A Comprehensive Guide to Ryobi Battery Chargers: PCG002, P118B, and P118

Published September 8, 2024

Understanding the evolution and performance of Ryobi battery chargers is essential for users who rely on their tools for everyday tasks. This guide will explore the key features, differences, and benefits of popular Ryobi chargers, including the PCG002, P118B, and others.

Evolution of Ryobi Chargers: From P118 to PCG002

  • Original P118 Charger: A larger, wall-mountable unit with a built-in power supply.
  • P118B Update: A more compact version by moving the power supply outside. However, it dropped support for charging NiCd batteries.
  • PCG002 Charger: An updated version of the P118B, more aesthetically pleasing when wall-mounted, but with the same essential functions.

Performance and Charging Times

  • PCG002 Charging Speed: Charges a Ryobi 4Ah battery in approximately 2.5-3 hours while drawing 60W from the wall outlet.
  • Comparison with Older Chargers:
    • The P116 and P119 “battery topper” chargers are significantly slower, taking 8-10 hours to charge a 4Ah battery.
    • The P117 and P135 “fast chargers” were Ryobi’s previous fastest chargers, charging a 4Ah battery in about 2 hours with an 85W AC draw.

What’s the difference between the Ryobi P118, P118B, and PCG002 chargers?

  1. Aesthetics: The Ryobi P118, P118B, and PCG002 chargers are essentially the same, with updated design. Most of the updates are aesthetic.
  2. Improved wall-mount design: There is better design for wall-mounted charging.
  3. Price: As with most products that get updated, you can find older models, like the Ryobi P118B for cheaper than the newer models.

New Fast Chargers: PCG004, PCG005, and PCG006

  • Faster Charging Times: These models can charge a 4Ah battery in just over an hour, drawing around 105W AC.
  • PCG005 Dual-Port Feature: Supports simultaneous charging of two batteries; however, it divides the charging power, charging each battery at the same rate as a single PCG002 or P118B would.

Key Takeaways

  • PCG002: A solid update to the P118B, offering moderate charging times and improved aesthetics.
  • PCG004, PCG005, PCG006: Faster chargers that align with other major tool brands’ performance, ideal for users who need quicker turnaround times.
  • Dual-Port Charging: PCG005’s dual-port feature provides convenience but does not increase overall charging speed per battery.

Conclusion

While Ryobi’s PCG002 offers a reasonable balance of performance and design, the newer PCG004, PCG005, and PCG006 provide faster charging options, ideal for users needing quicker battery replenishment. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right charger for your needs.

Posts on Slice Hardware are for information purposes only and not advice for projects, tool use, or safety.