Ryobi P1832 Review
While a standard drill can handle most fastener installations, they can struggle with things like long-winded screws and lag bolts.
In the past, I’ve had to put extra strain on my drill to drive these things home.
That can shorten the life of a drill, especially cordless varieties.
A kit like the Ryobi P1832 solves that problem by providing you with both a drill and an impact driver in one kit. That covers far more installation scenarios.
The Ryobi P1832
This entry in the Ryobi line of cordless power tools offers you both a drill/driver and an impact driver in a single purchase.
The Ryobi P1832 kit includes a charger, along with a battery for each power tool.
The entire kit can be stored and carried in the tool bag that is included.
The P277 drill driver offers you a clutch with 24 settings and a gearbox with dual speed control, design features made to provide more control during operation. Its chuck is 1/2-inch single sleeve chuck that is keyless.
The P235 impact driver includes a quick connect coupler as well as onboard bit storage and a belt clip. It delivers 1,600 in-lbs. of torque.
Both power tools can cover the needs of light construction work as well as most DIY home projects. They may struggle with heavy-duty needs, however.
- Two power tools in one package
- Ergonomic designs
- ONE+ compatible batteries
- products are lightweight
Ryobi P1832 Benefits And Features
Drill/Driver Clutch
A stand-out feature on the P277 drill/driver is the gear clutch with 24 settings. This is a wider range than can be found on some models and offers you a lot of control when it comes to torque when installing fasteners or with small diameter drill bits.
Mechanically, it works in a similar manner as an automobile clutch, engaging and disengaging at specific resistance points.
Unfortunately, most homeowners (and a lot of construction workers) don’t use this included feature. You should, however, as it helps to prevent unwanted surface damage to projects and helps to protect small bits and fasteners from snapping.
1/2 Keyless Chuck
With some battery operated drill/drivers that are compact in design, you will discover that the chuck is a smaller 3/8-inch size. The P277 uses a 1/2-inch chuck, which will allow you access to more bits on the market.
It also uses a keyless chuck design that eliminates the need to use a chuck key to tighten its hold on the drill bits themselves. That can be a time saver over the workday at a job site.
Its single sleeve design is easier and faster to operate as you have no outside sleeve like that found on a double-sleeved chuck.
Dual Speed Gearbox
The P277 employs a dual speed gearbox, a feature that can switch from high-speed drilling to a slower speed that provides more torque with each revolution of the bit. While this is another feature often overlooked by users, it can provide cleaner work with more efficiency.
At the higher speed settings, you should be able to do most of your lightweight drill and driving chores quickly.
By offering a higher torque gear, Ryobi has provided you with the power to tackle tougher jobs in hardwoods, concrete, and metal surfaces where speed is not beneficial and can actually damage surfaces as well as bits and fasteners.
The complex set of gears allows for a transition between the two settings with the adjustment of a button.
Top Mounted Bubble Level
When it comes to drilling, providing a level hole for fasteners can be critical with some applications.
The mounted bubble level is placed on the drill in an area that is easy to view as the power tool is operated, helping to ensure a hole that is level as you drill. It will be far more accurate than attempting to mount a level on the drill body yourself.
1,600 inch-pounds Of Torque
The P235 impact driver in the kit provides up to 1,600 pounds of torque for your work needs. This is more than the drill/driver can provide and is ideal for jobs that involve long fasteners.
When placing a fastener in hard surfaces that offer a lot of resistance, torque becomes more important to you than the speed of the tool’s rotation. This high torque value is possible due to the 18-volt battery used to power the impact driver.
Cast Aluminum Gear Housing
The impact driver uses a cast aluminum housing for its gears. It provides adequate protection and safety for the high-torque gears as well as you as the operator.
This material is lighter in weight when compared to older housings, allowing it to be carried and used with less fatigue than older models. Another advantage that you might appreciate is that it is easy to manufacture, which means a lower price point.
On-Board Bit Holding
Both power tools provide you with bit storage on the tool. This handy feature can help you keep track of bits as they are changed out, helping to prevent their loss when not in use.
While this feature may be more suited towards job site performance, a DIY home homeowner might appreciate it if they are working in an area that is hard to get into and out of.
GripZone Handles
The ergonomic handle design is included on both power tools. The shape fits the natural contour of average users hand while in use, offering more comfort when using the tools. Its softer texture can also help to eliminate some vibration.
These design elements may not prove overly beneficial to casual users, but construction workers using these tools throughout the day might appreciate their inclusion in the design.
ONE+ Compatible Batteries
Both of the batteries included in the kit provide 18 volts of power. They are also designed to work with other Ryobi tools in the ONE+ model ranges.
For owners of other Ryobi ONE+ power tools, this effectively adds two extra batteries to their arsenal. This feature will not mean as much to those who don’t, but it does effectively give you two batteries to work with either tool.
Some Alternatives
1. DEWALT DCK277C2 Review
The Dewalt DCK277C2 is a step up in power.
It uses 20-volt batteries that can provide you with more power from the start.
Dewalt’s brushless motors are designed to run longer as well.
These would be a power upgrade that should appeal to the tradesmen, but the bulkier and heavier design might not appeal as much to homeowners doing simple DIY projects. It comes with a heavier price tag as well.
2. Milwaukee 2893-22CX Review
Milwaukee 2893-22CX offers an 18-volt combo pack that is similar to the Ryobi.
One standout difference is the hammer drill though.
This feature provides an impact motion along with drill chuck rotation, which makes it a great fit for masonry work.
That feature may not be as useful outside of brick or concrete, however.
3. Makita CX200RB Review
Another higher priced alternative is the Makita CX200RB two-piece kit.
These tools are designed with ergonomics as a high priority.
Both the drill/driver and the impact drill are light when compared to similar models.
This means less fatigue when used, a feature that might appeal to all-day users. They are, however, lighter in performance as well. This kit might struggle more with heavier job applications.
Final Thoughts
While a drill/driver is capable of handling many jobs, some applications will call for more power and torque than most power drills are designed to provide. That is where an impact driver shines.
It provides you with the ability to handle long fasteners and tough work surfaces without over-working your drill. The Ryobi provides a solution with the two tool P1832 kit. You can take advantage of the 18-volt batteries to work for extended periods on the job or at home.
The clutch and speed settings on the drill offer you lots of control during operation, and the 1,600 inch-pounds of torque generated by the impact driver means you have the power to handle most medium or heavy-duty fastening jobs.
For a more detailed look at the Ryobi P132, click here.
