
Even though Ryobi has manufactured power tools since 1968, the company hit it big with its global launch of the 18V ONE+ platform in 1996, and it’s still going strong today. Earlier this year, the company released a new limited-edition Blackout tool for its 30-year anniversary. Ryobi’s black drill is super rare, which is why you might see it on Amazon for upwards of $169 from resellers.
It turns out that Ryobi’s new “Blackout” drill is pretty popular, and Home Depot quickly sold out of the $99 compact 18V drill in a matter of days. Still, that hasn’t stopped resellers and scalpers from scooping them up at nearby stores and flipping them on Amazon at huge price hikes. Here’s what you need to know.
Celebrate with limited-edition black power tools
Ryobi fans either love or hate the bright neon greenish-yellow color of its power tools. The company does that on purpose, making them stick out at the hardware store and attract your attention. Then, once you buy a few, see the excellent value and realize that the same 18V ONE+ battery powers over 350 tools, you’re hooked.
The success of the 18V lineup began in 1996 with the launch of Ryobi’s first 18V cordless tools. However, back then, the tools were dark blue, not bright green. Then, in the early 2000s, the company switched to lithium-ion battery packs, delivering more power, and started integrating the neon vibes we all love today.
To celebrate 30 years of innovation and success, in February 2026, the company launched the “Blackout” tools you’ve probably seen online, on Amazon, or at your nearby store.
The main item in the collection is an all-new Ryobi 18V ONE+ Compact Brushless Drill for $99. Black isn’t the only thing special about this tool, either. It’s the smallest 18V Brushless drill from the company, all while still delivering 450 in-lbs of torque. The brushless motor delivers over 1,700 RPM in a small 6.1-inch package. This drill is small, sleek, black, and capable.
Additionally, Ryobi is offering a limited-edition 18V Blackout hand vacuum, though it’s not nearly as popular among enthusiasts or collectors as the drill. People also want the black battery with the 30th edition branding.
The tools feature a matte-black finish with “30” and “1996-2026” stamps, and the drill kit includes a blackout battery and charger.
Good luck finding one at Home Depot
Unfortunately, finding one is easier said than done. What started as a practical, well-priced tool has become a scarce commodity—a collector item of sorts—fueling price gouging by resellers. A quick look at Amazon shows the same Ryobi drill, battery, and charger Home Depot has for $99, listed at $170. That’s a pretty substantial price difference.
The situation isn’t any better on eBay, where scalpers are flipping the combo tool kit for $148 or more. Even the collector edition battery itself can be found at huge markups, frustrating DIYers and fans everywhere.
You can’t buy the Anniversary tools directly from Ryobi, which is part of the problem. Instead, you’ll hit checkout, which takes you to the Home Depot website, its official power tool partner in the U.S. and around the globe. Unfortunately, Home Depot can’t seem to keep up, and it’s in and out of stock every few days.
If you really wanted one, you probably should have jumped at the chance in February. Ryobi confirmed that this is a “limited-edition” drop and that inventory would be small.
Please don’t buy a Ryobi 30th Anniversary “Blackout” drill for $180 or $200 on eBay, or pay $170 for it on Amazon either.
That said, I’m still seeing it appear in stock on the Home Depot website every few days, or at least once a week. Instead of opening your wallet to a scalper, wait for Home Depot to hopefully restock. Additionally, several Reddit users have confirmed that it’ll randomly appear on end caps or in specific areas at physical Home Depot stores. So, you might want to head to your local store to see if they have any in stock.
The $30 premium for a new color isn’t the best deal ever. And when you combine that with massive markups from resellers, a tool you can regularly get for under $100 in green will now run you $150 or more. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love the look, but it’s just not worth the extra cost.
You have other options from Ryobi
If you’re looking for affordable Ryobi tools, you already have plenty to choose from. Sure, they’re not black, but consider this list of 8 tools for under $40, or buy one of these versatile tools that serve multiple functions.
Otherwise, wait and hope that Home Depot gets more stock in the coming days, or that Ryobi launches more tools in this exclusive color.
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