When it comes to impact drivers, you’d want something that has sufficient power to handle stubborn fasteners. On the other hand, you’d probably also prefer a tool that’s not too heavy to carry around. With that said, the Ryobi P239 is a great find, due to its high torque and other convenient features.
To help you decide whether to buy or pass, I’ve reviewed this impact driver below to give you an insight by listing down its features, pros, and cons.
Ryobi P239 Cordless 18V Impact Driver
As a cordless impact driver, it not only sports a high torque but also has convenient features for one-handed operation. This makes it a great impact driver to work with when you’re climbing ladders and doing overhead operations.
Specifications
Still flaunting 2,000 inch-pounds of torque, this impact driver is a lightweight unit, at only 2.72 pounds, making overhead and difficult positions easier and causing less fatigue. It’s powered by an 18V lithium-ion battery (like most cordless units nowadays) and has an impact rate of 4,350 BPM.
Quality
Ryobi backs up their cordless impact driver with a 3-year limited warranty. To put your mind at ease, it has a brushless motor that’s low maintenance as compared to the impact drivers that still use carbon brushes for their motors.
Usability
What I like about this impact driver is the inclusion of an onboard magnetic tray. This is especially helpful if you need to work on an area that requires a ladder, with a place to securely store your small bits.
Another plus point is the GRIPZONE over-mold handle that has a micro-texture. This will significantly reduce the fatigue as well as slipping when you are holding the impact driver during long hours of operation.
Because the unit is lightweight, using it for overhead projects won’t be much of a problem. Likewise, it has a belt clip and Phillips head for added convenience while working.
Yet another desirable feature is the compatibility of the battery system with any of the Ryobi ONE+ tools. If you own any of such tools, interchanging the battery will make your task easier on the job site, at an auto repair shop or even in your garage.
Should You Buy the Ryobi P239 Cordless 18V Impact Driver?
The Ryobi P239 will appeal to you if you’re looking for an impact driver with a high torque that isn’t too heavy to carry around. It has great usability features to help with overhead tasks and awkward positions, for a safe and comfortable working experience.
Because this impact driver is part of the Ryobi ONE+ series, the batteries are interchangeable with other tools in this line. This model is also ideal for shifting between different materials due to its variable speed feature.
If you are still unsure about the decision, go through the below list of the pros and cons of the tool.
Pros of the Ryobi P239
Let’s start with the pros.
It has a brushless motor.
The Ryobi P239 impact driver is powered by a brushless motor, which is a plus point if you’re leaning towards a low-maintenance model. A brushless motor won’t need the carbon brushes inside the unit to be replaced.
What’s more, having a brushless motor reduces the tool’s noise levels during use. It also generates less heat, reducing the chances of accidents. If you need to work on tasks that require long hours under the blazing sun, this is the impact driver to get.
It has a high torque.
At 2,000 inch-pounds, the Ryobi P239 is a high-torque impact driver that’s made for stubborn fasteners. This torque is significantly higher than that of most other impact drivers out there, which typically range between 1,300 to 1,800 inch-pounds.
Choosing a good impact driver is primarily based on the torque, if you’re focus is on removing stubborn fasteners, especially those that have rusted due to time and bad weather. Usually, a high-torque impact driver is associated with a powerful motor, which is true in this case since the Ryobi P239 has a brushless motor.
It has an onboard magnetic tray.
With this tray, the Ryobi P239 impact driver will be useful for ladder and overhead situations where you need easy access to your bits and small pieces.
Nobody likes working on a project wasting time and this magnetic tray will get the job done faster, especially if you are working alone. There’s no more need for going down the ladder just to get your smaller items, because they’ll already be with you, thanks to the onboard magnetic tray.
It is similarly useful for low-light situations. You don’t have to worry about losing small bits in the dark or misplace them because the magnetic onboard tray keeps everything in place.
It has a variable speed trigger.
The Ryobi P239 has a variable speed trigger which allows work flexibility across different materials and applications.
With a variable speed trigger, you’ll easily control the tool depending on the material you’re working on. This is to reduce the risk of overworking the tool for a very simple task or wasting time with a slow speed for a stubborn fastener.
Cons of the Ryobi P239
Even though the Ryobi P239 is a great tool, there are a few cons worth noting as well.
Setting the speed is a bit tricky.
Even though it has a variable speed feature, it takes a bit of a learning curve to operate the trigger. That’s because the variable speed is integrated with the trigger instead of being a separate control. Although this would be okay for one-handed use, it can be a bit confusing for first-time users.
The included LED light isn’t that bright.
Compared to that of other impact drivers, this unit doesn’t have the brightest LED light, but the light is easy to operate when pulling the trigger.
What Are the Alternatives to the Ryobi P239?
If you didn’t find the Ryobi P239 to be the impact driver for your needs, here are other alternatives I would suggest:
The Ryobi P235A, coming from the same manufacturer, is a similar cordless impact driver albeit with lower torque of only 1,800 inch-pounds and an impact rate of 3,200 BPM. What’s unique about this impact driver is the quick-change mechanism for the 1/4-inch hex quick connect coupler, which will seriously save time and effort. It is also interchangeable with any of the lithium-ion powered ONE+ series tools from Ryobi.
If you prefer easily-selectable speed settings, you will like the Makita XST01Z. This impact driver has up to 3,200 RPM of speed and up to 2,700 BPM of impact. Similar to the Ryobi pick that I mentioned above, this tool has an ergonomic handle for decreased fatigue when working for long periods. The only downside to this tool is that it weighs 3.2 pounds, which is slightly heavier than the Ryobi P239.
Meanwhile, the Metabo HPT WH18DDX is also a decent impact driver that’s lithium-ion powered, has a brushless motor, and is lightweight at only 2.6 pounds. It bears a speed of 3,200 RPM and an impact of 4,000 BPM, which is similar to the Ryobi impact driver mentioned above. However, it falls short in terms of torque at only 1,240 inch-pounds. Nonetheless, it also shares an LED light system with the Ryobi P239, making it ideal for low-visibility situations.
Finally, you might also want to check out my article listing the best impact drivers on the market overall as well as the best ones made by Ryobi.
Summary
As a whole, the Ryobi P239 is a well-made impact driver when you need a tool for overhead projects and awkward positions, such as when climbing up a ladder. When your hands are full, you’ll surely need an impact driver that allows for one-handed operation, and this unit will supply that due to its great usability features.
I hope that you found my Ryobi P239 review helpful in making your decision! If you are wondering how it compares with the P238, check this article next.