If you caught our guide on choosing the best impact driver, then you’ll know what distinguishes a great impact from a so-so one. No doubt that the Ryobi P238 18V Brushless Impact Driver would like to be in the running for a great tool. We’re going to find out today if it deserves to be there.

Check out our review of the upgraded Ryobi HP Brushless and Ryobi HP Compact impact drivers!

Key Features

For years, Ryobi’s tools flirted with the line between DIY and Pro tools, with most of its offering falling in the DIY category. More recently, however, Ryobi tools have stepped up the game a bit, and some can certainly be considered for professional use. In fact, we use them quite often on our jobs—we regard them as having a lot of bang for the buck. We’ve used the older Ryobi P1870 impact driver for a while now. This new version packs a bigger punch.

Brushless Motor

Right out of the gate, the Ryobi P238 18V brushless impact driver has a leg up on its older brother. The brushless motor is evidence of either technology that trickles down, Ryobi’s readiness for the big leagues, or maybe some of both. If you’re a regular reader, you know that brushless motors are electronically commutated; that is, there is no physical contact between brushes and the commutator. Brushless motors are more efficient, longer-lived, and lighter than their brushed counterparts. They are also the foundation of smart tools, that is, tools whose motors and batteries communicate to optimize performance and prevent thermal overload.

RPM Ranges and Variable Speed Trigger

In the introduction, I mentioned that an impact drivers gives you a lot of control over the work by virtue of mechanical function. The Ryobi, like other impacts, further increases that control with the use of three RPM ranges: up to 1,050, then 2,200, and then up to 3,200 max. The switch to toggle between these speeds is on the back of the motor housing.

But those three speeds aren’t static; they are aided by a variable speed trigger for more nuanced control. Like just about every other tool on Earth, there are times when you need to run it wide open and other times you need to modulate the speed. These two functions accomplish that.

Impacts Per Minute and Torque

Impact drivers work by using a hammer and anvil system to generate pulsing rotational torque (in contrast to static torque like a drill). The measure of hammer-anvil strikes is unsurprisingly called impacts per minute (IPM). This is a measure not used for drills.

The Ryobi P238 18V brushless impact driver offers up to 4,000 IPM, which is actually on the high end. By way of comparison, the older version of this tool was at 3,400 IPM. The Hitachi Triple Hammer—one of the finest impacts available—is the same at 4,000 IPM. Impacts per minute aren’t the be-all and end-all metric but a higher number can certainly help.

Likewise, this new model delivers more torque than the older model: 2,200 inch-pounds compared to 1,500 inch-pounds. It’s important to note that that is in line or higher than just about every other cordless impact driver you can find at the Pro level. Ryobi might be punching above its weight, but you have to admit, on paper, it’s doing a fine job.

Auto-Load Chuck and Other Notable Features

Most impact driver chucks need both hands for bit changes, but the Ryobi 18V Brushless Impact Driver’s auto-load chuck is designed for one-handed changes. Once you eject one bit from the spring-loaded chuck, you push the next one in without having to pull out on the collet.

Nearly every power tool has an effective LED worklight these days, so we don’t spend much time talking about them. But that doesn’t mean manufacturers can’t take a crack at improvements. The 3-LED design around the front of the motor housing isn’t unique to Ryobi—I’ve seen them on some Hilti and Ridgid tools—but I’m surprised it doesn’t show up more often.

A magnet for holding bits and screws is another handy feature. If you’re lucky – or just good – you can sometimes catch falling fasteners with it! An ambidextrous belt clip and redesigned overmold grip round out the features I’ll have an eye on. Time to do some work!

Performance

Making An Impact

We’ve used the older version of this Ryobi impact driver for about three years now. We use it all the time – and we have beaten it up! But it’s never let us down. It just works. Time will tell if the new version is as durable, but I have hopes with its tough pedigree and bigger muscles.

So let’s review what’s new and improved in this model. The 3 speeds are new as are the auto-load chuck and belt clip, the torque is bumped up, the IPM is higher, the LED lights are a lot brighter, the belt clip is new.

These are big improvements over the older model. Since an impact driver is a tradesman’s everyday tool, there was no shortage of test material during this review. I drove all sorts of fasteners, even large 3/8-inch lag bolts, and the Ryobi 18V Brushless Impact Driver didn’t break a sweat! I almost felt proud of Ryobi for making such a sweet tool for—wait for it—$99 (bare).

Fasten-ating

It weighs 2.7 pounds bare but, of course, the battery you choose will add some weight. Ryobi offers a compact 18V battery, but you’ll see I used the larger 4.0 Ah pack. All the controls are easy to reach and operate with one hand. That’s important—we’ve all been in tight spaces where getting your other hand/arm/shoulder is difficult or precarious.

The redesigned grip zone overmold is comfortable and secure in the hand. Like Ryobi’s brushless circular saw and brushless reciprocating saw, the handle has a much better handle design. I like it a lot.

Impact drivers have a stubbier profile that’s well-suited to those tight spaces. At a bit over 6-1/4 inches long, it’s not the most compact impact in the world, but it’s certainly shorter than a drill. If you have a very small working area, you’ll probably have to opt for a 12V version from another manufacturer. Otherwise, this should do just fine.

The Bottom Line

These days, I generally refuse to drive fasteners with a drill. Compared to the impact driver, it’s just the wrong tool for the job, if that’s not too bold. You have to fight a drill’s rotational force, its weaker hand, and its larger profile.

The Ryobi 18V Brushless Impact Driver put on an impressive show during this review. It definitely swung for the fences and determined it wants to run with the Pro pack. I think it can – especially for that remarkable price I mentioned earlier—$99 for the bare tool. All told, it’s just a powerful, super-handy tool that’s now part of the 100+ Ryobi 18V family. Get yourself some impact-rated bits, and you’re ready for anything around the house or the job site.

Ryobi 18V Brushless Impact Driver Features

• Brushless motor provides more runtime, more power, and longer motor life
• 3-speed switch: 0-3,100 RPM, medium speed: 0-2,150 RPM, low speed: 0-1,100 RPM
• Variable speed trigger
• The powerful design produces up to 2,200 inch-pounds torque to easily drive or tighten large fasteners
• Up to 4,000 IPM (impacts per minute) for fast driving applications
• 3 LED lights minimize shadows
• Auto-load chuck for fast and easy 1-handed bit changes
• New gripzone with micro-texture for user comfort and control
• Belt clip mounts to either side of the tool for convenience
• Magtray magnetic holder for convenient placement of screws and bits

Ryobi 18V Brushless Impact Driver Specifications

• Model: Ryobi P238
• Drive Size: 1/4″ hex
• Depth: 6.31″
• Height: 7.75″
• Width: 3.25″
• Impacts Per Minute: 4,000
• Maximum Speed: 3,100 RPM
• Product Weight: 2.7 lbs
• Torque: 2,200 in-lbs
• Price: $99 (bare tool)
• Warranty: 3-year limited

The post Ryobi P238 18V Brushless Impact Driver Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

While power tools understandably receive the lion’s share of attention around here, those witty and wise Pro Tool Reviews editors love to get their hands on new accessories like blades whenever they can. After all, what good is a great saw with a bum blade? Cabinetry, casework, and trim – ya know, the stuff people will see and touch – call for a more refined blade. And that’s just what the Milwaukee Ultra Fine Finish Blades are all about.

Back in February, Milwaukee announced 30 (that’s three-zero) new circular blades from 5-3/8″ to 12″ in diameters and from general purpose to ultra fine finish. All of these blades feature anti-friction coating and laser-cut technology.

You probably already know that fine finish circular saw blades that perform well have a few things in common (besides circularity!) – heat resistance in the form of anti-friction coatings and appropriate tensioning, vibration control in the form of small cuts or separations in the blade, and a tooth pattern with thin kerfs.

It’s not hard to see why – heat can cause a blade to warp slightly, delivering a cut that isn’t true. Vibration can also make a cut inaccurate. A framing tooth pattern with thick kerfs can cause tearout as the blade exits the material. This is especially important because finer finishes are much more often made out of hardwoods (more difficult to cut, generating more heat and vibration). So let’s cut to the chase here and check out Milwaukee’s.

Key Features

Cut From Steel Cloth

The Milwaukee Ultra Fine Finish Blades are cut from 100% sheet steel with lasers. This method is more accurate than other methods like plasma cutting or, on the low-quality end, a stamping process. Perhaps it goes without saying, the more perfectly round a blade, the better. The centrifugal force of an imperfectly round blade will cause wobble/vibration. If you’ve ever driven on an imbalanced tire, you’ll know what I mean. Perfect roundness isn’t even enough – the arbor hole must be perfectly round and perfectly in the center. That’s a lot of perfection to achieve!

ATB Tooth Geometry

A close inspection of the blades’ tooth pattern reveals alternating bevels. This is the aptly named Alternate Top Bevel pattern or ATB. Picture the blade during the cut and hit the slow-motion button: you’ll realize that it takes two teeth to accomplish the full cut. The first tooth clears a lot of the material while the one behind it bats cleanup, completing the smooth finish.

Kerf

To that end, the kerf – or width of cut – is minimized to 0.094-inches for the 10-inch blade and 0.118-inches for the 12-inch. But perhaps more important is the hook, or rake, angle. This is the angle at which the tooth plunges into the wood and is indicative of how aggressively the blade will make the cut.

Standard hooks are around 5° – 15°, although they can be less (even negative) and more aggressive. Milwaukee doesn’t list these angles on these blades, but you can see they are quite slack and appear set up well for fine finishes.

Carbide

Finally, the teeth are cobalt-infused tungsten carbide, not to put too fine a point on it (see what I did there?). This makes the Milwaukee Ultra Fine Finish Blades about as tough a customer as you can get. The hardness should mean that the teeth stay sharp and the cuts stay clean for many jobs to come.

Anti-Friction and Expansion Slots

The blades feature an anti-friction coating resist heat and prevent blade warping and wood burning. This coating is also designed to prevent pitch buildup. What’s pitch? Take a close look at a well-used circular saw blade and you’re sure to find residual glues, resins, and wood dust stuck around the gullets. This is pitch, and it can make a blade underperform.

No matter how much anti-friction design goes into a blade, heat will still be a byproduct of a cut. Thin expansion gaps further ameliorate adverse effects of heat on the blade by allowing expansion and contractions.

Is is time to replace your blade or does it just need a good cleaning?

https://www.protoolreviews.com/news/how-to-clean-a-circular-saw-blade/35949/

Other Notable Features

Both of the Milwaukee Ultra Fine Finish Blades reviewed here are ring tensioned to ensure there’s no blade deformation at speed. They’re suitable for corded and cordless tools alike and engineered to cut softwoods, hardwoods, melamine, MDF, veneered plywoods, paneling, and moldings.

Performance

Making The Cut

Before taking the Milwaukee Ultra Fine Finish Blades out in the field, I cut some test pieces in the shop. I was just anxious to use the blades, but I also wanted to give them a challenge. Tucked back in a corner of the shop is an old miter saw as well as a benchtop table saw. Both saws have seen better days, the Milwaukee blades cut well with them. I headed to the job site with confidence they’d excel with my tuned-up tools.

Pro Tip: Handle all blades with care and especially fine finish blades. The teeth are incredibly sharp and can cut you easily. Your natural reaction may be to drop it and hitting the concrete floor won’t do your blade any favors.

Finishing Fine

These blades work beautifully. There’s a sense of satisfaction when you see a perfectly smooth cut with no tearout. That satisfaction extends to the finished work when trim pieces abut one another with no gaps. I’ve had both Milwaukee Ultra Fine Finish Blades on some finishing jobs and they are smooth as can be. The blades even overcame the imperfections of old saws to produce excellent results. I must say Milwaukee has done an ultra-fine job with these blades.

The Bottom Line

You can get away with inferior blades for framing, but there’s no wiggle room for finish carpentry and fine woodworking. The new line of Milwaukee Ultra Fine Finish Circular Saw Blades hits the bullseye. The blade bodies are laser cut for precise roundness, the ATB tooth pattern and thin kerf produce a beautifully clean cut, the cobalt infused tungsten carbide teeth are incredibly hard and durable, and the anti-friction coating and expansion slots mitigate heat and prevent burning in hardwoods. I have no doubt your trim work and other finished wood products will be better for Milwaukee’s excellent work.

Milwaukee Ultra Fine Finish Blades Features

• A High-ATB tooth pattern provides a superior finish with minimal tearout in the cut material
• Milwaukee’s anti-friction coating keeps the blade cool while cutting and resists corrosion & gumming
• Laser cutting technology from 100% sheet steel increase cutting accuracy
• Cobalt Infused Tungsten Carbide
• Thin Kerf Blade
• Optimized for Both Cordless & Corded Tools
• Blade Tensioning Ring
• Arbor Holes:
  • 5/8″ 48-40-1032 (10-inch 80T)
  • 1″ 48-40-1228 (12-inch 100T)
• Great for use with: Softwoods, Hardwoods, Melamine, MDF, Veneered Plywoods, Paneling, and Moldings

Milwaukee Ultra Fine Finish Blades Specifications

• Item Numbers
  • 48-40-1032 (10″ 80T)
    • Diameter: 10″
    • Width: 0.094″
    • Weight: 1.64 pounds
    • Price: $52.04

• • 48-40-1228 (12″ 100T)
    • Diameter: 12″
    • Width: 0.118″
    • Weight: 3.1 pounds
    • Price: $77.89

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The post Milwaukee Ultra Fine Finish Blades appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

It’s hard to believe that viable cordless finish nailers have existed long enough to have multiple generations, but it’s true. And once you cut the hose and use a battery, it’s hard to imagine going back.  The Senco Fusion F-15 isn’t the first of its kind, but it certainly made an impression on Tom Gaige back in 2010. With a sealed nitrogen cylinder and a lithium-ion battery to keep things powered, he found it to be a powerful, compact, and light tool that competed well with his pneumatic nailers.

It was as if we had stepped into the wayback machine when we came across a brand new FN65DA. But there it was: pristine and begging us to do some work. We hadn’t moved completely off our pneumatic tools, but we figured it was as good a time as any – even if a few years late! – to see if battery power could get the job done. We’ve added our thoughts to Tom’s review to give you an idea of where the F-15 fits in a sea of cordless nailers

First Impressions

The Senco Fusion F-15 comes packed inside a large black molded plastic carry case. It has more than ample room for the tool, the charger, and battery. There is an additional storage space for nails and small parts that under its own hinged cover. The body of the nailer is a tough gray plastic with black rubber overmold on the handle. On the top of the tool is red metal cylinder that sort of gives this tool its futuristic look.

It’s (Sort of) A Gas

There’s a permanently sealed charge of nitrogen gas inside the cylinder. The nitrogen gives the gun a pneumatic-like charge to send the nails home. Since the gas system is permanently sealed, the gas is continually compressed and recycled inside the cylinder. While this might sound like a perpetual machine, the laws of physics still prevail: the lithium-ion battery energizes the motor by resetting it to the ready position.

Over time, there is a slight pressure loss of about 5 PSI for every ten to twenty thousand nail shots. The engineers at Senco claim that the cylinder will hold its useful charge for around 100,000 nailing cycles. We only shot about 1,000 nails – all of which went home without a hitch. We think are going to have to just trust them on the additional 99,000 shots.

Making Adjustments

There is an easy-to-configure nail depth adjustment wheel located on the top front of the tool. A visual gauge shows you its current position. This takes the place of the traditional jam-clearance latch. On the lower part of the handle is a sliding switch that makes it easy to adjust from single fire, off, and bump-fire modes.

Should the magazine ever become jammed, there is a release button that opens the business end of the magazine. It provides easy access to the nail channel and inside of the magazine. You can remove the belt hook located at the base of the handle or position it on the other side for ambidexterity. Its 18V lithium-ion battery has an LED battery level gauge, therefore you constantly know how long your tool or power source has before it needs a recharge. In just 15 minutes the charger will bring the battery up to 80% of its capacity. And it takes about 45 minutes to bring it to full charge.

Performance

Live Free

The prospect of leaving the air compressor and hose is behind is enough to make any tradesman giddy. The convenience and potentially increased productivity are hard to understate. The Senco Fusion F-15 uses – as the name suggests – 15 gauge finish nails, which allows it to perform heavy trim work – including setting doors.

Trimming out a house means there is a lot of movement from room to room. With the Senco, we didn’t have to worry about routing an air hose through the place. All too often, a hose can kink up under a door or around a corner somewhere down the line. Being hoseless makes all the difference in the world. We used this nailer to install nearly 20 interior split jamb doors along with all the casement trim for the doors and windows.

We also shot crown molding into plaster and the Senco didn’t bat an eye! That’s a good bit of power.

No Jam Session

We didn’t experience one jam with the Senco, and that’s wonderful. As mentioned above, the traditional jam clearance latch on top of the nose is now a convenient depth of drive gauge. Theoretically, then, you’d clear a jam by quickly removing the magazine. It seems a little tricky at first, but it snaps right in when you line it back up to the gun. We dig it.

Light Work

The weight and balance of the tool made it a joy to use. The battery life was more than adequate but we never did get the claimed 500-600 shots out of the battery system. The most we got was about 450 nails – which is still a respectable amount. Thankfully, the charger is quick working and got us back on track after only a 20 minute charge time. One other small but handy feature was the LED work light that made it easy to place precision shots in low light.

The long-term cost of ownership of the Senco Fusion F-15 is going to pay off in a big way compared to gas packs. You already know that the gas power packs can get pricey. The Senco F-15 can easily save you $200 to $300 a year.

The Bottom Line

The Senco F-15 FN65DA is fantastic cordless nailer that actually can fully replace a pneumatic nailer or any other gas powered cordless nailer out there. After using our test sample extensively, we feel that given the power to drive 2-1/2″ nails into even hard materials, along with the relativity light weight, and a size that is comparable to most other 15 gauge nailers, this nailer would be an excellent tool in your collection.

But here’s the thing – this is a 7-year old tool that seems to have figured out all the issues that other brands are still working through. No one else has the balance of weight, tight trigger pull-to-fire time, and driving performance. If there’s anything to complain about, it’s only that I can’t use Senco batteries in my other cordless tools.

On the pricing side, it’s not bad. Ryobi is cheaper but with a noticeable difference in performance. The other major brands are right in the same area or more expensive.

Senco Senco Fusion F-15 Angled Finish Nailer Features

• Patented reflex-shot design for instant trigger response
• Robust aluminum drive cylinder and rugged aluminum magazine are resistant to damage
• 18V Lithium-Ion battery is eco-friendly, powerful, and consistent
• Selectable drive switch with contact or sequential actuation
• Nose mounted LED light that illuminates work surface
• Belt hook adjustable for left or right mount
• Thumbwheel depth-of-drive – perfect counter-sinks
• Innovative EZ-Clear feature clears jams fast

Senco Senco Fusion F-15 Angled Finish Nailer Specifications

• Model Number: 5N0001N
• Cordless: Yes
• Length: 13 inches
• Width: 3 inches
• Height: 13.5 inches
• Weight: 6.2 pounds
• Batteries Included: 1
• Battery Type: Li-Ion
• Depth of Drive: Adjustable
• Dry Fire Lockout: No
• Fastener Capacity: 110
• Gauge: 15
• Fastener Type: Finish Nails
• Firing Modes: Contact / Sequential Actuation
• Jam Clearance: Magazine Release
• Lubrication: Oil-Free
• Magazine Angle: 34 Degrees
• Magazine Type: Bottom Loading
• Max. Fastener Length: 2-1/2 inches
• Minch Fastener Length: 1-1/4 inches
• Tip Style: Non-Marring
• Voltage: 18V
• Price: $269.99

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The post Senco Fusion F-15 Angled Finish Nailer Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Have you ever noticed that the tools we use often must become more refined over the course of a job? What started with a chainsaw ends with 400 grit sandpaper. What was once dug up with a front-end loader is now gently screeded to a smooth surface. Even the social tools we use are similar. Ads for our services loudly proclaim, “Does anyone need this type of job done?!” while we’ll give a friendly phone call to an existing customer such as, “Hey Mr. Smith, I just wanted to let you know I’ll be by Tuesday to finish up that bathroom remodel.” The Pros’ nailers are no different. Enter the Senco FinishPro 30XP 15-gauge finish nailer (9P0002N)

The job started with a big framer driving 3+ inch nails through 2x and it finishes up with, well, finishing nailers. Today I have just such a finisher: the new Senco FinishPro 30XP 15-Gauge Finish Nailer. At the risk of hearing some age-related jokes, I remember using Senco nailers in the ’80s. That’s right, sonny. They were big, heavy things – but they were nearly indestructible. That was back when you were more likely to have a nailer rebuilt than replaced. Times have changed, but have Senco tools?

Senco FinishPro 30XP Top Features

Weight a Minute

The Senco 9P0002N finish nailer is the company’s smallest and lightest 15-gauge nailer at 3.8 pounds. Unless I’ve made an oversight, that makes it a tie for the lightest 15-gauge nailer on the market with the Ridgid R250AFE and just edges out the Porter-Cable DA250C by a skosh. The Senco’s designed for trim, fine woodworking, cabinets, paneling, and casing – no surprise there – and achieves its featherweight rating with a magnesium body measuring 12 inches long by 9-5/8 inches tall.

The weight is also achieved with the pneumatic design. The trade-off for being untethered to an air hose with a battery-powered nailer is a significant weight increase. Although not a perfect comparison, only the cordless Paslode 902400 – a 16-gauge nailer – achieves a remarkably light 4.5 pounds with a battery. The Senco F-15 Fusion 15 gauge cordless nailer weighs 6.2 pounds and many other cordless nailers will tip the scales at upwards of 8 pounds.

What’s Your Angle?

If you haven’t used a nailer very much, it might not be immediately clear why the magazine’s angle is important. But get the nailer into a tight spot with a slack-angled magazine and you’ll quickly realize how a steeper angle like the Senco 9P0002N at 34° is helpful. A slack-angled magazine – one that is near parallel to the nailer’s handle – will be in the way of tight toenails and such. But a steep-angled magazine falls back and out of the way, increasing the nailer’s maneuverability.

Fastener Range

As the fine gents at PTR noted when they previewed the Senco FinishPro 30XP 15-Gauge Finish Nailer, the fastener range of 1- to 2 inches is slightly narrower than its peers. Many competitors have ranges from 1- to 2-1/4 or 2-1/2 inches or at least 1-1/4 to 2-1/2. Two inches is typically sufficient for me, but it’s something to keep in mind if you typically engage in heavy-duty work.

Other Notable Senco FinishPro 30XP Features

Like most new nailers these days, the Senco has a tool-free depth of drive adjustment. It also features the company’s E-Z Clear latch for jam clearance and the NeverLube design means you never have to oil it – eliminating the potential leaks and spills.

Actuation is single fire only which is typically all I use with a finish nailer. I’m more likely to use bump fire with a framer or roofer. There’s also a helpful belt hook and a 1/4-inch air inlet that does not swivel. Although the swivel can be a helpful feature, it’s also a potential place for air leaks so I don’t mind its omission.

By way of comparison, the Ridgid R250AFE – the Senco’s closest competitor – is also oil-free, features single or bump fire actuation, and has a swivel air inlet.

Senco FinishPro 30XP Performance

I’ve mentioned in previous nailer reviews that teasing out the difference from one nailer to the next can be difficult because the differences really just tinker around the margins. But I also emphasized that weight is the most important factor and the Senco FinishPro 30XP 15-Gauge Finish Nailer is certainly at the head of the class in the category. But it also feels very comfortable in the hand and it’s simple to load and operate.

We used the Senco on a home remodel that’s filler work between large phases of other jobs. The home is really coming together now so we had all sorts of places to use the nailer. The utility of a 15-gauge nailer like this is that it can be your all-around, everyday workhorse whereas lighter gauge nailers might struggle to get the job done. For instance, the 15-gauge shot an oak staircase where a lighter gauge couldn’t hack it.

The Senco 9P0002N can also handle Hardie Board trim where a 16 gauge or smaller would literally end up in a pretzel shape, not sinking into the material. Now, you have to be mindful of shooting smaller trim like shoe molding or quarter round – it can be done with the 15-gauge – but a smaller gauge is better suited for that stuff.

Being Nosey

The Senco FinishPro 30XP 15-Gauge Finish Nailer rubberized nose pulls double duty as it protects the finish work but also prevents slipping along the material. As I described earlier, the steep magazine angle allowed this rubberized nose to get in every tight place we needed it. I never experienced a jam, but the E-Z Clear latch is, well, E-Z to open in case you did have one.

Finish work is a little slower and more deliberate than framing and other rough-in work, so the single actuation is sufficient. Of course, it might be nice to have the option for bump fire just like having all the bells and whistles is usually nice. But that’s not this Senco’s style and that’s fine. We were just thankful that it had a belt hook – sometimes omitted from other nailers – as that is far more useful than actuation options.

Getting Exhausted

Exhaust from a finish nailer is lower volume than a bigger nailer, so there typically isn’t an adjustable deflector. The problem is that often you use a finishing nailer in a dusty, dirty environment instead of the relatively open air of a framing or roofing job. So dust and dirt are picked up by the nailer’s exhaust and blown in your face and eyes.

I’ve always wished that nailers could exhaust through the handle like some pneumatic automotive tools. This isn’t unique to Senco. It’s the design of all nailers. However, if the manufacturers are listening, it would be a significant improvement and distinguishing feature.

Senco 9P0002N Bottom Line

The Senco FinishPro 30XP 15-Gauge Finish Nailer packs a lot of power in a well-balanced workhorse of a finish nailer. It’s the right gauge to do a wide range of finish work where a lighter gauge would fail. It also shares the title of lightest 15-gauge nailer available with the Ridgid R250AFE at 3.8 pounds.

The Senco is quite capable and offers performance with no-frills at $256.49 with a 5-year warranty.

Senco FinishPro 30XP 15-Gauge Finish Nailer Features

• Finish & Woodworking, Cabinets, Paneling, Casing
• Never-Lube design. No oil required.
• EZ-Clear eliminates downtime caused by fastener jams.
• Ultra-lightweight for ease of use and maneuverability.

Senco FinishPro 30XP 15-Gauge Finish Nailer Specifications

• Item Number: 9P0002N
• Tool Weight: 3.83 lbs (1.73 kgs)
• Height: 9 5/8″ (245 mm)
• Length: 12″ (305 mm)
• Width: 3 1/4″ (82.5 mm)
• Warranty: 5 year
• Technology: Pneumatic
• Trigger Type: Sequential Actuation
• Operating Pressure: 70 – 120 (PSI)
• Operating Pressure: 4.8 – 8.3 (Bar)
• Air Consumption: 2.16 (SCFM)
• Air Inlet NPT: 1/4-inch
• Capacity: 104
• Range: 1″ – 2″
• Price: $256.49

The post Senco FinishPro 30XP 15-Gauge Finish Nailer appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Fiber cement has been around for over a hundred years but it really came into widespread use as a substitute for asbestos cement in the 1980s. Fiber cement’s cellulose fibers replaced asbestos fibers as the reinforcing members in building materials, eliminating the risk of diseases resulting from asbestos inhalation. But that doesn’t mean that all danger is gone. When fiber cement is cut, it creates respirable crystalline silica dust, which wreaks havoc on our tools and lungs. In fact, just last year OSHA reduced the exposure limit to crystalline silica dust in an attempt to stem the danger of silicosis. The good news is that a little prevention goes a long way, as does some help from the cleverly designed Skilsaw Fiber Cement Circular Saw.

First Impressions

The Skilsaw Fiber Cement Circular Saw might look like any other circular saw you’ve ever seen except for a blade guard that tapers into an 8-foot hose. Of course, that gets connected to your dust extractor with the included 1-1/2- or 2-1/2-inch adapters. In this way, most dangerous particles should be captured by the suction and safely bagged instead of collecting on the saw or worse still, inhaled by the user!

For the particles that aren’t captured, there are sealed motor bearings and a dust resistant switch. What’s not sealed is your respiratory system, so be sure you know this saw is no substitute for a respirator.

A no-mar nylon sleeve covers the hose and 10-foot power cord to prevent snagging and cutting through your own cord.

The 15-amp motor is on the high end of the circular saw power spectrum and it’s needed since what it cuts is tough stuff. It’s a sidewinder model with Skilsaw’s 67 series motor rather than their 77 series worm drive. Expect some torque to be given up for higher speed and lower weight in a sidewinder if you’re comparing the two styles.

Skilsaw balances out the weight with some magnesium components, resulting in a saw that’s burly without tipping the scales too terribly at 9 pounds. Diablo’s HardieBlade makes up the business end of the saw with its unusual 4-tooth design. We have some fiber cement siding to cut, so let’s get to it.

We Also Reviewed Diablo’s 10-Inch Hardie Blade

The Not-So-Healthy High Fiber Diet

We plugged the saw’s cord into power and the hose into the vacuum. The saw lacks a safety switch and, quite frankly, that’s usually preferred by Pros because it eliminates an annoying step. Others will surely knock the lack of this safety feature as being a serious oversight.

When I pulled the trigger, I immediately noticed the saw’s outstanding stability. There was no blade wobble or rocking, which helps make straight, clean cuts. Since fiber cement doesn’t have a grain like wood does, you’ll notice that both rip and crosscuts feel the same: there’s no path of least resistance along the grain like wood.

If you’ve ever cut fiber cement products without a dust extractor, you’ll know the dust cloud created is huge. Skilsaw’s dust mitigation is really impressive as it only allows a couple of puffs of dust into the air. It’s good for the guy cutting and everyone else on the jobsite since the dust cloud can hang over the area long enough to inhale an unhealthy amount. Still, September 23rd is the deadline for new OSHA compliance, so be sure you have your PPE in order.

The dust is also hard on saws, so time will tell if the sealed motor bearings and dust resistant switch are helpful. Frankly, there’s no way to truly protect the motor and also have it vent properly, so some buildup inside the tool is inevitable. Those tiny particles will likely build up inside the blade guard so that it doesn’t slide smoothly, too. Of course, that will happen at a much slower rate than a saw without the Skilsaw’s dust extraction.

The effectiveness of the Skilsaw Fiber Cement Circular Saw is a function your vacuum’s power. I used an old 3 horsepower ShopVac that has seen better days. Upgrading to something like the Bosch VAC140A will likely eliminate nearly all of the dust. And let’s be honest, the new OSHA rules will require more effective collection than many Pros currently use, especially on small crews.

Pro Tip:

The saw can remove a lot of the dust from ever entering the air, but it’s still no substitute for a respirator – wear one!

The standard components of the Skilsaw Fiber Cement Circular Saw work just fine. I like the nice, wide shoe. It can bevel up to 56 degrees with stops at 0 and 45 degrees.

The motor is well-powered for the task. Regular readers know that Diablo blades are top performers. Some guys have stopped buying the HardieBlade. Instead, they buy a pack of cheap framing blades and just toss them when the fiber cement turns them into butter knives.  You’ll have to decide what’s best for your job, but we find that the life of a Diablo blade typically pays for itself with the number of cheap blades you go through.

I came across a few people who couldn’t make a snug connection between the Skilsaw’s hose and the vacuum adapters. I didn’t experience this but keep an eye on the connection to make sure you’re not trading one dust cloud for another.

The Bottom Line

The Skilsaw Fiber Cement Circular Saw adds a dust collection port and upgrades the durability of their standard sidewinder saw to create a tool specifically designed to cut fiber cement board. That design helps prevent damage that will occur quickly with a standard saw and eliminate much of the airborne silica dust created. The Diablo HardieBlade it’s paired with also helps reduce the overall amount of dust created.

Overall, dust collection is noticeably improved, even using a 3 horsepower ShopVac as a dust extractor and should be very effective with a high-end extractor. It’s not going to be perfect, so a respirator is still in order and you’ll need to check how close to compliance you are with the new OSHA standards set for September 23rd of this year.

Besides the extraction capability, the stand-out feature of this saw is its excellent stability upon startup. Any blade wobble will throw more dust in the air and result in poor quality cuts, so that’s a big deal.

One feature that’s missing is a rafter hook. It’s nothing close to a deal-breaker, but it would be nice to have one.

The upgrades will come at a $70 premium over a the Skilsaw SPT67WM-22 Sidewinder. Even at $169, I can easily recommend this saw to anyone cutting fiber cement material. This is a saw that once you try, you won’t go back to the old way of cutting!

Skilsaw Fiber Cement Circular Saw Manufacturer’s Key Features

• Unique dust collection design channels silica dust away from the tool motor for longer life
• Sealed bearings and a dust resistant switch protect the saw from silica dust for longer life
• No-mar sleeve keeps cord and hose out of your way
• Diablo HardieBlade included for optimal cutting right out of the box
• Lightweight magnesium components for less user fatigue
• Dual-Field Motor ensures best-in-class performance and durability
• Includes Skilsaw SPT67FMD, 4-tooth Diablo HardieBlade for Fiber Cement, 8-foot vacuum hose with nylon sleeve, 1-1/2-inch vacuum hose adapter, 2-1/2-inch vacuum hose adapter and multi-function wrench (stored in foot)

Skilsaw Fiber Cement Circular Saw Specifications

• Model number: Skilsaw SPT67FMD-22
• Blade: 7-1/4-inch
• Arbor: 5/8-inch
• Cord length: 10 feet
• Height: 9 inches
• Weight: 9 pounds
• Power: 15 amps
• No load RPM: 5,300
• Gearing: sidewinder
• Foot material: magnesium
• Gear housing: magnesium
• Motor housing: resin
• Max cut depth at 45°: 1-7/8-inch
• Max cut depth at 90°: 2-7/16-inch
• Bevel: 56°
• Bevel stops: 0°, 45°
• Blade location: right
• Blade included: 4-tooth Diablo Polycrystalline Diamond-tipped
• Warranty: Skilsaw’s 1-year limited Stay True Guarantee
• Price: $189.00

The post Skilsaw Fiber Cement Circular Saw Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

One measure of good carpentry is work that is level and plumb or, more generally, staying true to the angle of the work. For centuries, craftsmen of all stripes have used the spirit – or bubble – level to accomplish this. Over the last couple of decades, lasers have been incorporated to shoot lines over long surfaces, but the old, reliable bubble was first needed to find level. Technology trickles down as it always does and today I have the opportunity to check out the inexpensive Ryobi Multi Surface Laser Level, a compact level and laser combination with several features designed to keep you true to the angle. Let’s check it out.

First Impressions

This level is a compact unit with both horizontal and vertical vials. The laser, powered by two AAA batteries, is turned on and off by an easily identifiable white button. Perhaps most interesting is the easily removable 90-degree protractor to which it’s attached. It might come in handy for those times when an angle other than 90 or 0 is required.

The “Multi Surface” in the title refers to the three options for attaching the laser level to surfaces: suction cups, pins, and magnets. The suction cups and magnets are embedded in the tool body, and the pins, which poke through holes in the body, have onboard storage. Ryobi claims the laser has a 20-foot range so we brought it along to a home remodel/refurbishment to see what it could do.

I must admit at the outset that I don’t currently have a tool like this and I’m curious to see if it meets a professional’s  requirements. All I can do is give it an honest shot to make the team.

Laser Beam Me Up

The home remodel/refurbish that I mentioned is a project that we use to fill in between bigger jobs. As you might expect, parts of both the interior and exterior are in various states of completeness. As we worked throughout several days, I looked for opportunities to put the Ryobi Multi Surface Laser Level to good use and had a bit of a hard time. However, before digging deep on this construction site, let’s discuss how the features work in the abstract.

The Power of Three

First, the three options for surface attachment are a great idea. The suction cups can attach to windows or other non-porous, flat materials. This has several potential uses, but the first thing that comes to mind is you can install window treatment hardware with it. The magnets have similar usefulness around ferrous materials like steel structures.

The ability to pin the unit to plaster or drywall probably has the most utility. With the protractor attached, the user can quickly find angles along a long, flat surface. Helpfully, the push pins can also be used to pin the protractor in place, while the small gray knob holding the laser to the protractor tightens down to hold the angle. I found the laser to be plenty bright enough inside to accomplish a long line.

Pro or DIY?

Still, searching for other reviews reveals what I suspected: users are overwhelmingly homeowners/DIYers who rated the Ryobi Multi Surface Laser Level very highly for hanging pictures, shelves, possibly a suspended ceiling, and so on, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a Pro’s review (until now!).

Even so, let me suggest a couple places where Pros could find the Ryobi useful. One of the most salient long angles in a home is a staircase. By using the protractor, a carpenter can shoot a laser line up the wall to keep the angle. This would obviate popping a chalk line or constantly rechecking the rake to be sure the project is on course.

Another use is conventionally framing a roof. Say you have a wall that another pitch is going to intersect. The roof is to be a 5/12 pitch, which is 22.5 degrees. The carpenter can put the laser on the bottom of the wall, shoot the 22.5 degrees up the wall, and put a rafter on it. You wouldn’t have to deal with a square or popping a line.

Is it likely that the Pros will move from their current method to this?

Probably not, but those are a couple of ideas.

The Bottom Line

The Ryobi Multi Surface Laser Level is a two AAA-battery powered, dual vial bubble level with a 20-foot laser range that can attach to surfaces using the onboard suction cups, magnets, or push pins. It also features an easily-removed 90-degree protractor for angles other than 90 or 0.

The laser level has a lot of utility for the homeowner/DIYer but it’s harder to find professional uses for it on the construction site. That certainly doesn’t mean it’s a bad product, though!

Ryobi often straddles the line of the Pro and DIYer and many of its recent offerings are solidly in the Pro category. In fact, I have a trailer full of many Ryobi tools because I think they represent a great value.

In the case of the Ryobi Multi Surface Laser Level, it might just stay in the realm of the DIYer. However, Pros might find it useful for shooting long staircase angles or finding the right pitch on a conventionally framed roof. At just $24.97, it’s not a big risk to find out if it might make your life easier.

Ryobi Multi Surface Laser Level Features

• Model number: ELL1750 – $24.97
• Horizontal and vertical bubble vials for accurate leveling
• 20-foot laser range
• On-board pin storage underneath mounting cradle
• Multiple mounting options: magnet, pins, or suction cup
• Convenient, hands-free design
• Angle finder alignment plate
• Includes: multi-surface laser level, mounting cradle, 2 pins, angle finder alignment plate, 2 AAA batteries and operator’s manual

Ryobi Multi Surface Laser Level Specifications

• Depth: 1.6-inch
• Length: 3.51-inch
• Height: 1.38-inch
• Width: 3.51-inch
• Batteries included: yes
• Battery type: AAA
• Number of batteries: 2
• Number of beams: 1
• Manufacturer’s warranty: 3 years

The post Ryobi Multi Surface Laser Level appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

While many people consider Ryobi tools to be solidly in the DIYer category, the company has consistently cranked out high-quality, affordably priced tools that are right at home in a Pro’s toolbox. In fact, many of the tools in my trailer are Ryobi, including the rotary hammer drill I recently reviewed. Now Ryobi’s added to its suite of lighting products with the Ryobi 18V One+ Dual Power LED Spotlight. I don’t often have to work in the dark, but I went out looking for a reason to do so.

First Impressions

The “dual power” in the name comes from spotlight’s ability to be powered by Ryobi’s 18V One+ battery or the included 12V automotive cord. The 12V cord plugs into the bottom of the light, so you’ll have to remove the battery to use it. The tool doesn’t come with an 18V battery (it’s bare), so it looks like Ryobi is catering more to those already on the 18V One+ platform instead of trying to lure in new customers. Although it would add to the price, that might a missed opportunity given some of the stellar reviews I’ve already read about it. We’ll see.

Seven 3-watt CREE LEDs produce up to 2,500 lumens and what Ryobi claims is a 700-yard beam distance. Two light output levels, as well as off, are controlled with the successive trigger that locks on so it doesn’t have to be held. You can see a big heat sink through the large cooling grates. This is a necessity because a spotlight this size absolutely must have a way for the heat to dissipate quickly, even with an LED light source.

The spotlight’s handle has the same comfortable grip overmold that I like on the rotary hammer drill. There’s also a top handle that can serve as a tether or hanging hook built into the tool body. With a little creativity, it’s a handy feature for a variety of hanging options. The easiest is to simply tie a string around it for hanging on a nail or screw.

At 1.55 pounds without the battery, it’s light. Ryobi’s Xenon spotlight tips the scales at 2.5 pounds. If you’ve used that model, you’ll certainly like the Ryobi P717’s weight. But let’s get to work and see if it’s an illuminating experience.

Read our review of Ryobi’s 1700-lumen Hybrid Work Light for a flood light option!

Shine On

This light is just impressively bright. It’s immediately clear why they call it a spotlight instead of just a flashlight. The beam is wide and long. Even in the bright daylight, you can stand several feet away from an object outside and see the beam on high. Aside from the fact that there are seven LED chips instead of four, it’s very similar to the light output of Ridgid’s Light Cannon.

I used the Ryobi 18V One+ Dual Power LED Spotlight to illuminate an attic and it’s all the light I needed. I didn’t even need to move it around – it simply lit the entire space up with reflected light. Both beam levels work well, though you only likely need low for inside jobs.

Other Considerations

Balance is excellent – it stands up sturdily on its battery base, and that weight down balance works well in hand. As I mentioned, it’s very light. As a spotlight that’s meant to be held, Ryobi did a nice job with the heat dissipation to keep the user comfortable during extended use.

You might initially wonder why you have to remove the battery to plug in the automotive cord. After all, it seems a little inconvenient since you’d rather just keep the battery attached for charging or to simply stand on its own. But it’s really a safety feature that keeps this spotlight in the featherweight division and the price so affordable. If you could use the 18V battery and 12V plug simultaneously, the spotlight would require circuit protection that would add weight along with a price jump.

The only downside is that it’s not freestanding when powered by the 12V plug – it must lay down or be propped somehow. That is unless you’re holding it out your car window on some kind of patrol. While I’d discourage you from impersonating a police officer, it’s handy for a drive by security sweep of your jobsite.

I didn’t run the spotlight until the battery died, but Ryobi says you’ll get 5 hours on low using a 4Ah battery. That will give you enough time to work one-off jobs outside on high or a decent project inside on low. Compared to its Ridgid cousin getting 30 hours on low and more than 4 hours on high, runtime is fairly short.

The Bottom Line

The Ryobi 18V One+ Dual Power LED Spotlight is a featherweight light at 1.55 pounds and produces an impressive 2,500-lumen beam with seven 3-watt CREE LEDs powered by either a Ryobi 18V One+ battery (not included) or a 12V automotive cord (included).

It has high and low (and of course, off) settings which are toggled by a successive trigger with a lock-on. It has a large heat sink and plastic grate area to dissipate heat quickly. The overmold grip is comfortable and similar to other recent Ryobi products.

The light can be freestanding on the 18V battery or hung by the top handle that’s part of the tool body with a little creative thinking. If you’re not holding or hanging the light while powering it via the 12V adapter, you’ll have to lay it on its side or prop it up somehow. This is really the only awkward part of this otherwise stellar light.

But keep in mind that having to remove the battery to plug in the 12V automotive cord is a safety feature that keeps the weight and price down. If you could plug in the 12V cord while the battery was inserted, the Ryobi 18V One+ Dual Power LED Spotlight would need circuit protection that would add to the price and weight.

Overall, I’m very happy with the design. At $49 it’s really a steal if you’re already on Ryobi’s 18V One+ platform but even if you’re not, it’s another one in a line of recent tools that will make you consider jumping on board!

For smaller areas, check out our review of Ryobi’s LED Workbench Light!

Ryobi 18V One+ Dual Power LED Spotlight Features

• Over 2,500-Lumens of light
• 700 yds. of beam distance
• Seven 3-Watt CREE LEDs for superior light output
• Up to 5 hours of runtime with Ryobi P108 4Ah battery
• Dual powered
• Includes: 12-Volt automotive cord, operators manual

Ryobi 18V One+ Dual Power LED Spotlight Specifications

• Model number: Ryobi P717
• Depth: 7-inches
• Width: 4.25-inches
• Height: 8.25-inches
• Batteries included: no
• Product weight: 1.5-pounds
• Certifications: 1-UL listed
• Warranty: 3-year
• Price: $49 (bare) at The Home Depot

The post Ryobi 18V One+ Dual Power LED Spotlight appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

What tool is so useful that it’s literally out of this world? I submit the rotary hammer, which NASA included on the Mars rover Curiosity. When the job calls for making holes in stone and concrete or chipping masonry, the rotary hammer is the tool for the job. I’m not sure if Ryobi made NASA’s version, but on the terrestrial side, the company has introduced the Ryobi 18V One+ SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Drill.

You may notice the name suggests a hybrid: although generally intended for the same function, rotary hammers and hammer drills have distinct mechanisms. I certainly didn’t disassemble the Ryobi to find out if it had both mechanisms, but I did want to find out if it could make some holes in concrete.

First Impressions

The Ryobi 18V One+ SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Drill is light! The rotary hammer I usually use is bigger, heavier, and corded – but it can be overkill for most jobs. The 5,000 BPM impact rate, 1,300 RPM speed, and 3/4-inch max hole diameter is able to handle the majority of holes I need to make. Similar to the argument for 12V tools, why use something heavier and bulkier if I don’t have to?

This rotary hammer drill has four modes: rotary hammer, rotational drilling, chisel only, and a chisel adjust mode that allows you to maneuver the bit to your desired position. While the design seems to suggest a bridge between hammer drills and rotary hammers, the chuck is an SDS-Plus design so you won’t be able to use standard twist bits unless you go with a chuck adapter.

Modes are easily selected using a dial on the left side of the tool. It strikes me as a wide range of functionality for such a compact, light tool. The chisel adjust mode is one that you may not have seen on a rotary hammer before. It allows the bit to rotate freely while you work. Some hammers let you lock in the chisel at an angle, but free rotation while working is more unique.

The GripZone overmold reminds me of Ridgid’s Hex Grip, which I really like. It’s comfortable in the hand and as I’ve mentioned, it’s very light. Speaking of light, the LED work light is a great touch. Finally, a feature I always look for is a battery gauge on the pack or on board – Ryobi’s One+ battery’s fuel gauge is on the pack with four indicator lights.

Drilling and Able

We had some big, louvered fans to install using tap cons so we called up Ryobi to the big leagues. Needless to say (but I’ll say it anyway), having a cordless tool is preferred other things equal. But the Ryobi’s cordless nature coupled with its light weight made the job breeze. It’s great for working above your head or on walls above your shoulder.

Additionally, the design lends itself to one-handed operation. You must use two hands with the typical, larger-than-necessary rotary hammer I mentioned above. The Ryobi made all the holes we asked it to make with less muscular effort than our bigger, more expensive hammer.

Especially if you don’t have a bunch of holes or for punch list stuff, this is perfect. Keep in mind it’s intended purpose: if you need big diameter holes, hundreds of holes, or you intend to do major demo, this clearly isn’t the tool you’d choose first. There are definitely more powerful, faster drilling options out there among the traditional Pro brands, but Ryobi takes a lot of the fatigue away with their lightweight design.

One request I’d have is for Ryobi to re-engineer the balance of this tool. Even with a small bit inserted, this hammer drill is top heavy and falls forward when you’d expect it to stand up on the battery. It’s not a huge knock on the tool because most hammers can’t stand up either, but with weight lending itself to one-hand use, it would be easier for horizontal and overhead applications to shift the weight back some.

 The Bottom Line

We’re often asked why a Pro-focused organization reviews Ryobi tools. The Ryobi 18V One+ SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Drill is a perfect example of why. There’s a plethora of tools that the DIYer is happy to get in their hands, but tools like this are clearly tipped more toward the Pro side of things.

Thousands of MRO crews around the country rely on Ryobi tools to get the job done thanks to their performance to cost ratio. You’ll find them all over construction sites for the same reason.

From a size and weight standpoint, the Ryobi 18V One+ SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Drill seems to bridge a gap between hammer drills and rotary hammers. However, with an SDS-Plus chuck, this is definitely a lightweight, compact rotary hammer and really not something I’d expect the DIYer to own. It’s better suited as a cordless, compact supplement to the Pro’s workhorse hammer.

With this in mind, it’s an excellent solution for installing Tap Cons, making holes for anchors, and small tile removal and chipping jobs. Even Pros that are loyal to the big names may find themselves picking up the Ryobi P222 for one-off and punch list jobs.

The Ryobi 18V One+ SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Drill is a smart addition for Ryobi. At $99, recommending it is easy, even more so if you’re already on Ryobi’s 18V platform. You can pay three times as much for a tool that will give you the same result and likely weighs more with a cord trailing behind.

Ryobi 18V One+ SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Drill Features

• SDS-Plus chuck for quick, secure, tool-free bit changes
• Three-mode selector for rotary hammer, rotational drilling, and chisel only mode
• Innovative chisel adjust mode to maneuver the bit to the optimum position
• LED light increases work area visibility
• Powerful, compact design up to 5,000 BPM to hammer through the toughest materials
• Variable speed trigger to perform a variety of applications
• New and improved GripZone overmold

Ryobi 18V One+ SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Drill Specifications

• Model: Ryobi P222
• Power Source: Ryobi One+ 18V battery pack
• Chuck: SDS-Plus
• No Load Speed: 0-1,300 PRM
• BPM: 0-5,000
• Impact Energy: 1.2 Joules
• Tool Weight: 3.65 lbs.
• Warranty: 3 years
• Price: $139.99 (bare)

The post Ryobi 18V One+ SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Drill appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

The last time we talked about roofing nailers, I told you that although there’s more variation among them than framing nailers, there’s still not a ton of differentiation. But it’s the weight that really tips the balance – pun intended – in favor of the tools I prefer. Most new roofing tools really just tinker around the margins because, of course, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Still, there are some interesting features of the new Ridgid R175RNF Coil Roofing Nailer that might make me reconsider my not-so-different stance among product offerings. Let’s take a closer look.

First Impressions

Well, this nailer is light. It’s the first thing I look for since I know I’ll have to hold a tool up for hours or days. It’s undoubtedly due to Ridgid’s magnesium housing. I also really like the thinner handle overmolded with Ridgid’s Hex Grip, which has become a favorite of mine.

The depth of drive adjustment is a dial near the trigger instead of on top of the nose like other roofing nailers I’ve used. My first thought is that it might not be as easy to see the depth of drive on the side as it is on the top of the nailer, but I’ll withhold judgement until I’ve used it a bit.

The installed swivel quick connector is a nice touch since it makes maneuvering the nailer easier with the hose attached. I also like the wear guards on the side of the nail canister – they will certainly help maintain the cosmetic and functional parts of the nailer. Finally, it comes with a wrench and your first few ounces of oil.

Get Your Nails Done

I don’t want to give the game away, but the slim, Hex Grip overmold makes the Ridgid R175RNF Coil Roofing Nailer a breeze to operate, and the light weight is second to none other I’ve used. I used this nailer all around a house remodel and on some new construction we’re doing.

The nailer’s nosepiece has carbide inserts and delivers 1-1/2- to 3-1/2-inch fasteners and includes a dry fire lockout. The fasteners move smoothly off the collated coil. The combination resulted in zero jams or misfires so far.

I thought I might not like the depth dial’s placement but it’s really not a problem. Although other nailers’ have big, bold numbers that you can easily read, the Ridgid’s dial position underneath the nailer protects it from wear and tear. It will likely be a matter of your preference.

The spring loaded basket is also easy to adjust to various nail lengths. This is simple and intuitive – some nailers are really a pain in the neck in this department but I like what Ridgid has done on this model.

There’s a simple and safe contact (bump) fire or sequential fire selector. You depress a safety button and move the knob to change between modes. There are times when both modes are appropriate but, of course, you always need to use an extra measure of precaution with bump fire because of the slim chance recoil could cause any nailer to fire off a nail in a direction you didn’t intend.

This nailer’s recoil is about the standard for roofing nailers. It’s nice having the bump fire or single fire actuation option. Single fire gives you more control in tight spaces. If you use bump fire in tight spaces there’s a chance that the gun can recoil, hit something behind it, and then be pushed back to the nailing surface to shoot another nail you didn’t intend. I save bump fire for shingles and house wraps and prefer single fire for the rest.

The removable tool-free shingle guide adjustment is well designed. It moves easily up and down the track with the push of a button, but you can also take it off the nailer easily to give you more room in tight spaces. This is a better feature than other nailers I’ve used. Finally, the exhaust diffuser with muffler that does an adequate job.

The Bottom Line

The Ridgid R175RNF Coil Roofing Nailer quickly won me over. At $199 with free o-rings, piston stops, and driver blades for life, it’s a slam-dunk. I highly recommend it.

Ridgid R175RNF Coil Roofing Nailer Features

• Dry-fire lockout feature extends the motor life and prevents misfiring nails
• Straight drive feature assures nails sit flush with the materials to limit shingle damage
• EZ load feature provides fast and easy loading of nails in the magazine
• Exhaust diffuser with muffler automatically directs exhaust away from user
• Fasten edge technology-industry leading feature set
• Nosepiece with carbide inserts extends tool life
• Anti-skid plates help prevent the tool from sliding
• Wear guards protect the tool from damage on abrasive surfaces
• Magnetic nail holder positions nails for quality drives through to the last nail
• Removable tool-free shingle guide adjustment precise placement of shingles
• Over molded handle and trigger rubber over mold interlocks with the metal housing for maximum durability and prevents the grip from twisting

Ridgid R175RNF Coil Roofing Nailer Specifications

• Model: Ridgid R175RNF
• Power Source: Compressed Air
• Fastener Range: 1-1/2″ to 3-1/2″
• Collation: Wire Coil
• Warranty: 3-year plus Lifetime Service Agreement
• Price: $199

The post Ridgid R175RNF Coil Roofing Nailer appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

There’s a lot of (somewhat) interesting lore about the invention of the framing nailer, but one thing is certain: for the last 65 years or so, it has allowed wood-framed buildings to rise quicker and framers’ thumbs to last longer. Today framing nailers are powered by lithium-ion batteries, compressed gas cells, or more commonly by pneumatic force generated by an air compressor. Frankly there’s not usually a huge amount of variability in framing nailer design and function, but there are slight differences in weight, balance, and operation that would make you choose one over another. The DeWalt DWF83PT 30-degree Paper Tape Collated Framing Nailer was designed to major in those slight differences and I was happy to test it out and see the results.

First Impressions

I’ve been in just about every phase of construction over the past 35 years with the majority of that time spent in carpentry, so I can tell pretty quickly if a tool will be easy or hard to use all day. New materials and components have made tools noticeably lighter and the DeWalt framer is no exception. It is quite light and that’s really what’s most important to me in a nail gun. It’s great that the tool can make framing 8 to 10 times faster than hammer-driven nails, but if you can’t hold the thing up all day, day after day, then it’s really of no use.

The weight of the tool also contributes to the total fatigue of the work environment. In the Florida summer heat, holding up materials like especially heavy headers or working on scaffolding where extra caution is warranted, the last thing I want to do is reach down and pick up a heavy nailer. So let’s get down to business on the jobsite – and always be sure to wear eye protection.

Features Worth Noting

Just because there isn’t a lot of difference in most framing nailers doesn’t mean there aren’t things to talk about. Several must-have features are on this model and there are a couple things you may find on other nailers this leaves off.

First of all, you’ll notice this is a 30-degree framer, not a 21-degree like many are used to using. While there’s nothing wrong with the angle or performance it offers, you’ll likely find fewer choices at your local hardware store when it comes to nails.

The belt hook is absolutely a must-have on any framing nailer. You don’t have the luxury of working at ground level all the time and you need both hands to help you climb safely. DeWalt’s belt hook is sturdy and swivels around the base so you can easily hook it right or left handed. It’s wide enough to hook on 2x material as well.

Access through the top is tool-free in the case of a jam and the depth of drive is adjusted with a typical thumb wheel.

DeWalt has followed suit with most modern nailers and switching between bump and sequential firing modes is tool-free.

One of the few features you may have gotten used to but won’t find is an adjustable exhaust vent. By leaving that off, it ensures the entire back of the nailer is metal construction with no plastic to break if it drops.

Nailed It

Over the several weeks I used the DeWalt DWF83PT framing nailer, I really appreciated the comfortable, light, and well-balanced design. Even with a full clip or half a clip it’s not head-heavy or tail-heavy.

The nailer loads easily through the top (back side of the magazine if you’re holding it upright) of the magazine rather than the base. Everyone has their own preference when it comes to loading, but coming in this way is pretty intuitive.

All the operations are really smooth. The depth gauge was easy to set and mode selection is simple without having to take the trigger off. It didn’t jam or misfire at all during my testing. You can really work with it all day and that’s important considering how much work we had to do.

DeWalt has designed some recoil reduction into this model. It really didn’t stand out to me as being better or worse than my normal nailers. However, when you take into account the weight reduction, you’d expect greater recoil but that wasn’t the case.

Part of the excellent performance we experienced is good design and part of this is proper maintenance. I recommend checking the tool before each use to be sure it will operate properly. Oil the gun as recommended by the manufacturer – this could be as often each day or twice a day depending on usage. One of the biggest mistakes people make with this class of tool is the failure to oil it. They’ll eventually blow the seals out of the heads which is an unnecessary inconvenience and expense. Also be sure to use the framer at DeWalt’s recommended pressure of 70 – 120 PSI.

Pro Tip:

Never attempt to drive a nail into anything but wood. Nailers are not meant to drive through hurricane clips or any other type of metal.

The Bottom Line

If you go to your construction trailer and look at all the framing nailers to choose from, you’ll want to grab this DeWalt – the overall performance of the gun makes you want to use it. The weight really makes it stand out among its peers and I haven’t been disappointed by any of the features.

There’s nothing I disliked about this framer. Because I know that there’s little variability in framing nailers, the weight is really the differentiator for me. I would certainly recommend this to other professionals. At right around $240, it’s right there with the other framers in its class. You’ll be able to work quickly and your body will thank you.

DeWalt DWF83PT 30-Degree Framing Nailer Features

• Industrial grade design for high speed and high volume framing applications
• Lightweight with enhanced ergonomics and balance for comfrot and control
• Recoil dampening engine system to minimize recoil
• Tool-free features: depth-of-drive adjustment for precise setting of fasteners and selectable trigger for bump or sequential actuation mode
• Adjustable rafter hook

DeWalt DWF83PT 30-Degree Framing Nailer Specifications

• Model: DeWalt DWF83PT
• Power Source: Compressed air
• Fastener Type: 30-degree paper tape
• Fastener Length: 2″ to 3-1/4″
• Fastener Diameter: 0.113″ – 0.131″
• Magazine Capacity: 75
• Operating Pressure: 70 – 120 PSI
• Firing Modes: Bump and Sequential, tool-free adjustment
• Weight: 8.1 pounds
• Warranty: 7 years
• Price: $235.99

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