Tool Box Buzz

Ryobi Brushless Cordless Tools

Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Tool Line

4/5

Manufacturer: Ryobi
Power source: Cordless
Motor size: 18V

Well unlike standard motors where the magnets are on an outside ring around the motor shaft as are carbon brushes that deliver the electric charge from the battery to the armature and copper windings.  In a brushless motor the location of the magnets and copper winding are reversed; the magnets are located on the shaft and the copper windings are in a ring surrounding them.  A small circuit board controls the delivery of the electricity from the battery to the windings.  This results in a more efficient energy delivery that equals more power, longer battery life, and overall longer lasting tool due to fewer parts to wear out.

Historically, because of the cost associated with higher tech battery and motor developments, brushless tools were typically aimed at the Pro vs the DIY-level user.  But with improvements to battery technology as a driving factor, brushless tools have steadily been becoming more affordable.  Enter Ryobi and their significant investment into the brushless game.  Ryobi has massively upped their cordless tool capability with the ONE+ HP Brushless series of tools!

Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Tool Line-up

To get a solid feel for the spectrum of options and performance for Ryobi’s new brushless line, Tool Box Buzz was provided with 8 total ONE+ HP 18V tools to test out.  These tools included the following:

• 4 ½” angle grinder (PBLAG01B)
• Oscillating Multi-Tool (PBLMT50B)
• Jigsaw (PBLJS01B)
• Reciprocating Saw (PBLRS01B)
• ½” Hammer Drill (PBLHM101K)
• ¼” Impact Driver (PBLID028)
• ½” Impact Wrench (P262)
• SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer (P223)

I separated these tools into two groups; cutting tools and boring tools.  I’ll start by highlighting some of the design and performance features of the cutting tools.  These are all Higher-power

Ryobi Cutting Tools

The cutting set of tools rely on spinning or oscillating wheels or blades to cut through or remove material.  They include the 4 following tools:

• 4 ½” angle grinder (PBLAG01B)
• Oscillating Multi-Tool (PBLMT50B)
• Jigsaw (PBLJS01B)
• Reciprocating Saw (PBLRS01B)

Ryobi Brushless 4 ½” angle grinder (PBLAG01B) Features

• Brushless motor provides up to 9,200 RPM
• Up to 30% faster cutting compared to P421
• Includes wheels and guards for grinding and cutting applications
• Tool-free accessory wheel removal for quick and easy wheel changes
• Tool-free guard adjustment
• Large paddle switch for easy operation
• 3-position side handle for user control and versatility

I tested out the grinder using a 1/8″ cutoff wheel on some 2″ x 2″ x 3/16″ mild steel angle iron.  I found that the motor torque and spin speed seemed to stay consistent throughout my test cuts.  It did take a bit of getting used to with the tool-free option on the center-mounted arbor flange nut.

The design still allows for a standard 2-prong mounting option and a wrench is provided.  For lightweight cutting and grinding applications this tool works great for the DIY’er.  As long as you don’t expect to cut anything thicker than maybe 3/16″ or for more than 30 seconds at a burst then you won’t be disppointed.

Ryobi Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool (PBLMT50B) Features

• 6 degree oscillation angle provides up to 30% faster cutting speeds compared to P343B
• Compact tool head fits into tight spaces and delivers up to 20,000 OPM (Oscillations Per Minute)
• Tool-free accessory release for quick and easy accessory changes
• Variable speed dial allows for multiple material applications
• Slide-on power switch for less user fatigue
• LED light illuminates dark work areas

The oscillating multi tool is an incredibly handy tool and Ryobi’s brushless offering, the PBLMT50B, feels comfortable and performs well.  One unique design feature is the tool-free locking system.  You unlock the paddle lever on the back of the tool, twist the locking bar on the front of the center lock and then rotate the locking bar to the unlocked position.

This is different than competitor designs which utilize a pressure lever and recessed indents only to hold the cutting head in place.  The good news is that the “traditional blades” will still fit the Ryobi oscillating multi-tool!  Ryobi multi-tool blades just won’t always do the reverse; fit into competitor oscillating multi tools.

Ryobi Brushless Jigsaw (PBLJS01B) Features

• Brushless motor provides up to 36% faster cutting and up to 78% longer runtime compared to P5231 when cutting 1/4″ plywood
• Easy release blade lever for quick blade changes
• 4 orbital settings for increased cutting versatility
• Variable speed dial for ultimate cutting control, ranging from 800 – 3,400 SPM
• Tool-free bevel adjustment for easy bevel changes, with locking detent at 45° left and right
• Die cast metal base for increased durability with included non-marring shoe
• On-board LED work light illuminates workspace for clear cut line visibility
• Length of Stroke =1 in.
• No mar plate with blade storage
• Optional edge guide

I measured the accuracy of the cut with the baseplate set to 90 degrees and it was within approximately 1.5 degrees.  For the purposes of the rough cutting I was doing I was quite pleased with that level of accuracy.  I typically use a cordless jigsaw to rough cut openings for electrical boxes/fixtures in drywall or doing rough shaping for trim when required.

Ryobi Brushless Reciprocating Saw (PBLRS01B) Features

• Brushless motor provides 64% faster cutting compared to P519
• Over 380 cuts per charge using an 18V ONE+ 9Ah battery cutting 2″X4″ pine wood
• 1-1/4″ stroke length and 3,200 SPM for fast cutting
• Pivoting shoe for ultimate cutting control
• On-board LED work light illuminates workspace for clear cut line visibility
• Variable speed trigger for improved control
• Easy release blade lever for quick blade changes

I used the reciprocating saw to cut up a bunch of 2×4’s I tore out from some wall framing as well as cutting up some 4″ SCH 40 PVC pipe.  I especially appreciated the pivoting stability shoe as I made the radius turn around the pipe.  It made for an effective and secure cut.

Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Boring/Torque Tools

After testing out the cutting tools, I switched over to the boring/torque set.  These are bit and socket-based tools that rely on torque and clutch designs to secure and/or tighten fasteners.  These include the following tools:

• ¼” Impact Driver (PBLID028)
• ½” Hammer Drill (PBLHM101K)
• ½” Impact Wrench (P262)
• SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer (P223)

Ryobi Brushless ¼” Impact Driver (PBLID028) Features

• up to 2,200 in-lbs torque
• up to 4,000 IPM
• 3 speeds L/M,H plus assist mode
• assist mode adds control although no specifics
• durable die cast metal gear case
• more compact than other comparable impact drivers in their range
• LED light at base of tool

The 1/4″ impact driver worked very well.  I found the auto mode to be an effective catch-all setting that kept up with a number of torque requirements.  The battery life was great and any DIY’er will be thrilled with the drivers’ performance.

Ryobi Brushless ½” Hammer Drill (PBLHM101K) Features

• 750 in-lbs torque
• 1/2″ ratcheting metal chuck
• 2100 RPM
• 31,000 BPM
• side handle
• more compact size than previous gen brushless hammer drill
• no separate mode select collar
• LED light

I used the hammer drill on a variety of drilling surfaces to include PT wood, plywood, hardwood, PVC, and mild steel angle iron.  No matter the material being drilled this hammer drill was up to the task.  The ergonomics and constant power output were both very satisfactory.  I found that the 3-position auxiliary handle was sturdy, even if it was limited in what angles it could be positioned at.

Ryobi Brushless ½” Impact Wrench (P262) Features

• Brushless motor delivers up to 600 ft-lbs of breakaway torque and 450 ft-lbs of fastening torque
• 4-mode speed control with variable speed trigger, 3 different speed settings, and an auto mode,
• Generates up to 3,200 IPM
• 1/2″ anvil with friction ring
• Die cast gear case
• Tri-beam LED work light

Ryobi Brushless SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer (P223) Features

• Brushless motor provides up to 75% more power compared to P222 with up to 2.1 Joules of impact energy
• Anti-vibration handle delivers up to 47% less vibration compared to P222 allowing users to drill and chisel for extended periods of time
• 3 modes: Drilling, Hammer Drilling, and Hammer to tackle any material
• 1″ SDS-Plus chuck
• On-board LED worklight illuminates workspace for increased visibility
• Auxiliary handle and depth guide for increased accuracy and durability
• RPM: 0-1,380 & BPM: 0-5,000
• Optional chuck adapter

My FAV Ryobi Tool

Of all the tools I looked at Ryobi’s SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer might be the tool I was the most excited about.  While Ryobi made some significant power upgrades over the prior P222 model, there are still a few considerations to be cautious of.  Namely, the quick load/release collar used to load bits is made of plastic.  This concerns me because of all the parts of the drill to come into contact with the ground, this will be first.  The idea of it being plastic seems odd.  Also, the locking teeth and locking lever on the depth stop gauge are also made of hard plastic.

Now I understand that the drill and bit will be moving through the material slowly.  I mean, that’s just the nature of why and how you use an SDS drill. Other than that the design was comfortable, weight well balanced, and power seemed impressive.  FYI, Ryobi doesn’t supply any bits for the tool, so when you pick on up, have some SDS-plus bits in your shopping cart too.  The option of a hammer only more to use the drill for light demo is a nice option too.  Not a bad addition to the DIY toolbox for a relatively low price.

Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Tool Line Takeaways

Ryobi has made a significant leap in their offerings with their all-new ONE+ HP brushless lineup.  They deliver an impressive amount of power and battery efficiency.  They look great and are packed full of features.  For the DIY’er looking for a significant upgrade, look no further than Ryobi’s new brushless tools.

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