Ryobi 3-Speed 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench Review

Ryobi’s been in business since 1943, and it shows. Their P1833 3-speed, 1/2-inch Cordless Impact Wrench Kit features a refined, ergonomic design and the superb engineering you’ve come to expect from Ryobi tools. It puts professional-level power in the hands of the home garage enthusiast at a rock bottom price without the need for an air compressor or the inconvenience of hoses.

Just grab it and go — the high-capacity battery won’t let you down. Best of all, the battery is compatible with all Ryobi ONE+ tools — the most extensive interchangeable cordless tool system in the world. It’s more than just a deal; it’s a top value.

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Top Ryobi Impact Wrench Review Q & A

Q: What does the kit come with?

A: The kit comes with the impact wrench, one 4.0 AH 18 volt-lithium battery and rapid charger plus a convenient carrying pouch.

Q: How much does the wrench weigh?

A: It weighs 1.6 pounds without the battery. With it, it’s a lightweight 3.45 pounds and one of the lightest impact wrenches in its class.

Q: Can a second battery be purchased separately?

A: Yes, you can purchase a battery separately or use one that comes with any Ryobi ONE+ 18-volt cordless tool.

My Take

Features

The P1833 features a half-inch chuck suitable for most applications. With 300 ft//lbs. of torque and 3200 impacts per second, it’s perfect for home use and the occasional heavy-duty job. The anvil has a detent pin, so once a socket is on, it’s secure. Three speeds give you optimal control for a wide range of jobs.

At about 3.5 pounds with the battery pack installed, the P1883 is a half-pound lighter than similar models and features a textured, ergonomic comfort grip that minimizes vibration. Three front-mounted LED lights illuminate the area you’re working in for safety, and the battery provides plenty of power for regular use without constant recharging. The quick charger that comes with the kit is Ryobi’s latest version, and it can charge any of their 18-volt ONE+ batteries.

Maintenance

The P1883 impact wrench requires no maintenance; however, to get the most out of the batteries, store them 30-50% charged, away from moisture and at a temperature lower than 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Recharge them every six months if they’re not regularly used.

What’s to Like

What I like about the P1883 are the convenience features. If you were born with an impact wrench in your hand, an ergonomic handle, LED lights and detent pin aren’t a must, but for the rest of us, it makes using a tool we don’t use every day a little easier and safer to handle.

I’m also a fan of the Ryobi One+ system for homeowners who need cordless tools but don’t have a lot of storage space for different batteries and chargers. And because Ryobi is an established company, finding accessories and replacement parts is a cinch. The P1883 is in that rare sweet spot where quality, features and price meet — it’s a great value.

What’s Not to Like

The P1883 performs like a champ, but despite Ryobi’s reputation for quality, the warranty on this impact wrench is only a year. It’s standard, but I’d like to see them stretch that to three years to match competitors like Bosch.

The kit also comes with only one battery. For occasional use, that’s more than adequate, but because hot batteries won’t charge immediately, if you run out of juice before you run out of project, you’re in for a wait. I’d like to see either two batteries with this kit or a charge with a fuel gauge so you can see how much charge the battery has before getting started. It’s not a deal-breaker, especially if you have a second compatible battery from another tool. Buying an extra will set you back about $50.

The Ryobi P1833 Versus the Competition

How does the Ryobi’s P1883 impact wrench compare to models by Milwaukee, Dewalt, Ingersoll Rand and Bosch?

Milwaukee tools are durable, and their warranties are longer, but in this class, they’ve sacrificed quality to lower prices for the home market. You’ll pay significantly more for minor performance improvements, and convenience features are nearly nil. Pros should consider higher-end Milwaukee models — otherwise, the Ryobi is a better value.

DeWalt, one of the country’s top toolmakers, makes similar impact wrenches but with more homeowner-friendly features. Like Ryobi, their kits are complete compared to bare-bones offerings from Milwaukee and Ingersoll Rand. The Ryobi wins for the price, but serious do-it-yourselfers with more to spend may prefer DeWalt’s DCF880HM2 Impact Wrench Kit.

The Bosch IDH182-02 is the Ryobi’s closest competitor, but it comes with two 2.0 AH batteries and a three-year warranty for $50 more. They also make a versatile two-in-one impact driver and wrench — the GDX18V-1800CB25 “Freak” — with a cool-running brushless motor and endless features. But for more than double the price of the Ryobi, it’s only worth it if you need the capability.

Versus Ingersoll Rand, the Ryobi is clearly outclassed, but the price is tough to justify for all but professional users.

What do users say?

Users are more than enthusiastic about the Ryobi’s “nut-busting” power and “fantastic” battery life — comparing it favorably in value and performance to Milwaukee and DeWalt. They also give it straight A’s for power and convenience, describing it as a “workhorse.” And for Ryobi ONE+ tool owners, it’s a slam dunk deal.

The torque can fall short for removing heavy-duty or rust-encrusted lugs, so it pays to consider how you’ll be using your impact wrench before choosing the Ryobi. But for most home applications, users use words like “impressive” and “time saver” to describe its capability. It’s ideal for rotating tires and more — you’ll save a fortune doing your own vehicle maintenance.

Final Thoughts

Tools aren’t cheap, and we all want the best bang for our buck. If no-name brand impact wrenches have let you down and buying like a pro is a budget-buster, Ryboi’s P1883 is the value you’ve been waiting for. It’s a must-have tool for every modern garage.

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