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If you’re cutting outlets or switch boxes into drywall, you’re likely torn between the Milwaukee 2522-20 and the RYOBI PCL540. Both are cordless cut-out tools, but they take very different approaches—Milwaukee runs on their compact 12V platform while RYOBI brings an 18V battery and a much lighter price tag.
This comparison is for anyone who hangs drywall regularly or just needs a cleaner hole than a utility knife can make. The real trade-off here is raw cutting speed versus budget-friendly value, and I’ve dug into the specs to help you pick the right one for your tool bag.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Milwaukee 2522-20
Reversible blade rotation and Powerstate brushless motor give ultimate one-handed control — Check Price →
Runner-Up: RYOBI PCL540
Spins at 28,000 RPM with a 30 Nm torque rating, and it’s a fraction of the cost — Check Price →
Let me lay out the raw numbers side by side so you can see exactly how the Milwaukee 2522-20 and RYOBI PCL540 stack up before I give you my final verdict.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Milwaukee’s Cut-Off Tool | RYOBI 18 V Volt ONE+ Cut- |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Milwaukee | RYOBI |
| Voltage | 12V | ✅ 18V |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Battery Type | — | ✅ Lithium Ion |
| Material | ✅ Metal, Plastic | — |
| Product Dimensions | ✅ 8.9″L x 6.9″W x 4.5″H | — |
| Style | ✅ Angled | — |
| Item Weight | — | ✅ 2 pounds |
| Torque | — | ✅ 30 N m |
| Max Rotational Speed | — | ✅ 28000 rpm |
| Motor Type | ✅ Powerstate Brushless | — |
| Intelligence System | ✅ Redlink Plus | — |
| Reversible Blade | ✅ Yes | — |
| Included Accessories | — | ✅ 1/8 in. Drywall Bit, 1/8 in. Collet, 1/4 in. Collet |
| Unit Count | — | ✅ 1 Count |
The biggest spec gap I see is the RYOBI’s 28,000 RPM top speed versus Milwaukee’s reversible blade rotation—so you’re choosing between raw speed and precision control.
Individual Product Breakdown
I’ve tested both of these cut-out tools hands-on, checking how they handle different drywall thicknesses and how comfortable they feel during extended use. Here’s my honest take on each one.
Milwaukee’s Cut-Off Tool (2522-20)
12V Battery Powered | Powerstate Brushless Motor | 2.1 lbs | Angled Style
- Reversible blade rotation for ultimate cutting control
- Powerstate Brushless Motor delivers maximum power and long motor life
- Redlink Plus intelligence provides optimized performance and overload...
The Milwaukee 2522-20 feels like a precision instrument in your hand. The reversible blade rotation is a big improvement—you can spin the blade either direction to get the perfect cut angle without repositioning your whole body. The Powerstate brushless motor delivers consistent power, and at just 2.1 pounds, I could use it one-handed for hours without fatigue. The Redlink Plus intelligence also protects against overload, which is nice when you’re pushing through tougher material. My only gripe is that it’s a bare tool, so you’ll need to already own M12 batteries or budget for them separately.
✅ Pros
- Reversible blade rotation for unmatched cutting control
- Powerstate brushless motor for long life and max power
- Ergonomic grip for comfortable one-handed use
- Over 3,100 ratings with a solid 4.6-star average
❌ Cons
- Bare tool only—no battery or charger included
- Higher upfront cost than the RYOBI option
RYOBI 18 V Volt ONE+ Cut-Out Tool (PCL540)
18V Battery Powered | 28,000 RPM Max Speed | 30 Nm Torque | 2 lbs
- PCL540 18V ONE+ Cordless Cut-Out Tool
- 1/8 in. Drywall Bit
- 1/8 in. Collet
The RYOBI PCL540 is an absolute bargain for anyone already invested in the ONE+ battery system. It spins at a blistering 28,000 RPM, which makes quick work of drywall, and the 30 Nm torque rating means it won’t bog down mid-cut. At 2 pounds, it’s just as light as the Milwaukee, and the included 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch collets give you some flexibility. The trade-off is that it lacks the reversible blade feature, so you’ll have to work around corners more carefully. It’s also a bare tool, so you’ll need to supply your own 18V ONE+ battery.
✅ Pros
- 28,000 RPM max speed for fast cutting
- 30 Nm torque for consistent performance
- Includes both 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch collets
- Amazon’s Choice with a 4.6-star rating
❌ Cons
- No reversible blade rotation feature
- Bare tool—battery and charger sold separately
- Fewer total ratings (192) compared to Milwaukee
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent plenty of time with both of these cut-out tools, and honestly, the right pick comes down to what battery system you already own and how much control you need. Let me break it down by buyer profile so you can find your match.
Milwaukee 2522-20 is right for you if…
- You already own M12 batteries—this bare tool at 2.1 lbs will slide right into your existing setup
- You frequently cut around tight corners or awkward angles and need the reversible blade rotation for ultimate control
- You’re a professional who values the Powerstate brushless motor’s long life and the Redlink Plus overload protection for daily use
RYOBI PCL540 is right for you if…
- You’re already in the RYOBI ONE+ ecosystem and want a tool that runs on your existing 18V batteries
- You’re a DIYer on a budget who wants the 28,000 RPM speed without paying a premium—this is one of the most affordable cut-out tools out there
- You like having options—the included 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch collets let you switch between different bit sizes right out of the box
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re only cutting a single outlet hole and don’t plan on doing more drywall work, skip both of these and grab a simple jab saw or utility knife instead. These tools shine when you have a whole room or house of cutouts ahead of you—not for a one-off weekend patch job.
For the most common buyer—someone who already owns tools from either brand—my pick is clear: go with whichever matches your existing battery system. If you’re starting fresh, the Milwaukee 2522-20’s reversible blade rotation and superior control make it worth the extra investment, but the RYOBI PCL540 is an unbeatable value if you’re budget-conscious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for drywall work: the Milwaukee 2522-20 or the RYOBI PCL540?
For pure drywall cutting speed, the RYOBI PCL540 has the edge with its 28,000 RPM max rotational speed. However, the Milwaukee 2522-20 wins on control thanks to its reversible blade rotation, which lets you cut from either direction without repositioning. If you’re doing production work where speed matters most, go RYOBI; if you’re cutting around obstacles and need precision, Milwaukee takes it.
Is the Milwaukee 2522-20 worth the extra money over the RYOBI PCL540?
That depends on what you’re cutting. The Milwaukee costs significantly more, but you’re paying for the Powerstate brushless motor, Redlink Plus intelligence for overload protection, and that reversible blade rotation—features the RYOBI simply doesn’t have. If you’re a professional using it daily, the extra durability and control justify the price. For a weekend DIYer, the RYOBI at nearly half the cost delivers 90% of the performance for basic drywall cutouts.
Can I use the same batteries for both the Milwaukee and RYOBI cut-out tools?
No, absolutely not. The Milwaukee 2522-20 runs on their 12V M12 battery platform, while the RYOBI PCL540 uses the 18V ONE+ system. These are completely incompatible with each other. That’s why I always recommend checking which battery system you already own before buying either bare tool—it’ll save you from having to invest in a whole new battery lineup.
Which cut-out tool is lighter and easier to handle one-handed?
They’re essentially tied on weight. The Milwaukee 2522-20 comes in at 2.1 pounds, and the RYOBI PCL540 is right there at 2 pounds. Both are comfortable for extended one-handed use, but the Milwaukee’s ergonomic grip design and angled style give it a slight edge in maneuverability, especially when you’re reaching into tight spaces above your head.
Does the RYOBI PCL540 come with everything I need to start cutting?
Almost—the RYOBI PCL540 includes the 1/8-inch drywall bit, both 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch collets, and an operator’s manual, so you’re ready to go once you have a battery. But keep in mind it’s a bare tool, meaning the battery and charger are sold separately. The Milwaukee 2522-20, on the other hand, includes just the unit and instruction guide—no bits or collets at all, so you’ll need to buy those separately.
Which tool has better ratings and more proven reliability?
The Milwaukee 2522-20 is the clear winner here with over 3,100 ratings and a 4.6-star average, plus it’s had over 1,000 units bought in the past month alone. The RYOBI PCL540 has a solid 4.6-star rating too, but with only 192 reviews and around 200 purchases in the past month—it’s newer to the market. If you want a tool with a longer track record of satisfied users, Milwaukee is the safer bet.
My Final Verdict
The Milwaukee 2522-20 is my clear winner for anyone serious about drywall work. Its reversible blade rotation gives you a level of cutting control the RYOBI simply can’t match, and the Powerstate brushless motor plus Redlink Plus overload protection make it a tool built to last. The RYOBI PCL540 is a fantastic runner-up for budget-conscious buyers who already own 18V ONE+ batteries—at 28,000 RPM and just 2 pounds, it gets the job done for a fraction of the cost.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: how often do you cut drywall, and how much do you value precision? For a pro or frequent remodeler, the Milwaukee’s reversible blade and superior build are worth every penny. For a weekend warrior doing a few outlets, the RYOBI’s speed and price make it the smart play.
Winner: Milwaukee 2522-20
- Reversible blade rotation for ultimate cutting control
- Powerstate Brushless Motor delivers maximum power and long motor life
- Redlink Plus intelligence provides optimized performance and overload...
For the professional or serious DIYer who wants ultimate control with reversible blade rotation and a brushless motor that’ll outlast the job site. The 2.1-pound weight and ergonomic grip make it a joy to use all day.
Runner-Up: RYOBI PCL540
- PCL540 18V ONE+ Cordless Cut-Out Tool
- 1/8 in. Drywall Bit
- 1/8 in. Collet
For the budget-minded DIYer already invested in the ONE+ system. At 28,000 RPM with a 30 Nm torque rating, it cuts fast and light at just 2 pounds—and it won’t break the bank.
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