Ryobi HP Compact Impact Driver is a Lightweight Value Leader
If you’ve been hoping for a lighter weight, smaller profile cordless impact driver from Ryobi, it’s here! The Ryobi 18V One+ HP Compact Brushless Impact Driver is significantly more compact than the brand’s other cordless options and still has the performance to tackle your screwdriving needs.
Pros
- Much more compact design than other Ryobi 18V impact drivers
- One of the lightest impact drivers we’ve tested
- Brushless motor
- One hand bit insertion and ejection
- Excellent value at $99 with two 1.5Ah batteries
Cons
- No belt hook
Recommendation
We love that we now have a legitimately compact and lightweight impact driver option from Ryobi. For DIYers, it can be your go-to screwdriving tool and handle just about anything home repairs or weekend projects might throw at you. Everything from drywall to self-tapping screws is on the menu, making it a good option as a high-value basic impact driver for Pros that aren’t interested in spending a lot of money.Ryobi HP Compact Brushless Impact Driver
Compact Design
With a head length of 5.3 inches, the Ryobi HP compact brushless impact driver takes more than an inch off of the brushless P238’s design. It has a smaller diameter, too.
While height isn’t a typical complaint, this model is shorter, too. Its 7.4-inch height (without a battery) is 0.25 inches shorter.
The other major talking point is Ryobi’s weight loss program. The HP compact takes nearly a full pound off of the P238’s weight. Using the kit’s 1.5Ah batteries, the impact driver weighs just 2.8 pounds, making it one of the lightest options we’ve tested in the 18V class.
HP Brushless Motor Performance
Ryobi didn’t just toss in some lightweight components and call it a day. There’s legitimate screwdriving performance that’s a step up from basic DIY-level impact drivers.
The Ryobi HP compact brushless impact driver boasts 1700 in-lbs of torque, 2900 RPM, and 3800 IPM. On paper, that should be sufficient to handle the majority of your screwdriving needs.
Based on our testing, it’s absolutely true. We were able to effectively drive a wide variety of fasteners all the way up to 1/4-inch ledger screws. We wouldn’t recommend going beyond that, though.
On our projects, we typically turn to a compact impact wrench about the time we get to 1/4-inch fasteners, so Ryobi’s compact impact driver covers everything we usually drive with ease.
You can certainly find faster-driving impact drivers. In fact, Ryobi’s P238 was about twice as fast with our ledger screws. In order to get that extra speed, you’re having to deal with the extra size and weight, though.
Feature Set
The feature set is pretty basic on this impact driver. Here’s what you can expect:
- Brushless motor
- Foot-mounted LED light
- One-hand bit insertion and ejection
- Single-speed drive with variable speed trigger
Missing Features
- Multi-speed drive
- Belt hook (there are mounting points on both sides for one)
- Bit holder
- Assist modes
- Smart controls
While we enjoy features such multiple speeds and assist modes, we’re not really put off by what this model lacks. We’re able to work just fine without the extra bells and whistles. If anything, it’s only the belt hook that we really miss.
Price
You can get your hands on the Ryobi HP compact brushless impact driver for $99. That price includes a charger, two 1.5Ah batteries, and a bag. If you want to snag the drill driver at the same time, the combo kit is just $40 more. There’s no bare tool option at the moment.
That’s a pretty sweet price for a brushless impact driver with two batteries. We expect to see pricing closer to $150 for a Prosumer-level brushless model.
The Bottom Line
We love that we now have a legitimately compact and lightweight impact driver option from Ryobi. For DIYers, it can be your go-to screwdriving tool and handle just about anything home repairs or weekend projects might throw at you. Everything from drywall to self-tapping screws is on the menu, making it a good option as a high-value basic impact driver for Pros that aren’t interested in spending a lot of money.
Ryobi 18V One+ HP Compact Brushless Impact Driver Specs
- Model: Ryobi PSBID01K
- Height: 7.32 in.
- Width: 2.98 in.
- Depth: 5.29 in.
- Weight: 1.84 lbs bare
- Voltage: 18V
- Motor: Brushless
- Max Speed: 2,900 RPM
- Max Torque: 1,700 in-lbs.
- Blows Per Minute: 3,800 BPM
- Drive Size: 1/4 in.
- Warranty: 3 years
- Kit Price: $99
For more information about Ryobi’s compact impact driver, click here.
I currently have a full set of Hitachi cordless tools that I was continually frustrated with. I bought a few Ryobi tools to keep at our remote property for jobs around the land while we prepare to build a cabin. I have been blown away with the quality and I truly love the versatility of being able to outfit a decent small remote shop with vacuums, sanders, routers and many other tools I need up there that all work on the same battery platform.
I think when you are in the market segment Ryobi targets you have to make tools and accessories people would desire with a certain quality at the right price. It’s not easy but Ryobi has it down. I always feel good about my Ryobi purchases. My 20 year old C3 tools (which Ryobi made for Sears) are still going strong. A plumber installing my water heater was using the most beat up looking C3 tool and the battery went out. I was able to lend him one of mine :-).