Whether you’re looking to replace an old drill or add to your tool collection, here’s the perfect opportunity. Ryobi sells bare tool versions of their drill kits. These two drill/drivers don’t come with batteries or chargers, but they are compatible with the 18V ONE+ series. Now you can expand your tool selection without spending money on extras. Let’s look at both drills to see which one is the best for you.
Ryobi P271 18 Volt 1/2 in. 2-Speed Drill-Driver (Bare Tool Only. Battery and Charger not included.)
The P271 is a solid cordless drill with a lot of value for the money.It has a ½” keyless chuck so you can use a wider variety of bits than you could with a 3/8” drill. There are 24 clutch settings, a variable-speed-reversibletrigger, and a 2-speed transmission for the best precision possible. To promote accurate drilling and driving, Ryobi included a spirit bubble on the top of the drill. That’s really handy when you’re using a pistol-grip drill like this one because they are harder to balance. This way you can keep an eye on the bubble to help you keep the drill steady.
The two-speed transmission has a low gear speed of up to 440rpm and a high gear of up to 1600rpm. Those are top speeds without a load, of course. The top torque is 340 inch-pounds. It sounds low, but user reviews are full of comments about how this drill has plenty of power for their needs. Check out the description of the P205G below to see what Ryobi recommends for each clutch setting.
Ryobi included a couple of other convenient features. The foot of the drill contains a magnetic tray for screws and a built-in screwdriver bit holder.
More features of the Ryobi P271 drill/driver
- Drill weighs 3.1 pounds as a bare tool without battery
- User manual comes in English, French, and Spanish
- Forward/reverse switch serves as a safety lock-off in the middle position
- Compatible with all ONE+ 18V batteries
- Ryobi offers a 3-year warranty
Ryobi P205G 18 Volt 3/8″ Drill/driver (Drill only, battery and charger not included)
The Ryobi P205G has a 3/8” keyless chuck so it’s a little less versatile than the P271 described above. This size drill is compatible with a smaller range of bits. But it also has a two-speed transmission, a variable-speed trigger, and 24 clutch settings. With all that control, you can drill and sink fasteners with great precision.
In fact, let’s go over what Ryobi recommends for these clutch settings. Numbers 1 through 4 are for small screws. 5 through 8 are for driving screws into soft material. Numbers 9 through 12 work for setting screws in either soft or hard material. Use 13 through 16 to handle hardwood. Numbers 17 through 20 are for large screws. Settings 21 and up are for heavy drilling.
When you’re drilling metal, Ryobi says to lubricate the bit with oil and start at a low speed. If the bit binds, release the trigger. The electric brake will stop the chuck when the trigger is released. You may see sparks inside the housing if the electric brake engages.
Now, back to the other handy features of this drill. The standard spirit bubble level is located on the top of the P205G just like on the other drill. There is a magnetic tray at the foot to hold loose screws, but there is no onboard bit holder.
More features of the Ryobi P205G drill/driver
- Drill weighs 2.7 pounds as a bare tool without battery
- The chuck can be removed if needed
- Forward/reverse switch serves as a safety lock-off in the middle position
- User manual comes in English, French, and Spanish
- Compatible with all ONE+ 18V batteries
- Ryobi offers a 3-year warranty
Recommendation
Keep in mind that both of these drills are bare tool only. They don’t come with batteries, chargers, or bits.
If your drilling and driving needs are limited to the occasional household repair and woodworking project, the Ryobi P205G with the 3/8” chuck is a good all-purpose drill.
If you have larger or more difficult projects to complete, you may appreciate the ½” P271. You can make larger holes with larger bits and accessories. This drill has more power and speed, so you can drive larger screws and bolts faster.
Click here to purchase Ryobi P271 on Amazon!
Click here to purchase Ryobi P205G on Amazon!