Ryobi P277 Troubleshooting

Despite the battery being charged, the Drill will not start at all

The battery might be too old or have been improperly stored and as such has reached the end of its lifespan. A new battery will need to be purchased.

The drill battery is not charging properly.

Check to see whether the battery pins are damaged or if some external material has clogged the pins. If there is damage or the material cannot be removed, replace the battery.

Properly plug the battery pack into a power supply with the required voltage and suitable power cord. When it is properly mounted, a light that detects the insertion of the battery will come on.

Keep the battery pack charging temperature between 65°F and 75°F. Do not charge the battery pack in temperatures below 40°F, or above 105°F.

Do not drop or crush the batteries.

If the battery is dead, purchase a new battery of the same power and brand. Place the live and dead batteries next to each other. Connect a metal conductor, such as wire, to each of the batteries. Connect positive - positive terminals and negative-negative terminals. The dead battery will slowly charge. Wait 5 to 10 minutes before attempting to charge the drill.

The trigger does not respond when pressed

Dirt, wood shavings, or other forms of debris could impede the function of the trigger. If this is the issue, clean the areas affected by the debris. Reference our trigger replacement guide to learn how to access the interior of the drill for a more thorough cleaning.

The plastic components of the trigger are damaged in some form and will need to be replaced. Reference our trigger replacement guide for more details.

Drill bits will not stay secured in the drill

The chuck has not been tightened enough to lock into place. Tighten the chuck until a clicking noise is heard indicating that the chuck is locked into place.

The chuck does not respond to tightening and wont lock into place. In this instance, the chuck has likely been worn from prolonged use.

Debris (sawdust etc) has impeded the ability to lock the chuck into place, or has impeded the ability to secure a drill bit into the chuck. In this instance, a thorough cleaning of impacted areas is recommended.

If no problems with the chuck have been found, it's time to analyze the drill bit. Ensure the drill bit hasn’t been inserted crooked. Look to see if the drill bit itself has been bent. If it appears to have been bent, replace the drill bit.

Speed drilling has caused the drilling tool and drill bit to overheat.

Reduce cutting speed

Drilling continuously at high speeds may cause the drill to overheat. Reduce the speed when necessary.

Use water or cutting oil as a coolant

After drilling a few holes into wood or plastic material, you may immerse the drill bit in a cup of water. Be sure to dry it off with a towel to avoid causing additional friction or clogging. However, do not immerse an extremely overheated drill bit into water. Instant cooling can cause further damage to the drill.

When drilling steel objects, use cutting oil instead.

Ventilation hole is covered

If the airflow is blocked, the inner temperature of the drill will rise.

Use proper drill bit

Carbide bits, high-speed bits, and cobalt bids are suitable to use when drilling hard materials, such as steel. The most heat and wear-resistant bits are carbide drill bits. Your bit will become overheated if you use general bits for hard drilling.

The drill will only spin in one direction.

Debris has built up around the reverse switch

If dirt or sawdust is impeding the movement of the switch, a thorough cleaning is recommended.

The reverse switch is damaged

Reference our reverse switch replacement guide for instructions.

The drill has turned on, but will not spin.

The chuck has come loose

If there is a screw visible, tighten the chuck by turning the screw anti-clockwise.