Ryobi RSDS18BL-0 18V ONE+ Brushless SDS+ Rotary Hammer Drill (battery & charger excluded)
Product description
What it is and why people buy it
If you want one 18V cordless tool that can handle more than basic drilling, the Ryobi RSDS18BL-0 is built for that job. This is an ONE+ brushless SDS+ rotary hammer drill, designed around Ryobi’s brushless motor approach and the ONE+ battery platform (but note: the battery and charger are excluded).
On paper, it’s aimed at people who regularly deal with mixed work: drilling into masonry, drilling through metal or wood, and also the kinds of “messy” tasks where you want to knock out old tile or chase out sections of masonry. The SDS+ chuck is a big part of the convenience story, because it’s made for quick accessory changes rather than constant fiddling.
Key points: what you’ll notice day to day
The brushless setup is the headline feature here. In practice, that usually matters for efficiency and longer-lasting performance compared with brushed designs, especially if you use the tool more often than once in a blue moon. Ryobi also leans on electronics and “intelligent” ONE+ battery technology as part of the way the motor is managed, so it’s not just a motor swap—it’s meant to be a more controlled, usable cordless system.
Then there’s versatility. Depending on what you’re doing, the tool can act like a hammer drill for concrete, a rotary drill for metal or wood, and it can chisel away old masonry. There’s also a floating chisel alignment mode intended to help you get the angle right when removing tiles. That’s the sort of feature that won’t impress you sitting still in the box, but it can save time once you’re working overhead or trying to keep lines neat.
The essentials: chuck, control and visibility
This model uses an SDS+ chuck. That’s typically the route you go for faster drilling in the right materials and easier swapping of SDS+ compatible bits.
Control-wise, the auxiliary handle and depth guide are part of the package. They’re there for a reason: keeping the bit straight when you’re drilling, and setting depth so you don’t end up re-measuring mid-job.
Finally, there are LED lights to illuminate the work area. It’s a small detail, but with SDS+ work you often end up dealing with dim corners, under-stair areas, or work close to surfaces where shadows get in the way.
Where it shines (and where it may not)
It makes sense if your projects genuinely mix tasks: masonry drilling plus periodic chisel work, with occasional drilling into wood or metal. If you’ve already got Ryobi ONE+ batteries, this body-only approach can be a sensible way to expand your kit without buying into a whole new battery ecosystem.
However, it may not be the best choice if you expect a “grab it once a year” tool. Because the battery and charger are excluded, you’ll need the right ONE+ battery setup already, otherwise you’ll be paying more to get it running. Also, if your needs are purely light-duty drilling, an SDS+ rotary hammer can be more capability (and complexity) than you strictly need.
Getting the most from it
A practical scenario: you’re removing a few damaged tiles. With the floating chisel alignment mode, you’re setting a more accurate chisel angle rather than guessing. Then you swap to the appropriate bit for drilling into the wall for fixing points.
If you do this kind of work regularly, the auxiliary handle and depth guide are worth using every time you switch tasks. They won’t stop mistakes, but they reduce the “drift” that happens when you’re tired and the bit catches.
One limitation to keep in mind: cordless SDS+ tools depend on your battery and the way you manage the tool under load. If you’re pushing hard into dense concrete, runtime and pace will matter a lot, so plan around your battery capacity and workload.
Tech specs
- Name: Ryobi RSDS18BL-0 18V ONE+ Brushless SDS+ Cordless Drill
- Type: Brushless SDS+ rotary hammer drill
- Format: Cordless (battery & charger excluded)
- Processor: Patented electronics with intelligent ONE+ battery technology (as described)
Should you buy it?
A solid pick if you want a brushless ONE+ cordless SDS+ hammer drill for mixed jobs—masonry drilling, rotary drilling in metal or wood, and chisel work such as removing tiles—especially if you already own Ryobi ONE+ batteries.
You may want to skip it if you don’t have compatible ONE+ batteries and charger ready, because the “body only” approach will force additional spending before you can use it. It might not suit you either if your needs are strictly basic drilling and you don’t expect to touch masonry or do chisel-style tasks.
Mini FAQ
Is the battery included?
No—battery and charger are excluded for the Ryobi RSDS18BL-0.
What does the SDS+ chuck add?
It’s there for SDS+ drilling and quicker accessory bit changes, which helps when you swap between tasks.
Can it drill in materials other than concrete?
Yes, the description states it can do rotary drilling in metal or wood, alongside hammer drilling in concrete.
Does it help with chisel angle when removing tiles?
The floating chisel alignment mode is specifically mentioned as a way to get the perfect angle for tile removal.
Is the brushless motor a big deal?
It’s one of the key reasons people choose this model, as it’s described as Ryobi’s advanced brushless technology using patented electronics and intelligent ONE+ battery technology.