a blowout, but a flat tire is super simple and affordable to handle, as long as you're prepared. Even if you've never needed one before, I'd highly recommend one of Ryobi's High-Pressure Tire Inflators. They're compact, powerful, and have more than enough juice to get you out of a sticky situation and back on the road. The model shown in my photos above is no longer available, but it's a power inflator that delivers up to 150 PSI of air in minutes. It has since been replaced by a smaller and more powerful "High Pressure" model linked below. I actually own both, mainly because the newer model was on sale for $18 last year, which is an absolute steal, and I put it in my wife's car. Ryobi's 18V tire inflator is small and unassuming, but it does a better job than you'd expect. And the peace of mind is just icing on the cake. It's compact, lightweight, and has a built-in display that makes it easy to check your PSI while you air up that low or flat tire. The upgraded model pushes 160 PSI, and you can preset an air limit so it stops at your tires' recommended level to prevent overinflation. Additionally, this inflator works great on just about everything. I'm talking about bikes, motorcycles, toys, footballs, an air mattress while camping, and more. It's always in my truck ready to go, as long as I remember to recharge the battery every once in a while. Ryobi 18V ONE+ High-Pressure Tire Inflator Tool Type Tire Inflator Warranty 3-Year Manufacturer's Warranty With 160 PSI of pressure from any ONE+ 18V battery, this inflator is fast and capable. Plus, there's an auto-shutoff mode to prevent overinflation of car or bike tires. Stay prepared with these affordable tools Having the right tools for the situation is important, and whether you're a DIY mechanic or just a Ryobi fan, these are two excellent options to always ensure you're better prepared. I also have a storage bin with a few other essentials, like straps, a 10mm socket, and an impact wrench, and whenever I take longer trips, I put it in the bed of my truck. I understand if you don't want to lug around a bunch of tools, but the two mentioned above are pretty essential, and chances are you'll be glad you had them.