Which removes stuck lug nuts better?

The brushless high-torque kit. Its 700 ft-lbs nearly doubles the 375 ft-lbs of the brushed wrench, which matters on rusted or over-torqued fasteners.

Is the brushless kit worth $50 more?

Yes if you do heavy automotive or truck work. You get 700 ft-lbs, a brushless motor and a 4.0 Ah battery; the brushed kit has none of those for $99.

Which is lighter to use overhead?

The brushed kit at 3.75 lb and 7 in long. The brushless kit weighs 5.13 lb and measures 11.5 in, which is harder to hold up for long periods.

Do both use the same Ryobi ONE+ batteries?

Yes. Both are 18V ONE+ tools and take the same 4.0 Ah packs. Only the brushless kit includes a battery in the box.

The brushless kit. Brushless motors have no brushes to wear out and run cooler, while the brushed motor in the cheaper kit wears with heavy use.

Which is better for light home jobs?

The brushed kit. At 375 ft-lbs it handles furniture bolts, deck screws and light automotive work, and it costs less and weighs less.

Ryobi ONE+ 18V Brushless 4-Mode 1/2 in. High Torque Impact Wrench Kit vs Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench Kit

Buy the brushless high-torque kit if you remove stuck lug nuts, suspension bolts or trailer hardware; its 700 ft-lbs and 4-mode control do work the other wrench cannot. Buy the brushed kit if you want a light, cheap 1/2 in. wrench for light automotive and around-the-house jobs. As of November 4, 2026, the brushless kit is $149.00 at Home Depot and the brushed kit is $99.00 at Ryobi Tools, a $50 gap.

Today the Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench Kit costs $50.00 less at its best price.

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