RYOBI P236 vs P237 Impact Drivers – Which is Better?

The Ryobi P236 and P237 are both excellent impact drivers that are ideal for light to medium work. They are mostly similar in design but differ significantly when it comes to performance.

Yet, both these models by Ryobi are extremely useful tools that aim at making the user experience as convenient as possible.

Here’s an analysis of these two products and the differences between their features.

Quick Review of the Ryobi P236

Founded in 1943, Ryobi Limited is a Japanese manufacturer of power tools and outdoor tools that are easily affordable by the average homeowner.

The Ryobi P236 ONE+ Impact Driver boasts of being 33% faster and more powerful than the previous model due to its high torque level of 1,600 lbs per inch.

It has a maximum no-load speed of 3,200 RPM and has a unique mechanism for driving in long screws with impressive ease.

Its ¼” chuck allows for one-handed bit changes without any need for tools and it has a magnetic holder for convenient, onboard storage of bits which makes them more accessible and helps you avoid losing them while working.

Ryobi’s Tri-Beam LED ensures optimum visibility while using this impact driver. It helps you see your mark as soon as you activate the tool by illuminating the workspace.

Not only is the P236 lightweight and easily portable, but it also has an ergonomic handle with rubber coating which allows a secure grip and lowers user fatigue over long operation.

This is a reliable tool for the occasional user that comes at an extremely affordable price.

Special Features

• Impact Mechanism optimized for driving in screws and bolts of different sizes easily
• Auto-Load Chuck makes bit changing easy and tool-free, saving time and energy, as you can eject the bit into the palm of your hand and load them by simply sliding the bit in with one hand and it will lock automatically
• Tri-Beam LED, activated when the trigger is pressed, prevents mistakes due to poor lighting by illuminating the workspace and improving visibility
• MagTray: Magnetized platform built into the driver base allows for convenient storage of extra bits and fasteners on the tool itself so they can be accessed easily while working
• GripZone Rubber Overmold ensures a firm hold over the impact driver at maximum user comfort so screws and bolts can be driven in with accuracy, even in slippery conditions

Limitations

• Only runs at one speed
• LED light doesn’t have any delay after trigger release
• Battery and charger have to be purchased separately

The Ryobi P236 has all the features you might need for small projects or repair work around the house. It is well-suited to the needs of both the hobbyist and the general contractor involved in small jobs.

This impact driver offers both effectiveness and convenience to its users with its high speed combined with a smart design.

 

Quick Review of the Ryobi P237

Ryobi’s P237 ONE+ Impact Driver has a three-speed selector switch with the speed settings of 0-1,700 RPM meant for precision fastening, 0-2,500 RPM for controlling the driving depth and fastener tension and 0-3,200 RPM for a maximum torque of 1,800 lbs per inch.

Giving the user control over the speed makes the driver suitable for a range of tasks. Damage is less likely when a lower speed is needed as the adjustment is possible.

Like the P236, this driver has a ¼” auto-load chuck, onboard magnetic storage and Tri-Beam LED for user convenience.

It has a lightweight and compact design along with a rubber grip handle which allows for comfort and ease during operation.

Belt clips on either side of the tool make it even more accessible and portable than other impact drivers.

Special Features

• Three-Speed Gearbox offers three different speed settings from 0 to 3200 RPM, so you can execute a range of fastening applications that require different levels of torque
• Auto-Load Chuck makes bit changing easy and tool-free, saving time and energy, as you can eject the bit into the palm of your hand and load them by simply sliding the bit in with one hand and it will lock automatically
• Tri-Beam LED, activated when the trigger is pressed, prevents mistakes due to poor lighting by illuminating the workspace and improving visibility
• MagTray: Magnetized platform built into the driver base allows for convenient storage of extra bits and fasteners on the tool itself so they can be accessed easily while working
• GripZone Rubber Overmold ensures a firm hold over the impact driver at maximum user comfort so screws and bolts can be driven in with accuracy, even in slippery conditions
• Onboard belt clip mounts on either side for easier accessibility while working

Limitations

• Slightly higher on the price scale
• LED light doesn’t have any delay after trigger release
• Battery and charger have to be purchased separately

Like the P236, the P237 by Ryobi was designed for comfort when working on small projects. It is ideal for the DIY-enthusiast or the small contractor who does not need a heavy-duty impact driver.

Homeowners may find this tool desirable as well due to its variable speed settings that allow varied applications at a lesser risk of damage.

 

Key Differences

The superior speed settings of the Ryobi P237 is a marked change from the single speed of the P236.

Although both tools are effective where their purpose is concerned, there are a few differences worth noting which would decide which tool is the better choice for you. Let’s check out these differences – 

Summary

Ryobi’s impact drivers, P236 and P237, are certainly both efficient products with a number of attractive features.

Their prices differ according to the superiority of their performance but both remain favorites among the users for being powerful, reliable drivers that are perfectly sized and designed for the needs of the hobbyist and homeowner.