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Ryobi 18v Impact Driver

Review by JMG posted 132 days ago 786 views 0 times favorited 7 comments Add to Favorites Watch
Ryobi 18v Impact Driver No-picture-s No-picture-s Click the pictures to enlarge them

I bought this impact to replace an old DeWalt driver. I got the driver, a compact drill, 2 compact lithium batteries, and a charger for only $179 instead of a new DeWalt impact with no battery for $279. Sounded like a good deal so I jumped on it even though the Ryobi’s torque didn’t come close to the DeWalt(880 in/lbs for the Ryobi and 1,330 in/lbs for the DeWalt). The Ryobi struggled to drive lags into the old petrified wood of the house I was adding the deck on. It also bogged down when I attempted to lag a 2×12 to a 6×6 post with 6in lags. It would drive a little past half way then quit. I ended up having to drill pilot holes for the lags. I did, however, like the lithium batteries. They keep charge a lot longer than the old batteries. I also used the impact to screw the deck boards down and had no problems there. Even with the compact batteries, I only had to recharge about 5 or 6 times on a 14’x26’ deck. I would reccomend this tool if price is a factor or every day abuse is not taking place. If you need a contractor grade impact, I strongly suggest going with the DeWalt, Makita, or the 24v impact with the most torque (1490 in/lbs), the Rigid.

-- -Jon

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JMG

45 posts in 142 days



7 comments so far

View oldskoolmodder's profile

oldskoolmodder

707 posts in 573 days


posted 131 days ago

You should always drill a pilot hole for lags. I’d almost suggest it’s not a fair comparison, because probably NO 18v impact driver will drive a lag without a pilot hole. Ryobi makes better tools than people give them credit for. Especially when you do the job right.

-- Respect your shop tools and they will respect you - Ric

View a1Jim's profile

a1Jim

16684 posts in 470 days


posted 131 days ago

I agree that you should pre drill for lag bolts but All Ryobi tools are for home owners not contractors. I’ve had some ryobi tools last a long time

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

View JMG's profile

JMG

45 posts in 142 days


posted 131 days ago

I disagree, a DeWalt impact will easily drive a 3/8”x6” lag with no pilot hole, not saying you should not drill a pilot hole though

-- -Jon

View oldskoolmodder's profile

oldskoolmodder

707 posts in 573 days


posted 130 days ago

Then I have to ask why not buy a DeWalt in the first place. Ryobi and DeWalt are two different categories of product.

-- Respect your shop tools and they will respect you - Ric

View JMG's profile

JMG

45 posts in 142 days


posted 130 days ago

I wanted the DeWalt, but price just happened to be a factor this time. Just didn’t have the funds to spring for a good tool, had to take what I could get.

-- -Jon

View tooldad's profile

tooldad

454 posts in 608 days


posted 130 days ago

Have them both, and I use the DW all the time. Now I actually have 2, got a lithium DW set from my dad for working on his kitchen. School is where I use the Ryobis. Can see the difference. we buy ryobi at school because of the price. Batteries are cheap, and that is what seems to go. It all depends on amount of use and amount of $ you want to spend.

View RandyMarine's profile

RandyMarine

54 posts in 262 days


posted 129 days ago

I have had this driver for about 6 months…it compliments my entire one+ ryobi line….I will say that you are comparing apples and oranges. I have used this driver on my workbenches, to reattach my awning in the brick after a wind storm, and to help build my neighbors deck. I have never had a problem with bogging down on any of the tasks I have put it up to. I do drill pilot holes though for everything I do after I split some very expensive wood not to long ago. I own 14 one plus tools and think a few are rather light duty however, I have to keep in mind the task I am using them for…

-- Semper Fi, Randy Sr.

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