Availability update: Ryobi marks the P261 as discontinued. The exact Amazon P261 kit listing checked on July 19, 2026 was unavailable. This page remains online as a research-backed reference for owners and used-tool shoppers, not as a current best-buy recommendation.
Who This Impact Wrench Is For
This legacy model is relevant to existing owners checking specifications, repair or replacement decisions, and buyers evaluating a clearly identified used P261. New buyers should compare the current Ryobi P262, which adds a brushless motor, four modes, and a higher published torque ceiling while staying on the ONE+ 18V platform.
If you are considering used inventory, verify the model plate, condition, battery contacts, anvil wear, and what the seller includes. A P261 tool-only listing is not equivalent to the unavailable Amazon bundle that included a battery and charger.
Spec Check
We checked Ryobi's official product record and the exact Amazon detail page before keeping this legacy page live. Ryobi identifies model P261 as discontinued. Amazon identifies the exact bundle as model numbers P261, P102, and P117, corresponding to the tool, battery, and charger.
- Platform: Ryobi ONE+ 18V.
- Drive: 1/2-inch anvil.
- Published maximum torque: 300 ft-lbs.
- Control: three speed settings.
- Status: discontinued; verified Amazon bundle unavailable on July 19, 2026.
- Main buying variables: breakaway torque, socket drive size, speed control, battery ecosystem, and how much tool weight the job can tolerate.
Impact-wrench ratings are easy to overbuy; the right pick should match fastener size before chasing the highest torque number. That is why this review avoids pretending one score tells the whole story. The model number, included accessories, and platform fit are the details most likely to decide whether this is the right buy.
What Stands Out
The three-speed selector and 300 ft-lbs published torque explain why the P261 was a practical homeowner impact wrench in its generation. ONE+ compatibility still matters for owners with working tools and batteries, but discontinuation changes the purchase decision.
Used value depends heavily on condition and package contents. A low price does not compensate for a worn anvil, damaged battery contacts, or a listing that omits the battery and charger a buyer expected.
Tradeoffs To Know
The 300 ft-lbs published ceiling trails current mid-torque options, and the brushed motor is an older design. More importantly, current retail availability is poor. Those limits make the P261 a legacy or used-market consideration rather than the right default recommendation for a new buyer.
If you are comparing this against a kit, check whether the competing package includes the battery size you would actually use. If you are comparing it against another bare tool, compare the platform you already own first, then the headline specs second.
Used-Buying Checklist
Ask the seller for a clear photo of the P261 model plate and a short video showing the tool running through all three speed settings. Inspect the 1/2-inch anvil for wobble, confirm the direction selector and trigger move cleanly, and look for cracks around the battery rails or gear housing. If a battery is included, request its model and age instead of assuming it is the P102 battery from the old retail bundle.
Compare the complete used price with a current P262 bare tool plus any battery or charger you still need. A used P261 can make sense for an existing ONE+ owner at the right price, but the discontinued tool should be materially cheaper than the current brushless alternative.
How To Compare It
The cleanest comparison is the current Ryobi P262. Ryobi lists the P262 with a brushless motor, three speeds plus Auto mode, up to 600 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, and 450 ft-lbs of fastening torque. It remains on the same ONE+ 18V platform.
For most readers, platform ownership is still the first question. Existing Ryobi batteries reduce the cost of a current bare tool, while buyers without compatible batteries must include a battery and charger in the comparison.
The second question is workload. A buyer doing occasional homeowner work can prioritize weight, control, and package value. A buyer using the tool every week should put more weight on durability signals, accessory availability, and whether the tool has enough headroom for tougher material. That difference is why this review keeps the recommendation tied to use case rather than calling it a universal winner.
Bottom Line
Do not treat the discontinued P261 as a current best buy. Existing owners can use this page as a specification reference, and used-tool buyers can consider a clearly identified unit after inspecting its condition. New buyers should start with the current Ryobi P262 or another verified, available model.
