YOUR JOB, A COMPLETE KIT
Count the whole setup before you compare prices.
What is a battery platform?
It is a family of tools designed to work with particular batteries and chargers. Sharing batteries can make later purchases easier, but a brand can sell more than one family.
The voltage printed on the box is not enough to show that a battery fits. Match the platform and exact models before you spend.
What do volts and amp-hours mean?
Voltage is part of the electrical specification. Amp-hours, written Ah, describe battery capacity.
Within a supported range, a higher-capacity pack may give more work between charges, but it can add size and weight. Runtime also depends on the tool and job.
A bigger number does not tell you whether the pack suits the tool you are buying.
Think about your next few jobs
For light cupboard repairs, handling may matter more than having the largest battery. A demanding saw may need a particular pack to work as intended.
Check the manufacturer's recommended combination for each tool on your shortlist. Think about the tools you realistically expect to use rather than buying into a large range just because it exists.
What else will you need?
Confirm the charger supports the battery model, and compare a tool-only price with a kit containing the right battery and charger. A second battery can reduce waiting, but it is an optional convenience unless your job requires it.
Keep chargers, safe storage and any necessary replacement packs in your longer-term budget instead of counting only the first tool.
Before you get started
Use the approved battery and charger combination and follow their charging and storage instructions. Do not use a damaged pack or try to force an incompatible fitting.
Disconnect the battery before changing tool accessories as the manual directs. Battery power does not make blades, bits or dust harmless: the tool still needs its usual safe working setup and protection.
Avoid an expensive mismatch
Write the battery and charger model numbers beside each tool. Ask the manufacturer or retailer about a mismatch before buying; do not rely on a similar colour or an unapproved adapter.
Compare a complete new kit against reusing the equipment you already own. Choose the option that covers the job without locking you into tools you do not need.
Sources and scope
Want to check a detail? These are the references used for this guide.
- RYOBI Australia: choosing an 18V ONE+ battery — Capacity, weight and charger-selection considerations within ONE+. No universal compatibility or runtime claim. Checked 2026-10-26.
- SafeWork SA: hand and power tools — General safe tool selection, handling and precautions; check the exact tool manual. Checked 2026-10-26.
Read about our disclosure and methodology.
Continue your comparison
- Choose a cordless drill around your actual jobs
- Drill driver or impact driver: start with the task
- Compare the complete tool kit cost
- Choosing a circular saw: compare the cuts, then the kit
- Choosing a random orbit sander for your project
- Choosing a woodworking router without buying the wrong accessories
- Plan workshop equipment purchases before filling the floor