Black and Decker VS. Ryobi Cordless Drill [An Ultimate Guide]

With the innovation of technology today, power tools have also improved throughout the years.

One of the power tools that have gone into improvement is a cordless drill. Since it is cordless, you no longer to work near an outlet for it to start drilling.

Two of the brands that continuously provide excellent power tools are Black and Decker and Ryobi.

They have also known brands when it comes to cordless drills because of the quality and the reliability of their power tools.

But it can be challenging to choose which brand is the best for your needs.

However, choosing between Black and Decker VS. Ryobi cordless drill is a tough decision.

After all, they both offer quality and affordable drills with almost similar specifications.

That is why I reviewed the cordless drills below from both Black and Decker and Ryobi to help you choose.

Black and Decker or Ryobi Cordless Drill: What is the Difference?

B&D and Ryobi are close competitors when it comes to portable drills.

They make cordless drills that can punch through metal, plastic, and wood. Driving different types of screws is easy with these machines too.

However, B&D and Ryobi cordless drills have some differences as well.

Bit and Chuck

The first factor to consider is the bit and chuck of a portable drill. Both Ryobi and B&D have models with keyless chuck for easily changing the bits.

You can find either 3/8 and 1/2 inch chuck from both brands too.

However, you may love the MagTray that comes with each Ryobi Cordless drill.

MagTrays are magnetic plates that can hold the bits and screws while you work. That means keeping small metallic items easy to reach without accidentally losing them.

Clutch Positions

Next to consider is the clutch positions of a portable drill.

In a nutshell, the clutch disengages the bit from the motor when the drill reaches a certain setting.

For example, the clutch would automatically disengage the bit when you reach a certain amount of torque when driving a screw into a wall. Meaning you don’t need to worry about damaging the wall or breaking the screw.

Now portable drills from both Black & Decker and Ryobi offer plenty of clutch positions. You can buy a unit with 11 or even 24-positions from either brand.

Meaning you can easily set their drilling machine to fit big or small tasks.

Rotation Speed

Rotation speed refers to how fast does the drill bit moves in a circular motion. This is measured according to rotation per minute (RPM).

However, don’t mistake speed with torque. The latter refers to the power that the machine exerts while doing a task.

B&D drills can move from zero to 750 RPM, which is enough for daily and professional use. The thing is, Ryobi has units that can rotate a lot faster.

The Ryobi P208for example can move up to 1600 RPM on a full battery. That’s with its two-speed transmission gear feature.

Such a feature makes Ryobi P208 a good choice for a faster job.

Battery Factors

B&D and Ryobi use Nickel-Cadmium and lithium-ion batteries for their cordless drills.

That’s excellent since cordless drills are built for portable use. Although, a lithium-ion battery sure is a better choice.

The thing is, B&D cordless drills take a long time to recharge their batteries fully.

Moreover, many users notice B&D drills draining out of power in a short while. That’s especially when doing heavy tasks such as boring holes through hardwood.

Ryobi cordless drill units don’t have much battery problems. If you notice any problem with the batteries, there are some helpful ways to revive them as well.

However, each Ryobi drill package doesn’t come with a battery and a charger.

Meaning you need to separately buy a battery and a charger for your cordless drill. You’re lucky if you have another Ryobi product with a compatible battery in hand.

Design

B&D and Ryobi make high-quality and durable cordless drills. And they’re known for machines with ergonomic designs too.

Both brands offer units that are easy to hold and control. Such a factor is crucial for drilling tasks since it helps avoid mistakes, damage, and injuries.

Moreover, B&D and Ryobi cordless drills are lightweight. Meaning you can use them for long hours without straining your arms and shoulders.

Additional Features

Cordless drills from B&D and Ryobi have cool add-ons too.

They have portable drills with LED lights. Meaning you can work in dim areas efficiently.

As mentioned above, Ryobi cordless drills boast MagTray for keeping drill bits and screws too.

B&D doesn’t have such a fancy feature, though, but their drills come with a useful storage bag. That makes their portable machines easy to keep and carry anywhere.

Price

You can find super affordable cordless drills from B&D and Ryobi. However, some factors make one model more expensive than another.

For example, as mentioned earlier, Ryobi portable drills don’t include batteries and chargers in their package. That makes Ryobi drills quite more expensive than B&D drills.

Now you know the differences and similarities between the Black and Decker VS. Ryobi cordless drill. However, Ryobi clearly offers better cordless drills despite its quite higher price.

Why? Because they have plenty of similarities, but Ryobi has a better edge in some key points.

Yes, they both bring superb quality cordless drills. However, some Ryobi units have far higher speeds than what the best of B&D offers.

Ryobi doesn’t include batteries and chargers in its packages too. However, Ryobi batteries don’t cause too many power problems, such as long charging time and short lifespan.

Moreover, the Magtray that comes with each Ryobi cordless drill is useful while working. You can purchase a quality storage bag from your local store anyway.

These simple yet significant points make Ryobi cordless drills far better options.

Black & Decker or Ryobi Cordless Drill: Which Drill Suit You?

1. Black+Decker GCO18SFB 18V Cordless Drill

Black+Decker GCO18SFB cordless drill is packed with different speeds. This means that you can use this drill on various materials, including metal and wood.

The drill comes with an 18V battery, storage bag, charger, and all other accessories.

One of the best things about the Black+Decker GCO18SFB cordless drill is that it is lightweight, which will let you work in a limited space.

You won’t also get too tired since it’s not that heavy to work with. Also, since it is ergonomically designed, it will lessen the chances of experiencing fatigue on your wrist.

Another good thing about Black+Decker GCO18SFB cordless drill is that it has a keyless chuck, which means that you can change the bits easily.

The clutch, on the other hand, will provide you with 24 positions and will give you the best control for the drill.

Pros:

• Bits can be changed easily
• Lightweight
• Concise and compact
• LED Light with three modes
• Has a magnetic bit holder

Cons:

• Charging the battery may take some time

2. Ryobi P208 One+ 18V Lithium-Ion Drill with Keyless Chuck

Ryobi P208 Cordless Drill is one of the most efficient drills today. It is using a lithium-ion battery, which will provide you with enough power to keep the job done.

The cordless drill is both compact and lightweight, which will let you work without worrying about straining your wrist or shoulders.

One of the best things about the Ryobi P208 Cordless Drill has 24 position clutch with two speeds and a gearbox. This simply means that you can use the cordless drill to make different applications.

Also, you will be able to adjust between the 24 positions available to make sure that you will prevent damaging the material or the surface.

The Ryobi P208 Cordless Drill measures 12 by three by 9 inches and only weighs 3 pounds.

This may be small in size, but this also means that you can easily maneuver the drill when needed. So getting your hand or arm tired may be prevented.

Ryobi One+ 18V Review (Video)

Pros:

• Compact design, which makes it fit too small spaces
• Comfortable to work with because of its size
• Includes a MagTray for your screws and drill bits
• Materials high-quality

Cons:

• Charger and battery are sold separately

Types Of Drill Bits: You Must Know

Just like with the different types of drills, there are also different types of drill bits that you should know about.

These drill bits are used by your cordless drill depending on the material that you’re working on.

Below are some of the most common drill bits that you should know about.

Auger Drill Bit

The auger drill bit is consists of a screw tip, which will start the hole and pull the bit through the material so it can immediately create a hole.

This kind of bit can measure as long as 18 inches. Typically, an auger drill bit has a hollow center, which will give you an even chip removal.

This will let you bore the screw deeper and one that has a reliable center that is more rigid and robust.

Brad-Point Drill Bit

The Brad-point drill bit is specially designed for wood. The center’s brad of the tip will help the bit to position it accurately for drilling. It will then produce an exit point in the material.

The flutes, on the other hand, which are wrapped around the bit will keep away dust and chips are wide enough to remove a lot of material.

Countersink Drill Bit

The countersink drill bit or also known as the screw pilot bit is a bit for drilling wood. In just one action, the bit can instantly drill pilot, which will let the countersink to fasten and install a plug over the head’s fastener.

Forstner Drill Bit

Forstner drill bit can bore clean and smooth holes in wood. You can even use the forester drill bit if you want to create flat-bottomed holes.

Now, if you need to bore holes, then worry not because it will create a neat hole. This design will also let you overlap the holes that you have drilled.

To get rid of dust and chips, make sure to pull out the bit regularly.

Buying Guide: Things To Consider When Purchasing A Cordless Drill

Power

One of the first things that you need to do is to check the power of the cordless drill, and this is via the battery voltage.

If the battery is equipped with a high voltage, that means that the torque has enough strength. Some of the voltages of cordless drill batteries today range from 9.6 to 20 volts.

But this also means that the battery may be heavier physically so be prepared for that.

Handle

You need to make sure that your cordless drill has an ergonomic handle. This will ensure that it will feel comfortable even if you’ve been drilling half of the day.

One of the best handles for a cordless drill is one that has a T0 handle. The reason behind this is that you will be able to work through tight spaces since your hand will be out of the way.

But if you are going to drill for heavy-duty purposes, then you need a cordless drill with a pistol grip handle.

This will help you to put more pressure and force on the material that you’re working with.

Clutch

The clutch is just behind the chuck, which disengages the drill’s driveshaft. This will create a clicking sound once the press level has reached its resistance.

The clutch is needed for you to have control and prevent the screw from overdriving or stripping.

Speed

The next thing that you should consider is the speed of the cordless drill. The speed should at least be 300 RPM, but there is also 800 RPM depending on your preferences.

The drill has a trigger or a switch side, which will let you select from low to high speed. Typically, drills with this said are perfect for light-duty operations.

The high speed is for drilling holes, while the low is for driving screws.

Batteries

Cordless drills use rechargeable batteries, such as NiCad, NiMH, and Lithium-Ion. But amongst the three rechargeable batteries, the best would be the Lithium-Ion.

It provides a lot of power for your cordless drill. This kind of battery charges fast so you don’t have to worry about pausing from work for hours.

Some cordless drills come with a rechargeable battery, but if not you can purchase one for your cordless drill.

Your Budget

Cordless drills come at different prices and you should know your budget before you go to a store or go online.

Yes, power tools can be expensive, but always make sure to allow a budget for them. Avoid letting the quality suffer just because you want something that’s affordable.

Always put quality first before anything else. This will make your purchase worth it and will become a great investment.

Conclusion

With the reviews on Black and Decker VS. Ryobi cordless drills above, you surely have chosen one that will meet your needs and the needs of the home repair and improvement that you’re going to deal with.

Having this power tool at home means that you no longer have to use a traditional screwdriver or an electric drill.

This also means that you will be able to work all day without worrying about fatigue and such.