*This post is sponsored by The Home Depot. I have been compensated for my time and provided with product or payment in exchange. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.
Alright guys, it's been a while but it's time to talk tools again!
Unless you do a lot of mechanical work or heavy duty construction, you might not be familiar impact wrenches. Easily confused with an impact driver, and impact wrench has a male stud as opposed to a female collet or chuck. They are designed to accommodate sockets, not bits. Traditionally, impact wrenches were pneumatically powered and often found in mechanic's shops.
I own a couple impact wrenches and I actually use them WAY more than I thought I would. They are extremely powerful tools that can be used for a number of different jobs.
Today I'm comparing both ends of the spectrum. The new Ryobi 18V 3/8" Cordless Three Speed Impact Wrench, a less expensive, entry-level model. As well as the Ridgid OCTANE 18V Brushless 1/2" Impact Wrench, a higher priced but beefier tool.
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DETAILS
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RYOBI 3/8" 3-SPEED IMPACT
WRENCH - Model # P263
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RIDGID OCTANE 1/2" BRUSHLESS
IMPACT WRENCH - Model
# R86011B
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Driver Size
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3/8"
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1/2"
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Weight
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2.6 lbs
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3.75 lbs
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Dimensions
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H 7.4" x D 7.68" x W 3.39"
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H 8.4" x D 7.7" x W 3.5"
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Battery Platform
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18V lithium ion
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18V lithium ion
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Warranty
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Yes - 3 year manufacturer warranty
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Yes - 3 year limited warranty
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Price
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$79.00
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$129.00
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The drive size is different between the two, but both tools can accomplish many of the same tasks.
When you take them out of the box the thing you'll notice immediately is the size and weight difference. The Ridgid is larger all around and 44% heavier than the Ryobi model I tested. Subjectively, the Ridgid feels a little more stout and durable, but she's a heavy broad. The Ryobi would be much easier to wield one-handed and a lot more comfortable to hang from a belt all day.
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SPECIFICATIONS
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RYOBI 3/8" 3-SPEED IMPACT
WRENCH
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RIDGID OCTANE 1/2" BRUSHLESS
IMPACT WRENCH
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Motor Type
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brushed
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brushless
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Impacts per minute
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3400
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3500
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Adjustable Speed
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Yes - 3
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Yes – 3 speed plus AUTO
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Max Speed
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3200 RPM
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2600 RPM
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Torque
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150 ft. lb.
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450 ft. lb.
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Lighting
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Yes – 3 LED
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Yes – 3 LED
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So what would you use a cordless impact wrench for? LOADS of jobs my friends. For example:
- driving large lag screws
- breaking rusted/ corroded nuts and bolts loose
- high torque hardware (like car wheel lug nuts)
- concrete anchors
So now the big question: Which one would I buy?
I know it sounds like a cop-out but honestly, it depends on what you are going to use it for and what your budget is.
If you are a weekend warrior who wants to drive lags into fence posts or occasionally remove an automobile wheel, the Ryobi 3/8" Cordless Impact Wrench is all you need.
If you really need to put a hurt on some frozen or corroded bolts, I recommend spending the extra money for the additional 300 foot pounds of toque you get with the Ridgid 1/2" Brushless Impact Wrench.
What tough jobs to you need to tackle? Maybe a cordless impact driver could make your life a little easier.
If you like this project, you'll love these ideas:
Let's be friends! Follow along so you don't miss a thing!
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