Coming to your local Home Depot in November, Ryobi will launch a new cordless impact driver on their One+ platform. The Ryobi P238 18V One+ Brushless Impact Driver provides more power, runtime, and motor life than previous editions of their cordless impact drivers. Offering up to 2,000 in/lbs of torque, the new impact driver tightens large fasteners at up to 4,350 impacts per minute.
Ryobi P238 Impact Driver Features
On the rear of this tool, Ryobi has included a 3-speed switch for variable speed operations. In the highest speed setting, this impact driver can reach up to 3,100 RPM.
Like all of Ryobi’s other tools, this new will be compatible with any Ryobi 18V One+ battery. However, using the newer Lithium+ HP battery will improve the performance of the new impact driver.
The Ryobi 18V One+ Brushless Impact Driver also features Tri-LED lights on the muzzle of the driver for improved visibility of the workspace. A Magtray magnetic holder helps to keep track of your bits and fasteners, and a 1/4″ auto-load chuck makes swapping out bits a simple affair.
For convenience, Ryobi included a belt clip that can be mounted to either side of the tool. This tool also features their Gripzone microtextured overmold for increased comfort and control over longer applications.
Final Thoughts
Ryobi’s claim to fame revolves around the compatibility that all of their tools share with all of their batteries. Certainly, this impact driver seems like an upgrade on their older model, which performed very well in our shootout, especially considering its price point. But, the P238 features a brushless motor, which improves performance and power as well as extends overall motor life. That, plus a couple of other minor upgrades help justify the $20 price increase to the new and improved model.
Probably the biggest talking point on this update is the performance specs. We all know Ryobi straddles the line between DIY pricing and entry-level Pro performance. However, these specs are legit Pro-level, with torque exceeding many of the premium Pro brands out there. We’ll have to wait to test this one for ourselves, of course, but this appears to be an impressive impact driver at any price point, let alone for $75.
Ryobi P238 18V One+ Brushless Impact Driver Features
- Brushless motor
- Compatible with LITHIUM+ HP batteries
- 3-speed switch conveniently located on rear of tool
- High Speed: 0-3,100 RPM
- Medium Speed: 0-2,150 RPM
- Low Speed: 0-1,100 RPM
- Powerful design produces up to 2,000 in-lbs torque
- Up to 4,350 IPM (impacts per minute)
- Tri-LED lights
- 1/4” auto-load chuck
- Gripzone microtexture overmold
- Belt clip mounts to either side of tool
- Magtray magnetic holder
Ryobi P238 18V One+ Brushless Impact Driver Specs
- Battery Power Type: Lithium Ion
- Battery Size: 18-Volt
- Chuck Size: 1/2″
- Chuck Type: Auto-Load
- Maximum Speed: 3,100 RPM
- Variable Speed: Yes
- Certifications And Listings: 1-UL Listed
- Warranty: 3-Year
- MSRP: $75.00
- Includes: P238 Brushless 3-Speed Impact Driver, Phillips Bit, Belt Clip, and Owner’s Manual
