Full Review ⭐ Ryobi R18IW3-120S: 18V ONE+ Cordless 3 Speed Impact Wrench Starter Kit (1 x 2.0Ah)

Impact wrenches are powerful cordless tools that provide high torque for driving and removing fasteners. As a leading manufacturer of power tools and outdoor equipment, Ryobi offers a range of 18V ONE+ cordless impact wrenches to suit both DIYers and professionals.

The Ryobi R18IW3-120S is an 18V cordless impact wrench that comes as part of a starter kit. This allows users to get everything they need to start using an impact wrench straight out of the box. As an established brand, Ryobi power tools are known for delivering reliable performance at an affordable price point.

With three speed settings and decent torque, the R18IW3-120S offers versatility for various applications. In this review, we will take a closer look at the key features and performance of this impact wrench kit to help you determine if it suits your needs.

Overview

The Ryobi R18IW3-120S is an 18V cordless impact wrench kit from Ryobi's ONE+ line of power tools. This kit includes the R18IW3 impact wrench, a 2.0Ah lithium-ion battery, a charger, and a tool bag.

The R18IW3 impact wrench has a brushed motor that delivers 210 ft-lbs of max torque. It has 3 speed settings that allow you to choose between 0-1900 RPM, 0-2600 RPM, and 0-3200 RPM. The wrench uses Ryobi's 18V ONE+ lithium-ion battery system and is compatible with all Ryobi 18V batteries. The included 2.0Ah battery provides enough power for most automotive and DIY projects.

For even more power, consider the Ryobi 18 V ONE+ Cordless Impact Wrench R18ID2-0, which delivers a max torque of 200 Nm from its brushed motor. This model has an impact rate of 0-3,600 min-1 and includes LED lighting to illuminate your work area. It uses the same 18V ONE+ battery platform but does not include a battery or charger. The 1/4 inch hex socket is convenient for automotive repair and small DIY jobs.

When shopping for an impact wrench, key factors to consider are torque, speed settings, battery compatibility, and included accessories. Torque determines the tightening and loosening power - higher torque allows you to work with larger bolts. Multiple speed settings give you control over the force applied. Battery voltage and capacity impact runtime. And a kit with a charger, bag, and bits ensures you have everything you need to get started.

Ryobi offers a range of 18V cordless impact wrenches to suit both automotive and general DIY applications. The R18IW3 is a great mid-range model with decent power and versatility. For more demanding tasks, the R18ID2-0 provides even greater torque while retaining the convenient ONE+ battery platform. Compare the specs and features to choose the best impact wrench for your needs.

Design

The Ryobi R18IW3-120S impact wrench features a compact and lightweight design that makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Despite its small size, it still packs a powerful punch.

The tool itself measures only 5.5 inches front to back and weighs just 2.2 lbs with the battery installed. This makes it one of the most compact and lightest impact wrenches on the market. The compact head design allows you to fit the wrench into hard-to-reach areas under your car or in other tight spots.

It has an ergonomic over-mold grip that provides a secure and comfortable hold. The grip has rubberized soft zones to reduce hand fatigue during prolonged use. The grip-to-body ratio is optimized for better weight distribution and control.

The wrench feels very balanced in your hand. The battery fits snugly at the bottom of the handle which brings the center of gravity closer to your grip. This improves the overall handling and reduces wrist torque when using the wrench at odd angles.

Overall, the wrench’s smart compact design, light weight, ergonomic grip, and excellent balance make it a pleasure to use. Its high maneuverability allows you to power through tasks in cramped spaces where bulkier tools can't reach.

For even more power in a compact size, check out the Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless Cordless Compact 3/8-inch Impact Wrench (Tool Only). This model steps up the power output to 250 ft-lbs of maximum fastening torque while maintaining a super compact design. It measures only 5.3 inches front to back and weighs only 2.2 lbs.

The 18V ONE+ HP Brushless impact wrench utilizes a high output brushless motor that delivers more power, run time, and durability. The brushless motor is also more efficient and runs cooler than a standard brushed motor.

It has 3 speed/torque settings plus a precision drive control so you can match the power to the application. Speed one gives you 250 ft-lbs of nut busting torque. Speed two provides 200 ft-lbs for high torque tasks. Speed three delivers 100 ft-lbs for precision work. The precision drive control finesse helps with screw driving jobs.

Just like the R18IW3-120S, this impact wrench has an ergonomic over-mold grip and compact head profile. It can fit into extremely tight engine bays and other cramped spaces. The grip provides comfort and control when using the wrench at odd angles and in awkward positions.

The 18V ONE+ HP Brushless model gives you best in class power while retaining the compact and lightweight design that makes the R18IW3-120S so great. If you need maximum torque in a tiny package, it's an excellent choice for mechanics and DIYers.

Power

The Ryobi R18IW3-120S impact wrench packs impressive power into a compact cordless design. Its brushless motor delivers up to 300 ft-lbs of max torque, providing plenty of fastening force for automotive tasks like loosening stubborn lug nuts or bolts.

Despite the high torque output, it offers variable speed control with 3 speed settings (0-2200/0-2800/0-3200 RPM) to match your needs. On the highest speed setting, it makes quick work of removing lug nuts. The mid range is great for most bolting/fastening jobs. While the lower speed gives better control for precision tasks.

The impact mechanism produces concussive blows that break loose even rusted or over-tightened fasteners with ease. So you won't have to put in as much physical effort or use additional leverage tools. This makes the R18IW3-120S a real workhorse that can replace pneumatic impact wrenches for most users.

Usability

The Ryobi R18IW3-120S impact wrench is designed for ease of use and comfort. The compact size and ergonomic grip make it comfortable to hold, even when using it for extended periods. The grip has rubber overmolding which provides a secure and non-slip hold.

Operation of the impact wrench is straightforward with variable speed control and an easy to reach forward/reverse button. There are 3 speed settings to choose from depending on your needs - 0-2200 RPM, 0-2600 RPM and 0-3200 RPM. This allows you to match the speed to the task at hand, preventing overtightening or damage.

The brushless motor provides smooth operation and minimal vibration, reducing user fatigue. It runs quietly at around 79 dB which is lower than many comparable models. The noise level allows you to use the impact wrench without ear protection for short periods.

Overall, the Ryobi R18IW3-120S is designed for easy handling and continuous use. The ergonomic grip, variable speed settings and quiet operation make it a very user-friendly impact wrench suitable for DIYers and professionals alike.

Battery Life

The Ryobi R18IW3-120S impact wrench comes with a 2.0Ah lithium-ion battery. This provides enough runtime for most DIY tasks and projects around the home. With moderate use, the battery should last 30-45 minutes before needing a recharge. For heavier duty tasks, expect closer to 20-30 minutes of runtime.

The 2.0Ah battery capacity is decent but not outstanding. Some comparable models come with higher capacity 3.0Ah or 4.0Ah batteries. The larger the Ah rating, the longer the battery will last before recharging.

On the plus side, the battery recharges in about 30-60 minutes when using Ryobi's rapid charger. So you can get back to work quickly after the battery dies. Just note that the charger is not included and needs to be purchased separately if you don't already have one.

Overall, the battery life is sufficient for basic DIY use, but professionals may want to invest in a higher capacity battery for extended runtime. The rapid recharge time helps offset the smaller 2.0Ah battery size.

Accessories

The Ryobi R18IW3-120S comes with a few handy accessories to get you started. In the box, you'll find:

• 2.0Ah Lithium-Ion Battery
• Charger
• Belt clip

Having a spare battery is a nice bonus, allowing you to keep working while one battery charges. The included charger makes it easy to top up the batteries when needed.

The belt clip is a simple but useful addition, allowing you to keep the impact wrench handy as you move around your projects.

Some handy add-ons you can purchase separately include:

• Higher capacity batteries - For extended runtime, consider picking up a 4.0Ah or even 6.0Ah battery. This will minimize downtime between charges.

• Impact driver bits - Ryobi offers a variety of impact-rated bits to handle different fastening applications. Phillips, slotted, Torx and more.

• Tool bag - A bag provides protected storage and easy transport of the tool, batteries, and accessories.

So while the R18IW3-120S comes with the key items you need, Ryobi offers various accessories to further expand the system.

Pros

The Ryobi R18IW3-120S impact wrench offers several advantages that make it a great choice for automotive and home improvement projects.

• Powerful torque output: With a maximum torque of 300 ft-lbs, this impact wrench provides plenty of power for lug nuts, bolts, and other stubborn fasteners. The three speed settings allow you to dial in just the right amount of torque.

• Lightweight and compact: Weighing only 2.2 lbs with battery, the R18IW3-120S is easy to handle and maneuver in tight spaces. Its compact size lets you fit it where larger impact wrenches won't go.

• Ergonomic grip: The overmolded grip feels comfortable in your hand and allows you to get plenty of leverage when breaking loose stubborn bolts. This helps reduce hand fatigue during prolonged use.

• LED light: The built-in LED light illuminates dark work areas so you can clearly see what you're doing. This comes in handy when working under your vehicle.

• Battery compatible: The R18IW3-120S is part of Ryobi's 18V ONE+ system, so it's compatible with all Ryobi 18V lithium-ion batteries. This gives you flexibility in battery selection.

Cons

While the Ryobi R18IW3-120S impact wrench has many great features, there are some downsides to consider.

• Noise - Impact wrenches are inherently noisy tools, as the hammering action generates a loud rattling sound. This can be an annoyance, especially for extended use. Ear protection is highly recommended.

• Cost - As a battery-powered tool, the initial investment is higher than a comparable air-powered impact wrench. The battery and charger add significantly to the overall cost.

• Bulk - The tool's overall size and weight means it's not as nimble or easy to use in tight spaces. The battery pack also adds bulk at the base.

• Limited Torque - While suitable for most automotive uses, the 120 ft-lb maximum torque may not be enough for some heavy-duty applications. Larger air impact wrenches can deliver higher torque when needed.

So while the Ryobi cordless impact wrench is versatile and convenient, the noise, cost, bulk, and torque limitations should be considered before purchasing. Weigh the pros and cons to determine if this model is the right fit for your needs.

Conclusion

The Ryobi R18IW3-120S 18V ONE+ cordless impact wrench provides impressive power and speed in a compact and lightweight package. With three speed settings to choose from, it can tackle a wide range of fastening tasks. The brushless motor provides long-lasting performance while the variable speed trigger gives you excellent control.

The wrench feels great in the hand thanks to its ergonomic grip and overall well-balanced design. The LED light is bright and well positioned to illuminate your work area. Battery life is decent, especially when using the lower speed settings to conserve power for smaller jobs. The included 2Ah battery is sufficient for most applications.

If you're looking for a versatile, portable impact wrench, the Ryobi R18IW3-120S is an excellent choice. It provides professional power and performance without the noise, vibration, and cord hassles of air-powered models. Home DIYers and automotive enthusiasts will find it can handle most everyday fastening and loosening tasks.

The three speed settings make it adaptable for both heavy duty bolting jobs as well as smaller precision tasks. It's compact and lightweight enough to use in tight spaces and reduce user fatigue. The brushless motor and sturdy build quality ensure years of reliable service. Overall, the Ryobi R18IW3-120S impact wrench is easy to recommend for those seeking an affordable but powerful cordless solution.