The Ryobi RP4700 is the definite weak link in the Ryobi Tek4 cordless tools line. This is the charger that comes with each of the battery-wielding tools (save the Tek4 LED Flashlight and Tek4 USB Portable Power Source). While small and convenient, the charger takes FIVE HOURS to charge a completely spent battery. Seriously? In what universe does it take 5 hours to charge a 4V Li-ion battery?
Of the 12V and 18V tools we use the longest charge time we’ve seen is 60 minutes, and most 12V tools get done in around 30-40. There is really nothing to say about this Ryobi RP4700 charger except that if this is what it took to get Energy Star certification, then I think “going green” should only apply to the color of these tools. The Ryobi Dual Port Rapid Charger, available separately for $35, does the job in just 36 minutes – more in line with what we’ve come to expect from lithium-ion technology. If you’ve got patience and have enough batteries to cycle them as needed, then the 5 hour charge time of the Ryobi RP4700 may not bother you, but this is a major chink in the armor of an otherwise amazing line-up of tools.