6 Best Ryobi Impact Drivers For Any Job!

6 Best Ryobi Impact Drivers For Any Job!

I’m tired of being a slave to my power tools. They’re always breaking down and needing repairs, and then it’s back to the shop for me.

It’s hard to get any work done when your tools are constantly letting you down. Not only, do you have to waste time repairing them, but you also can’t get any new projects started until they’re up and running again?

With the Ryobi impact driver, you’ll never have to worry about your tools breaking down again. This powerful tool is built to last with a durable construction that can handle even the most challenging jobs. Plus, it comes with an impressive warranty that guarantees your satisfaction.

In this guide, I will review the Best Ryobi Impact Drivers on the market. We’ll go over what makes each one stand out and which is the best for your needs. So, whether you’re looking for the most powerful, versatile, or affordable impact, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!


Top Ryobi Impact Drivers at a Glance:

  1. Ryobi 238 Brushless Driver
  2. Ryobi P239 Impact
  3. Ryobi P237 18V Impact
  4. Ryobi One+ Cordless
  5. Ryobi P235 1/4 Impact
  6. Ryobi Cordless Quiet Strike

Best Ryobi Impact Drivers Review


Ryobi P238 18V
Ryobi P238 Impact Driver (Image credit: Amazon)

Ryobi 238 Brushless Driver

Best Ryobi Impact Driver for Lug Nuts

SPECIFICATIONS

Model: P238 | Speed: 3,100 RPM | Voltage: 18V | Battery: Required | Battery included: Yes | Weight: 3.1 pounds | Amazon rating: 4.8/5

REASONS TO BUY

Brushless design.

Include bright LED light so that you can work in dim conditions.

Easy handling with maximum control.

REASONS TO AVOID

A bit louder than the others.

The powerful brushless motor and slim design of this Ryobi P238 impact driver can make short work out any tough fastening task. The cordless Ryobi P238 impact driver shoves out extreme power and torque while being user-friendly. The tool’s grip is comfortable, and it weighs only 3.1 pounds; hence you won’t have any issues while using this impact driver.

Apart from its powerful motor, which spins at 3,100 RPM, you will find various handy features such as a 3-speed switch that allows for maximum control and lets you deal with heavy-duty tasks.

I also liked its grip zone rubber molding that allows for a comfortable grip in wet or slippery conditions. You will also find a belt clip on its side which comes in handy if you are working on multiple tasks.

Additionally, this impact driver by Ryobi also comes with a tri-beam LED placed under the keyless chuck. However, you need to know that it will activate when you push the trigger and illuminates your work subject without any distractions.

I observed almost the same results and performance when comparing it with other heavy-duty impact drivers such as Dewalt. However, Ryobi is slightly louder but offers more battery life than the others. Plus no need to purchase a battery separately as this device comes with a rechargeable battery.

This Ryobi impact driver features variable speed triggers that allow you to choose the perfect level of engagement for your projects. The 3 available speeds are perfectly tailored, making this an excellent tool for both beginners and professionals in woodworking alike will appreciate.

My Take:

After analyzing the 18-Volt Ryobi impact driver, I can safely say that this P238 impact driver has a ton of features, and it’s good at outputting power. The speed switch is tactile, which means you can feel it when you transition from one position to another on the tool itself.

Plus, I’m not seeking or wandering around like some other impact drivers I’ve used before. Lastly, this is also the Best Ryobi Impact driver for lug nuts.


Ryobi P239 Impact driver
Ryobi P239 Impact driver (Image credit: Amazon)

Ryobi P239 Impact

Best Brushless Ryobi Impact Driver

SPECIFICATIONS

Model: P239 | Speed: 2000 | Voltage: 18V | Battery: Yes | Battery included: No | Weight: 2.72 pounds | Amazon rating: 4.7/5

REASONS TO BUY

It comes with an onboard magnetic tray.

Features easy to use speed trigger.

The grip is comfortable.

REASONS TO AVOID

Speed settings are difficult to set.

The new Ryobi P289 is often called the best brushless Ryobi impact driver. This smaller, lighter, and more powerful model has an ergonomic handle that’s easy to grip and allows max control.

This lightweight impact driver is perfect for overhead and difficult positions because of its 2,000-inch-pound torque. It’s powered by an 18V lithium-ion battery (like most cordless units nowadays), giving you long-lasting power in all your projects.

The 18V battery (sold separately) offers plenty of power for any task while its speed reaches 4,350 BPM in no time, making this tool more than just fast. The precision is up to the mark when driving screws into hardwood floors or other tough materials.

According to our resources, another plus point of this brushless cordless impact driver is its smartly designed GRIPZONE. It features an over-mold handle and a micro-texture that significantly reduces fatigue and slipping. This makes it easier for long hours of operation without losing your grip on the tool.

One thing to note here is the tool’s speed. This thing can be a mystery. While testing this impact driver, sometimes this gets annoyingly fast, and sometimes this is too slow. So this thing is consistent!
Lastly, the Ryobi offers a three-year warranty on the purchase for your peace of mind.

My Take:

If you’re on the hunt for the best Ryobi brushless impact driver on the market today, look no further than the Ryobi P239 brushless impact driver. This powerful and compact tool offers unmatched precision and control, thanks to its advanced motor design and versatile capabilities, and gets the job done quickly and efficiently.


Ryobi P237 Impact drivver
Ryobi P237 Impact Driver (Image credit: Amazon)

Ryobi P237 18V Impact

Best Impact driver for DIYers and Homeowners

SPECIFICATIONS

Model: P237 | Speed: 3200 | Voltage: 18V | Battery: Yes | Battery included: No | Weight: 2.7 pounds | Amazon rating: 4.8/5

REASONS TO BUY

Solid built and ergonomic design.

Three variable speed modes.

Affordable price.

REASONS TO AVOID

A bit noisy.

Is there anything this 18 Volts P237 Ryobi impact driver can’t do? With 1,800 inch-pounds of torque and 3200 RPM speed, it might be the king of all drivers. The beast Ryobi P237 packs power in its little frame to take on any fastener with ease.

Furthermore, the compact Ryobi impact comes with a bunch of handy functions and features that make your tasks more accessible, such as three LED working lights, handy onboard storage, and the device has the ability to tell how much charge is left on your battery thanks to its lighted gauge.

However, the Ryobi Impact Drivers consumer reports stated that this P237 is not as powerful as other Ryobi impact drivers like Ryobi P238, but it is not wimpy by any means. Besides, the price is justified for this machine.

In addition, the impact feature on this machine is much better than the standard power impacts. It has 3 speeds for varying degrees of torque, so you can find what works best with any project.

With its high-torque motors and bright LED light, this driver is perfect for any construction project where you have had to drive screws through 2x lumber. It cannot accept drill bits, but it’s a great tool all on its own.

My Take:

Ryobi’s One proved to be the best impact driver for any DIYers and homeowners, which is great for any job that needs a little power. I like how these batteries last, and the balance between size, weight, and functionality makes it the best impact driver in the Ryobi’s. If you don’t mind a bit of noise around you, this is the pick for you.


Ryobi PSBID01 Impact Driver
Ryobi PSBID01 Impact Driver (Image credit: Amazon)

Ryobi One+ Cordless

Strongest Ryobi Impact Driver

SPECIFICATIONS

Model: PSBID01 | Speed: 2900 RPM | Voltage: 18V | Battery: Required | Battery included: Yes | Weight: 2.07 pounds | Amazon rating: 4.4/5

REASONS TO BUY

Highly durable impact driver.

One-handed bit release.

Lightest impact driver by Ryobi.

REASONS TO AVOID

Durability is a concern.

The Ryobi One+ compact brushless impact driver is smaller and lighter than its predecessor, but it still has enough power to get any job done efficiently and quickly.

The Ryobi HP compact is not only lesser in size but also very light to use. It takes nearly a full pound off of that model’s weight. Furthermore, this PSBID01 Ryobi impact driver is one of the lightest 18V tools we’ve come across, weighing just 2.8 pounds with its batteries installed.

As for the power, this Ryobi HP compact brushless impact driver features 1700 lbs. of torque along with 2900 RPM and 3800 IPM. Generally speaking, these specs will be sufficient to handle all of your screw driving and fastening needs.

Based on our research, I was able to drive a wide variety of screws and fasteners all the way up to 1/4-inch. However, I will not recommend you to go beyond that point, though.

You can surely find faster-driving impact drivers. In fact, Ryobi’s P238 was about twice as fast as our ledger screws. But remember, this extra speed and power means you will have to deal with the additional weight and a bit bulky size.

Overall, this might not be the class-leading impact driver, but it is the best option for those standard users who don’t require the latest features such as 3 speeds and a LED light ring but prefer using a brushless motor.

My Take:

With a lightweight and compact design, this Ryobi PSBID01 driver is perfect for tackling any project at home. From drywall to self-tapping screws – it has got you covered. Similarly, this might not be the strongest Ryobi impact driver, but it is the best high-value basic tool for those who don’t want to spend much on their purchase.


Ryobi P235 Impact Drive
Ryobi P235 Impact Driver (Image credit: Amazon)

Ryobi P235 1/4 Impact

Best Ryobi Impact Driver for the Money

SPECIFICATIONS

Model: P235 | Speed: 1600 RPM | Voltage: 18V | Battery: Yes | Battery included: No | Weight: 2.75 lbs | Amazon rating: 4.7/5

REASONS TO BUY

Well-designed and comfortable grip.

Plenty of torque and power.

Features Easy to use pull-out chuck.

REASONS TO AVOID

Not ideal for softwoods and pocket screws.

No LED Light.

Next, We have the Ryobi P235 18 Volts impact driver on our list. The compact and lightweight impact driver features a coupler that allows for smooth bit changes. You can use this tool all day long without getting tired, which is perfect if you’re working on projects around your home or office.

To be precise, the tool weighs only 2.75 pounds, and it’s extremely compact so that you won’t have any issues while using it in narrow spaces.

Another thing that I liked about this 18-volts Ryobi impact on the driver is that you can charge this tool with any lithium-ion batteries from the Ryobi’s One+ lineup. Older NiCad batteries can also charge this tool.

The heavy-duty motor is perfect for driving all of your toughest needs. This tool will have no problem handling them with ease from tightening and loosening nuts, bolts, or any other fasteners that you can think about. Moreover, this Ryobi impact driver delivers an impressive 1600 lbs. of torque through its 2-speed gearbox.

Furthermore, I liked its onboard magnetic tray placed nicely at the base, allowing it to offer both convenience and performance. Besides, the tool has plenty of latest features such as no speeds of zero to 2600 RPM in no time along with 3200 IPM.

This impact driver will be your new best friend. This is the best Ryobi Impact driver that’s suitable for most construction and remodeling projects. So, whether you need to drive screws or tighten up some fasteners that have been overlooked before now.

Lastly, it also features a nicely designed belt hook that allows you to keep it close and frees up your hand. The price is also justified and we can safely say that it is one of the Best Ryobi Impact drivers for the money.

My Take:

The Ryobi P235 impact driver is ideal for any homeowner or contractor who wants a versatile, reliable, and long-lasting power tool. This impact driver does not consume battery charge dramatically, making it the perfect choice for anyone who wants to get the most out of their batteries.

Thanks to its high torque and durable construction, the P235 can handle all sorts of projects, from simple home repairs to complex construction projects.


Ryobi P290 Impact Driver
Ryobi P290 Impact Driver (Image credit: Amazon)

Ryobi Cordless Quiet Strike

Best Budget Ryobi Impact Driver

SPECIFICATIONS

Model: P290 | Speed: 3200 RPM | Voltage: 18V | Battery: Yes | Battery included: No | Weight: 3 lbs | Amazon rating: 4.7/5

REASONS TO BUY

Precision is at its best.

Allows maximum control.

Silent operation (you can also use it without any ear protection

REASONS TO AVOID

Some complained that the grip is slippery.

The Ryobi Quiet Strike is an excellent choice for those looking to save some money on their next driver. It has the same three speeds as other brands but comes with a more budget-friendly price tag, plus you get a grip zone over the mold handle and back housing.

This impact driver is shorter than the standard Ryobi driver. Weighing in at only 3 lbs. this impact driver comes with a 4.0 amp hour battery pack that will be sufficient for most users.

In Quite Strike, Ryobi has adopted Ridgid’s Tri-Beam lights, which is a handy feature, in my opinion. The LED lights are bright enough and surround the chuck efficiently and remove the shadows caused by these lights; hence there will be no disturbance.

Furthermore, this Ryobi impact driver also features an auto-load chuck feature that is simple. Due to these features, you can push the bit firmly in place and lock it.

The device is designed smartly and delivers the perfect rapid speed, power, and control balance. Speaking of speed, while analyzing the device, I noticed that its driving speed is much better than a drill but slightly slower than the other impact drivers by Ryobi.

So if you’re looking for a high-quality impact driver that won’t break the bank, then this is the Best budget Ryobi impact driver that you can get.

My Take:

The Ryobi Quiet Strike Pulse Driver is the ultimate screw driving tool for any job. This baby can handle even long screws with ease and precision with its high-torque grin. The impact driver by Ryobi is a life changer for any DIYers looking to build projects more efficiently. You can’t go wrong with this tool, especially if you’re on the go and need something compact but powerful


Criteria for Selection of the Best Ryobi Impact Driver

Many factors need to be considered while selecting the reliable Ryobi impact driver. Some of the key criteria to consider include the power and speed of the tool, the size, and weight of the driver, ease of use, as well as the cost and durability of the driver.

Ultimately, the best-rated Ryobi impact driver will be one that can deliver consistent performance at a high level while still being compact enough to be easily wielded by users.

Furthermore, the tool should display a good value in terms of its price compared to its performance and construction quality.

Overall, considering these various criteria will help you to find the very best Ryobi impact driver for your needs.

Torque:

When choosing an impact driver to use for a job, several factors need to be considered. The most important of these is the amount of torque the tool offers. Torque is the force that determines how easily and quickly fasteners can be driven into wood or other materials and how quickly holes can be drilled into hard surfaces like concrete.

Because impact drivers generate this torque mechanically rather than through electric power, they tend to outperform traditional drills in these applications, particularly when working with tough or difficult materials. When it comes to torque:

  • Ryobi impact drivers featuring 12V motors can deliver torque up to 750 to 1,200 pounds.
  • However, those that have 18V motors can deliver 1350 to 3200 pounds which are more than enough for the hardest materials.

Impacts Per Minute (IPM)

One of the most important considerations is the Impacts per Minute (IPM) rating when it comes to impact drivers. This rating indicates how many times the internal hammer can strike in a minute, and a higher number means that the impact driver can pulse faster.

For the average homeowner or DIYer, Ryobi’s 12V and 18V impact driver delivers IPMs between the 1,750 to 3,750 IPM range.

Generally speaking, an impact driver with higher IPM means that you can drive stubborn fasteners with the same power and torque. This makes it easier to tackle tasks like installing hardware on cabinetry and building furniture quickly and efficiently.

Volts and Battery

Ryobi offers cordless impact drivers in 12 volts, 18 volts, 20 volts, and 24 volts versions. The most popular sizes for cordless impact drivers are the 18-volt versions and the 12-volt versions.

However, voltage is not the only factor to consider. Another important factor is the amp rating. Ryobi’s cordless impact drivers range from 7 amps to 9 amps. The higher the amp rating, the more powerful the tool.

Size and Weight

Finally, you will also want to consider the size and weight of the impact driver. If you plan on using the tool for extended periods, you will want to choose a model that is lightweight and easy to handle.
With so many options on the market, choosing the Ryobi impact driver can be a challenge. But if you follow this extensive guide, things will become much simpler for you.

Price

Finally, price is also an important factor when deciding, as many of the top brands offer excellent deals on combo kits that include a range of tools and battery packs that are all interchangeable with one another.
By taking these factors into account and doing some careful research, you can be sure to find the high-quality Ryobi impact driver for your specific needs.


Is Ryobi Good enough?

Ryobi Limited is a world-renowned manufacturer of power tools with a long and storied history dating back to the early 20th century. Originally founded as a small die-cast products seller in 1943, Ryobi quickly transitioned into producing high-quality power tools that have become staples in homes and businesses around the world.

Today, Ryobi is one of the largest and fastest-growing power tool brands, with 12 manufacturing plants spread across six countries.

Whether you are an avid DIY enthusiast or a seasoned professional, Ryobi has the right tool for any job. Ryobi tools are second to none with innovative features and cutting-edge technology in quality and performance.

Ryobi impact drivers are made to a very high-quality standard and have been proven reliable and robust. Ryobi tools are mainly for consumers such as DIY enthusiasts and general home users, and professionals.

You will see some contractors using Ryobi tools as they are highly durable and made up of good quality. In our Ryobi impact driver review above, you can see they have very good specs, and their impact driver will perform most tasks.


Conclusion

So, these are the best Ryobi impact drivers that you can buy. I have tried my best to provide all the required information about each of them so that you can make an informed decision. If you are looking for a powerful and durable tool to help with your DIY projects, I recommend going with the Ryobi P239 18V One+ Brushless Lithium-Ion Impact Driver.

However, if you are a professional or working as a contractor, then I advise you to go with the Ryobi P238 18V One+ Brushless and Cordless Impact Driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Ryobi impact driver to remove lug nuts?

While an impact driver is a versatile and effective tool for many different types of DIY projects, it is not the best choice for removing lug nuts. This task typically requires more brute force than most impact drivers can deliver, and using an adapter may not give you the extra power that you need.

Additionally, many screws or bolts that have been over-tightened with a pneumatic impact wrench can be very difficult or impossible to remove with a manual impact driver. For these reasons, it is best to use another tool for removing rusted or seized lug nuts.

However, if you already own a Ryobi impact driver and want to remove lug nuts, then we will recommend Ryobi P238 18V One+ for the task as it is the safest option.

Bahram Shahab
Bahram here! A certified Electrical Engineer who knows his way around using power tools like a professional. My journey of using these robust tools started back when I graduated. Since then, I have finished almost a dozen DIY woodworking jobs. Apart from that, I have developed this habit of jotting down my personal experience about using a specific tool. So, I write on them to help the community in the best possible way.