A new version of the Ryobi 18V multitool was spotted, the Ryobi 18V Multitool Gen 3 model known as the P343 in the USA and the R18MT3-0 everywhere else.
The first generation model was just a attachment Jobplus head to the power base while the second model was a standalone 18V unit with a pivoting head. This third model is still a standalone unit like the Gen 2 model however it ditches the pivoting head feature.
As far as oscillating multitools go, this is a very basic model as it requires a hex key and bolt to change blades and doesn’t have an LED light but luckily it has storage for the required hex key. It uses a trigger to operate and has a variable speed knob underneath. I’m not a big fan of multitools with triggers as I’ve used Ridgid’s Jobmax model before and hated the experience since it tires your arm with extended use but some people seem to be ok with it and actually like the triggered approach to a multitool. It’s just not for me, I’ll continue to stick to and prefer using a traditional slide power switch and variable speed dial for my multitools.
The Ryobi 18V Multitool P343 / R18MT3-0 Gen 3 comes as a baretool but at least it comes with 3 accessories – a regular blade, simi-circle blade and sanding pad with several sheets of sand paper.
A big thanks to DrewBHAM for spotting!
- 10,000-20,000 OPM
- 3 degrees oscillating angle
- on/off trigger
- variable speed dial underneath
- ancient hex key and bolt blade change system
- no LED light
- stand alone multitool (not part of Jobplus/Jobmax system)
DISCLOSURE:
We are a participant in The Home Depot Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to homedepot.com. Tool Craze does not sell this product or any product on the Tool Craze website. Tool Craze does not handle the sale of any item in any way. If you purchase something through a post on the Tool Craze site, Tool Craze may get a small share of the sale. Please refer to the About section for more info.
Wow. Way to ruin a tool. The Job plus head versatility is unmatched. It allows you to turn the power base into 9 different tools. Not to mention how many things you can do with the oscillating head. Plus the head and can be put into four different positions. Making a fixed head with no light and tool required blade change. Two big thumbs down.
This doesn’t replace the Jobplus version if that’s what you need. This a separate standalone model for those that aren’t in the Jobplus system, those that need interchangeable heads can still get the Jobplus system and heads.
If you need a Ryobi multitool that can pivot and with tool-less blade change, look in to the Gen 2 model https://toolcraze.net/ryobi-18v-multitool-gen-ii-r18mt-0/ although it doesn’t have a light and not part of the Jobplus system. The original jobplus multitool head doesn’t have tool-less blade change as it still requires the old hex key and bolt system and although the jobplus base has an LED, the multitool head doesn’t meaning you don’t get lighting on the material being worked on. Either way, non of Ryobi’s multitools have all of the best features into one multitool. You’d have to look into another brand’s offering. And don’t even get me started on that trigger they use, ughh!!!…
I welcome the two new tools because the current jobplus version was only rated 10th out of 12 cordless types on protoolreviews. I agree about triggers being undesirable but the two new versions at least have speed setting dials not variable speed triggers. However they aren’t available in US.
Personally I can’t stand triggers on multitools and it makes no difference to me if the trigger itself is variable speed or not. I borrowed one, the Ridgid jobmax corded version and was a pain to use for extended use. Never again, But I understand that’s a personal preference and many like triggers on multitools.
I use the ryobi 18v line as my cordless tool line.
I Use the multitool a lot….but not *this* one.
The old one with the removable head.
I use it enough to figure out i didn’t like the head that came with the tool.
So i acquired a few of the ridgid multi tool head…with the easy to remove
blade system….and use those instead. I didn’t buy the
heads new. Bought them from people who were selling the ridgid tools
for parts…and included the heads as part of the sale.
Threw out the base tool and kept the heads.
Looks like Home Depot offers the P343 as part of a $200 kit. They are sold on ebay as tool only. The P343 has variable speed and a trigger lock.