Thanks to a tip by Robert, we’ve seen a glimpse of what Ridgid has planned for the near future, and it is optimistic.
Coming soon are two new Ridgid cordless brushless air nailers. Both of the new brushless nailers feature Ridgid HyperDrive technology, which looks to be closely related to Ryobi’s Airstrike nailer technology.
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Ridgid HyperDrive nailers are said to deliver all the power of a pneumatic nailer in a cordless tool, which means you get air-like power without the need for an air compressor, hoses to drag around, or gas cartridges to mess around with.
And since both Ridgid HyperDrive nailers are powered by brushless motors, you can expect ample power and incredible runtime.
Other notable features include magnesium construction, for lighter weight, and an LED grip light for trigger-independent illumination.
Ridgid has said that these nailers are backed by their Lifetime Service Agreement policy, which will provide for free seals, pistons, and driver blades, for life.
Ridgid HyperDrive Brad Nailer
The new Ridgid R09890B brushless HyperDrive brad nailer can sink 18 gauge brad nails 5/8″ to 2-1/8″ long. It features a selectable driving mode, tool-free depth and power adjustment, dry-fire lockout, tool-free jam release, a micro-textured handle grip, and a right-side or left-side repositionable belt clip.
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2 non-marring pads are included, and you’ll have to source a battery and charger separately. It can drive in 2,000 nails per battery charge.
Price: $229
Buy Now(Brad nailer via Home Depot)
Ridgid HyperDrive Finish Nailer
The Ridgid R09892B HyperDrive straight finish nailer has all of the same features as the brad nailer, but instead works with straight 16-gauge finish nailers 3/4″ to 2-1/2″ long.
It can drive up to 1,450 nails per battery charge.
The new nailer us sold as a bare tool, and comes with 2 non-marring pads. Battery and charger are sold separately.
Price: $269
Buy Now(Straight finish nailer via Home Depot)
First Thoughts
There’s not much to be said just yet, but both nailers do look rather appealing. Pneumatic nailer-like power? A brushless motor and great runtime? Independent LED worklight control? Magnesium construction and all tool-free adjustments? Niiiiice!
Both nailers look like they might be a little bulky, and possibly weighty tool. I don’t think there will be a framing nailed added to the fray anytime soon, but it’s still great to see brad and finish nailers at the least.
The pricing is a little steep, but then again I don’t use nailers very often, and certainly not on a daily basis. Both nailers look to have great battery life, and so you should be able to tackle most moderate projects without seeing much downtime. It seems like the brushless motor, power, runtime, other features, and cordless convenience balance out the pricing level.
What do you think – Are these nailers the tip of the spear and an optimistic sign of more cordless nailer developments to come? I’m inclined to think that they are. And if not, they should still be fine products.
Tator
Come on milwaukee, we need one of these!!!!!
Dennis Stransky
They are going to be out in May, four new nailers.
Mizzourob
Since TTI owns Ryobi and Ridgid (and Milwaukee) I’d guess its basiclly the same technology in the simmilar Ryobi (and Craftsman) tools.
Joseph
TTI doesn’t own Ridgid, Emerson does. TTI does, however, make a lot of the power tools for Ridgid. I know it’s a fine line, but it’s a still a line.
mike
Dewalt is behind again ! what a shame
what does their marketing department do ??? (wish they would comment !)
loosing market-share;
I will wait cause I have 20+ dewalt cordless tools
recognition for the Rigid tool !
Luis Rios
Well Said, most of my cordless tools are DeWalt, I had to buy two Senco nailers, Dewalt just won’t come to play, makes me wonder if I made the right decision, Milwaukee seems to be the coming up with more innovative tools than others it’s nice when you only have to carry a few batteries and one charger to power all of your tools.
Ja
? Dewalt behind.. Brushless nailer .. But they have the DCN692B. I use this nailer everyday with cabinet installation. It takes a 16g 2½” finish nail and routinely attaches fillers 2″ or less to cabinets. Ive had this tool for 3 reliable years..it’s a lil bulky, is not in 20v, & with 18v nicad it’s got some weight. I think dewalt cone light with something soon
Stuart
“3 reliable years?”
The DCN692B (https://toolguyd.com/dewalt-dcn692-brushless-cordless-framing-nailer/) was only announced in early 2014 and has been on the market for a little more than 1 year. The single speed model (https://toolguyd.com/dewalt-cordless-framing-nailer-dcn690/) has only been available for around 2 years.
And both models accept framing nails. You’re able to use them with finish nails?
The brushless nailer is 20V Max only, and isn’t available to the 18V NiCd platform. Are you talking about 2 separate nailers?
john
But Dewalt have a good range of gas free cordless nailers? They have the Framer which is superb. I have the 2 speed and its a real earner. They also have a 16g angled Finish nailer on the old 18v XRP platform too which has been around maybe 6-8 years. Mine is on its last legs but has served well.
Both great tools and there are strong rumours building in the UK that the 18v XR second fix will be out before the end of 2015.
Jay k.
12volt brushless… who will accept the challenge?
Watts
Seems like an obvious gap in the market. Would be perfect for a homeowner/casual DIYer who wants to do some work around the house but can’t justify buying a nailer and air compressor!
Stuart
There are entry-level air compressor and nailer kits that cost less than it would to buy either of these nailers, let alone a Li-ion battery and charger.
These aren’t for users who cannot justify buying a air nailer and compressor, but for users who want cordless convenience.
As for 12V – there wouldn’t be enough demand to warrant it, at least not yet. Plus, for these nailers it looks like the built-in air compression technology is the limiting factor when it comes down to size. Pairing a large tool with a 12V battery pack doesn’t offer many advantages, and you’re likely to see less power and maybe even lower runtime than with an 18V-equipped tool.
fred
We had dozens of nail guns – most pneumatic but quite a few Paslode Impulse. We used the cordless Paslode’s when we were working where an air hose was a nuisance (say in a small lavatory installing baseboard under a sink or behind a toilet) or even perhaps a hazard (like up a ladder). We also used them where setting up a compressors was a nuisance – e.g. for punch lists or when we didn’t have nearby access to AC power and didn’t want to haul out an engine-driven compressor.
In my thinking these new generation LiIon nail guns will probably replace the Paslode Impulse guns.
Nathan
you know I was looking at dewalts brushless nailer the other day. Glad to see there is more competition on this front- as I have to say I like the idea.
I don’t own a compressor so aside from that – I’ve been thinking about getting one of these for all the exterior and interior trim work I’m about to have to do
Chris
Too bad I just sold off my old Ridgid stuff. On the bright side, I have plenty of Ryobi 4Ah lithion packs…..was thinking about getting into the AirStrike line but cant quite justify the expense. By now Ive replaced almost all the trim in my house at least once, so there is very little left for a trim nailer to do for me!
fred
I think that the “handwriting on the wall” that has been there for some time – has now gotten bolder and larger to make it clear that the Paslode Impulse finish nail gun (once the only professional cordless option) is on the way out.
Nathan
I like the idea that some of these cordless devices will handle framing nails.
ie one tool for finish – one for framing – but same battery system no extra parts. don’t know if they work well for tradesmen but the idea is appealing for the home owner.
Tom
These nailers are getting really appealing. For someone who doesn’t own a compressor, what gauge nailer would everybody recommend? This would be for basic carpentry and perhaps some trim work inside my house.
Derek
Like Stuart said a couple comments up, it would be cheaper to buy a compressor/nail gun kit than just a bare Ridgid nail gun. For $150-$225 you can get a 6 gallon compressor and 1-3 nail guns from Porter Cable or Bostitch.
To answer your question, an 18 gauge is probably what you’re looking for.
The 3 gun combo kit goes on sale for around $200 frequently includes a 16 gauge, 18, gauge and 18 stapler.
Nathan
my problem is when I look at that yes I’m at or below the 400 out of pocket for a nailer set that would work – yes it would. and a compressor that can run a nailer and perhaps air a tire but can’t run an impact wrench of useful capability.
as opposed to buying (and I’m looking at the new dewalt cordless and I say this) a cordless nailer that uses a battery system I am already vested in – that happen to run a useful impact wrench also. granted the cost is a bit higher but – no cords no hoses.
since ryobi has more tools in their electric kit – they make an even more compelling argument. to buy the air compressor I would want to run the impact wrench I would use – and the wrench etc. the battery Dewalt device is at or near the cost – especially if bought on line.
oh and even better. I won’t have the noise and MX of an air compressor
Tom
Is it possible that at some point air tools will be somewhat obsolete for carpentry duties? Seems awfully attractive to just grab one of these for a small job, like a door or window casing.
Mark
After having researched this endlessly, the answer is, if you’re only buying one nailer, the 16g is the most well rounded. If buying two, 15g has much better holding power, and 18g leaves smaller holes without giving up much too muchholding power.
But the real answer is you need one of each. Including 23g and various staplers. 🙂
Your next question, “what size nails should I buy”, is much harder to answer.
fred
Good answer! We also had a 21ga. Cadex that we like for doing hardwood trim. Not sure if it was the gauge of the pins or just the gun – but the guys liked it better than our Grex 23ga. pinners for holding stops etc.
Zachary
Craftsman’s got one too, I saw a nailer and a couple updated tools at sears yesterday.
Andrew
This is the ONLY thing that kept me in the Craftsman C3 line. Guess what’s going on Craigslist tomorrow…..
Tom
Check it out:
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-c3-19.2v-brad-nailer/p-00942980000P?sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1
$129 for the bare tool. Add coupons and SYWR points and you should be able to get this for around $100. Not a bad price if you are already committed to the C3 line.
Unfortunately, I have nextec…..
Stuart
It came out a while ago – https://toolguyd.com/craftsman-c3-speedshot-cordless-brad-nailer/
Seems to be identical to the Ryobi Airstrike, but for some reason that’s the only Airstrike nailer that’s also available in the Craftsman C3 lineup.
Andrew
I have the C3 nailer — and got it for $30 new+points through a pricing error — but am so fed up with Craftsman & Sears that I’m slowly but surely ridding my home of every item I’ve purchased there. It’s a shame, too. Seems to me that I’m the kind of consumer Sears desperately needs, but they’re so out-of-touch with reality I’d rather pay double to go elsewhere.
Rusty
Soe company needs to wise up and actually sell framing, finish, and brad nailers. Heck even throw in a pin nailer while you’re at it.
alan
I’m not a carpenter but was recently working on site on a 10 million dollar house build. I saw on any given day 5-8 paslodes in use, versus air finish nailers. I suppose the hoseless factor was the primary cause as different guys in different rooms…
Anyhow, I don’t think the nails in for Paslode quite yet.
As a weekend warrior , I bough the Dewalt cordless framer myself and patiently have been waiting for their trim gun to compliment it.
Luis Rios
Most of us know that Ridgid tools and Ryobi tools, are made by the same company TTI, Are these nail guns just re branded Ryobi?, or are there any upgrades to them, I know they are brush-less as opposed to Ryobi’s brushed motors, how about weight and size?, I own a finish and brad nailer from Ryobi, I also own The Senco Finish and Brad nailer, the performance of the Senco is superior to that of the Ryobi. they are also a little lighter and the Finish angle nailer is easier to maneuver around the job site.
waiting for DeWalt to come up with their version of 20 volt finish and brad nailers. I have own both DeWalt 18 volt nailers with the only complaints beigh the weight, eventually they quit on me and replaced them with the Senco’s that I found a great deal on them.
I am a professional that uses this guns daily, several times a day, We mainly install windows and doors, and it’s a hassle having to carry a compressor from room to room or dealing with a long hose that gets stuck every where not to mention can become a hazard on the job,
I don’s see a home owner buying this just to use around the house, unless you are loaded with money these are more aimed at the professional that uses this tools every day.
C’mon DeWalt time to step up the game.
Stuart
It’s hard to say until I have a chance to compare the tools side by side. I would think that the Ridgid tools were specially designed for more demanding users.
Joe
Still waiting on Dewalt and Milwaukee to enter the arena..
John
As a solution to a problem it maybe the answer for a lot of people but for me I’d be wasting money on something I would not have much use for.
What’s it gunna run to? Maybe $500+ with 2 batteries and a charger?
ktash
I have the Ryobi Airstrike brad nailer and it is great to be able to do a small job without the hassle of setting up/lugging around a compressor. But these are about twice the price of the Ryobi on sale or with a coupon and the Airstrike came with a battery. My only complaint about the Airstrike is that it’s too bulky compared to pneumatic nailers. If the Ridgid is lighter weight, that would be a selling point, but not for me since I do woodworking and DIY, so I couldn’t justify the cost. I’m pretty happy with the Airstrike so far. The lifetime warranty is a plus with Ridgid.
Stuart
Magnesium construction should make the nailers reasonably lightweight. I’ve seen some complaints about the Ryobi Airstrike nailers being unreliable and prone to failure. Ridgid’s might offer better reliability since their tools are typically if a higher quality tier.
Hugh
I haven’t tried any of these hybrid cordless air nailers, but the 18v xrp Dewalts are the only ones that drive a nail into oak or maple. I’ve used the 20v max framing nailer and it is good product.
I don’t believe that Milwaukee will ever make a cordless nailer because it isn’t their MO. I’m a little hesitant to buy a Ryobi or Ridgid product as a professional tool. I don’t believe that make products that can stand up to the demands of all day work in the work field.
The product that I wish the would make is a cordless micro-pinner. The only one I’ve ever seen is from Makita Canada. One brand or another you can buy all gauges of nailers except the 23g.
Greg
I think they went off the mark with a 16 and 18. I have both in the Air strike and do remodels from kitchens and baths to exterior door installs. I don’t touch the 16 at all. They would have been better with a framer or crown stapler in the line up first.
With that said I use the 18 Air Strike all day long at least 3 times a week and it handles everything I throw at it.
Michael
Where can you buy the rigid nailer I have looked everywhere and cannot find it.
no one at the local Home Depot store or even online knows anything about this nailer can you please help me locate it. thank you
Jason
I read somewhere that they announced them too early and they will probably be out later in the year.
matty
Where’s the pinner. No one makes a cordless 23G pinner that shoots flush into hardwood. How come?
Stuart
My guess is that they can’t make a cordless pin nailer appropriately small enough.
MikeP
Wonder why they did not attempt a 3 in 1 type solution with 16/18/crownstaple arrangement? Would be a lot more versatile. Hard to justify that much money for just the 18 gauge and buy essentially the same tool again for the 15 gauge.