Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 4-Mode 1/2" High Torque Impact Wrench Kit

I recently had the opportunity to put Ryobi's 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 4-Mode 1/2" High Torque Impact Wrench Kit through its paces, and I came away quite impressed. This tool, with its brushless motor and robust torque output, is designed for those tough jobs that demand high power and precision.

The first thing I noticed was the build quality. The wrench has a solid, substantial feel to it, which inspires confidence when tackling challenging tasks. At 3 pounds, it’s not the lightest tool, but considering its power, the weight is manageable. The diecast body and rubberized exterior also give it a durable and rugged feel, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of both automotive and job site applications.

The brushless motor is a standout feature, providing up to 1,170 ft-lbs of breakaway torque and 700 ft-lbs of fastening torque. This level of power is more than sufficient for most automotive tasks, including removing stubborn lug nuts and rusty bolts. I tested it on a variety of fasteners, from axle nuts to crank pulley bolts, and it performed admirably across the board. The tool effortlessly broke loose bolts that had been torqued down to over 150 ft-lbs, a task that my older impact wrench struggled with.

One of the highlights of this impact wrench is its 4-mode speed control, including an Auto Mode. The speed control offers a range of RPM settings: 0-900, 0-1,400, 0-2,100, and 0-1,400 in Auto Mode. This flexibility allows for precise control depending on the task at hand. The Auto Mode is particularly useful, as it prevents over-tightening by stopping the wrench once it reaches a certain torque level. This feature was invaluable when reattaching lug nuts, ensuring they were snug without being over-torqued.

Another practical feature is the tri-beam LED work lights, which provide ample illumination in dark or confined spaces. The lights are bright and well-positioned, making it easier to see what you're working on without needing an additional flashlight.

The 1/2" anvil with a friction ring facilitates quick socket changes, which is a small but appreciated convenience, especially when you’re switching between different sizes frequently. However, I did encounter some compatibility issues with certain sockets and extensions due to the split ring design. This may be a minor inconvenience for some users, but with a bit of adjustment, most sockets can be made to fit.

Battery life is another area where this tool shines. The kit comes with a 4.0 Ah high-performance lithium-ion battery, which provided ample runtime even during extended use. I was able to complete multiple tasks on a single charge, and the included charger quickly topped up the battery when needed. The battery and charger are also compatible with other Ryobi 18V tools, which is a significant advantage if you already own other tools from the ONE+ system.

While the tool’s performance is generally impressive, there are a few caveats. The weight and size can be a bit cumbersome in cramped spaces. Also, although the majority of users will find the torque output more than sufficient, there may be rare cases where it falls short for extremely high-torque applications, like breaking a harmonic balancer bolt on a Honda.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall performance and versatility of the Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless High Torque Impact Wrench make it a compelling choice. It offers a combination of power, precision, and convenience that is hard to beat, especially at its price point. The long battery life, durable build, and thoughtful features like the 4-mode control and tri-beam LED lights add to its appeal.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend this impact wrench to anyone in need of a powerful and versatile tool for automotive or heavy-duty tasks. Its robust performance, coupled with the convenience of the ONE+ battery system, makes it an excellent addition to any toolkit. Whether you’re a professional mechanic or a DIY enthusiast, this impact wrench is more than capable of meeting your needs and exceeding your expectations.