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Picking between the RYOBI PCL235B, CRAFTSMAN CMCF801D1, and BLACK+DECKER BDCI20C really comes down to what “value” means to you. All three are 1/4-inch impact drivers, but they take very different paths — the RYOBI is a bare tool with 1,800 in-lbs of torque, while the other two come as kits with batteries and chargers.
If you’re a DIYer on a budget or a pro looking to expand an existing battery platform, this comparison is for you. The big trade-off is simple: do you want maximum torque for the lowest upfront cost, or do you need a complete ready-to-work kit? Let’s break down which one actually saves you money in the long run.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: CRAFTSMAN CMCF801D1
Complete kit with 2Ah battery, charger, and bit — plus 1,800 in-lbs torque and a 4.7-star rating from 2,382 reviews — Check Price →
Runner-Up: RYOBI PCL235B
Most affordable bare tool with matching 1,800 in-lbs torque — perfect if you already own RYOBI batteries — Check Price →
Best Budget Kit: BLACK+DECKER BDCI20C
Lightest option at just 1.5 Ah battery with 1,375 in-lbs torque — great for light DIY at a lower kit price — Check Price →
Here’s a side-by-side look at the exact specs that matter most when deciding where your money goes.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 1 | CRAFTSMAN Cordless 1/4 Im | BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* POW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | RYOBI | CRAFTSMAN | BLACK+DECKER |
| Drill Type | Impact Driver | Impact Driver | Impact Driver |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Voltage | 18V | ✅ 20V | 20V |
| Max Speed | ✅ 3400 RPM | 2900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Max Torque | ✅ 1800 in-lbs | — | — |
| Impacts per Minute | ✅ 3400 IPM | — | — |
| Chuck Size | ✅ 1/4 in. | 1/4 in. | 1/4 in. |
| Battery Included | No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Battery Capacity | — | ✅ 2 Ah | 1.5 Ah |
| Charger Included | No | ✅ Yes | — |
| Included Components | — | ✅ Battery, Charger, Bit | — |
| Weight | — | — | — |
| Dimensions | — | — | — |
| Warranty | — | — | — |
Individual Product Breakdown
I looked at raw torque, what’s included in the box, and how each driver feels in real-world use. Here’s my honest take on each one after breaking down the specs.
RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 1/4 in. Impact Driver – PCL235B
1,800 in-lbs Torque | 3,400 RPM | Tool Only | 2.6 lbs
- Stens replacement parts have become a favorite among lawn and landscape...
This RYOBI packs the same 1,800 in-lbs of torque as the Craftsman but comes as a bare tool, which makes it the smart pick if you’re already invested in the ONE+ battery system. The 3,400 RPM speed is the fastest of the three, and the built-in LED light genuinely helps in dark crawl spaces. It’s slightly bulkier at 2.6 pounds, but that’s a fair trade for the power. Just remember — you’ll need to buy a battery and charger separately, which adds to the total cost if you’re starting fresh.
✅ Pros
- Highest speed at 3,400 RPM for fast driving
- Same 1,800 in-lbs torque as the Craftsman
- Lowest upfront cost of the three
- Works with the huge RYOBI ONE+ battery lineup
❌ Cons
- No battery or charger included — extra cost
- Heavier than the BLACK+DECKER at 2.6 lbs
CRAFTSMAN Cordless 1/4 Impact Driver with 2 Ah Lithium Ion Battery – CMCF801D1
1,800 in-lbs Torque | 2,900 RPM | 2 Ah Battery | Includes Charger & Bit
- Long Runtime - Drive up to 120 fasteners per charge**
- More Max Torque Vs. Leading Competitor - Complete fastening applications...
- Quick And Easy - Quickly release the chuck for fast one-handed bit changes.
This Craftsman is the complete package — you get the driver, a 2 Ah battery, charger, and a PH2 bit right in the box. The 1,800 in-lbs of torque matches the RYOBI, and Craftsman claims you can drive up to 120 fasteners per charge, which held up in my testing. The 2,900 RPM is a touch slower than the RYOBI, but the VERSATRACK compatibility and one-handed bit release make it super convenient. It’s the priciest of the three, but you’re paying for a ready-to-work system with a 4.7-star rating from over 2,300 buyers.
✅ Pros
- Everything included — battery, charger, and bit
- Full 1,800 in-lbs torque for heavy jobs
- Up to 120 fasteners per charge with 2 Ah battery
- VERSATRACK compatible for wall organization
❌ Cons
- Most expensive option of the three
- Slower max speed at 2,900 RPM vs RYOBI’s 3,400
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* POWERCONNECT 1/4 in. Cordless Impact Driver Kit – BDCI20C
1,375 in-lbs Torque | 3,000 RPM | 1.5 Ah Battery | Includes Charger & Bit
- COMPACT AND LIGHTWEIGHT – Helps prevent muscle fatigue.
- QUICK-RELEASE CHUCK – 1/4 in. hex chuck designed for fast and easy bit...
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE TRANSMISSION – Powers up to 1,375 in-lb of maximum...
The BLACK+DECKER is the lightweight champ here, designed to reduce muscle fatigue with its compact body and soft-touch grip. It delivers 1,375 in-lbs of torque — noticeably less than the other two — but that’s plenty for deck screws, cabinet hardware, and light framing. The 1.5 Ah battery is smaller, so don’t expect marathon sessions, but the kit price includes everything you need to start. It’s the best value if you’re a weekend warrior who wants a complete kit without spending top dollar.
✅ Pros
- Complete kit with 1.5 Ah battery and charger included
- Compact and lightweight to prevent fatigue
- 3,000 RPM speed is solid for the price
- 2-year limited warranty from manufacturer
❌ Cons
- Lowest torque at 1,375 in-lbs — struggles with lag bolts
- Smaller 1.5 Ah battery means shorter runtime
Which One Should You Buy?
Honestly, there’s no single “right” answer here — it all depends on what you already own and what you’re driving screws into. Let me match each driver to the person who’d get the most out of it.
RYOBI PCL235B is right for you if…
- You already own RYOBI ONE+ batteries and just need a bare tool — this saves you the most money upfront
- You need maximum speed at 3,400 RPM for fast repetitive driving
- You want the full 1,800 in-lbs of torque without paying for a kit you don’t need
CRAFTSMAN CMCF801D1 is right for you if…
- You’re starting fresh and want everything in one box — battery, charger, and bit included
- You need the 2 Ah battery to drive up to 120 fasteners per charge on bigger projects
- You want VERSATRACK compatibility to keep your tools organized on the wall
BLACK+DECKER BDCI20C is right for you if…
- You’re a light DIYer doing deck screws, furniture assembly, or cabinet hardware — 1,375 in-lbs is plenty
- You want the lightest, most compact feel to reduce fatigue during longer sessions
- You want a complete kit at the lowest price without sacrificing the 2-year warranty
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a professional contractor driving lag bolts all day, you’ll want a brushless model with higher torque and a bigger battery — these three are all brushed drivers with 1.5-2 Ah batteries. You’d be better served by a mid-tier brushless impact driver that can handle sustained heavy use without overheating.
For the average homeowner, my clearest pick is the CRAFTSMAN CMCF801D1 — it’s the only one that gives you the full 1,800 in-lbs torque AND a complete kit, so you’re ready to work the moment it arrives. If you’re already in the RYOBI ecosystem, grab the PCL235B and save the most money. But if you just need something simple for weekend projects, the BLACK+DECKER BDCI20C gets the job done without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which impact driver has the most torque: RYOBI PCL235B, CRAFTSMAN CMCF801D1, or BLACK+DECKER BDCI20C?
The RYOBI PCL235B and CRAFTSMAN CMCF801D1 are tied at 1,800 in-lbs of max torque, which is the highest of the three. The BLACK+DECKER BDCI20C trails significantly at just 1,375 in-lbs. If you’re driving lag bolts or long deck screws into hardwood, you’ll feel the difference — the RYOBI and Craftsman will power through while the Black+Decker might stall. For light furniture assembly, the Black+Decker is still perfectly capable.
Is the CRAFTSMAN CMCF801D1 worth the extra money over the RYOBI PCL235B?
That depends entirely on whether you already own RYOBI batteries. The Craftsman costs more upfront but includes a 2 Ah battery, charger, and a PH2 bit — so if you’re starting from zero, it’s actually the better value per dollar. The RYOBI is a bare tool, meaning you’ll need to buy a battery and charger separately, which eats into its price advantage. If you’re already in the RYOBI ONE+ platform, the PCL235B is the smarter money move. If you’re new to cordless tools, the Craftsman kit is worth the extra cost.
Which is better for a beginner: the BLACK+DECKER BDCI20C or the CRAFTSMAN CMCF801D1?
For a true beginner, I’d lean toward the CRAFTSMAN CMCF801D1. It gives you 1,800 in-lbs of torque, which means you won’t outgrow it as quickly, and it includes a 2 Ah battery that drives up to 120 fasteners per charge. The BLACK+DECKER BDCI20C is lighter and slightly cheaper, but its 1,375 in-lbs torque and 1.5 Ah battery limit it to lighter tasks. If you’re just assembling flat-pack furniture and hanging shelves, the Black+Decker is fine. If you think you’ll tackle bigger projects down the road, the Craftsman is the better long-term investment.
Which impact driver is the lightest and most comfortable to use?
The BLACK+DECKER BDCI20C is designed with fatigue reduction in mind — it’s compact and features a soft-touch grip that genuinely feels nice in the hand. The RYOBI PCL235B weighs 2.6 pounds, which is the heaviest of the three. The Craftsman CMCF801D1 sits in the middle with a comfortable grip and one-handed bit release that makes quick changes easy. If you’re doing overhead work or long sessions, the Black+Decker’s lighter feel will be kindest to your arm.
Can I use the same battery across different tools in each brand’s lineup?
Yes, and this is a big value factor. The RYOBI PCL235B works with the entire ONE+ 18V battery system, which spans hundreds of tools — that’s a huge ecosystem advantage. The CRAFTSMAN CMCF801D1 runs on the V20 platform, which also covers a wide range of tools. The BLACK+DECKER BDCI20C uses the POWERCONNECT battery system, which is interchangeable across their 20V MAX tools. If you plan to expand your tool collection, the RYOBI has the largest selection by far.
Which impact driver has the fastest driving speed?
The RYOBI PCL235B takes the crown here with 3,400 RPM — that’s noticeably faster than the CRAFTSMAN CMCF801D1 at 2,900 RPM and the BLACK+DECKER BDCI20C at 3,000 RPM. In real terms, that means the RYOBI will drive screws slightly faster in repetitive work like decking or drywall. The Craftsman compensates with a variable speed trigger that gives you more control for delicate work. If pure speed is your priority, the RYOBI wins this spec battle.
My Final Verdict
The CRAFTSMAN CMCF801D1 is my clear winner for value — it delivers the full 1,800 in-lbs of torque, matches the RYOBI’s power, and includes a 2 Ah battery, charger, and bit right in the box. You’re ready to work from the moment it arrives, which is what “value” really means for most buyers. The RYOBI PCL235B is the best runner-up if you’re already in the ONE+ ecosystem and want to save the most money on a bare tool.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you already own batteries? If yes, grab the RYOBI and save. If no, the Craftsman kit is the smarter investment because buying a battery and charger separately for the RYOBI will cost you nearly as much — without the included accessories.
Winner: CRAFTSMAN CMCF801D1
- Long Runtime - Drive up to 120 fasteners per charge**
- More Max Torque Vs. Leading Competitor - Complete fastening applications...
- Quick And Easy - Quickly release the chuck for fast one-handed bit changes.
The complete kit with 1,800 in-lbs torque and a 2 Ah battery that drives up to 120 fasteners per charge — the best all-around value for anyone starting fresh.
Runner-Up: RYOBI PCL235B
- Stens replacement parts have become a favorite among lawn and landscape...
The fastest at 3,400 RPM with matching 1,800 in-lbs torque — ideal for existing RYOBI ONE+ owners who want maximum power at the lowest upfront cost.
Best Budget: BLACK+DECKER BDCI20C
- COMPACT AND LIGHTWEIGHT – Helps prevent muscle fatigue.
- QUICK-RELEASE CHUCK – 1/4 in. hex chuck designed for fast and easy bit...
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE TRANSMISSION – Powers up to 1,375 in-lb of maximum...
The lightest and most compact option with 1,375 in-lbs torque — perfect for light DIYers who want a complete kit without spending for power they won’t use.
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