Ryobi is launching a new 18V cordless screwdriver kit, model PCL212.
Described as an “everyday DIY screwdriver,” the new Ryobi driver is about as basic as they come. It features 125 in-lbs max torque, 600 RPM max speed, and a variable speed trigger.
The new Ryobi cordless screwdriver comes in a kit with a 1.5Ah battery and charger for $60.
Ryobi says that the new tool “has the power and speed to tackle every day projects around the home that involve fastening, including furniture assembly, small repairs, and hanging items.”
It also features an LED work light, at the base of the handle near the battery connection.
The driver has a single speed, with the variable speed trigger providing some control.
There’s no adjustable torque clutch.
It has a quick-change 1/4″ hex chuck, which Ryobi shows off being used with 2″ power-style screwdriver bits. Ryobi has not made it clear whether the driver can also fit 1″ insert-style bits.
The kit, PCL212K1, comes with a 1.5Ah battery and charger.
Price: $60 for the kit
ETA: May 2024
Ryobi’s PR for the new launch reminds that the new tool will be available exclusively at Home Depot.
Discussion
Cordless screwdrivers are awesome complements to drills and impact drivers, although I’m not sure I feel the same about this one.
There’s no torque clutch. That doesn’t mean you won’t be able to drive smaller fasteners to repeatable depths – you’ll just have to do it manually and with care.
125 in-lbs isn’t a lot of max torque, and 600 RPMs isn’t a lot of speed. However, it should be plenty for casual driving applications.
This is basically a screwdriver version of the basic 18V cordless drill that Ryobi launched earlier this year. The two tools look identical except for the different chucks.
I wouldn’t buy a cordless drill or screwdriver without a torque clutch.
I don’t think the new screwdriver is bad, and am saying all this to ensure you know and understand what it’s offering.
There are better cordless screwdrivers on the market, but they start at 2X the price. The Dewalt 12V Max Xtreme model would be my pick.
See Also: Dewalt Xtreme 12V Max Cordless Screwdriver Deserves More Love
I recent posted about the Hyper Tough 12V Max 3-in-1 cordless drill/driver that Walmart recently launched. It has 2 speed ranges, a torque clutch, 220 in-lbs max torque, and comes with a battery and charger for $35.
Is $60 for the Ryobi 18V cordless screwdriver a good price? Maybe. Alternatively, you can get an 18V 2-tool combo kit for $129 at Home Depot. I’m sure they’ll have another $99 bundle around Father’s Day. Craftsman’s V20 2-tool combo kit is $99 at Amazon.
In my opinion, if a cordless screwdriver is stripped down and compromised for the purpose of lower pricing, I’d rather compromise and get a drill. Sure, there are compromises there, such as with a heavier weight, a longer head length, and more time consuming bit changes unless you use a quick change bit holder.
If one already has a cordless drill for drilling holes and driving fasteners with adjustable torque clutch settings, and an impact driver for higher speed and torque applications, is this screwdriver a good 3rd tool?
Ryobi doesn’t have another 18V cordless screwdriver – at least not a modern model I can find.
This model fits in somewhere between weaker 4V Max-class screwdrivers and 18V-class drills and impact drivers.
I would go with a better-featured 12V-class cordless screwdriver, but they tend to be far better featured, such as with brushless motors, and pricier.
Milwaukee has an excellent M12 cordless screwdriver kit for $99 at Home Depot.
If you’re patient, Home Depot usually has it as a Black Friday doorbuster for $59.
For my preferences, the new Ryobi cordless screwdriver looks to miss the mark. A torque clutch at the same price point would have made it compelling.
I suppose that Ryobi is targeting more price-conscious homeowners and beginner DIYers.
Would this be a good first cordless power tool? I am more inclined to say that a drill would be better. A basic 18V cordless screwdriver might be suited to DIYer or homeowners’ common light duty fastening tasks, but many example applications presumably involve pre-drilled holes.
In the image shown just above, the DIYer is using the basic drill and this basic screwdriver. Together, the two $60 kits cost $120. I would spend the same money – or less – 10 very different ways on my hypothetical first cordless power tools.
As an aside, my first cordless drill was a 2-in-1 Black & Decker 12V Firestorm. It had a built-in 1/4″ hex bit holder and its drill chuck attached over it. That, in my opinion, was a perfect starter screwdriver and drill. I was ready to upgrade a few years later when I need a 1/2″ chuck.
Would this be a good second cordless power tool? Third?
I started off very excited to see Ryobi launch a new 18V cordless screwdriver, especially since there are so few options in the market in 12V and 18V classes. My mood quickly changed, and I can’t help but feel very underwhelmed about what it offers, mainly because of what it leaves out.
I think it’s suitable to specific DIYer needs, but not without qualifications.
Does it fill holes in Ryobi’s 18V cordless power tool lineup? Yes, I think so. But not in the way that would optimally benefit users, even those shopping with price as their top priority.
As it doesn’t have an adjustable torque clutch, an impact driver that you feather the trigger with can do the same jobs and much more. Right?
Maybe this will sell well to impulse shoppers and gift-givers.
