The Ryobi HP Brushless 1/2" Impact Wrench Offers Users a Legal Medium Torque Option
Ryobi has offered impact wrenches on the 18V One+ line for a while, but they have been lacking a legitimate mid-torque option. With downsizing and a massive upgrade to the internals, we took the Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless Impact Wrench to pasture for some work around the equipment depot.
advantage
- Much smaller and lighter than the P261
- Greatly improved power
- Three standard modes plus auxiliary mode
- Triple-beam LEDs around a square driver
shortcoming
- no obvious disadvantages
The Ryobi has 450 ft-lbs of tightening and 600 ft-lbs of breakaway torque on the P262 and a top speed of 2800 RPM. Three standard speeds and an automatic mode help you keep it in check.
Automatic mode stops the tightening motion after a few impacts, letting you install a nut or bolt and finish with a torque wrench. Instead, it starts out slowly, then rises rapidly until the fasteners loosen, then stops automatically.
I meet with Eli Mosely at the ranch to see what kind of trouble we can stir up with Ryobi in the equipment barn. Like many ranches, they fix equipment and keep it running longer. From front loaders and dozers to flatbeds and sprinklers, we have options, and none of them have a bunch of shiny new bolts.
We started with some rusty lug nuts that probably hadn't been touched since the last tire change many years ago. Feeling challenged, we put the P262 in Mode 3 and pulled those suckers off like it wasn't a big deal. This is true of all trailers.
On engines, hatches, and other parts of heavy equipment, we need more finesse to avoid overtightening. Here we're pretty much sticking to mode 1, letting the wrench set each bolt under careful control. Auto mode ends up being more useful at the wheel.
When we were done, our fasteners were secure and we didn't snap off any heads or damage any threads. That's what you want from an impact wrench and what the Ryobi P262 delivers.
Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless 1/2" Impact Wrench Design Notes
size and weight
With HP's brushless upgrade, the Ryobi P262 enjoys a smaller form factor in addition to higher performance. It measures 7.2 inches from tip to tail, about three-quarters of an inch smaller than the previous model.
There's also some weight savings. The bare impact wrench weighs 3.7 lbs, and the 4Ah high-performance battery makes it 5.3 lbs.
The overall size and weight of the tool is suitable for the medium torque class, and the Ryobi is now performing better than before.
Additional features
- Brushless Motor
- 3 standard speeds plus automatic mode
- Triple-beam LED lights around the driver
- 1/2" Anvil with Friction Ring
- Die casting gearbox
Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless 1/2" Impact Wrench Prices
You can buy or order the P262 at The Home Depot for $159 bare-bones. That's about $40 more than the previous brushed model, but the design and performance improvements are well worth it. There are currently no kit options available.
the bottom line
The Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless 1/2" Impact Wrench is great for moderate torque levels and can handle just about anything you throw at your passenger car, including loosening some seriously corroded bolts. Paired with the HP Compact 3/8" Impact Wrench for Light Duty Applications, you can get a variety of construction and automotive jobs done without breaking the bank.
Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless Impact Wrench Specifications
- Model: Ryobi P262
- Anvil: 1/2 in. with friction ring
- Maximum speed: 2800 RPM
- Torque: 600 ft-lbs. Separated/450 ft-lbs. fasten
- Impact per minute: 0-3,200 IPM
- Length: 7.2 inches
- Weight: 3.7 lbs bare, 4.3 lbs with 4.0Ah high performance battery
- Warranty: 3 years
- Price: $159