Ryobi Impact Drivers
Ryobi's ONE+ platform is the default choice for many homeowners. Its HP Brushless impact driver claims more torque than many pro tools. Here is what each Ryobi model offers.
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The best Ryobi impact driver for most people is the ONE+ HP Brushless 4-Mode PBLID02, rated at up to 2,200 in-lbs and 4,000 IPM, with an assist mode. Choose the HP Compact model (1,700 in-lbs, 5.3 in) if size and weight matter more. Choose a QuietStrike pulse driver if noise matters. All ONE+ 18V batteries fit all of these tools.
On this page
The Ryobi ONE+ impact driver lineup
| Model | Torque | Max RPM | IPM | Head length | Bare weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBLID02 HP Brushless 4-Mode | 2,200 in-lbs | 2,900 | 4,000 | 5.5 in | 2.3 lb |
| P238 Brushless 3-Speed | 2,200 in-lbs | 3,200 | 4,000 | 6.4 in | 2.7 lb |
| PSBID01 HP Compact Brushless | 1,700 in-lbs | 2,900 | 3,800 | 5.3 in | 1.9 lb |
| QuietStrike pulse driver | lower | see listing | pulse | see listing | see listing |
Ryobi-published figures as reported in published reviews. Ryobi refreshes models often, so confirm the current version before you buy.
Our pick: Ryobi ONE+ HP Brushless PBLID02
Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 4-Mode 1/4-inch Impact Driver (PBLID02)
Best for: homeowners and DIYers doing decks, fences, sheds and home projects.
- Torque
- 2,200 in-lbs
- Speeds
- 850 / 2,000 / 2,900 RPM
- Impacts
- 0-4,000 IPM
- Length
- 5.5 in
- Warranty
- 3 years
The PBLID02 combines Ryobi's highest torque rating with three speeds and an assist mode that starts slowly and speeds up once impacting begins. That makes it easy to start screws straight and hard to strip them. It is longer than the Milwaukee and DeWalt flagships, but for most home jobs that hardly matters.
Strengths
- High rated torque for the price
- Assist mode helps beginners
- Largest homeowner and yard tool range on one battery
- Backward-compatible ONE+ batteries
Weaknesses
- 5.5-inch head is long for tight spaces
- Not built for daily job-site abuse
- Lower top speed than pro models
Other Ryobi options
HP Compact Brushless (PSBID01)
Lighter (1.9 lb bare) and shorter (5.3 in) with a 1,700 in-lb rating and a single speed. It is a good choice for furniture, shelving and indoor jobs where you want something small. The single speed means less control than the PBLID02.
P238 Brushless
The older brushless model, with the same 2,200 in-lb rating and a higher 3,200 RPM top speed, but a long 6.4-inch head and more weight. Worth buying only at a strong discount.
QuietStrike pulse driver
Ryobi's hydraulic-style option, which is far quieter than a standard impact with lower peak torque. It is a budget way into quiet driving. See Ryobi QuietStrike and hydraulic impact drivers explained.
Who should (and should not) buy Ryobi
Good fit
- Homeowners building a tool collection
- DIYers who also want yard tools, fans, lights and inflators on one battery
- Budget-conscious buyers who still want brushless power
- Anyone with old ONE+ batteries
Consider others
- Daily professional use, drops and rain
- Very tight spaces (choose a 4 to 4.5-inch head)
- Trades that need specialty tools Ryobi does not make
Batteries
Every Ryobi ONE+ 18V battery fits every ONE+ tool. For an impact driver, a 2.0 Ah HP or compact pack keeps it light. 4.0 Ah packs suit long decking sessions. HP batteries communicate with HP tools for better output. See the impact driver battery guide.
How Ryobi compares
- Ryobi vs DeWalt: DeWalt is more compact and more durable; Ryobi costs less.
- Ryobi vs Milwaukee: Milwaukee is the pro choice; Ryobi is the value choice.
- Makita vs Ryobi: Makita has refinement; Ryobi has breadth and price.
Verdict
The PBLID02 is one of the best-value impact drivers you can buy: high rated torque, a genuinely useful assist mode and a platform that covers the whole house and yard. Pros should look at the pro brands, but for home use it is hard to beat.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ryobi good enough for an impact driver?
For homeowners and serious DIYers, yes. The HP Brushless models have high torque ratings, useful modes and a 3-year warranty. Professionals who drop tools daily usually prefer Milwaukee, DeWalt or Makita for durability and service networks.
Do old Ryobi ONE+ batteries fit the new impact drivers?
Yes. Ryobi has kept ONE+ 18V battery compatibility since 1996. Older packs fit newer tools, although modern lithium HP packs deliver better performance.
What does HP mean on Ryobi tools?
HP is Ryobi's higher-performance brushless tier. HP tools have more advanced electronics that communicate with batteries for more power and runtime than standard ONE+ tools.
Ryobi PBLID02 vs P238: which is better?
Both are rated at 2,200 in-lbs. The PBLID02 is shorter (5.5 vs 6.4 in) and lighter (2.3 vs 2.7 lb bare), and it adds an assist mode. The P238 has a higher top speed (3,200 vs 2,900 RPM).
Where can I buy Ryobi tools?
In the US, Ryobi is sold mainly through Home Depot and Ryobi's own site, with some models available through Amazon and other retailers.