Comparison
| Feature | Ryobi RID18X1 | DeWalt DCF860N-XJ | Ryobi R18ID24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Award | Best overall | Best premium / compact high-output | Best value kit |
| Worth Buying score | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.9/10 |
| Researched price | $229 | About $349 | $129 |
| Skin or kit | Skin | Skin | Kit |
| Battery included | No | No | 4.0Ah ONE+ |
| Motor | Brushless | Brushless | Brushed |
| Voltage | 18V ONE+ | 18V XR | 18V ONE+ |
| Max claimed torque | 320Nm | 282Nm | Not used here; current exact figure was not confirmed |
| Drive modes | 3 power modes + Auto Assist | 3 speed/torque settings | Variable trigger; no premium multi-mode selector |
| Max rpm | 3,400rpm | About 3,800rpm | Not used here |
| Max impacts | 4,200ipm | About 4,400ipm | Not used here |
| Collet | 6.35mm / ¼-inch quick release | ¼-inch hex, drop-and-load | ¼-inch quick change |
| Bare weight | About 1.1kg | About 1.09kg | Not published here |
| Battery ecosystem | Ryobi ONE+ | DeWalt XR | Ryobi ONE+ |
| Warranty | 4 years; 6 years with registration in 30 days | Confirm current DeWalt AU exact-model terms | 4 years; 6 years with registration in 30 days |
| Australian customer evidence | Bunnings ~4.8/5 from ~24; Ryobi ~4.8/5 from ~31 | Bunnings 4.6/5 from 10 | Bunnings 4.9/5 from ~81 |
| Best for | Serious DIY and renovation | Trades and tight high-load work | First-time and occasional DIY buyers |
| Main drawback | Battery and charger extra | High bare-skin price | Basic brushed architecture |
Ryobi RID18X1
- Researched price
- $229
- Skin or kit
- Skin
- Battery included
- No
- Motor
- Brushless
- Max claimed torque
- 320Nm
- Drive modes
- 3 power modes + Auto Assist
- Warranty
- 4 years; 6 years with registration in 30 days
- Australian customer evidence
- Bunnings ~4.8/5 from ~24; Ryobi ~4.8/5 from ~31
- Best for
- Serious DIY and renovation
- Main drawback
- Battery and charger extra
DeWalt DCF860N-XJ
- Researched price
- About $349
- Skin or kit
- Skin
- Battery included
- No
- Motor
- Brushless
- Max claimed torque
- 282Nm
- Drive modes
- 3 speed/torque settings
- Warranty
- Confirm current DeWalt AU exact-model terms
- Australian customer evidence
- Bunnings 4.6/5 from 10
- Best for
- Trades and tight high-load work
- Main drawback
- High bare-skin price
Ryobi R18ID24
- Researched price
- $129
- Skin or kit
- Kit
- Battery included
- 4.0Ah ONE+
- Motor
- Brushed
- Max claimed torque
- Not used here; current exact figure was not confirmed
- Drive modes
- Variable trigger; no premium multi-mode selector
- Warranty
- 4 years; 6 years with registration in 30 days
- Australian customer evidence
- Bunnings 4.9/5 from ~81
- Best for
- First-time and occasional DIY buyers
- Main drawback
- Basic brushed architecture
Torque claims are manufacturer figures and are not necessarily measured under identical cross-brand test methods.
How we chose
Queue 2.3 assessed current Australian models, fastening output, control modes, size, battery-platform value, warranty and exact-product owner evidence. Worth Buying scores are editorial assessments and remain separate from customer ratings.
Manufacturer torque, speed and impact-rate figures are specifications, not Worth Buying laboratory measurements. We did not rank tools by torque alone because the impact mechanism, battery, mode, bit, fastener and material all affect real performance.
Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 4-Mode Impact Driver
Exact model: RID18X1 · tool only
Illustrative editorial image, not an exact product photograph.
Ryobi claims up to 320Nm from its brushless motor, with three power settings and an Auto Assist mode. Mode 1 is capped at a claimed 160Nm, Mode 2 at 250Nm and Mode 3 at 320Nm, which matters because maximum output can strip small screw heads or bury fasteners too deeply.
The 1.1kg bare tool uses a ¼-inch quick-release collet and reaches up to 3,400rpm and 4,200 impacts per minute. Its price is attractive for this output, particularly for buyers already using ONE+ batteries.
Pros
- Excellent output for the money
- Brushless motor
- Useful control modes
- Strong exact-product feedback
- Broad ONE+ ecosystem
Cons
- Tool-only price
- Maximum mode is excessive for small screws
- Heavy work drains batteries quickly
- Torque claim is not a universal benchmark
- Not an impact-wrench substitute
| Modes | Up to 950rpm / 160Nm; 2,100rpm / 250Nm; 3,400rpm / 320Nm; Auto Assist |
|---|---|
| Impact rate | Up to 4,200ipm |
| Collet / light | 6.35mm quick-release collet; LED work light |
| Warranty | 4-year replacement warranty, extendable to 6 years when registered online within 30 days; batteries separately covered for 3 years |
| Price context | $229 tool-only at Bunnings / Ryobi Australia during research |
DeWalt 18V XR 3-Speed Impact Driver
Exact model: DCF860N-XJ · tool onlyIllustrative editorial image, not an exact product photograph.
The DCF860N-XJ claims 282Nm from a body only about 122–123mm long. Its three settings provide approximately 141Nm, 242Nm and 282Nm, making the lower modes important for smaller fasteners and finish-sensitive work.
The bright LED ring and flashlight mode improve visibility in framing, cabinets and roof spaces. Australian expert coverage strongly praises its compactness and output, but that testing is separate from the modest exact-model Bunnings owner pool.
Pros
- Very compact
- High claimed output
- Useful mode control
- Excellent lighting
- Mature XR ecosystem
Cons
- Expensive bare skin
- Battery and charger add substantial cost
- Overkill for light DIY
- Local review sample is modest
- Warranty wording should be confirmed at purchase
| Speeds / torque claims | Approximately 141Nm, 242Nm and 282Nm across three settings |
|---|---|
| Speed / impact rate | Up to about 3,800rpm / 4,400ipm |
| Collet / weight | ¼-inch hex drop-and-load holder; about 1.09kg bare |
| Warranty | Verify current DeWalt Australia exact-model and registration wording before purchase |
| Price context | About $349 tool-only at Bunnings during research; promotions vary |
Ryobi 18V ONE+ Impact Driver All Rounder Kit
Exact kit: R18ID24Illustrative editorial image, not an exact product photograph.
The R18ID24 package includes the brushed 18V ONE+ impact driver, a 4.0Ah battery and 1.5A charger. Its variable-speed trigger, ¼-inch quick-change collet and LED work light cover typical decking screws, timber fastening and household jobs without the cost of premium controls.
This is not the brushless RID18X1 and should not inherit its 320Nm specification. It is a simpler, lower-duty tool with a slower charger, but the complete package and large exact-product review pool make it the strongest first-buy value.
Pros
- Exceptional complete-kit price
- 4Ah battery included
- Extensive exact-product evidence
- Easy ONE+ platform entry
- Enough output for typical DIY
Cons
- Brushed motor
- No premium multi-mode control
- Slow 1.5A charger
- Not designed for sustained trade duty
- Less refined than premium skins
| Kit contents | 18V impact driver, 4.0Ah ONE+ battery and 1.5A charger |
|---|---|
| Motor / control | Brushed; variable-speed trigger |
| Collet / light | ¼-inch quick-change collet; LED work light |
| Warranty | Current Ryobi replacement terms apply; register eligible tools within 30 days for extended cover |
| Price context | $129 at Bunnings during research |
Impact driver vs drill vs impact wrench
An impact driver uses a ¼-inch hex holder and rotational impacts to drive screws and structural fasteners with less wrist reaction under load. A drill/driver has a general-purpose chuck, is better for drilling holes and provides more controlled low-torque screwdriving. Many DIY users benefit from owning both.
An impact wrench uses a square drive and sockets for wheel nuts and large bolts. An impact driver is not the correct automotive wheel-nut tool, even when its torque claim looks high.
Battery ecosystems and skin pricing
Platform choice often matters more than a small specification difference. ONE+, XR, LXT, M18, AEG 18V and Ozito PXC batteries are not interchangeable. Existing battery owners can sensibly choose a skin; first-time buyers should compare the tool, charger and at least one useful-capacity battery as a complete cost.
Torque and drive modes
Cross-brand torque numbers do not guarantee the same real fastening result. Impact design, speed, battery, bit, screw and material all matter. Multiple modes are valuable because maximum power can strip heads, snap small fasteners or bury screws below the surface. Start low and increase only when necessary.
Bits and realistic use
Use impact-rated ¼-inch hex bits. Ordinary brittle drill-driver bits are more likely to fail under repeated impacts. Replace worn bits early, keep the driver square to the fastener and pre-drill where the timber or fastener instructions require it.
Which one should you buy?
Choose the Ryobi RID18X1 for serious DIY and renovation value, the DeWalt DCF860N-XJ for compact premium output in the XR platform, or the Ryobi R18ID24 when you need a complete starter kit rather than another bare skin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best impact driver in Australia?
The Ryobi RID18X1 is our best overall pick for serious DIY and renovation. DeWalt's DCF860 is the compact premium option, while Ryobi's R18ID24 is the value starter kit.
What is the difference between an impact driver and a drill?
An impact driver specialises in high-load screw fastening with ¼-inch hex bits. A drill accepts general drill bits and is better for drilling holes and controlled low-torque work.
Can I use an impact driver for wheel nuts?
No. Use a suitable square-drive impact wrench and the correct sockets for automotive wheel nuts and large bolts.
Is brushless worth paying extra for?
Usually for frequent or demanding use: brushless tools can be more compact, efficient and durable. A brushed kit can still be better value for occasional DIY.
Should I buy an impact-driver skin or a kit?
Buy a skin if you already own compatible batteries and a charger. Buy a kit when starting a new platform so the complete entry cost is clear.