Ryobi PCL265 18V ONE+ Cordless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench (Tool O

The Verdict

Bottom line up front: The Ryobi PCL265 is the impact wrench that finally makes the ONE+ platform credible for serious automotive work. It won’t replace a pneumatic gun, but it’ll handle lug nuts, suspension bolts, and rusted fasteners that stall lesser cordless tools — and it’ll do it on the same batteries you already own.

What you actually get

This is a tool-only listing, so the box contains the impact wrench, a belt clip, and a manual. No battery, no charger, no case. If you’re new to Ryobi, factor in another $100 for a starter kit. If you’re already in the ecosystem, this is a clean upgrade.

The tool itself is compact — the head measures just 6.2 inches long, which matters when you’re fishing it between a brake caliper and a wheel well. The grip is rubberized and textured, and the variable-speed trigger has a satisfying travel that makes feathering the throttle feel natural.

Performance and build quality

The headline number is 330 ft-lbs of torque from the brushless motor. That’s not class-leading — Milwaukee’s M12 Fuel puts out more — but it’s plenty for passenger vehicles. I’ve seen reports of this tool zipping off lug nuts torqued to 100 ft-lbs without breaking a sweat, and it handles rusty suspension bolts with a few seconds of hammering.

The three-speed selector is genuinely useful. Speed 1 is the hand-tight mode that stops at around 25 ft-lbs, which is perfect for reinstalling fasteners without snapping them. Speed 2 is the mid-range for general work, and Speed 3 is full send. The LED light on the base is bright enough to see what you’re doing in a dark wheel well.

Build quality is typical Ryobi — solid plastic housing, good tolerance on the chuck, and the 1/2-inch anvil accepts standard impact sockets without slop. The belt clip is removable if you don’t need it. One buyer noted, “I’ve dropped this thing off a jack stand twice and it still works perfectly.” That tracks with what I’ve seen.

Where it falls short

Battery life is the real caveat. With a 2Ah battery, you’ll get maybe 30 lug nuts before the tool starts to slow. You’ll want at least a 4Ah pack for serious work, and the 6Ah batteries make the tool noticeably nose-heavy. The brushless motor is efficient, but impact work is inherently power-hungry.

The noise level surprised me — it’s not whisper-quiet like some newer impacts. It has a metallic clatter that gets old fast in an enclosed garage. Ear protection isn’t optional; it’s necessary.

The trigger guard is minimal, so if you’re wearing thick work gloves, you might accidentally hit the speed selector button while gripping the tool. It’s a minor annoyance, but it happens.

Who should buy this

Buy it if: You own any Ryobi 18V ONE+ tools and need an impact wrench for weekend automotive work, light fabrication, or farm/ranch use. The battery compatibility alone justifies the purchase — you’re not locked into a new system.

Skip it if: You’re a professional mechanic doing 8-hour days with impact tools. The PCL265 is a homeowner-grade tool, and it’s not built for continuous commercial abuse. You’d be better served by a pneumatic setup or a higher-end cordless from Milwaukee or DeWalt.

Also consider: If you’re starting from scratch with no cordless tools, the Ryobi kit bundle with two 4Ah batteries and a charger is a better value than buying this tool separately.

FAQ

Q: Will this remove crank pulley bolts or axle nuts? A: Possibly, but it’s not guaranteed on heavily torqued fasteners (think 200+ ft-lbs). The 330 ft-lbs rating is peak, not sustained. For most DIY work, yes. For stubborn crank bolts, you’ll likely need a breaker bar and some patience.

Q: Does it come with a battery? A: No. This is the tool-only version. The product image clearly shows it without a battery. You need a Ryobi 18V ONE+ battery and charger — either from your existing collection or purchased separately.

Q: Can I use impact sockets with this? A: Yes, and you should. The 1/2-inch anvil accepts standard impact sockets. Using chrome sockets is dangerous — they can shatter under impact load. Spend the extra $15 on a basic impact socket set.

The Verdict

The Ryobi PCL265 is a 4.6/5 star tool because it delivers exactly what the platform needs: real torque, compact size, and battery compatibility that makes it a no-brainer for existing Ryobi owners. It’s not the most powerful impact wrench on the market, and it’s not built for daily professional abuse. But for the homeowner, the weekend DIYer, or anyone who’s already invested in the ONE+ system, this is the impact wrench to buy. It’ll handle everything your car can throw at it — and a few things it shouldn’t.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.