Comments on: Ryobi Auto Hammer vs. Craftsman Hammerhead

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:29:00 +0000

I think that it is a mistake to look at either of the two autohammers as any kind of replacement for a “regular” framing hammer.

Trying to pound 3½” 12d or bigger nails for basic work using an AH sounds crazy, especially if there are many nails to be driven.

Like any tool they have definite applications and definite limits.

The places where I see the AH’s being streets ahead are for finishing work, particularly overhead such as installing crown molding, for instances where single-handed operation is helpful and in tight corners.

I’m about to buy one and will probably go for the Craftsman (I’ve heard that Ryobi have reliability issues) but it will just be an addition to my toolset and will definitely not be retiring my good old manual framing hammer any time soon.

By: jason

jason — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:55:10 +0000

Hey T Vargas,

They are selling the hammer and a screw gun for $69 at home depot, right now. Comes with 2 batteries. I needed the screw gun and thought if the hammer works for some difficult jobs it would be worth it.
Good luck!

By: IndyEngineer

IndyEngineer — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 18:03:27 +0000

@T. Vargas
I have a brand new Craftsman Auto Hammer Hammerhead kit that I got as a gift. I have never used it or even taken out of the box and feel like it is going to waste. If you were anywhere near Indianapolis, I would be happy to sell it to you at that lower price you are looking for.

By: T. Vargas

T. Vargas — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 03:59:17 +0000

Sadly I have some physical limitations due to an injury. I need an Auto Hammer in the worst way, I can not hit a nail on the head to save my life! I end up smashing my fingers and hands, bending nails and damaging everything nearby. When I saw the advertisment for the Craftsman Auto Hammer, I was trulyexcited. This type of item would allow me to do so much more without having to depend on help from others. It has been about a year now and hoping the price would come down abit, so that I might scrape together the funds and purchase one.
Well I now have a dilemia, of which Brand will be a wiser purcher? The Ryobi is lighter, and the small weight difference means alot to me. And overall it seems to be the better choice, the only concern I do have is that the bulky battery could limit areas of use.
So I guess what I need is some advice on the whole subject?
Thank You, T. Vargas
p.s. eagerly awaiting a response

By: Stuart

Stuart — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 02:16:52 +0000

Tommy, as we saw over the course of our recent review, Ryobi’s Auto Hammer is definitely capable of driving 3-1/2″ nails. But for three hours straight? At that point I think my hands would have shaken loose.

By: Tommy

Tommy — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 16:55:04 +0000

I work at home depot, and we had a vendor for ryobi come in and demo the ryobi auto hammer. And boy did it work! Wer were pounding 3 1/2″ framing nails into maple for about 3 hours until the battery. It’s a little loud, but definitly worth the hundred bucks. FIVER STARS!!!!

By: Stuart

Stuart — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 01:17:52 +0000

@ryan… okay, thanks for sharing that. Please refrain from using power tools when engaging in illegal drug activities, or when consuming alcoholic beverages.

@dan That is true, but these auto hammers are not intended to replace pneumatic nailers or palm nailers. Well, at least not the current first generation of cordless power hammers.

By: dan

dan — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:09:59 +0000

yea they’re both pretty nice, but don’t hold a lick to a pneumatic one.

By: Toolguyd

Toolguyd — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:52:03 +0000

Lisa, would you mind sharing additional details about your experience with both tools?

By: Lisa

Lisa — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:27:45 +0000

I have used Both and the Ryobi is better, lighter and drives a nail smoother. And $10 Cheaper, can’t beat that!!! GO HOME DEPOT !!!!

By: Stuart

Stuart — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:14:17 +0000

You’re absolutely right, Rusty. Still, a cordless “auto” hammers is not intended to replace a 22oz framing hammer or similar, or at least I don’t see them filling that role anytime soon.

By: rusty

rusty — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:53:29 +0000

16oz claw hammers? Why not the 22oz framing hammers? Do a lot better job with less effort.