Ryobi’s cordless Auto Hammer is designed to drive nails up to 3-1/2″ long, operate in tight spaces, and eliminate manual hammering entirely. In fact, Ryobi claims that with their new Auto Hammer, hammering has never been easier. With claims like these, we just had to put the tool to the test!
For a detailed overview of the Ryobi Auto Hammer, check out our preview post from when it was first released. Keep reading for the full review, or skip ahead to see our conclusions.
Overview
Upon opening the Auto Hammer’s box, we found a very nice soft case with velcro straps and mesh pockets, similar to the case included with the previously reviewed Milwaukee M12 drill. Ryobi includes a single 12V lithium ion battery and a dual chemistry charger with the tool.
Although the Auto Hammer is mostly composed of plastic, it feels very solidly built. There are a few smooth surfaces, but the majority of the tool is covered with a soft rubbery texture that allows for a comfortable and secure grip. Overall, based on appearances and feel alone, the Auto Hammer’s review was off to a great start.
Features
Before we get to talking about the actual operation of the tool, we wanted to point out a few key features, mainly the magnetic nail guide and retractable sleeve.
From what we can tell, it is actually the retractable sleeve that helps retain nails once they’re being driven, rather than the magnetic guide. Because of this, we assume that most people will look to use the magnetic nail guide to help align and start nails. For this type of use, the magnetic guide does a decent job for smaller nails, but larger nails will pop out, pivot, and then stick to the face of the retractable sleeve.
The retractable sleeve moves in and out relatively smoothly, and retracts beyond the operating position of the hammer’s anvil to ensure that nails can be driven flush to the work surface.
There is also a white LED above the trigger and below the anvil that helps illuminate work areas. The LED emits a fairly bright and broad beam, but it won’t be mistaken for a standalone work light or headlamp.
Page 2: Operation, and Conclusions
I was looking forward to buying one of these Auto Hammers next month for a project, and your review came at a great time! I don’t plan on using it on big nails, and the lower price does make it an easier sell. Thanks for the reassurance!
btw, what would you recommend for hearing protection?
If you are a member of the Home Depot “Home Improver Club,” you can get an additional $10 off the price of $59. I have a promo code but have not tried it. Not sure if I should post it here or not.
$49? That’s a pretty decent price, and might even be low enough to convince skeptics to give the Auto Hammer a try.
I’d recommend holding onto the promo code a little while longer if it’s unique, for your or an acquaintance’s benefit.
I’m not sure if it’s a unique code or not. I thought about it, but I’m not sure. I think if I already had the other ryobi 12V stuff that used the same battery then maybe…
I recently tried one of these at home depot in store display. What a hunk o junk. I see no purpose for this tool. It is very noisy, with lots of vibrations. I would rather use a regular hammer or screws any day of the week.
Looks like Home Depot may be clearancing these Ryobi Aauto Hammers out. In my local store, they have all been moved into the clearance area of the store.
It could just be that some stores are trying to clear out excess stock that’s left over from the 2009 holiday shopping season.
I picked one of these up for $51 CDN in Home Depot clearance. Going to use it for awkward, hard-to-reach areas in my attic reno.
David, that’s the type of use that the Auto Hammer would excel at. If you have a chance, please let us know how you like it after using it! $51 is a darn good price, especially since the Craftsman version is still selling at $90-100.
Follow-up:
Doing a reno on a 35-year-old log home.
1. Lying in attic, reaching under 1:2.75 roof joists (tight fit) to knock down popped nails on exterior wall top-plate. Worked great!
2. Driving new 3″ Common Bright nails through new SPF 2×6 into 35-year-old Douglas Fir 2×6.
-Nail stalled on hitting old wood, had to pull the nails and run screws in with a right-angle driver.
The Auto Hammer is not the answer to everything, but definitely useful in tight spots with new wood.
We have this tool. Its…. ok. Using smaller nails in a soft, new wood works fine. Incredibly loud, but that was expected. However, using any nails over 1 1/2 inch or nails that are even a medium thickness won’t work at all. If it encounters a wood that is hard in any sense it will just stop. And it gets even louder. The nail just will just stop half way and you will just make an annoying “RAT TAT TAT TAT” that annoys the entire neighborhood block (I’m not exaggerating either). Think “metal woodpecker on a metal pole”.
Most of the time a regular hammer will be needed. Good for driving small nails in soft things, nothing more. I guess if you have trouble starting a nail straight, this can help. But it won’t finish the job. I would expect it would hurt your hand if it was stronger, though.
Another follow-up:
Works really well driving in NMD cable staples in cramped areas between joists; once I figured out I could hold the staple in position with a magnetic pickup tool instead of my fingers.