Craftsman CMCF820 vs Ryobi P238: Budget Impact Drivers Compared
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If you're putting together a cordless tool set without spending Milwaukee or DeWalt money, these two impact drivers are the first place to look. The Craftsman runs on V20 batteries from Lowe's. The Ryobi runs on ONE+ from Home Depot. Both are brushless, both cost under $100 bare-tool, and both drive 3-inch deck screws without complaints. The real question is which battery ecosystem you want to live in.
Quick Verdict
The Ryobi P238 edges ahead on raw specs and has a much larger battery ecosystem. But the Craftsman CMCF820 costs $10 less and performs close enough that most homeowners won't notice the difference. Pick the one that matches your existing battery platform.
No contest. Same batteries, slightly more torque, and you avoid buying into a second platform.
Same logic in reverse. The $10 savings is a bonus.
The ONE+ ecosystem is bigger, so future tool purchases have more options.
Cheaper, lighter by a hair, and 1,700 in-lbs handles any household screw.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Craftsman CMCF820 | Ryobi P238 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Torque | 1,700 in-lbs | 1,800 in-lbs |
| No-Load Speed | 0 to 2,800 RPM | 0 to 3,200 RPM |
| Impact Rate | 0 to 3,400 IPM | 0 to 3,600 IPM |
| Chuck Size | 1/4 in hex | 1/4 in hex |
| Battery Platform | 20V MAX | 18V ONE+ |
| Weight (bare) | 2.1 lb (bare) | 2.2 lb (bare) |
| Speed Settings | 3-speed | 3-speed |
Craftsman CMCF820
Price: $79 (Lowe's)
Pros
- 1,700 in-lbs of torque is strong for a sub-$80 impact driver
- 3-speed selector keeps you from overdriving drywall screws
- V20 platform shares batteries with 100+ Craftsman tools at Lowe's
Cons
- V20 battery selection is smaller than Ryobi ONE+
- No LED light ring around the chuck, just a single LED above the trigger
Ryobi P238
Price: $89 (Home Depot)
Pros
- 1,800 in-lbs outperforms most budget impact drivers in its price range
- ONE+ platform has 300+ tools, the largest selection from any brand
- Tri-beam LED light ring eliminates shadows in the work area
Cons
- $10 more than the Craftsman for similar capability
- Slightly louder under full impact than the CMCF820
- Bare tool only at this price, batteries sold separately
Best For
Already own Ryobi ONE+ batteries
Ryobi P238
No contest. Same batteries, slightly more torque, and you avoid buying into a second platform.
Already own Craftsman V20 batteries
Craftsman CMCF820
Same logic in reverse. The $10 savings is a bonus.
Starting from scratch on a budget
Ryobi P238
The ONE+ ecosystem is bigger, so future tool purchases have more options.
Light-duty household tasks only
Craftsman CMCF820
Cheaper, lighter by a hair, and 1,700 in-lbs handles any household screw.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these actually brushless at this price?
Yes. Both the CMCF820 and P238 use brushless motors, which means longer runtime per charge and less maintenance than brushed alternatives. Brushless used to mean $150+, but both brands pushed it down.
Can I use these for automotive work?
For interior trim screws and hose clamps, sure. For lug nuts or rusted bolts, no. You need an impact wrench for that. These are 1/4-inch hex drivers, not 1/2-inch square drive.
Which battery platform has better deals?
Ryobi ONE+ at Home Depot runs promotions where you get a free tool with a battery kit purchase. Craftsman V20 at Lowe's does the same but less frequently. Both offer good value.