RIDGID HyperDrive Brushless Brad Nailer R09890B Review

RIDGID HyperDrive 2-1/8 Brushless Brad Nailer R09890B Review READ REVIEW HERE: http://www.aconcordcarpenter.com/ridg... Selectable Trigger The R09890B has a selectable trigger switch allowing users to select contact actuation or single sequential actuation. The tool arrives from the factory in the single sequential actuation setting. Personally, I'm not a fan of bump firing as it tend to lead itself to non-precision nailing and is riskier than single sequential actuation. I do know a few finish guys that like to bump fire their base trim along the bottom wall plate. LED Light and Diagnostics Just below the trigger is a grip light that operated an LED light independently of the trigger to illuminate the work surface. The light will also turn on when the either tool trigger or the nose contact is depressed. I love LED lights on tools, and found the LED to emit plenty of light to the nose of the tool, a feature that may prove helpful in corners, closets and niches. Our testing showed the light stays on 10-seconds. The LED light has a rectangular pattern that illuminates the tool nose as well and left and right peripheral areas - nice touch. The LED work-light also provides user feedback on the battery pack. The LED light will flash is the battery needs charging and continue to flash for other diagnostic issues mentioned int he user manual. RIDGID 18 Gauge 18 Volt Brushless Brad NailerTool Free Power Adjustment This nailer has a power adjustment lever on the rear of the tool. Its located in a protective groove and is identified with a plus and minus symbol. [see photo above] We liked this feature as the power this tool may need is largely dependent on the size of brad nail and work piece fastening to. Moving the lever toward the plus symbol increases air power and to the left decreases it. Harder materials and longer nails mean more power, during our testing, we found that the best approach is to set your air power on high and use the depth of drive adjustment to fine tune your result. RIDGID 18 Gauge 18 Volt Brushless Brad Nailer Depth of Drive Adjustment The large orange dial at the working end of the tool controls depth of drive. This dial worked well and was responsive with a quarter turn or less. Having the ability to control depth of drive ensured proper fastening as well as protects the work surface from over-driving and damage. Dry Fire Lock Out The R09890B has a dry fire feature which prevents the nailer from firing when the magazine reached five nails of less. RIDGID 18 Gauge 18 Volt Brushless Brad NailerTool Free Jamb Release This is a bottom loading tool, after sliding the magazine cover open, brad nails are placed into the bottom of the magazine, and the mag cover is released with a release button. When you experience a jam the top clamp on the nose of the tool opens to expose the drive pin channel and nail slot. Sometimes when you drive a fastener too deep into material or excess material or debris can cause the driver mechanism to be stuck in an open position. I found this function to work well, it's designed and works similar to other nailers with this same feature. The driver mechanism is easily returned to its normal resting position by turning the elevation screw clockwise, with the help of a flat head screwdriver. RIDGID 18 Gauge 18 Volt Brushless Brad Nailer Micro Textured Hex handle Grip The tool has a decent amount of rubber over-mold and bumpers for resting it on surfaces. We especially like the micro bumps on the grip handle. I found them comfortable but more importantly they help ensure a solid, secure grip. Other Features There is a detachable, right-side or left-side belt clip, and 2 non-marring pads are included with a carry bag. Battery and charger are separate but I'm sure when this tool takes off they will provide a kit. RIDGID 18 Volt Cordless Brad Nailer Using the RIDGID 18 Volt Cordless Brad Nailer I tested the RIDGID 18 Volt Cordless Brad Nailer is durable, powerful, fast and convenient. I used it with AC plywood, Pine, Poplar, Oak and Maple and trim parts. It worked well and it was easy to determine where to place the fastener. So far I have driven approximately a thousand brads and no jambs yet. RIDGID is onto something here, I'm taking notice, and I'm sure others will be too.