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.
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.
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.