Ryobi HP Brushless Hammer Drill Delivers 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 from the popular brand. We wanted to see how much of an improvement it was in terms of size and performance.
advantage
- More compact and lighter than the P251 Brushless Impact Drill
- Higher overall performance than P251
- Legit Pro-Grade Performance
- Brushless Motor
- metal chuck
- Ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip
- Great value ($179 kit, $119 bare tools)
shortcoming
- no obvious disadvantages
Ryobi has made two major upgrades to its latest flagship impact drill, and we're very excited about them.
size and weight
The first thing we noticed was that the Ryobi HP Brushless Hammer Drill is more compact than the previous P251 Brushless Hammer Drill. Measuring the length confirmed our initial impressions. 7.5 inches, 1/2 inch lower than the P251.
It's also lighter. At 3.0 pounds bare, it's a few ounces lighter than its bulky predecessor.
HP = high performance
In terms of performance, the Ryobi PBLHM101 gets a brushless upgrade from HP. Combining Ryobi's high-performance battery with its high-performance motor upgrade promises to deliver even better results.
On paper, this means more speed. P251 is available for 410 and 1800 no-load speeds. Ryobi HP Brushless Hammer Drills are available up to 500 and 2100 RPM. The hitting rate in hammer mode has also been greatly increased from 24,000 BPM to 31,000 BPM.
On the other hand, the rated torque is the same. Still, 750 inch-pounds isn't worth the shakes. It wasn't that long ago that the best cordless drills were around this level, and it's still a very relevant power level.
PTR test track
To see how much of a difference the Ryobi's upgrades really made, we took it to the PTR test track to see what kind of times it could put up in our time trials.
If you are new to the course, please complete the following exercises as soon as possible:
- Tighten 20 x 1 1/2" drywall screws
- 10 x 1/2" auger drill holes
- 10 x 3/4" spade drill holes
- 10 x 3/4" auger drill holes
- 1 x 1 inch hole saw hole
- 1 x 2 1/8" hole saw hole
Using a 2.0Ah high-performance battery, the Ryobi HP Brushless Hammer Drill completed the course in 2 minutes and 37 seconds. It saves even more time at 2:26 with a 4.0Ah high-performance battery. The P251 needed 4 minutes and 33 seconds, making this HP model more than two minutes faster in the same application.
Other eye-openers: As of this writing, only DeWalt's DCD999 FlexVolt Advantage drill with the FlexVolt battery has a faster time (2:19). This is so impressive!
When you're doing some tougher applications, those 1000+ lb good bits still have an edge. But for most tasks that professionals do with standard cordless drills, the Ryobi is the best in the business.
Ryobi HP Brushless Hammer Feature Set
- Brushless Motor
- 2 speed gearbox
- 24-position clutch with hammer mode
- 1/2" ratcheting metal chuck
- Includes auxiliary handle
- Foot-operated LED work light
- Compatible with over 175 other cordless products
Ryobi Brushless Rotary Hammer Quick Comparison
| 18V A+ (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 times/min | 27,200 times/min | 31,000 times/min |
| length | 8.0 inches | 7.0 inches | 7.5 inches |
| bare weight | 3.1 lbs | 2.5 lbs | 3.0 lbs |
Ryobi HP Brushless Rotary Hammer Prices
With the Ryobi HP brushless hammer hitting Home Depot stores and online, expect a price of $179 with a 4.0Ah high-performance battery, charger and soft case.
If you already have the battery, you can buy it bare-bones for $119. It's also part of Ryobi's HP brushless impact driver, 4Ah and 2Ah batteries, and charger combo kit for $229.
the bottom line
The Ryobi HP Brushless Drill offers everything you'd expect from a new generation of cordless drills. It's more compact and lighter, while improving performance. If you're serious about your DIY projects, or just want to save money while getting a professional job done, this is a win.
Ryobi One+ HP Brushless Impact Drill Specifications
- Model: Ryobi PBLHM101K
- Voltage: 18V
- Motor: Brushless
- Maximum speed: 2100 RPM
- Beats per minute: 31,000 BPM
- Chuck size: 1/2 in.
- Chuck Type: Keyless
- Length: 7.5 inches
- Net Weight: 2.8 lbs.
- Warranty: 3 years warranty
- Kit Price: $179
Check out more HP brushless tools on Ryobi's website.