Ryobi Cordless Extended Reach Ratchets Provide Improved Power And Access In Tight Spots
Swinging a ratchet is fun and all, but if you didn’t have to, would you miss it? Ryobi cordless extended reach ratchets join the brand’s deep line of 18V tools and are designed to keep that swinging habit to a minimum.
Pros
- Excellent torque level
- Solid value
- Wide range of versatile grip options
- Roating head locks in 4 positions
- Extended reach gets to more fasteners
- Forward/reverse switch is flush to the head
Cons
- Handle diameter is on the larger side
- Battery can get in the way
Ryobi Cordless Extended Reach Ratchet
Powerhouse
Cordless ratchets aren’t new to the market and this isn’t Ryobi’s first rodeo with them. The 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch extended reach ratchets feature One+ HP brushless technology that provides 40 ft-lbs and 55 ft-lbs of torque, respectively. This is a significant jump in power from the previous PRC018 short shaft model’s 30 ft-lbs and up with some of the top cordless ratchets on the market.
The RPMs are a little different, too. The 1/4-inch model runs up to 260 RPM and the 3/8-inch is a little slower at 230 RPM.
Pro Tip: Cordless ratchets are very different from impact wrenches and have much less torque. They’re designed to help you set a fastener without over-torquing it. Once it’s set, you can pull the ratchet to apply more torque (if it’s needed) just like a hand ratchet.
Grip and Trigger Design
The grip and metal paddle trigger design are pretty similar to traditional pneumatic ratchets. That’s a key design feature in case you need to turn the handle to get the battery at a different angle. We were able to easily operate the trigger no matter what way we needed to turn the tool.
The trigger is still variable speed, so feel free to feather it as you remove bolts or try to avoid cross-threading.
However, the grip is a little on the bigger side to accommodate the post-style battery. If your hands are on the smaller side, you might not care for the diameter. That said, the rubber over-mold on the grip provides some extra slip resistance and comfort.
Head Design
The extended reach and slim head make it easier to access tight spaces traditionally reserved for more compact hand tools. When you look at the two options side by side, the 3/8-inch ratchet head is about a 1/4-inch wider than the 1/4-inch drive ratchet.
There are four locking positions every 90° and the drive will work at any angle even if it’s not locked in place. To make the adjustment, pull up on the collet below the shaft and turn it in the direction you want. It’ll slip into place once it hits the detent.
Even though it’s a little thing, the fact that the forward/reverse switch is flush to the head means you can get in just a little tighter.
Additional Features
- Dual LED lights
- Lock out switch
Ryobi Cordless Extended Reach Ratchet Price
This Ryobi 3/8-Inch extended reach ratchet is available at The Home Depot for $159 as a bare tool and $199 kitted with a High-Performance 2.0Ah battery and charger.
The 1/4-Inch Ryobi extended reach ratchet retails $169 as a bare tool and, just like the 3/8-Inch model, a kit option is also available. You can snag one of those for $209 at your local Home Depot.
The kits are a little hard to come by because it’s such a great value so keep your eyes open. Ryobi accompanies their ratchets with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty.
The Bottom Line
In terms of performance, Ryobi 18V One+ cordless extended reach ratchets are right where they need to be. We don’t have any complaints about that, even from a professional perspective.
The challenge is dealing with the battery and Ryobi’s design team did well by making the head rotate and giving it a variable speed paddle trigger you can turn in your hand and still operate easily. Overall, both versions of this cordless ratchet are a big win for Ryobi users that spend time under the hood.
To check out the entire Ryobi ONE+ lineup, click here.
3/8-Inch Specifications
- Model #: PBLRC25
- Power Source: Ryobi High-Performance 18V Battery
- Max Torque: 55 ft.-lbs.
- Anvil Size: 3/8 in.
- Max Speed: 0-230 RPM
- Variable-Speed Paddle Trigger
- Length: 15.75 in.
- Weight: 2.88 lbs. (bare), 3.88 lbs. (With 2.0Ah High-Performance Battery)
- Brushless Motor
- Warranty: 3 Years
- Price: $159 (bare), $199 (kit)
1/4-Inch Specifications
- Model #: PBLRC01
- Power Source: Ryobi High-Performance 18V Battery
- Max Torque: 40 ft.-lbs.
- Anvil Size: 1/4 in.
- Max Speed: 0-260 RPM
- Variable-Speed Paddle Trigger
- Length: 15.25 in.
- Weight: 2.5 lbs. (bare), 3.5 lbs. (With 2.0Ah High-Performance Battery)
- Brushless Motor
- Warranty: 3 Years
- Price: $169 (bare), $209 (kit)
