Ryobi 18V One+ HP Compact Brushless Rotary Hammer Review

Dec 18, 2023

Drilling into concrete can be an arduous task if you don't have the right tool. Hammer drills are great but sometimes you need more impact energy to work efficiently. Ryobi aims to make the process less daunting with the launch of its 18V One+ HP Brushless Compact 5/8-inch Rotary Hammer.

According to the specs, this rotary hammer's brushless motor delivers up to 1,250 RPM with 6,200 BPM and 1.5 ft-lbs. of impact energy (2.03 Joules). It hits its peak performance with bits right around 3/8 inches, making it a great option for small-diameter jobs. It's rated to a maximum of 5/8-inch bits if you need to go a bit bigger.

If you do find yourself needing a little more muscle, consider the Ryobi P223 Brushless Rotary Hammer which offers a boost in both capacity and power.

One of the nice things about this compact rotary hammer is its relatively low vibration level compared to a full-size model. This is due, in part, to the built-in vibration-dampening zone in the handle that helps you avoid the dreaded jelly arms and excessive hand fatigue.

While it's not officially the smallest on the market, the Ryobi PSBRH01 is still incredibly compact. It stands 8 inches tall and measures 12 inches from tip to tail. Not to mention, it weighs just 4.25 pounds with a 2.0Ah High-Performance battery.

Considering these stats, you can work overhead and in tight spaces more comfortably.

It's a great option for HVAC techs, electricians, and folks who regularly work with smaller concrete fasteners.

One big improvement I see on this model over the previous compact rotary hammer is the grip and overmold design. They significantly improved the contour and shape of the handle to give you a superior grip on the tool. Additionally, Ryobi extended the overmold to the front of the motor housing for better grip during horizontal two-handed operation.

Ryobi designed this model for one-hand use and doesn't provide a side handle with this model. You can overlap your hands or place a second hand in front of the motor housing for additional support if you need it. However, we prefer the ergonomics of a side handle.

The mode selection on this rotary hammer is pretty straightforward because there are only two options to choose from. Its 2-position dial alternates between hammer drill mode and rotary drilling mode. Ryobi decided to omit a dedicated chipping mode on this model. That's not really surprising, or disappointing, because compact rotary hammers don't have the power to be effective chipping tools in most cases.

At Home Depot, the tool retails for $149 bare or $159 with one 2.0Ah battery and charger. It includes a 3-year limited warranty from Ryobi. $10 to add the battery and charger is a steal, so go that route as long the pricing remains.

Ryobi's 18V compact rotary hammer is a godsend for value-minded Pros or serious DIYers who need a lightweight drill for setting Tapcons or other smaller concrete fasteners. Use it as a supplement to your larger rotary hammer when you’re working overhead or simply want to use a lighter, more compact tool.

Check out Ryobi's full line of 18V One+ tools by clicking here!

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