Comments on: Ryobi Auto Hammer Hands-on Review

By: David

David — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 15:12:54 +0000

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.

By: David S.

David S. — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 15:02:57 +0000

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.

By: David

David — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:45:47 +0000

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.

By: Stuart

Stuart — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:46:54 +0000

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.

By: David

David — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:37:25 +0000

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.

By: Stuart

Stuart — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 17:56:08 +0000

It could just be that some stores are trying to clear out excess stock that’s left over from the 2009 holiday shopping season.

By: Randy

Randy — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 14:12:34 +0000

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.

By: Markles

Markles — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:31:58 +0000

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.

By: uthscsaedu

uthscsaedu — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 07:09:52 +0000

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…

By: Stuart

Stuart — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 06:24:56 +0000

$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.

By: uthscsaedu

uthscsaedu — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 02:09:29 +0000

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.

By: Bobber

Bobber — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:10:38 +0000

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?