Brad nailers are always a joy to work with. Pneumatic guns can be a pain with the compressors, hoses, and whatnot. However, the Ryobi brad nailers eliminate those problems with their battery-powered technology.
I recommend The P320 for unparalleled power with a unique shade of airstrike tech. At the same time, Ryobi P854 would be an incredible choice for modern professionals and DIYers.
Ryobi Brad Nailer Review for You
Ryobi is an exceptional brand for its nail gun products. In this section, we will discuss two Ryobi brad nailers thoroughly that have gained attraction from many.
1. Ryobi P320 Airstrike 18 Volt One+ Lithium-Ion Cordless Brad Nailer
Nail Size
The Ryobi Airstrike P320 drives 18 gauge nails from 5/8” to 2” in length. Considering the compact size of the nailer, it is an excellent range of measurements you can get. Moreover, the clip has a decent size that can hold an entire stick of nails instead of breaking it up and adjusting.
Design and Features
The design of the Ryobi P320 is the one aspect that attracts its customers. It has a standard design concerning the drive head and a tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment. This allows proper room for the setting of nail heads.
Besides, there is a convenient adjustment dial that lets you regulate air pressure accordingly. You won’t have to fear dry firing anymore, as the exquisite design of the P320 has a dry-fire lockout feature that ultimately extends tool life. The P320 also tells you when to reload with its low nail indicator so that you can avoid dry firing.
Not to mention, the jam release mechanism of this tool is top-notch. You can easily access it to clear nails. Additional features include belt hook mounts and two non-marring pads to keep the worksurface free of dents.
Actuation Modes
Whatever the type of nailer is, the better choice is the one that has both of the two actuation modes- sequential and contact. Many brands offer only one while costing you an arm and a leg. However, the Ryobi Airstrike P320 18 gauge brad nailer provides you both of the two actuation modes.
If you want the precise placement of nails, you have to go for the sequential mode of the P320. For a brad nailer, this mode is extra essential when working on delicate trims. You can also go for contact actuation mode for production speed up to 60 nails per minute.
The Airstrike Technology
The Airstrike technology incorporated within the Ryobi P320 18 gauge brad nailer differs from other brad nailers in the market. This technology eliminates the need for intrusive and noisy air compressors, expensive gas cartridges, and bulky hoses. As a result, you are excused from worrying about them and additional costs.
Performance
The performance of the Ryobi P320 Airstrike is undoubtedly an intriguing topic to discuss. You will be surprised by how well it performs. It delivers enough power to nail Birch trim and sink the head of the nail flush into the work surface. In this aspect, the P320 beats even some pneumatic nailers. Trimming tasks like nailer pine or popular moldings will feel like a breeze with the P320.
The Luxury of Power
The Ryobi P320 offers enough power to sustain the built-in LED lights on either side of the housing. You won’t see this in regular pneumatic nailers as they do not have enough thrust to offer this neat feature.
There are two lights on the tool that illuminates either side of the safety tip. You can easily activate them with your middle finger by depressing the second trigger on the bottom of the handle.
Cons
However, this nailer does not shoot a more standard 16 ga nail. Therefore, the Ryobi Ryobi P320 is not suitable for heavy-duty fasteners.
2. Ryobi P854 ONE Plus 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion 2 in. Brad Nailer Kit
Lightweight
The weight of the nailer is a crucial factor to consider. The Ryobi P854 weighs 6.6 pounds with the battery installed. It weighs 1.5 pounds less than the Bostitch. Given that cordless nailers are heavier than pneumatic nailers, this is an acceptable figure of weight. This amount of weight is a tiny price to pay, considering the benefits of a cordless nailer.
Power Source
The Ryobi P854 is powered solely from an 18-volt battery. In other words, you won’t have to deal with fuel cells, nitrogen chambers, hoses, or compressors. You have the Airstrike technology to thank for that.
This technology does not rely on an internally stored supply of nitrogen to pressurize the piston. Instead, it draws the ambient air into the nailer and compresses it. This powers the driver’s head to sink the nails.
Quality of the Magazine
The Ryobi P854 has a magazine capacity of 105 nails. It will hold a standard stick of 100 brad nails. You can quickly uncover the mag with the help of a large release button on the tail end of the magazine.
Both the magazine carrier and its cover are made of heavy-duty plastic. Therefore, they are durable and long-lasting.
Plethora of Features
The features P854 offers are what make it so unique small. Firstly, it tackles the issue of dry firing with its exquisite dry-fire lockout mechanism. Moreover, the all-metal nose of the P854 comes with a quick-release latch that can quickly release a jammed nail.
A nailer is not complete without the depth-of-drive adjustment knob. The P854 has a similar knob that allows you to adjust the depth at which it will set the nail. More features include the non-marring pads, air pressure indicator, and built-in LED lights.
Dual Actuation Mode
Similar to most brad nailers, the Ryobi P854 also has two actuation modes. The standard is the sequential mode, pressing the trigger, and one nail is released. This mode is for accuracy.
If you want to go faster and nail multiple nails simultaneously, you have to select the contact mode. You can easily switch between the methods with the switch located at the base of the handle.
Cons
Despite the countermeasures, users often encounter misfiring issues. Also, the weight might be an issue for the professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know that my Ryobi brad nailer’s battery is charged enough?
The light will keep flashing when the battery is not charged enough to fire the gun. You will have to recharge the battery or find a new one in that case.
- How do I load the nails in Ryobi Airstrike?
Loading the nails is easy and quick for Ryobi Airstrike brad nailers. Depress the cartridge release and move the magazine. Then put the stick of staples into the compartment and close the magazine.
Conclusion
The Ryobi brad nailers are a more popular choice among DIYers, thanks to their compact design. The Airstrike technology coupled with the features is gradually gaining attraction from the professionals as well. Whichever product you may choose, it should serve you well.
Leave a Reply