In a recent thread I asked about the weak batteries in my DeWalt 18v drill/driver. That discussion led me to researching new impact drivers.
I'm wondering what you all think of this Ryobi. Use cases are the rare project, maybe using it once a month. I don't anticipate this being used even weekly. I do odd jobs like fixing stairs, chairs, or light building of chicken coups, that kind of thing. So I don't need anything outstanding. I want the Economy car of impact drivers.
If planning on a "system" of different tools using the same batteries I find the Ryobi line to be a step below DeWalt and Milwaukee for items other than a drill/driver.
I have no experience with Ryobi tools. Too bad it only comes with 1 battery. How much is another? It will kind of suck waiting to recharge the only battery you have.
I see that a second battery is another $50, I would buy the brushless driver w/ two batteries for $89
Oh that's perfect, thanks VolvoHeretic!
@Stampie, I don't plan on a system, just thinking I need one driver. Reason being I have access to almost all the other tools I need via the land I live on which has a shared workshop. If I did, I'd definitely plan on the higher end manufacturers.
Mighty Car Mods use a lot of the Ryobi tools, and have been using them for a fair number of years now.
Almost all of my cordless tools are Ryobi and I am very happy with them. I own the Oder version of this tool and have put it through some abuse over the past 5 years. Still works great and for the price it's hard to beat it.
I don't disagree that DeWalt might be a small step up, but I have had the Ryobi drill and impact driver kit for ~10 years and they have served me well. I just had one of the original batteries die this week. Incidentally, you can get the drill, impact driver and 2 batteries for $99. Home Despot
In reply to Chris Tropea :
Great to know, thank you!
I have Dewalt and have been happy with them. My brother is "all in" on Ryobi. Pick one and stick to it. I also have a Kobalt set for the shop and it hasn't failed me to date.
In reply to alphahotel :
Good to know, thanks. Curious, why would someone want a drill and a driver? I don't get it.
CyberEric said:In reply to alphahotel :. Curious, why would someone want a drill and a driver? I don't get it.
Do you want to make holes or drive screws?
An impact driver, like you have linked can make holes if you buy special hex shank drill bits, but is designed to drive screws and bolts.
A drill can hold any round shank or hex shank drill bit AND also screwdriver bits. It will make holes in things better than the driver but won't have the impacting torque of the driver.
A drill is more versatile than an impact driver.
Trent said:A drill is more versatile than an impact driver.
Yeah, drills are MUCH better at stripping screw heads. :)
I don't own a nail gun. I do however pre-drill each and every screw hole I ever install a screw into (with an impact driver). Entire walls worth during small remodel projects. They go hand in hand. It's also tornado/hurricane resistant. Remember, nails only hold things up against gravity, screw also fight uplift.
Gotcha, thanks all. I'm starting to wonder if I should just get a drill for the projects I do. I was worried it wouldn't have the torque I want for automotive projects though... so maybe I should just get the combo set. Life feels complicated sometimes!
CyberEric said:Gotcha, thanks all. I'm starting to wonder if I should just get a drill for the projects I do. I was worried it wouldn't have the torque I want for automotive projects though... so maybe I should just get the combo set. Life feels complicated sometimes!
I'd ge the impact. There's a clutch in there. The drill when used in automotive applications will try to snap your wrist off because there's no clutch. Being able to quick change attachments on the impact is also nice.
Almost everything I have is Ryobi and I've been happy with them. The weed eater with interchangable heads has served me well for almost a decade, sometimes being used on my (now sold, good riddance) apartment building and 3 other properties! So, it's gotten a real workout!
If you go Ryobi (or dewalt for that matter) I'm happy to send you a couple of batteries that I revive. Where ya located?
I joined the Ryobi ecosystem a couple of years ago and have been very happy. The tools are certainly good enough for me as a homeowner, and they are so much cheaper than the next tier up that I was able to shop the deals and get a lot more tools and batteries for my money. They also have something like 300 tools that use their 18V battery, so I have oddball stuff like a pole saw, glue gun, mini shop blower, etc.
Ryobi makes a really good tool for the price. One of my employees swears by them. He got a multiple piece kit about five years ago and from what I can tell they have been solid performers. I have used them and they work fine. He uses them around his camp in ME quite a bit as well as at home. He always seems to have a project going. As far as I know he has not had any issues with them.
I went with the Milwaukee eco system due to them also being company tools that get used a bit more and they have been great. These go home with employees on weekends as well as do stuff during the week. My only complaint is the battery prices of Milwaukee. But to date I have not had to replace any. I think my oldest battery is 7 years old and it still seems to be fine.
In reply to bbbbRASS :
Wow thanks! I am curious if you have any 18v DeWalt batteries you've revived for my old drill? If I could get new batteries for that, I could keep it and get the Ryobi impact driver. I am located in Kirksville, MO at the moment.
More and more helpful information, thanks everyone!
I ended up getting the $89 Ryobi impact driver today from Home Depot. Picked up a 20 pc drive/drill set for $10 as well. Hopefully this will serve me well. Thanks again!
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