Full Review ⭐ Ryobi PCL250B: Cordless 3/8 in. Impact Wrench (Tool Only)

The Ryobi PCL250B is a compact and lightweight cordless impact wrench designed for automotive and light industrial use. Part of Ryobi's One+ 18V system, this tool is powered by a lithium-ion battery and brushless motor to deliver 250 ft-lbs of maximum torque. Weighing only 2.2 lbs with the battery, the PCL250B combines power and portability in a compact package.

The 3/8" anvil and chuck accept a wide range of sockets, making this a versatile addition to any automotive toolkit. With variable speed control and an LED light, this impact wrench aims to provide control and visibility for tasks like loosening lug nuts or bolts. Overall, the PCL250B offers a balanced mix of performance, ergonomics and value for DIYers looking for an affordable cordless impact wrench.

Design & Ergonomics

The Ryobi PCL250B impact wrench has a compact and lightweight design that makes it easy to handle and maneuver. It measures just 6.5 inches long and weighs only 2.4 pounds with the battery installed. This makes it one of the most compact and lightest impact wrenches in its class.

Despite the small size, the grip and handle are ergonomically designed for comfort during prolonged use. It has an overmolded rubber grip that provides a secure and comfortable hold. The compact dimensions allow the user to fit their hand entirely around the tool for maximum control. Its well-balanced design also reduces user fatigue.

Overall, the streamlined and lightweight design of the Ryobi PCL250B makes it a highly portable and easy to use impact wrench suitable for tight spaces and overhead applications. The ergonomic grip enhances comfort and usability.

The compact size is enabled by Ryobi's efficient brushless motor technology that delivers impressive power in a small package. Ryobi offers this impact wrench as a standalone Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless Cordless Compact 3/8-inch Impact Wrench that is compatible with the 18V ONE+ battery system. So you can take advantage of the compact size and power without being locked into a bundled kit if you already own Ryobi batteries.

With a max torque of 300 ft-lbs, this little impact wrench packs a serious punch for such a small tool. It has 3 speed/torque settings for versatility in a wide range of applications and fastening tasks. The variable speed trigger gives you precise control over the output.

This Ryobi impact wrench is ideal for automotive repair, fleet maintenance, assembly/disassembly, product testing, and any application requiring high torque in a compact package. The brushless motor delivers more power, longer runtime, and longer life than brushed motors.

Weighing just 2.4 lbs with a battery, this is one of the most portable 18V impact wrenches on the market. It can easily fit into tight engine compartments thanks to its short length. The grip is optimized for control and comfort, even when working overhead. Overall, the smart ergonomic design makes this a highly versatile and user-friendly compact impact wrench.

Motor & Power

The Ryobi PCL250B comes equipped with a compact yet powerful brushless motor that delivers impressive torque and speed for fastening and driving applications. This motor is optimized to work specifically with the 3/8" impact wrench anvil size and can produce up to 250 ft-lbs of maximum torque and 2700 impacts per minute.

The brushless design means the motor has electronic commutation rather than brushes and a mechanical commutator. This makes the motor more efficient, cooler running, and requires less maintenance over time. It also allows the impact wrench to be more compact in size.

With 250 ft-lbs of torque, this impact wrench packs plenty of power in a small package to handle lug nuts, bolts, and other stubborn fasteners. The max torque is ideal for most automotive and truck applications, as well as general construction and maintenance jobs. The motor delivers the torque smoothly and consistently, preventing overtightening and stripping of bolts.

At 2700 IPM, the PCL250B also has a decent impacting speed for quick driving and removal of fasteners. The variable speed trigger gives flexibility to match the speed to the job. Lower speeds allow more control for precision work, while higher speeds make quick work of long fastener jobs. Overall, the motor performance makes this a versatile and capable impact wrench.

For those looking for a more compact and lightweight impact wrench, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless Impact Wrench R18ID2-0 is a great option. With a max torque of 200 Nm and weight of only 1.4 kg excluding battery, it provides good power while remaining easy to handle and maneuver in tight spaces.

The 18V motor delivers 0-3,600 impacts per minute, making quick work of most automotive and light duty fastening tasks. An LED light illuminates your work area for improved visibility. The tool also features a handy belt clip for portability and one-handed bit loading for convenience.

While not as powerful as the 250 ft-lb PCL250B, the R18ID2-0 offers a lighter and more compact alternative perfect for small garage projects, light automotive work, and general fastening needs around the home. Its 1/4" hex chuck accepts standard impact ready driver bits for versatility. Overall, it's a great cordless impact wrench option in the 18V Ryobi ONE+ system.

When choosing an impact wrench, consider your power needs, usage scenarios, and preference for compact size vs maximum torque. The PCL250B offers more brute strength, while the R18ID2-0 provides impressive performance in a smaller, lighter package. Either Ryobi model will serve most DIYers and home mechanics well for a wide range of fastening and bolting tasks.

Battery & Charger

The Ryobi PCL250B comes with a compact 18V ONE+ Lithium-ion battery that provides ample runtime for most applications. The 3.0Ah battery capacity enables the impact wrench to drive several hundred screws or bolts on a single charge.

While the exact runtime will vary depending on the task, most users can expect around 30-45 minutes of continuous driving per battery. This is sufficient for completing typical automotive or construction jobs without needing to stop for a recharge.

One of the benefits of the ONE+ battery system is that the PCL250B is compatible with all Ryobi 18V batteries. So you can use larger 4.0Ah or even 6.0Ah batteries for extended runtime if needed. The tool is also compatible with the Ryobi ultra-fast Rapid Charger that can recharge a 3.0Ah battery in around 30 minutes.

Overall, the 18V Lithium-ion battery provides a good balance of power, portability and runtime for an impact wrench of this size. The availability of higher capacity batteries and fast chargers in the ONE+ system is also a nice advantage.

Anvil & Chuck

The Ryobi PCL250B impact wrench comes equipped with a 1/2" friction ring anvil, which is durable and allows for quick and easy socket changes. The anvil is made from hardened steel to withstand high torque applications.

The chuck size on this impact wrench is 3/8", meaning it can accept sockets up to 3/8" drive size. This makes the PCL250B well suited for most automotive and light truck applications, as 3/8" is a common socket size for lug nuts, suspension components, brake components, and more. The 3/8" chuck provides a good balance between power and maneuverability.

Overall, the anvil and chuck size make the Ryobi PCL250B a versatile choice for DIYers working on their vehicles. The 1/2" anvil can handle heavy-duty bolting jobs, while the 3/8" chuck offers compatibility with most sockets needed for basic repair and maintenance tasks.

Features

The Ryobi PCL250B impact wrench comes equipped with some useful features for mechanics and DIYers.

One notable feature is the variable speed trigger, which allows you to control the speed and torque. With lower speeds, you can precisely drive in screws or start bolts without stripping them. At higher speeds, the wrench delivers its full 250 ft-lbs of nut busting torque for removing stubborn bolts.

An integrated LED light illuminates your work area, which is extremely handy when working in dim corners or at night. The light automatically turns on when you pull the trigger.

The wrench has a brushless motor for increased efficiency and longer life. It's also more compact and lightweight than comparable brushed motor tools.

To help reduce user fatigue, Ryobi designed the PCL250B with an overmolded grip. This makes the impact wrench more comfortable to hold, especially during prolonged use.

Overall, the speed settings, LED light, brushless motor, and ergonomic grip make the Ryobi PCL250B well-equipped for most automotive and DIY jobs. These features enhance the user experience and versatility of the cordless impact wrench.

Accessories

The Ryobi PCL250B impact wrench comes with just the bare tool, no battery or charger is included. This allows you to purchase the right battery and charger options for your needs and existing Ryobi 18V One+ tools if you already have some.

Some recommended accessories to consider:

• Battery & Charger - Ryobi offers a range of battery capacities from 1.3Ah to 6Ah. The higher the Ah, the more runtime you'll get. For maximum power, a 4Ah or higher battery is recommended. Ryobi chargers include basic and rapid chargers.

• Impact Driver Bits - The impact wrench accepts 1/4" hex shank bits. Investing in a good bit set with common bits will make projects easier. Look for shockwave bits that are designed for high torque applications.

• Impact Extension - A short 1-4" extension helps give you better access in tight spaces. Look for impact rated extensions.

• Impact Socket Set - Socket sets designed for impact provide durability and longevity. Common sizes are 3/8" and 1/2" drive. A socket adapter allows use of other drive sizes.

The wide range of Ryobi 18V One+ tools and accessories allow you to customize the system for your needs. Battery and charger are must-haves, while other accessories like bits and sockets enhance functionality.

Performance

The PCL250B impact wrench delivers impressive performance that lives up to Ryobi's reputation. Its compact size makes it easy to handle in tight spaces, while still providing plenty of power for driving and removing fasteners.

The brushed motor generates 250 ft-lbs of maximum torque, which is more than enough for most automotive and general DIY applications. It breaks loose even stubborn, rusted bolts with ease. The variable speed trigger gives you precise control over the output, allowing you to match the speed to the job. At max power, the impacts are intense enough to get the job done quickly.

Despite its small stature, the battery runtime is decent. A fully charged 4Ah battery will provide around 80-100 impacts driving 3/8” lag bolts into pine lumber before needing a recharge. Runtime is a bit less when using the tool for more demanding applications like lug nut removal. But you can extend the runtime by using Ryobi’s higher capacity lithium+ HP batteries.

Overall, the PCL250B combines compact size and easy handling with ample power and runtime. It's a versatile impact wrench suitable for most around-the-house jobs. The power delivery and battery life make it a handy addition to any DIYer's toolkit.

Pros and Cons

The Ryobi PCL250B impact wrench has several notable pros and cons to consider:

Pros

• Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to handle and maneuver in tight spaces
• Brushless motor provides efficient power while generating less heat and noise
• Variable speed trigger gives more control over torque and fastening speed
• Anvil design allows access in confined areas
• Decent performance for most automotive and light-duty applications
• Good value for the price point

Cons

• Lower torque output compared to heavier duty models
• Battery life could be longer when using for prolonged periods
• Plastic housing may not hold up to heavy abuse as well as metal designs
• Not intended for consistent industrial/commercial use
• Chuck wobbles more than higher end models
• Charger is slow to recharge batteries compared to rapid chargers

Overall, the Ryobi PCL250B offers a reasonably priced, compact cordless impact wrench well-suited for DIYers and home automotive uses. It provides adequate power for most light-duty tasks but lacks the torque and durability of professional-grade tools. For higher torque needs or sustained commercial use, a more heavy-duty model would be recommended.

Conclusion

The Ryobi PCL250B is an excellent choice for homeowners, DIYers, and professionals looking for a compact yet powerful impact wrench. Its cordless design provides freedom of movement and eliminates dealing with annoying cords. The tool delivers impressive torque and fastening speed thanks to its brushless motor.

Despite its small size, the PCL250B can handle most automotive and construction jobs. It makes quick work of lug nuts, bolts, and other stubborn fasteners. The variable speed trigger gives you precise control over the power and speed. The battery lasts long enough to complete most projects on a single charge.

The wrench feels great in your hand thanks to the ergonomic grip and lightweight, compact body. It's easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The LED light is handy when working in dim areas. Overall, the Ryobi PCL250B combines power and portability in one convenient package.

For DIYers and professionals seeking a versatile, cordless impact wrench, the Ryobi PCL250B is easy to recommend. It has the right mix of features, performance, and value. The power and runtime meet the needs of most users. Unless you need extremely high torque for heavy-duty tasks, this Ryobi model will serve you well for years to come.