Ridgid has come out with a new 18V brushless brad nailer, model R09891B, that features Clean Drive technology for more consecutive perfect drives.
The new Ridgid R09891B nailer features a brushless motor and is said to be more compact and lighter weight than its predecessor (R09890B).
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The new Ridgid cordless brad nailer has a small nose for increased visibility and is said to drive nails flush at all angles and without slipping.
Ridgid describes the new nailer as delivering all the power of a pneumatic nailer in a cordless tool.
The 18 gauge brad nailer can drive nails from 5/8″ to 2-1/8″ long.
Ridgid Brushless Brad Nailer Features & Specs
- 18 gauge brad nailer
- Drives brad nails up to 2-1/8″
- Brushless motor
- Clean Drive tech for more consecutive perfect drives
- Small tip for better visibility
- Transparent magazine for easy monitoring
- Dry-fire lockout
- Drives up to 3,500 nails w/ 6Ah battery
- Works with all Ridgid 18V batteries
- Selectable mode switch (sequential or contact actuation)
- Tool-free depth adjustment
- Tool-free jam release
- Non-marring nose pads
- Independently activated worklight
Price: $199
ETA: June 2021
Ridgid’s Lifetime Service Agreement (with registration) provides free seals, pistons, and driver blades for life.
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Discussion
It has been nearly 6 years since Ridgid released their first 18V brushless brad nailer. That model, R09890B, has had a fairly good run, earning a solid reputation.
A lot can happen in 6 years, and Ridgid says that their new model is more compact and lighter, which is always a good thing when talking about cordless nailers. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe the new model’s LED worklight is also a new development not found on the older version.
This new Ridgid 18V brad nailer is part of a broader expansion of their cordless power tool lineup in 2021, with more tool news on the way.
fred
I’m guessing (hoping?) that both TTI as the supplier and Home Depot as TTI’s customer must have computer programs that track sales and sense when a tool or tool line has plateaued and/or is in decline compared to its competition. Once they sense that is the case – maybe some whispering in each others ears starts the ball rolling into what you call “a broader expansion”
Adabhael
I hope that too, I also find (maybe because it’s a single sales channel, or possibly my observer bias) that Ridgid is pretty good at bringing out something innovative, and then abandoning it, (e.g. cordless air compressor, megaMax).
fred
I think you are correct. The single sales channel (Home Depot) probably provides a more circumspect focus. If the compressor did not meet HD’s sales expectations – then their tool buyers probably told TTI that they would not be buying any more.
Derek
Nice, look forward to seeing it in person. I didn’t buy their old one cause I thought it was too big, so I’ve just been using air.
Frank D
Is that a hidden message that the lime color ones are not consistent?
And this may be an upgraded rivision coming to Rigid first?
The number one issue I have had with my three Ryobis is inconsistent nailing depth and sometimes flat out refusing to fire. Full battery, nothing, remove battery, dial back pressure, wait a couple minutes, insert battery, nothing, second try, it fires, brad nail sticks out … arrrg …
Anyhow. I’m in the market for a cordless pin nailer, but my Ryobi brad nailers have been both a blessing and a curse.
Stuart
I don’t think so. To be frank, I’m not quite sure what it means – Ridgid mentions that the Clean Fire “boasts 17X more consecutive perfect drives to increase accuracy and precision on the job.”
Ridgid says this about their air nailer:
I take this to mean that the Ridgid brad nailers are less prone to jamming. Less jamming = more consecutive perfect nail driving.
fred
Great – but sometimes these sorts of comparisons are meaningless unless you know more about the basis for the claim. We had an old Makita cordless that could not drive even 2 in a row and sink them consistently. If you were to compare this to that then 17 times 0 is still zero. In a similar vein – if the Ridgid can drive 2 in a row well – compared to the old Makita – it would be a infinite improvement (2 divided by 0) – but that would not say much.
Hopefully Makita got better with their newer models and whatever Ridgid is comparing to is also a competent tool
Stuart
Agreed. I figured that it said “Clean Drive” on the tool and in marketing copy, and so it warranted a mention, with the “more consecutive perfect drives” claim for context. I left out the 17X part until or unless further details are available. Since I found similar claims for the air nailer, the claim could be tied to an older firing mechanism design element shared across Ridgid’s line of brad nailers.
Rafe
I was briefly an owner of the older Ridgid nailer, and it left a lot to be desired as far as consitency of sinking nails. Im guessing I wasn’t the only one and this is what they are addressing.
Ariel E Jones
I own both the last brushless model (R09890B) and the previous model (R213BN), which was probably released around 2008 or so. The new one is too big, too heavy. Plus my first one lost power and failed after not much usage. I ended up putting my old one back in the trailer. I think its a 2009 and still works, no problem. I think the mini compressor thing TTI did for Ridged and Robin was a bit gimmicky. It seems every other manufacturer has managed better performance in a less bulky size. You’ll notice they ditched it for the new model, although the article doesn’t specify the drive type. I’m looking forward to this new one as an improvement and hope a 15ga finish is on the way.
Joe H
I just want Ridgid to make a cordless chainsaw so I can take advantage of the batteries I have. I get Ridgid not wanting to go into the lawn care line of tools but I just want them to have a chainsaw. I would like to see one take advantage of their Octane line of batteries.
fred
Options are always nice but it’s probably Home Depot not wanting another brand of cordless chainsaw on their shelves. They may figure that a Ridgid brand chain saw will not increase their sales of chainsaws over what they already offer.
Ecotek
The worst part is AEG (Ridged overseas) makes one for other markets. Yes it works with our batteries. Maybe you can score one on Ebay. Alas no LSA warranty though.
Aaron
I have the ryobi airstrike 18ga. Am I eyeballing it right that this thing is about 60% of the size?
Kirk
Ridgid is also releasing 18v brushless 30° and 21° Framing Nailers and pin nailer
Frank D
Thank you for sharing. Had not gotten the email yet.
Kirk
Heres the ridgid link https://youtu.be/gRc33VJRiDI
Jared
I was confused by clean drive too – wondering what was “dirty” about the previous tech.
My Porter Cable 16ga nailer is very consistent (I presume the Craftsman version is basically identical minus the color and battery connection). So I haven’t been yearning for an upgrade in that regard. This new Ridged looks smaller though. That would be beneficial.
I use my 16ga nailer somewhat frequently, but usually for smaller projects -meaning I probably wouldn’t rush to upgrade. But I might consider adding a cordless 18ga at some point.
Gerald Menefee
I got one..hadvto take it back..only fires about 2 nails..then fires blanks..no one could figure outvwhy
Nathan
looks like it doesn’t have an air drive – just a guess based on the sizing. moving to a sealed gear motor – spring return mechanism.
Looks good – is it smaller than others. looks like it.
Meanwhile that tip looks alot like the Bostich smart point and dewalt. I have the bostich smart point 18 ga in pneumatic. love it. very pin point placement.
scott taylor
did you guys see the announcement that all rigid batteries purchased after 3/7 are now eligable for a LSA. That might make me buy a cheap battery deal rather than another tool plus I don’t need
Ray
That is fantastic!
Kyle O
I have the current gen 1 ridgid brad nailer and it is a piece of junk. I can be on a full 4amp battery with 1 3/4 nails and it can never shoot them flush. Always sticks out 1/8” or mlre every time. Had it fixed by warranty twice now and it works for an hour on a job once i get it and then by the following week its out of sync again. Im hoping this new one will end up being a replacement to my current one for a new warranty item cause I cant stand the current one. Its pretty awful design.