Ryobi RSDS18BL: brushless 2.5 J SDS plus, bare

Modes and versatility

Ryobi lists hammer drilling in concrete, rotary drilling in metal or wood, chiselling old masonry and a floating chisel alignment mode for setting the perfect angle when removing tiles. That last mode lets the chisel rotate to the angle you want before locking it, which makes tile and render removal much easier.

The SDS plus chuck allows fast bit changes, and the specs show a 1,400 rpm top speed.

Being able to drill wood and metal in rotary mode also means the tool can stand in for a drill on simple jobs, though an SDS chuck needs round shank bits fitted through an adaptor.

Power for a ONE+ tool

The specs highlight a 2.5 J SDS plus mechanism and 26 mm capacity in masonry. That is in the same class as many trade cordless SDS drills and far beyond what a combi drill can do in concrete. The brushless motor is described as Ryobi's most advanced, using patented electronics and intelligent ONE+ battery technology.

Weight and handling

The listed weight is 4 kg. That is heavy compared with a combi drill and worth considering if you will drill above head height. An auxiliary handle and depth guide are supplied to give better control and accurate hole depth, and an LED lights the work area.

Because the drill weighs this much, holding it at shoulder height for long periods is tiring. For a few anchor holes in a ceiling it is fine, but a full day of overhead fixings would be easier with a lighter trade SDS tool or a scaffold to rest on.

Batteries and alternatives

This listing excludes battery and charger, so it is aimed at existing ONE+ owners. A larger pack will suit an SDS drill best. If you need everything in one box, the RSDS18BL is also sold with a 5.0 Ah battery and charger. For general drilling and screwing, the Ryobi RPD18BL2 combi drill kit is the better first ONE+ tool.