Pro Tool Innovation Awards: Pneumatic Tools and Nailers
Cordless and hose-connected nailers, staplers, compressors, and other tools for framing, finish, roofing, and siding
Pneumatic Tools & Nailers continue their march toward cordless convenience, but don’t count out air power yet. There’s still plenty of innovation making the tools better and cordless is still short in the power department on some of these products.
WINNER – FINISH NAILERS
RIDGID R213BNF Clean Drive 2-1/8″ 18-Gauge Brad Nailer
What they said:
The new CleanDrive Nailers offer a brand new feature set that delivers up to 17x more consecutive perfect drives than leading competitors. With a narrow tip for increased visibility, the ability to drive flush at angles, no trim blowout, and no driver blade slips. the end-user will be able to spend more time working, and less time fixing. With registration, their nailers come backed by the industry’s only Lifetime Service Agreement.
What we say:
Clean Drive is the headliner for the latest Ridgid 18-gauge finish nailer. The system creates a tighter path for the nail and driver blade so that it delivers more consistent drives and fewer jams. Ridgid is claiming 17 times more perfect drives. That translates to 3,750 nails before a misfire or jam compared to just over 200 for the competition in Ridgid’s internal testing. Those are some impressive statistics.
Price: $99
More information here.
Finalist
WINNER – CORDLESS FINISH NAILERS
Paslode IM200Li.2 18 Ga. Cordless Li-ion Brad Nailer
What they said:
The NEW Paslode 18 Ga. Cordless Li-ion Brad Nailer is the ideal nailer for all of your trim projects. With a shorter magazine, this tool has superior access to tight spaces so you are able to fasten in areas that aren’t easily accessible. This consistent nailer makes your job easier than ever, driving each nail flush into all types of trim. Lastly, at just 4.25 lbs., this is the lightest cordless brad nailer in the market.
What we say:
While battery power typically makes tools lighter and more compact, that’s not the case when it comes to nailers. Paslode is making some progress in those areas with their latest 18-gauge cordless model. By going with a smaller magazine, the overall footprint gets you into some tighter spaces, and Paslode is laying claim as having the lightest cordless brad on the market.
Price: $339
More information here.
WINNER – CORDLESS FRAMING NAILERS
DEWALT DCN21PLM1 20V MAX 21° Plastic Collated Cordless Framing Nailer
What they said:
The 20V MAX 21° Plastic Collated Cordless Framing Nailer delivers the performance
Pros demand to get the job done. The DCN21PL can drive a range of plastic collated fasteners up to 3-1/4″ and 0.148″ in diameter into a wide range of materials. Its compact shape, well-balanced design, and easy-to-operate features make it a highly productive tool capable of getting the job done quickly and efficiently. 100% battery power means you can show up and start working without wasting time setting up a compressor or spending money on costly fuel cell replacements.
What we say:
In a move that inspired several comments that included the word “finally!”, DeWalt takes their 20V Max framing nailer and gives it a 21° magazine to cover the folks who prefer that nail collation over the 30° sticks. They also move the nail diameter up a notch, giving you the option of 0.148″ nails.
Price: $399
More information here.
WINNER – ROOFING/SIDING NAILERS
EVERWIN SCN51 2″ Smart Coil Nailer
What they said:
The average weight of 2-1/2” (50mm) siding coil nailers today is 5.2 lbs (2.35 kg). Fused with advantages in weight, compatibility, and versatility, the Everwin SCN51 defines a new category of lightweight nailers.
Weighing only 4.3 lbs (1.95 kg), the SCN51 is 17% lighter than the average weight of 2-1/2” coil nailers. The weight difference makes a more maneuverable tool and lessens chances of occupational injury such as SLAP Tear. Despite its light weight, the SCN51 can drive .099” (2.5mm) diameter nails up to 2” (50mm) in length and sports the highest compatibility with different nail collation methods. It accepts nails in 0.27” ~0.315” (6.8~8mm) pitch, flat and conical coils connected by metal wire or plastic collation sheets.
The Everwin SCN51’s Power-Plus Cylinder delivers 45% more driving power at 420 in-lbs, ensuring flush of large diameter nails (even ring shank) while maintaining its compact size. It also features a serrated contact tip, no-mar pad, smart trigger system to flip between contact and sequential-fire modes, multi-directional exhaust, rotatable rafter hook, and tool-free depth adjustment wheel.
What we say:
Not every coil nailer application requires a 2-1/2″ nail, so Everwin delivered a 2″ nailer to handle the lighter end of the job. What good is dropping 1/2″? It’s nearly a pound lighter than the average 2-1/2″ model. There’s also Everwin’s Smart Trigger system. Rather than swapping a trigger or even flipping a switch, you can simply adjust your nailing mechanics to change between sequential and contact fire modes.
Price: $299
More information here.
WINNER – STAPLERS
National Nail STINGER CS150B Cap Stapler
National Nail, a leading manufacturer of fastening tools for roofing underlayment and house wrap, has upgraded the 18-gauge STINGER CS150B Cap Stapler with an enhanced design that improves performance with easier loading, longer tool life, and tool-free adjustable exhaust. Shooting 200 caps and 200 staples before reloading, the versatile cap stapler now also provides a wider range of operating pressure (up to 120psi) which makes it ideal for installing roofing underlayments, house wrap, and foamboard.
The Stinger CS150B shoots 5/8”, 7/8”, 1-1/4”, and 1-1/2” length 18 gauge staples with full 1” plastic caps. It also includes an installed belt hook, trigger with bump fire and sequential modes, and durable carrying case.
What we say:
National Nail’s Stinger Cap Stapler is changing the way you think about cap staplers. Lighter than you’d expect for a collated cap/staple system, it still holds 200 caps and staples, so you’re stopping less often to reload. Best of all, the design doesn’t suffer from the jams that you have to deal with on most of the available systems out there today.
Price: $239
More information here.
WINNER – CORDLESS STAPLERS
Milwaukee 2447-20 M12 3/8″ Crown Stapler
What they said:
Manual staplers are used for a variety of applications across a number of different trades. This includes the installation of insulation and polyethylene vapor barrier to the installation of Thermo-Pan sheeting for return air ducts. The repetitive motion and excessive force required to operate these staplers translates to considerable fatigue and can even cause injury to a user after years of use. Unfortunately, the powered solutions currently available are either too bulky, underpowered or require the user to wrestle with cords. The M12 3/8” Crown Stapler provides performance and run-time that rivals the leading cordless solution, at a fraction of the size and weight, and requires much less muscle effort to operate.
What we say:
There are times when a new tool really lights up the room. With the ability to drive 3/8″ crown staples with almost no effort compared to hand staplers, this is one of those “take my money” kind of tools that you won’t regret adding to your toolbox. The M12 stapler’s usefulness around the job site, in the shop, and around the house can’t be overstated, so the fact that we now have an M12 version makes it that much sweeter.
Price: $99
More information here.
WINNER – CORDLESS AIR COMPRESSORS
RYOBI P739 18V ONE+ 1-gal Cordless Air Compressor
The RYOBI 18-Volt ONE+ 1 Gal. Compressor is one of the newest additions to their 18-volt tool system. This compressor delivers cordless air up to 120 psi, making it perfect for roadside tire inflation or for use with pneumatic finish nailers. The RYOBI 18-Volt ONE+ 1 Gallon Compressor is backed by a 3-year warranty and is part of the Ryobi ONE+ family of over 100 tools.
What we say:
Perfect for DIYers and hobbyists, Ryobi introduces its first cordless compressor. It’s a great size to sit in the position between inflator and compressor with the portability to handle your tire-filling needs and the power to drive your finish nailers. At just $99, this one’s an easy recommendation for Ryobi users.
Price: $99
More information here.
WINNER – AIR COMPRESSORS
Husky 4.5 gal Silent Air Compressor
What they said:
This Husky 4.5 gal. Portable Electric Air Compressor delivers 3.0 SCFM at 90 psi with noise less than 65 dB. This is 80% quieter than a standard compressor. The compressor features height adjustable handle and rubber wheels for easy mobility. The two quick couplers also allow two tools work simultaneously.
What we say:
Husky notches up another win thanks to the features and price of their 4.5-Gallon Silent Air Compressor. At just 65 decibels, it’s much quieter than most standard compressors—plus it’s an oil-free design. The $199 price tag puts it in a class that even DIYers can afford.
Price: $199
More information here.
WINNER – PNEUMATIC IMPACT WRENCHES
Ingersoll-Rand 2850MAX 1” D-handle Impact Wrench
What they said:
Tackling 18 wheels takes a tool that won’t quit. Introducing the 2850MAX 1” D-handle Impact Wrench—engineered to make quick work of big jobs like semi, bus, and tractor tires. This tool has been made lighter, pushed harder, and worked longer to make sure it can handle repeated demands without sacrificing power. Every time you need extreme torque, this lightweight boss can get the job done.
Nothing matters more than torque when tackling massive jobs. The 2850MAX is Ingersoll Rand’s fiercest 1” wrench yet. Plus, the weight of the tool has been reduced without sacrificing what matters most—torque. The 2850MAX is also ergonomically designed for less fatigue.
What we say:
When you need raw fastening power, look no further than Ingersoll-Rand and their 2850MAX 1″ Impact Wrench. This pneumatic beast boasts 2,100 ft-lbs of torque to tackle the kind of bolts you see on 18-wheelers and tractors. Even with all that power, Ingersoll-Rand tells us they’ve done it with 25% less weight than the current industry leader.
Price: $700
More information here.
WINNER – HOSE AND CORD REELS
Martin Product Design FreeReel Cord and Hose Management System
Martin Product Design built the FreeReel Cord and Hose Reel Management System to make it faster and more convenient to use cords and hoses. In the development of the FreeReel System, experienced professionals were consulted in a variety of jobs, from interior remodeling to airplane mechanics. What was discovered is that there were problems with the conventional methods in every step of dealing with cords and hoses, from storage of the cords and hoses to deployment of the cords and/or hoses, and finally to retrieval of the cords and hoses for storage.
To deploy the air hose with the FreeReel system, plug it into the compressor and, using the handle on the FreeReel, just walk to where the work is. The air hose is not dragged on the ground, instead, it is laid on the ground as it leaves the patented Cord Guide. To retrieve the air hose, wind along the hose as you walk back to the compressor. No dragging of the air hose, no damage to anything in the house, and it is fast and easy. Finally, as soon as you are finished, store the air hose on the reel neatly and out of the way using the FreeReel Wall Storage Mount.
The FreeReel Cord and Hose Management System-Designed and developed in Wisconsin, manufactured in Iowa, made of an advanced thermoplastic (fiberglass filled nylon) with all stainless steel fasteners.
What we say:
There are places you can toss and drag your extension cords around, and then there are places that care about keeping their equipment in the best possible shape. For those who want a better way to manage hoses and cables, the FreeReel Cord and Hose Reel Management System lets you lay out the cord as you go, so you can focus on where the cord drops while eliminating the hassles of traditional cord reels or manual methods.
Price: $49.95
More information here.
—This is one segment of the Pro Tool Innovation Awards from ProToolReviews.com, trusted colleagues of ours. ProTradeCraft will promote additional relevant segments in the coming weeks.