Update: Since writing this post, we have published a hands-on review of Ryobi’s Auto Hammer – click here to check it out.
Ryobi is kicking things up a notch by releasing their own 12V Lithium-ion powered auto hammer. Ryobi claims that their hammer can drive up to 3 1/2″ common and finish nails as it hammers at a rate of 3,600 beats per minute.
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The Ryobi CAH120LK 12V auto hammer is designed with ergonomics and ease of use in mind, and also seems to be quite compact making it well suited for driving nails in tight spaces. A magnetic nail guide holds nails securely in place for easier driving, and a retractable sleeve helps drive nails flush with fewer missed hits.
Included with the tool itself is a 12V lithium ion battery, dual chemistry charger, and a carrying case.
One thing that caught our attention was that this tool was mentioned as being part of Ryobi’s 12V ONE+ lineup. Thus far we were only aware of their 18V ONE+ lineup. Is this auto hammer the start of an expanded line of versatile 12V tools?
Ryobi’s 12V auto hammer is priced at $89, and is due to begin shipping on November 15th.
Lastly, a big thank-you to ToolGuyd reader and frequent commenter uthscsaedu for the the heads-up about the tool! If anyone else wants to mention or suggest a tool, either leave a comment where appropriate or contact us privately!
Ryobi Auto Hammer via Home Depot – currently offering free shipping!
Product Info via Ryobi
ToolGuyd Review of the Auto Hammer
uthscsaedu says
As far as I can remember, Ryobi has had the 12V line out for a while, at least 2 years. There is a 4-piece kit similar to the 18V kit. The tools are a little smaller, but much CUTER! (link)
The 12V kit at Home Depot is $120 (link)
The 18V kit at Home Depot is $270 (on sale currently)
Stuart says
I do know about the 4-pc 12V kit, but am hoping that Ryobi’s seeking to mirror what Milwaukee did with their very expanded M12 lineup. Such an action could also prompt a competition to see which tool company can come up with the most innovation.
uthscsaedu says
Oh, I see what you mean. It’s too bad Ryobi didn’t make their 12V battery slim like most other brands:
Milwaukee, Craftsman nextec, Makita, Bosch.
The Hitachi also has that big 12V battery like Ryobi.
java959 says
I wish they would make a version of this for their 18V ONE+ lineup.
uthscsaedu says
I had a chance to play with this in the store. Home Depot had a piece of wood and a box of nails. The sound is deafening! I bet if you were standing next to a paint shaker you would still be able to hear this hammer from across the store. It has a surprising amount of power. The magnetic sleeve would definitely take some getting used to. Overall I can see the utility
toolman25 says
I also tried the tool at HD. Yes, the noise is incredible, but it seems to carry a bit of power!! It ran for quite some time and did not seem to fade out. By the way, in response to a previous post, Milwaukee Tools is actually owned by TTI, the parent company to Ryobi. TTI manufactures tools with the brands Ryobi, Milwaukee, Ridgid, Craftsman, and many private label brands.
jim says
I received the ryobi 12 volt auto hammer for a gift, I threw it in the trash, what a forthless tool, noise, bent nails, does not drive nails straight. Just trash.
Stuart says
Jim, I haven’t heard of any Auto Hammer bending nails, but your noise complaint sounds very familiar.
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