Ryobi HP Brushless Hammer Drill Drives Higher Performance in a More Compact Package
Lighter and more compact than its predecessor, the Ryobi HP Brushless Hammer Drill represents the latest flagship model for the popular brand. We wanted to see just how much improvement it is in both size and performance.
Pros
- More compact and lighter weight than the P251 brushless hammer drill
- Higher overall performance than the P251
- Legitimate professional-level performance
- Brushless motor
- Metal chuck
- Ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip
- Excellent value ($179 kit, $119 bare tool)
Cons
- No significant drawbacks
Ryobi HP Brushless Hammer Drill Upgrades
Ryobi made two major upgrades with their latest flagship hammer drill and we’re excited about both.
Size and Weight
The first thing we noticed is that the Ryobi HP Brushless Hammer Drill is more compact than the previous P251 brushless hammer drill. Measuring the length confirmed our initial impressions. At 7.5 inches, it drops 1/2 an inch from the P251.
It’s lighter, too. Weighing 3.0 pounds bare, it shaves another couple of ounces off the weight of its bulkier predecessor.
HP = High Performance
On the performance side, the Ryobi PBLHM101 gets the HP Brushless upgrade. Combining Ryobi’s High Performance battery with its High Performance motor upgrade promises to deliver better results.
On paper, that translates to better speed. The P251 is geared to 410 and 1800 no-load speeds. The Ryobi HP Brushless Hammer Drill moves that up to 500 and 2100 RPM. The blow rate in hammer mode also makes a big move forward from 24,000 to 31,000 BPM.
On the other hand, the torque rating is the same. 750 in-lbs is nothing to shake a stick at, though. It wasn’t all that long ago that the best cordless drills were around that mark and it’s still a very relevant power level to be at.
PTR Test Track
To see how much of a difference Ryobi’s upgrades really make, we took it over to the PTR Test Track to see what kind of time it could lay down in our Time Trial.
If you’re not familiar with the course, here’s what the drill has to complete as quickly as possible:
- Fastening 20 x 1 1/2-inch drywall screws
- 10 x 1/2-inch twist bit holes
- 10 x 3/4-inch spade bit holes
- 10 x 3/4-inch auger bit holes
- 1 x 1-inch hole saw hole
- 1 x 2 1/8-inch hole saw hole
Using a 2.0Ah High Performance battery, the Ryobi HP Brushless Hammer Drill completed the course in 2:37. It shaved a bit more time with a 4.0Ah High Performance battery with a 2:26 effort. The P251 needed 4:33, making this HP model more than two minutes faster across the same applications.
Here’s what else is eye-opening: only DeWalt’s DCD999 FlexVolt Advantage drill using a FlexVolt battery had a faster time (2:19) at the time we’re writing this review. That’s extremely impressive!
When you get to some of the tougher applications, those 1000+ in-lbs premium drills still have an advantage. But for the majority of tasks that Pros use a standard cordless drill for, Ryobi is up there with the best in the business.
Ryobi HP Brushless Hammer Drill Feature Set
- Brushless motor
- 2-speed gearbox
- 24-position clutch with hammer mode
- 1/2 in. ratcheting metal chuck
- Auxiliary handleincluded
- Foot-mounted LED worklight
- Compatible with more than 175 other cordless products
Ryobi Brushless Hammer Drill Quick Comparison
| 18V One+ (P251) | HP Compact (PSBHM01) | HP Brushless (PBLHM101) | |
| Speed | 410/1800 RPM | 450/1700 RPM | 500/2100 RPM |
| Torque | 750 in-lbs | 400 in-lbs | 750 in-lbs |
| Blow Rate | 24,000 BPM | 27,200 BPM | 31,000 BPM |
| Length | 8.0 in | 7.0 in | 7.5 in |
| Bare Weight | 3.1 lbs | 2.5 lbs | 3.0 lbs |
Ryobi HP Brushless Hammer Drill Price
As the Ryobi HP Brushless Hammer Drill rolls into Home Depot stores and online, expect the price to run $179 with a 4.0Ah High Performance battery, charger, and soft case.
If you already have batteries, you can snag the bare tool for $119. It’s also part of a combo kit with Ryobi’s HP brushless impact driver, 4Ah and 2Ah batteries, and charger for a pretty sweet $229.
The Bottom Line
The Ryobi HP Brushless Hammer Drill delivers just about everything you could hope for in a new generation of cordless drills. It’s more compact and lighter weight while improving its performance. If you’re serious about your DIY projects or just trying to save money while getting your professional work done, it’s a win.
Ryobi One+ HP Brushless Hammer Drill Specs
- Model: Ryobi PBLHM101K
- Voltage: 18V
- Motor: Brushless
- Max Speed: 2100 RPM
- Blows Per Minute: 31,000 BPM
- Chuck Size: 1/2 in.
- Chuck Type: Keyless
- Length: 7.5 in.
- Bare Weight: 2.8 lbs.
- Warranty: 3-year warranty
- Kit Price: $179
Check out more HP Brushless tools at Ryobi’s website.
