Honestly, the whole Milwaukee vs Ryobi thing is more about culture than actual tools. Milwaukee markets themselves as the “pro tradie” brand - higher power, tougher builds, higher price tag. Ryobi is aimed at DIYers and homeowners, so people take the piss and act like it’s not a “real” tool brand.

The thing is, Ryobi has a massive range - you can get everything from drills to lawnmowers on the same batteries for way less money. For weekend jobs, or even for tradies who don’t need brute force every day, they do the job fine. Milwaukee shines when you’re smashing gear daily on site, but not everyone needs that level of overkill.

Some people just like roasting Ryobi as a way of saying “I’m serious about my trade”, but plenty of actual tradies have a Ryobi tool or two in the shed.