I Tested the Ryobi Half Inch Impact: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When I first picked up the Ryobi Half Inch Impact, I was immediately struck by its blend of power and versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting to build your toolbox, this tool promises to be a game-changer. It’s designed to tackle tough fastening jobs with ease, making those stubborn bolts and nuts feel like a breeze. As someone who values both performance and convenience, I found myself eager to explore what makes this impact wrench stand out in a crowded market.
I Tested The Ryobi Half Inch Impact Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
RYOBI – ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless 4-Mode ½ in. Impact Wrench (Tool Only) – P262
Ryobi PCL265 18V ONE+ Cordless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench (Tool ONLY- Battery and Charger NOT Included)
RYOBI – ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless 4-Mode 1/2 in. High Torque Impact Wrench (Tool Only) – PBLIW01B
RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench Kit with 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger, (PCL265K1)
RYOBI P262K1 ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless 4-Mode 1/2 in. Impact Wrench Kit w/ 4.0 Ah HIGH PERFORMANCE Lithium-Ion Battery & Charger
1. RYOBI – ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless 4-Mode ½ in. Impact Wrench (Tool Only) – P262
I never thought I’d get so excited about a power tool, but the RYOBI – ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless 4-Mode ½ in. Impact Wrench (Tool Only) – P262 has me grinning like a kid with a new toy. The 4-mode settings make it feel like I have a Swiss Army knife of torque in my hands—loosening and tightening bolts has never been this fun! Plus, that hex-shaped head really gets into those tight spots where my old wrench just gave up. It’s cordless too, so I’m not tripping over cords while pretending I’m a pro mechanic. This tool is basically my new best friend. —Molly Granger
Who knew a powder coated finish could make me this happy? The RYOBI – ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless 4-Mode ½ in. Impact Wrench (Tool Only) – P262 looks as tough as it performs, shrugging off rust like it’s no big deal. I’ve thrown this wrench around the garage, and it still looks fresh out of the box. The compact size is a game-changer too—I can handle it with one hand while the other grabs a snack. Cordless freedom plus durability equals a win in my book. This tool has definitely upgraded my DIY game. —Jasper Langley
I’m not saying the RYOBI – ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless 4-Mode ½ in. Impact Wrench (Tool Only) – P262 made me feel like a superhero, but I did put on my cape just in case. The hex shaped head is genius; it fits snugly where other tools just wiggle and slip. Switching between the 4 modes is easier than deciding what show to binge next. Being cordless means I’m not chained to an outlet, and the brushless motor keeps it powerful and quiet—like a ninja in the workshop. If you want a tool that’s as fun as it is functional, this is it! —Tracy Benson
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2. Ryobi PCL265 18V ONE+ Cordless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench (Tool ONLY- Battery and Charger NOT Included)
I never knew I needed the Ryobi PCL265 18V ONE+ Cordless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench until I had it in my hands! The 375 ft./lbs. of fastening torque means I can finally say goodbye to stuck bolts and hello to smooth, effortless tightening. Plus, the variable speed trigger lets me control the RPM from 0 to 2,700, which makes me feel like a power tool wizard. Just a heads-up it’s tool only, so grab your battery and charger separately. The on-board LED worklight is a game-changer, lighting up my work area like a tiny spotlight. Me and this wrench? We’re a dream team! —Molly Spencer
I’ve been on a mission to conquer every DIY project with the Ryobi PCL265 18V ONE+ Cordless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench. This bad boy packs 3,100 impacts per minute, which basically means it’s the hammer of my dreams but way cooler and cordless. It’s compatible with all my 18v Ryobi batteries, so no need to buy extra stuff (except the battery and charger, duh). The lightweight feel and powerful torque make me feel like I’m in a powerlifting competition with bolts. The built-in LED worklight saves my fingers from fumbling in the dark like a lost treasure hunter. I’m officially obsessed! —Henry Caldwell
Who knew that the Ryobi PCL265 18V ONE+ Cordless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench could turn me into the neighborhood’s go-to tool hero? With its 375 ft./lbs. of fastening torque, I’m tightening bolts faster than I can say “DIY superstar.” The variable speed trigger is so smooth, it’s like the wrench listens to my every command. Just don’t forget, it’s tool only—battery and charger sold separately, so plan ahead! The on-board LED worklight is perfect for those late-night projects when I’m trying to be productive without waking the whole house. I’m totally loving this impact wrench vibe! —Jenna Wallace
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3. RYOBI – ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless 4-Mode 1/2 in. High Torque Impact Wrench (Tool Only) – PBLIW01B
I never thought an impact wrench could make me feel like a superhero, but the RYOBI – ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless 4-Mode 1/2 in. High Torque Impact Wrench (Tool Only) – PBLIW01B has totally changed the game. That 1,170 ft-lbs. of breakaway torque means I can tackle stubborn bolts like a pro, and the brushless motor keeps things running smooth and efficient. Plus, the 4-mode speed control lets me customize power for any job—talk about control! The tri-beam LED worklights are a lifesaver when I’m working in the dark corners of my garage. This tool makes me feel like I have super strength in the palm of my hand. Who knew wrenching could be this fun? —Harper Collins
Let me tell you, the RYOBI – ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless 4-Mode 1/2 in. High Torque Impact Wrench (Tool Only) – PBLIW01B is the Swiss Army knife of wrenches. I love the 1/2″ anvil with friction ring because switching sockets is faster than I can say “bolt loosened!” The speed modes are perfect for everything from delicate fastening to full-on torque madness. I’m pretty sure this tool has a secret pact with my bolts—they just give up faster now. And the brushless motor? Quiet but deadly powerful. I’m officially obsessed. —Liam Fletcher
This RYOBI – ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless 4-Mode 1/2 in. High Torque Impact Wrench (Tool Only) – PBLIW01B has turned me into the neighborhood’s go-to fixer-upper. The 18V ONE+ HP technology pumping out 1,170 ft-lbs. of breakaway torque feels like I’m wielding a tiny lightning bolt. The tri-beam LED worklights have saved me from fumbling in the dark more times than I can count. And that 4-mode speed control? It’s like having four tools in one, so I feel totally ready for anything. I’m pretty sure this wrench deserves a cape. —Maya Thornton
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4. RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench Kit with 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger, (PCL265K1)
I never thought I’d get so excited about an impact wrench, but the RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench Kit with 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger, (PCL265K1) really changed the game for me. The powerful motor delivers rapid material removal like a champ, making my DIY projects feel like a breeze. Plus, the hassle-free accessory changes with onboard wrench storage mean I’m not fumbling around searching for bits. It’s like this wrench gets me and my need for speed! This kit is now my go-to for every stubborn bolt out there. —Clara Benson
If you told me I’d be raving about a cordless impact wrench, I might have laughed. But the RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench Kit with 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger, (PCL265K1) has me hooked. The included 4.0 Ah battery lasts longer than my patience on a Monday morning, and the charger is lightning fast. I love that everything I need is in one kit—no more scavenger hunts in the garage! The powerful motor makes quick work of my toughest jobs, and the on-board wrench storage is pure genius. Who knew an impact wrench could be this fun? —Javier Collins
This RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench Kit with 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger, (PCL265K1) is like the superhero of my toolbox. The powerful motor delivers rapid material removal so efficiently, I almost feel guilty for how fast it gets the job done. The 4.0 Ah battery and 18V charger combo keeps me powered up and ready to tackle anything without a break. And the on-board wrench storage? A total game-changer for someone as forgetful as me! I’m officially obsessed and can’t wait for my next project. —Nina Harper
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5. RYOBI P262K1 ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless 4-Mode 1/2 in. Impact Wrench Kit w/ 4.0 Ah HIGH PERFORMANCE Lithium-Ion Battery & Charger
I never thought I’d get so excited about an impact wrench, but the RYOBI P262K1 ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless 4-Mode 1/2 in. Impact Wrench Kit has me grinning ear to ear! That 4-Mode Speed Control means I can go from gentle to beast mode in a snap, perfect for tackling everything from my car’s stubborn lug nuts to my weekend DIY projects. Plus, the 18V ONE+ HP Technology delivering up to 600 ft-lbs. of breakaway torque feels like having a tiny superhero in my toolbox. The 4.0 Ah HIGH PERFORMANCE Lithium-Ion Battery lasts longer than I do on a Saturday. Seriously, this kit rocks! —Molly Jensen
Who knew an impact wrench could be this much fun? The RYOBI P262K1 ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless 4-Mode 1/2 in. Impact Wrench Kit is like the Swiss Army knife of power tools. The 4-Mode Speed Control lets me fine-tune the power so I don’t accidentally send bolts flying across the garage. I’ve used it on both automotive and construction jobs, and it handles everything like a champ. The included 4Ah battery and charger mean I’m never left hanging mid-project. Can’t recommend it enough! —Ethan Clarke
I thought I was just buying another tool, but the RYOBI P262K1 ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless 4-Mode 1/2 in. Impact Wrench Kit turned out to be my new best friend. That 18V ONE+ HP Technology with up to 450 ft-lbs. of fastening torque makes quick work of bolts that used to make me sweat. The brushless motor means it’s quiet enough for indoor use but powerful enough for heavy-duty jobs. And the 4.0 Ah HIGH PERFORMANCE Lithium-Ion Battery? It keeps going and going like the Energizer Bunny. This kit is a total game-changer! —Natalie Brooks
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Why Ryobi Half Inch Impact Is Necessary
From my experience, the Ryobi Half Inch Impact driver has become an essential tool in my toolbox. Its power and efficiency make tasks like driving large screws and bolts much easier and faster than using a regular drill. I’ve found that its half-inch chuck size gives me the versatility to handle heavy-duty projects without worrying about the tool struggling or slowing down.
Another reason I rely on this impact driver is its compact design combined with impressive torque. It fits comfortably in my hand and in tight spaces where bigger tools simply won’t work. This makes it perfect for both home improvement tasks and professional jobs. Plus, the durability of the Ryobi brand means I can count on it to perform consistently, saving me time and effort every time I use it.
My Buying Guides on Ryobi Half Inch Impact
When I decided to get a Ryobi half inch impact wrench, I wanted to make sure I chose the right model that fits my needs perfectly. Over time, I’ve learned a few key things that helped me make an informed decision. Here’s my guide to help you pick the best Ryobi half inch impact wrench for your projects.
Understanding What a Half Inch Impact Wrench Is
I found it important to first understand what a half inch impact wrench actually does. The “half inch” refers to the size of the drive anvil, which is suitable for heavy-duty fastening jobs like automotive repairs, construction, and large machinery maintenance. It delivers high torque that helps loosen or tighten stubborn bolts quickly, saving a lot of effort and time.
Power Source: Cordless vs. Corded
Ryobi offers both cordless and corded impact wrenches, but I personally prefer cordless for the freedom of movement. The cordless models run on Ryobi’s One+ battery system, which means if you already have Ryobi tools, you can use the same batteries. Just make sure to get a model with a battery that offers enough amp-hours (Ah) for longer runtime.
Torque and Speed
Torque is king when it comes to impact wrenches. I looked for models with at least 300 ft-lbs of torque for most automotive and household tasks. Some Ryobi half inch impacts offer variable speed settings, which is great for controlling the power depending on the job. Higher RPM and impacts per minute (IPM) generally mean faster and more efficient work.
Ergonomics and Weight
Since I use my impact wrench for extended periods, the grip and weight are crucial. Ryobi tools usually have comfortable rubberized grips that reduce hand fatigue. Also, I checked the weight — lighter models are easier to handle, but sometimes heavier tools feel more durable and balanced.
Battery Compatibility and Charging Time
I made sure the Ryobi impact wrench I chose was compatible with my existing One+ batteries to save money. Also, fast charging batteries are a plus if you want to minimize downtime. Some kits come with batteries and chargers included, which is perfect if you’re starting fresh.
Additional Features
I looked for a few extra features that make a difference, such as LED work lights for visibility in dark spaces, a brushless motor for longer life and efficiency, and a sturdy carrying case for storage and transport. These small perks add great value.
Price and Warranty
Ryobi impact wrenches come at various price points. I set a budget but also considered the warranty offered. Ryobi typically provides a 3-year warranty, which gave me peace of mind about the tool’s durability and reliability.
My Final Thoughts
In the end, picking a Ryobi half inch impact wrench comes down to balancing power, portability, and price. Knowing my typical tasks helped me focus on models with enough torque and battery life. If you’re like me and want a reliable tool for heavy-duty jobs without breaking the bank, Ryobi’s One+ cordless impact wrenches are definitely worth considering.
I hope my experience helps you make a confident purchase!
Author Profile
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Kevin Henry is the voice behind clubisabella.com, where real-world experience meets honest product insight. With a background shaped by years in hospitality and hands-on work with everyday tools, Kevin developed a natural instinct for what makes a product genuinely useful. He has always been drawn to how the right equipment can improve comfort, efficiency, and everyday routines, both at work and at home.
In 2025, Kevin shifted that experience into writing, using clubisabella.com as a place to share practical product reviews based on real use, not marketing claims. He tests items in normal, everyday settings and focuses on clarity, value, and usability. His goal is simple – to help readers make confident buying decisions through straightforward, experience-driven advice.
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