![](https://tool-kit.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Ryobi-18V-Cordless-Drill-PCL201K1-Used-on-Wall.jpg)
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Ryobi is launching a new 18V cordless drill, model PCL201K1, which is advertised as having a lightweight design for overhead use.
Marketing materials mention in multiple places that the new Ryobi cordless drill has a 3/8″ keyless chuck.
Personally, I am okay with 3/8″ chucks on 12V-class drills, but expect 1/2″ chucks on 18V-class drills.
But, if that makes this drill lighter and more compact, I suppose I can see how it could align with some users’ needs.
I then took a closer look at the images and specs, and it seems that the drill is missing some things.
![Ryobi 18V Cordless Drill PCL201K1 Drilling into Wood Board](https://i0.wp.com/toolguyd.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Ryobi-18V-Cordless-Drill-PCL201K1-Drilling-into-Wood-Board.jpg?resize=600%2C548&ssl=1)
Where’s the adjustable torque clutch? Speed selector switch?
Ryobi doesn’t mention the max torque, and the online user manual refers to the wrong model, so I couldn’t find it there either.
They do give the max speed – 600 RPM.
![Ryobi 18V Cordless Drill PCL201K1](https://i0.wp.com/toolguyd.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Ryobi-18V-Cordless-Drill-PCL201K1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
- 3/8″ keyless chuck
- 600 RPM max speed
- Variable speed trigger
- On-board LED worklight
- Weighs 2.8 lbs
Price: $60 for the kit
ETA: February 2024
Or, you can buy Ryobi’s 1/2″ cordless drill, with 2-speed selector switch, 515 in-lbs max torque, and adjustable torque clutch. That model is $59 right now, for the kit with a 1.5Ah battery and charger.
I feel that this drill is like a chocolate chip cookie, but without the chocolate chips.
Ryobi’s basic 1/2″ cordless drill kit is $59 right now, but the new 3/8″ cordless drill kit will be $60? Maybe it will be on sale seasonally for $39 or $49.
It’s never good when a brand leaves the max torque spec out of a cordless drill listings, either intentionally or not.
As for 600 RPM max, that’s decent for a low speed setting, but will be anemic for most drilling tasks.
No adjustable torque clutch means this is a (slow) drilling-only too;.
I keep thinking “who is this for?” and the only answer I can come up with is “someone who wants to spend as little as possible on a basic cordless drill.”
They wouldn’t make something like this if there weren’t users asking for it, right?