RYOBI 18V ONE+ COMBI DRILLS
Ryobi 18V ONE+ Combi Drills cover drilling, hammer drilling and screwdriving in one bit of kit, ideal for fixing into timber, metal, masonry and block.
If you're putting up battens, drilling plugs into block, or driving fixings all day, a combi drill saves carrying separate kit. These Ryobi ONE+ Cordless Combi Drills suit home improvement, van jobs and snagging work, with the bonus that the Ryobi 18V ONE+ battery platform keeps your gear simple. If you already run other Ryobi kit, this is the easy place to start or upgrade.
What Are Ryobi 18V ONE+ Combi Drills Used For?
- Drilling timber studs, sheet material and softwood battens is where these cordless drills earn their keep, especially when you are moving room to room and need one tool for pilot holes and fixings.
- Hammer drilling into brick, block and light masonry makes them handy for plugs, clips, brackets and trunking where a standard drill driver would start struggling.
- Driving long screws into studwork, fencing, decking and general first fix jobs is easier when you have adjustable torque instead of rounding heads or burying screws too deep.
- Handling repair work, kitchen fitting and property maintenance suits Ryobi 18V ONE+ Combi Drills well because they cover drilling and driving without dragging corded gear through the house.
- Working across mixed jobs on site or at home is exactly what Ryobi ONE+ Cordless Combi Drills are for, especially if you already use other Drills and Drivers in the same range.
Choosing the Right Ryobi 18V ONE+ Combi Drills
Sorting the right one is simple: match the drill to the material and how often you actually use it.
1. Light jobs vs regular fixing work
If you are mainly putting up shelves, assembling furniture and doing the odd fixing, a compact model is usually enough. If the drill is coming out every weekend or living in the van, go for a stronger motor and a chuck that will stand up to daily use.
2. Drill driver feel vs proper combi function
If you only work in timber and plasterboard, do not pay for hammer mode you will never use. If you are regularly drilling into brick or block for red plugs and fixings, make sure you pick a true combi drill with hammer action rather than a basic drill driver.
3. Battery size changes the balance
A smaller battery keeps the drill lighter for overhead work and snagging. If you are drilling more masonry or driving bigger screws, step up the battery capacity so you are not back at the charger halfway through the job. It is worth checking the Batteries Chargers and Mounts range at the same time.
4. Bare unit or full kit
If you already own Ryobi 18V cordless tools, buying a body only drill usually makes better sense. If this is your first step into the system, a kit with battery and charger gets you working straight away without the usual last minute extras.
Who Uses These Combi Drills?
- Kitchen fitters and chippies reach for these when they are drilling cabinets, fixing rails and running screws into carcasses because one combi drill covers most of the day without swapping tools.
- Sparks and plumbers use them for bracket fixing, clips, back boxes and service runs, especially on refurbs where timber, metal and block can all turn up in the same hour.
- Maintenance teams and landlords keep Ryobi 18V ONE+ Combi Drills handy for snagging, repairs and general property jobs because they are quick to grab and easy to live with in the van.
- DIY users swear by them for proper home improvement work, from putting up shelves to building stud walls, because the Ryobi 18V battery tools range lets one battery cover more than just the drill.
The Basics: Understanding Combi Drills
A combi drill gives you three working modes in one tool, which is why it ends up being the grab first option for most fixing jobs.
1. Drill Mode
This is for clean holes in timber, metal and plastics. Use it when you want proper control without the clutch stepping in, like drilling pilot holes or running through sheet material.
2. Drive Mode
This uses the clutch settings to stop you overdriving screws. It is the mode you want for hinges, studwork, kitchen units and any fixing job where stripped heads waste time.
3. Hammer Mode
This adds a hammering action for brick and light blockwork. It is ideal for plug holes and routine fixing work, but for big holes in dense concrete you still want an SDS drill.
Combi Drill Extras That Save You Hassle
A few sensible add ons make Ryobi ONE+ Combi Drills far more useful on real jobs.
1. Spare Batteries
A spare battery is the obvious one, because there is nothing more annoying than the drill dying halfway through board fixing or just as you start drilling masonry. Keep one charging and one in the tool.
2. Charger
If your drill is your main day to day fixer, a decent charger keeps turnaround quick and stops the whole system slowing you down. Worth having sorted from day one instead of borrowing one off another kit.
3. Drill and Screwdriver Bit Sets
A combi drill is only as useful as the bits in the case. Keep masonry bits, HSS bits and decent driver bits together so you are not using the wrong bit and chewing up fixings.
4. Belt Hook or Case
A proper case or on tool hook saves the usual dropping, knocking about and hunting for kit on site. It is basic stuff, but it keeps the drill usable for longer.
Choose the Right Ryobi 18V ONE+ Combi Drills for the Job
Use this quick guide to sort the right drill for the work in front of you.
| Your Job | Combi Drill Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Putting up shelves, curtain poles and basic household fixings | Compact Ryobi ONE+ Cordless Combi Drill | Lower weight, hammer mode for brick, easy handling in tight rooms |
| Kitchen fitting, studwork and regular screwdriving | Mid range 18V combi drill | Good clutch control, two speed gearbox, enough power for timber and fixings |
| Frequent drilling into block and harder masonry | Higher torque Ryobi 18V ONE+ Combi Drill | Stronger hammer action, better runtime with larger batteries, solid chuck grip |
| Starting out on the ONE+ platform | Full kit combi drill | Battery and charger included, ready to work straight away, better value than buying bits separately |
| Adding another drill to an existing Ryobi setup | Body only combi drill | Uses your current batteries, lower upfront cost, ideal if you already run Ryobi ONE+ tools |
Common Buying and Usage Mistakes
- Buying a basic drill driver when you actually need hammer mode means brick and block jobs take longer and put more strain on the tool. If you are fixing into masonry even semi regularly, buy a proper combi drill.
- Choosing purely on battery size can leave you with a heavy drill for light indoor jobs. Bigger batteries help runtime, but they also change balance, so match capacity to how you work.
- Using cheap or worn bits makes a good drill feel poor, slips in fixings and burns time. Sort a decent bit set alongside the drill and replace damaged bits before they wreck the chuck or screw heads.
- Trying to use a combi drill like an SDS for larger concrete holes is where people get frustrated. For plugs and light fixing holes they are fine, but dense concrete and bigger diameters need the right tool.
- Ignoring the rest of the battery platform is a missed trick. If you already use Ryobi 18V battery tools, body only options usually save money and keep the kit you carry simpler.
Combi Drills vs Drill Drivers vs SDS Drills
Ryobi 18V ONE+ Combi Drills
This is the all rounder. You get drilling, screwdriving and hammer drilling in one tool, which suits mixed work in timber, metal and light masonry. It is the right pick for most home improvement and general fixing jobs.
Drill Drivers
Drill drivers are usually a bit lighter and are great for timber, board and fixings, but they miss the hammer action needed for brick and block. If masonry turns up often, you will outgrow one quickly.
SDS Drills
SDS drills are for heavier masonry and concrete work where a combi drill starts labouring. They hit harder and drill faster in dense material, but they are bulkier and not the tool you want for everyday screwdriving.
Maintenance and Care
Clean the chuck and vents
Brick dust and fine debris get everywhere, especially after hammer drilling. Brush out the chuck jaws and keep the motor vents clear so the drill runs cooler and grips bits properly.
Store batteries properly
Do not leave batteries flat in a cold van for weeks. Charge them sensibly, keep the contacts clean and store them dry if you want proper runtime and longer service life.
Check bits before blaming the drill
A blunt masonry bit or rounded driver bit makes the whole setup feel weak. Swap worn bits early because they slow the job down and put extra load through the motor and clutch.
Keep it dry and protected
These are site friendly, but they are not meant to be kicked round in standing water or left open in the rain. Wipe them down after dirty jobs and use a case or shelf in the van.
Replace tired parts before the job suffers
If the chuck starts slipping, the battery no longer holds charge or the gearbox feels rough, sort it before it costs you time. A quick replacement is cheaper than wrecking fixings and dragging jobs out.
Why Shop for Ryobi 18V ONE+ Combi Drills at ITS?
Whether you need a compact body only drill for odd jobs or a full kit for regular site and home improvement work, we stock the full Ryobi 18V ONE+ Combi Drills range. That means the right drill, batteries and matching kit all in one place, in our own warehouse and ready for next day delivery.
Ryobi 18V ONE+ Combi Drill FAQs
What are Ryobi 18V ONE+ Combi Drills used for?
They are used for drilling wood, metal and plastic, driving screws, and hammer drilling into brick or light block. In plain terms, they are the everyday grab first cordless drills for shelves, battens, fixings, studwork, kitchen fitting and general repair jobs.
Are Ryobi 18V ONE+ Combi Drills compatible with Ryobi batteries?
Yes. Ryobi 18V ONE+ Combi Drills are built to work with the ONE+ 18V battery platform, so if you already own compatible Ryobi 18V battery tools, the same battery fits. Just check whether you are buying a body only drill or a full kit with battery and charger included.
How do I choose the right ryobi 18v one+ combi drills?
Start with the work, not the spec sheet. For lighter DIY tools and household fixing, a compact combi drill is enough. For regular drilling and driving, choose a stronger model with better torque and pair it with a battery that gives enough runtime without making the drill too nose heavy.
Can Ryobi 18V ONE+ Combi Drills be used for DIY and garden jobs?
Yes, they are well suited to DIY and outdoor fixing jobs like sheds, gates, fencing repairs and planters, as long as you are using the right bits and fixings. If your work crosses over into outdoor kit as well, the same ONE+ batteries can also power selected Garden Power Tools.
Are these good enough for trade work, or are they mainly for home use?
They suit a lot of real working jobs, especially snagging, maintenance, fitting and general fixing. If you are drilling plugs, driving screws and moving through mixed materials all day, they do the job well. For heavy daily concrete drilling, you would still step up to SDS kit.
Will a combi drill replace my impact driver?
Not completely. A combi drill will handle plenty of screwdriving, especially for normal fixings and controlled work, but if you are sinking lots of long screws or structural fixings, an impact driver is faster and easier on the wrist. The combi drill is the better all round starter tool.
Do I need a kit, or should I just buy the body only drill?
If you already own Ryobi ONE+ tools and batteries, body only usually makes more sense and saves cash. If you are starting fresh, buy the kit so you are not stuck waiting for a charger or borrowing batteries before the first job.
