Ryobi 18V ONE+ 1/2" Drill/Driver Kit

When I first got my hands on the Ryobi 18V ONE+ Drill/Driver Kit, I was eager to see how it would perform in various home improvement tasks. The kit includes a 1/2 inch keyless chuck, a 24-position clutch, and a 2-speed gearbox, all designed to provide versatility and precision. Having used other cordless drills before, I was curious to see if this one would stand out in terms of performance, ease of use, and overall value.

First Impressions

Right out of the box, the drill felt solid and well-constructed. The black rubber grip is comfortable to hold, and the overall balance of the tool is excellent, even with the 1.5Ah battery attached. One of the first things I noticed was its compact size. At just 8.5 inches tall and 6.5 inches long, it’s significantly smaller than many other drills in its class, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

Performance

The Ryobi drill comes with two speed settings: low for high-torque applications and high for faster drilling. I tested it on various materials, including wood, metal, and drywall. The 24-position clutch allows for precise torque adjustment, which is particularly useful when driving screws into softer materials to avoid overdriving them. The drill’s 500 lb-in of torque and maximum speed of 1750 RPM were more than adequate for most household tasks.

One of the standout features for me was the keyless chuck, which locks and unlocks with an audible and tactile click. This feature makes it easy to change bits quickly and securely, something that was always a bit of a hassle with my older drill. The onboard LED light is another thoughtful addition, providing ample illumination in dimly lit areas, although its placement near the battery is not ideal and could have been better positioned closer to the chuck.

Battery Life and Charging

The kit includes two 1.5Ah lithium-ion batteries, which come partially charged. This allowed me to start using the drill almost immediately. The batteries have a 4-LED fuel gauge, giving a clear indication of the remaining charge. In my usage, the batteries lasted long enough to complete several tasks without needing a recharge. The charging time is relatively quick, so you won’t be waiting around too long if you do run out of juice.

However, I did notice that the 1.5Ah batteries might not be sufficient for more demanding tasks. If you’re planning to use the drill for extended periods or more intensive applications, you might want to invest in higher capacity batteries, such as the 2Ah or 4Ah options available in the ONE+ system.

Convenience and Storage

One of the highlights of the Ryobi ONE+ system is the interchangeability of the batteries across a wide range of Ryobi tools. This is a huge plus if you already own other Ryobi products. The drill also features a magnetic bit holder and onboard bit storage, which are convenient for keeping essential bits within easy reach.

One downside, however, is the lack of a built-in bit holder in the base, a feature I found useful in my older drill. While Ryobi does sell an aftermarket bit holder and belt clip that can be attached, it’s an extra expense and an additional step.

Issues and Drawbacks

While my overall experience with the drill was positive, there were a few issues worth mentioning. The drill’s high-pitched whine is a bit more irritating than the deeper growl of other drills I’ve used. This might not be a deal-breaker for everyone, but it’s something to be aware of.

I also encountered a problem with the supplied screwdriver bit falling out of the chuck during use, despite tightening it until it clicked. This could be a minor inconvenience, but it’s something that Ryobi could improve upon.

Lastly, the absence of the storage bag in some kits was a bit of a letdown. Keeping all components together is crucial, especially if you use the drill infrequently. While I did receive a partial refund, it would have been more convenient to have the bag included as advertised.

Overall Recommendation

Despite a few minor drawbacks, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ Drill/Driver Kit is a solid performer that offers excellent value for its price. Its compact size, comfortable grip, and versatile features make it an excellent choice for both casual DIYers and more serious handymen. The convenience of interchangeable batteries within the ONE+ system is a significant advantage, and the drill’s performance is robust enough for most household tasks.

I would recommend this drill to anyone looking for a reliable, easy-to-use cordless drill that won’t break the bank. However, if you require a drill for more heavy-duty applications, you might want to consider investing in higher capacity batteries or a more professional-grade tool. Overall, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ Drill/Driver Kit is a versatile and dependable addition to any toolbox.