Which one removes rusty lug nuts more easily?

The DeWalt DCF961B, on paper. It lists 1,900 ft-lb of breakaway torque against 1,170 ft-lb for the Ryobi. The Ryobi still handles most passenger-car lugs, and it is far lighter to hold.

Is the DeWalt worth about $107 more?

Only if you already own 20V MAX batteries. The DeWalt is bare tool only, so add battery and charger cost. The Ryobi kit at $151.79 at eBay is the cheaper way to start from nothing.

Which is better for working under a car?

The Ryobi. At 3.8 lb it is much easier to hold overhead and in tight wheel wells. The DeWalt's extra torque helps on heavy truck and suspension fasteners, but its 7.65 lb weight tires your arm.

Do the batteries interchange?

No. The Ryobi runs on 18V ONE+ packs and the DeWalt on 20V MAX packs. Buy the one that matches batteries you already own.

Which has better socket retention?

The DeWalt's hog ring grips sockets more firmly and is the usual choice for heavy use. The Ryobi's friction ring makes socket changes quicker but holds less tight.

Both use brushless motors. The DeWalt's oil-resistant housing and die-cast gearcase suit dirty shop work better. The Ryobi has a die-cast gear case too, but no written warranty is listed.

Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 1/2" High Torque Impact Wrench (PBLIW01B) vs DeWalt 20V MAX XR 1/2" High Torque Impact Wrench with Detent Pin (DCF961B)

Buy the Ryobi PBLIW01B if you want the most torque per dollar and a battery and charger in the box. Buy the DeWalt DCF961B if you already own 20V MAX batteries and want a tougher, more precise tool. The Ryobi is $151.79 at eBay as of November 4, 2026, against $259.00 at eBay for the DeWalt. That is about $107 apart, and the Ryobi kit includes a 4.0 Ah battery and charger while the DeWalt is bare tool only.

Today the Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 1/2" High Torque Impact Wrench (PBLIW01B) costs $107.21 less at its best price.

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