Ryobi P2606 Review

If you’re looking for a reliable cordless drill that can handle weekend projects, you’ve probably come across the Ryobi P2606. This review will give you a straight-talking performance analysis of this popular tool. We’ll look at where it shines and where it might fall short for your specific needs.

As part of Ryobi’s ONE+ system, this drill driver promises versatility and value. It’s aimed at DIYers and homeowners who need a capable tool without the professional price tag. Let’s see if it lives up to the hype.

At its core, the Ryobi P2606 is an 18V brushless drill driver. The brushless motor is a key feature, offering more efficiency and longer life compared to older brushed models. It’s designed to be a workhorse for common tasks like assembling furniture, drilling pilot holes, and driving screws.

Out of the box, the tool feels solid but not too heavy. The grip is comfortable, which is important for longer sessions. It comes as a “bare tool,” meaning you need to supply your own battery and charger, but this keeps the initial cost down if you’re already in the Ryobi ecosystem.

Key Features and Specifications

Before we get into how it performs, let’s break down the specs. Knowing what the tool offers on paper helps set realistic expectations.

Motor: Brushless for increased runtime and durability.
Power: 18V, part of the Ryobi ONE+ system.
Chuck: 1/2-inch keyless chuck for easy bit changes.
Speed: Two-speed settings (0-450 and 0-1,750 RPM).
Torque: 500 in-lbs of maximum torque, with 24 clutch settings.
LED Light: Built-in work light to illuminate your workspace.
Battery: Uses Ryobi’s ONE+ lithium-ion batteries (not included).

Real-World Performance and Handling

This is where the rubber meets the road. How does the P2606 actually handle the jobs you’ll likely throw at it?

For most DIY tasks, this drill is more than capable. Driving screws into softwood or plywood is effortless, and the clutch does a great job preventing over-driving and stripping screw heads. The two-speed range is useful; low speed gives you control for driving, while high speed is perfect for drilling holes quickly.

Drilling into harder materials like hardwoods or metal requires a bit more patience. It can handle it, but you’ll want to use sharp bits and let the tool work at its own pace. It’s not a heavy-duty hammer drill, so don’t expect it to bore large holes into masonry or concrete.

The balance is good, making it easy to control with one hand for overhead work. The trigger is responsive, allowing for precise speed control. One minor gripe is that the chuck can sometimes require a firm hand to tighten enough to prevent bit slippage on tougher jobs.

Battery Life and Runtime

Since it’s a brushless motor, the P2606 is quite efficient with battery power. Using a standard 2.0Ah or 4.0Ah Ryobi ONE+ battery, you can get a surprising amount of work done on a single charge.

For example, assembling a large piece of flat-pack furniture or drilling dozens of pilot holes for a deck project likely won’t drain a fully charged 4.0Ah battery. The runtime is one of it’s strong suits, especially for intermittent weekend use where you don’t want to constantly swap batteries.

Pros and Cons: A Balanced Look

No tool is perfect for everyone. Here’s a quick summary of the advantages and drawbacks based on hands-on use.

Pros:

Excellent value for money, especially as a bare tool.
Brushless motor provides long life and good battery efficiency.
Comfortable, ergonomic grip reduces fatigue.
Integrates seamlessly with the vast Ryobi ONE+ tool lineup.
Reliable performance for 90% of common household and DIY tasks.

Cons:

Chuck could be higher quality to prevent occasional bit slippage.
Not the most powerful option for very dense materials or continuous professional use.
The worklight, while helpful, isn’t as bright as some competitors.
As a bare tool, the initial cost is higher if you need to buy batteries and a charger seperately.

Who Is The Ryobi P2606 Best For?

This tool won’t be the right fit for every user. It’s strengths are tailored to specific groups.

It’s an ideal choice for:

Homeowners and DIY Enthusiasts: Perfect for routine maintenance, building projects, and repairs around the house.
Ryobi ONE+ System Owners: If you already have batteries, this is a fantastic upgrade or addition to your collection.
Occasional Users: If you need a reliable drill that won’t sit unused for weeks and then fail when you need it, this is a great pick.

You might want to consider a more powerful or professional-grade model if:

You are a contractor using a drill heavily every single day.
Your projects regularly involve drilling large-diameter holes in very hard materials.
You need a hammer drill function for concrete work.

Step-by-Step: Getting Started with Your P2606

If you’ve just bought one, here’s how to get going quickly and safely.

Gather Your Components: You’ll need the P2606 drill, a compatible Ryobi ONE+ battery, and a charger.
Insert the Battery: Slide the battery into the base of the handle until it clicks securely into place.
Select a Bit: Choose the correct drill or driver bit for your task.
Open the Chuck: Hold the rear of the chuck and rotate the front counter-clockwise to open the jaws.
Insert the Bit: Place the bit into the chuck as far as it will go, ensuring it’s centered.
Tighten the Chuck: Hand-tighten firmly. For heavy-duty tasks, give it an extra squeeze with your hand to ensure it’s secure.
Select Your Mode: Use the ring behind the chuck. Turn it to the drill icon for drilling, or select a number (1-24) for screw-driving with clutch protection.
Choose Speed: Use the two-speed gear shift on top. Low (1) for power, High (2) for speed.

Maintenance Tips for Longevity

Taking a little care will keep your drill running smoothly for years. These steps are simple but effective.

Regularly clean the air vents with a dry brush to prevent dust buildup, which can cause the motor to overheat.
Avoid exposing the tool to excessive moisture or rain.
Store the tool and battery in a cool, dry place when not in use.
Don’t force the tool. If it’s struggling, you may need a sharper bit, a different setting, or a more powerful tool for the job.
Check the chuck occasionally for tightness and wear. A loose chuck is a common source of problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does the Ryobi P2606 come with a battery?
No, the P2606 is typically sold as a “bare tool.” You need to purchase a Ryobi ONE+ 18V battery and charger separately, unless you buy a kit bundle.

Can you use older Ryobi batteries with the P2606?
Yes, it is compatible with all Ryobi ONE+ 18V lithium-ion batteries, regardless of age or Ah rating. The newer, higher-capacity batteries will just provide longer runtime.

Is the Ryobi P2606 brushless?
Yes, that’s one of its main advantages. The brushless motor provides more power, longer tool life, and better battery efficiency compared to brushed motors.

What is the warranty on the P2606 drill?
Ryobi typically offers a 3-year limited warranty for this tool. Always keep your receipt and register the product for warranty service, just incase.

How does it compare to a DeWalt or Milwaukee drill?
Brands like DeWalt and Milwaukee are geared more toward professional, daily use and often have higher power and durability. The Ryobi P2606 offers excellent performance for its price point and is ideal for DIYers, making it a better value for non-professionals.

Final Verdict

The Ryobi P2606 is a standout tool in the DIY cordless drill market. It delivers reliable, efficient performance for a wide range of common tasks, all while being part of a flexible and affordable tool system. The brushless motor is a real benefit, offering longevity and saving on battery swaps.

While it has minor flaws like the chuck, these are easy to overlook given its overall value and capability. For homeowners, weekend warriors, and anyone invested in the Ryobi ONE+ platform, the P2606 is a smart, capable choice that will handle the vast majority of your projects without any fuss. It proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a quality, dependable drill driver.