Milwaukee 2767-20 vs Ryobi P261: Impact Wrenches Compared
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This is a lopsided matchup on paper. The Milwaukee 2767-20 costs nearly three times the Ryobi P261 and delivers triple the breakaway torque. But not everyone needs 1,400 ft-lbs. If you're doing oil changes on a Civic, the Ryobi is plenty. If you're pulling suspension bolts on a 3/4-ton truck, the Milwaukee is the only option here. The question is which side of that line you fall on.
Quick Verdict
Don't overthink this one. If you work on cars regularly or need to break rusted bolts, the Milwaukee 2767-20 is worth every dollar. It does what cheap wrenches can't. If you change oil and rotate tires twice a year on passenger cars, the Ryobi P261 at $89 gets the job done without spending $170 more than you need to.
1,400 ft-lbs breakaway is non-negotiable when you're pulling axle nuts and rusted exhaust manifold bolts daily.
Passenger car lug nuts at 80 to 100 ft-lbs are well within 450 ft-lbs breakaway. $89 makes sense for twice-a-year use.
1,000 ft-lbs fastening torque seats concrete wedge anchors properly. The Ryobi at 300 ft-lbs can leave them loose.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Milwaukee 2767-20 | Ryobi P261 |
|---|---|---|
| Fastening Torque | 1,000 ft-lbs | 300 ft-lbs |
| Breakaway Torque | 1,400 ft-lbs | 450 ft-lbs |
| No-Load Speed | 0 to 1,750 RPM | 0 to 2,900 RPM |
| Impact Rate | 0 to 2,100 IPM | 0 to 3,200 IPM |
| Drive Size | 1/2 in square (friction ring) | 1/2 in square (friction ring) |
| Battery Platform | 18V (M18) | 18V ONE+ |
| Weight | 6.85 lb (with 5.0Ah battery) | 5.73 lb (bare) |
| Speed/Mode Settings | 4-mode (bolt removal mode) | 3-speed |
Milwaukee 2767-20
Price: $259 (Home Depot)
Pros
- 1,400 ft-lbs breakaway handles lug nuts on heavy trucks and rusted suspension bolts
- Bolt removal mode senses when a fastener breaks free and stops before snapping it
- Friction ring anvil swaps sockets faster than the Ryobi for rapid tire work
Cons
- $259 bare tool is a serious investment for occasional use
- 6.85 lb with battery is tiring for extended overhead exhaust work
- M18 batteries are among the most expensive per amp-hour
Ryobi P261
Price: $89 (Home Depot)
Pros
- $89 makes it the cheapest 1/2-inch impact wrench from a brand you've heard of
- 2,900 RPM runs nuts down the threads faster than the Milwaukee
- ONE+ batteries work across 300+ Ryobi tools
Cons
- 450 ft-lbs breakaway struggles on anything torqued above 100 ft-lbs
- Brushed motor is less efficient and has a shorter total lifespan
- No bolt removal mode means you can snap weakened studs if you overshoot
Best For
Professional automotive or heavy equipment
Milwaukee 2767-20
1,400 ft-lbs breakaway is non-negotiable when you're pulling axle nuts and rusted exhaust manifold bolts daily.
Home garage tire rotations and oil changes
Ryobi P261
Passenger car lug nuts at 80 to 100 ft-lbs are well within 450 ft-lbs breakaway. $89 makes sense for twice-a-year use.
Construction (anchor bolts, structural fasteners)
Milwaukee 2767-20
1,000 ft-lbs fastening torque seats concrete wedge anchors properly. The Ryobi at 300 ft-lbs can leave them loose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Ryobi P261 handle truck lug nuts?
Passenger truck lug nuts torqued to 120 to 140 ft-lbs are at the edge of the P261's comfortable range with 450 ft-lbs breakaway. Fresh, clean bolts should come off. Rusted or over-torqued ones probably won't. The Milwaukee handles them without hesitation.
Why does the Ryobi spin faster but have less torque?
RPM and torque aren't the same thing. The Ryobi spins the anvil faster, which is good for running nuts down threads quickly. But the Milwaukee delivers more rotational force per impact, which is what actually breaks stuck bolts loose.
Is the Milwaukee's bolt removal mode worth it?
If you've ever snapped a rusted stud because your wrench kept hammering after the nut broke free, you already know the answer. The mode detects the sudden speed change when a fastener loosens and backs off automatically. It saves broken studs and re-tapping work.