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,
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:
- Compact lithium-ion battery for extended use and less user fatigue.
- Powerful motor drives up to 2½” finish nails.
- Contact fire or sequential fire mode selector for high productivity and precise placement of nails.
- LED light illuminates darker work areas.
- Tool-free depth adjustment consistently drives nails at the desired depth with accuracy
- to protect the work surface from over driving.
- Angled magazine allows for getting close to the work surface in certain angled applications.
- Tool-free jam release for easy clearing.
- Ergonomic handle ensures a good, comfortable grip during all-day use.
- 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 
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 l
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