Concord Carpenter

RIDGID18 V Finish Nailer

By Robert Robillard on Tool Reviews

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RIDGID^® 18 V Lithium-Ion 15 Gauge Angled Finish Nailer –    R250AF18 Review

The folks at Ridgid recently sent me their RIDGID® 18V lithium-Ion 15 Gauge Angled Finish Nailer to evaluate and review.   This cordless angled finish nailer has a sleek design and lightweight style, the nailer powers through up to 500 nails per charge from its 1.5 amp hour lithium-ion battery.

First Impression:

I was impressed with how RIDGID designed the battery and fit it the long way into the tool.   I fully expected this tool to be weighty and unbalanced but I was surprised it was not bad. It weighs 7 – pounds.

The product includes the R250AF18 Angled Finish Nailer, one compact lithium-ion battery, charger, heavy-duty contractor bag and operator’s manual.

The battery powered motor drives up to 2-1/2-inch finish nails with a contact or sequential fire mode selection. A tool free depth adjustment allows the user to set the depth of fastener drive.

A no-mar pad keeps the work surface clean of tool marks, and conviently positioned dual LED light provide well placed light.  The tool has an ergonomic handle and comfortable grip.   A 2 position belt hook is also a plus.

RIDGID18 V Finish Nailer Specs

Volts:             18V Lithium-Ion

Nail Type:     DA 15 gauge 34 degree

Nail Range:   1-1/4” – 2-1/2”

Features:

1. Compact lithium-ion battery for extended use and less user fatigue.
2. Powerful motor drives up to 2½” finish nails.
3. Contact fire or sequential fire mode selector for high productivity and precise placement of nails.
4. LED light illuminates darker work areas.
5. Tool-free depth adjustment consistently drives nails at the desired depth with accuracy
6. to protect the work surface from over driving.
7. Angled magazine allows for getting close to the work surface in certain angled applications.
8. Tool-free jam release for easy clearing.
9. Ergonomic handle ensures a good, comfortable grip during all-day use.
10. No-mar pad keeps work surface clean of tool marks.

Charger:

Volts:                        18V output, 120 V input

Charge Time:         20 minutes

Using The RIDGID® 18 V Lithium-Ion 15 Gauge Angled Finish Nailer:

I found the portability and convenience of not having to deal with hoses, air compressors, or messy oil a huge plus.  Also not having to buy cordless nailer gas cartridges is another plus.

I drove mostly 6 penny finish nails to test the nailer.  The nailer takes a moment to charge up to fire the nail but it does bump fire rapidly.  The tool-less depth of drive, located at the rear of the tool, worked well.  This nailer drove nails well.

Loading the nails was not as smooth as I would have liked.   There seemed to be some friction as I loaded the nail sleeve into the nail magazine.

The charger takes 20 minutes to charge, I still recommend getting a second battery to avoid downtime.   I really liked the LED work lights and found them useful.

Overall Impression:

I’m a huge cordless gas powered nailer convert.   I recently acquired a cordless gas powered  framing and finish nailer and haven’t looked back since.  This RIDGID® nailer worked as advertised but did not win me over or convert me to a battery only nailer.

It does have some advantages over fuel powered nailers in that you don’t need the fuel!

I do not see this tool being used as a daily professional finish nailer, professionals are too resistant to change.  I do see this nailer as a viable opportunity for  serious do-it-yourselfers to get a cordless nailer.  Once charged and ready to go you can drive a ton of finish nails with it.

Do-it-yourselfers would benefit huge from this nailer.  I immediately thought of my friend who has a small cabin on a lake.  He would love to have a finish nailer for projects but does not want to go through the expense of buying the nailer, hose,and a compressor.  He also does not have the space for all those tools.  The RIDGID® 18 V Lithium-Ion 15 Gauge Angled Finish Nailer solves his problem and takes up very little space in the process.

Warranty:

 RIDGID^® Lifetime Service Agreement.  Ridgid offers the industry’s only FREE Lifetime coverage.  Free parts.  Free service. Free batteries.                                         

Where To Buy And How Much?

The RIDGID^®18 V Lithium-Ion 15 Gauge Angled Finish Nailer sells for $379 and can be purchased online here: Ridgid-R250AF18-18-Volt-Angled-Finish Nailer