Ryobi traditionally earns high marks for value with good performance at a wallet-friendly price point. Many of their drills and drivers are pretty bulky, though. That’s changing with a new line of compact tools and we’re starting with a deep dive into the Ryobi 18V One+ HP compact brushless drill.
The entire line promises a more compact design with lighter weight. At the heart of the matter is a compact brushless motor. The “HP” in the name stands for “High Performance” and the team doesn’t plan on letting you down when you pull the trigger.
Pros
- Best combination of size and weight we’ve seen in a compact drill
- Outstanding value at $139 for the kit with two 1.5Ah batteries
Cons
- No belt hook included
Ryobi HP Compact Brushless Drill
Size and Weight
If you’ve used other Ryobi drills, the very first thing you’ll notice when you pick up the Ryobi 18V One+ HP drill is that it’s very light and compact compared to previous models.
The head length measures just 6.4 inches long, rivaling some of the most compact 18V drills we’ve ever tested. There are a few models that come in smaller, such as Ridgid’s Sub-Compact drill at 6.3 inches. It doesn’t get much more compact than that without dropping to 12V, though. Take a look at the profile of the new Ryobi HP brushless drill vs the last-generation model:
Bare, the tool weighs just 2.1 pounds and right at 3.0 pounds with its 1.5Ah battery.
Overall, Ryobi’s compact drill is the best combination of size and weight we’ve tested for 18V drills, even against the major professional brands.
Performance
Even with such a small size, Ryobi still gets relevant performance out of this model. We ran it through our standard compact drill tests using a 3/4-inch auger bit and a 1 1/2-inch self-feed bit.
The motor is capable of running up to 1700 RPM in high speed and delivering up to 400 in-lbs of torque in low speed. That’s plenty for a compact drill in our experience.
While this model didn’t challenge the top-performing premium professional models of the compact group, the Ryobi PSBDD01 moved through both tests without any issues.
Overall, it has the performance to handle a wide variety of tasks. Plan on being able to drill through your entire range of twist bits, spade bits up to 1-inch, and hole saws or self-feed bits up 1 1/2 inches in wood.
For metal drilling, your 1/2-inch bit is possible, but 3/8-inch or less is where it’s really going to excel.
Notable Features
- 2-speed brushless motor
- 23+1 clutch
- 1/2-inch all-metal chuck
- Foot-mounted LED light
- Variable speed trigger
Pricing
Ryobi nails the value we expect with a $129 price tag. That includes the drill along with two 1.5Ah batteries with a charger. It’s a solid price for what you get. You can also snag it as a bare tool for $99.00.
In a world going for more power and bigger batteries, the smaller pack goes against the trend. We don’t mind the call, though. It keeps the overall weight down and since there are two batteries in the kit, you can always charge one while you’re using the other.
The Bottom Line
Ryobi prioritizes compact size, lighter weight, and high value with their HP compact drill. With its brushless motor providing plenty of performance for your light-duty tasks, it’s a welcome addition to the 18V One+ line.
Whether you’re a value-minded Pro who needs a light-duty drill or a DIYer who wants something light and compact, the Ryobi 18V One+ HP compact brushless drill is a fantastic option to have on hand.
Ryobi 18V One+ HP Compact Brushless Drill Specifications
- Model: Ryobi PSBDD01K
- Power Source: Ryobi 18V One+ battery
- No Load Speed: 0 – 450 / 0 – 1700 RPM
- Max Torque: 400 in-lbs
- Clutch: 23 + 1
- Price: $99
- Warranty: 3 years
