Ridgid Brad Nailer Manual

The Ridgid Brad Nailer is a pneumatic finishing tool designed for precision fastening of trim, molding, and other delicate woodworking projects. It uses 18-gauge brad nails ranging from 5/8" to 2" in length. Features include a lightweight aluminum body, adjustable depth control, quick-release jam clearing mechanism, 360-degree adjustable exhaust, and a no-mar tip to protect work surfaces. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Parts Identification 4. Specifications 5. Setup & Operation 6. Loading Nails 7. Depth Adjustment 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Troubleshooting 10. Warranty Information

Features at a Glance

Key components: Lightweight aluminum body, Magazine, Depth adjustment wheel, Quick-release nose, Trigger, Air inlet, 360-degree adjustable exhaust, No-mar tip.

Feature	Description
Magazine Capacity	Holds up to 100 18-gauge brad nails
Depth Adjustment Wheel	Controls nail drive depth for flush or countersunk finish
Quick-Release Nose	For easy clearing of jammed nails
Trigger	Sequential or contact actuation mode (model dependent)
Air Inlet	1/4" NPT for air hose connection
360° Adjustable Exhaust	Directs exhaust air away from user and work area
No-Mar Tip	Prevents damage to workpiece surface
Tool-Free Jam Clearance	Allows quick removal of jammed nails without tools

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection.

Disconnect air supply before loading, clearing jams, or performing maintenance.
Never point the tool at yourself or others.
Keep hands and body away from the nail exit point.
Use only compressed air as a power source. Do not use oxygen, combustible gases, or bottled gases.
Ensure workpiece is free of nails, screws, or other obstructions before nailing.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. This tool drives nails with great force.

Parts Identification

Familiarize yourself with the main parts of the brad nailer.

Magazine: Holds strip of brad nails.
Depth Adjustment Wheel: Rotate to set nail depth.
Quick-Release Lever: Pull to open nose for jam clearing.
Trigger: For firing nails.
Air Inlet: Connection point for air hose.
Exhaust Port: Rotatable collar to direct air flow.
No-Mar Tip: Rubberized tip at the nose.
Handle: Contoured for grip.

CAUTION! Always identify the safety and operational controls before connecting to air.

Specifications

Nail Gauge: 18-gauge.
Nail Length Range: 5/8" to 2".
Magazine Capacity: 100 nails.
Operating Pressure: 70-120 PSI.
Air Consumption: Approximately 0.1 CFM per cycle.
Air Inlet: 1/4" NPT.
Tool Weight: Approximately 2.6 lbs.
Length: 10 inches.
Firing Modes: Sequential trigger (requires nose contact then pull trigger) or Contact Actuation (bump fire) depending on model.

Setup & Operation

Connect to a regulated air supply with an in-line oiler (if recommended) and moisture filter.

Ensure tool is disconnected from air.
Load appropriate brad nails into the magazine.
Connect a 1/4" air hose to the tool's air inlet. Tighten securely.
Set air compressor regulator to between 70 and 120 PSI.
Put on safety glasses and hearing protection.
Press the nose firmly against the workpiece.
Pull the trigger to drive a nail.
Adjust depth as needed for optimal results.

Tip: Practice on scrap material to get a feel for the tool's operation and depth setting.

Loading Nails

Use only 18-gauge brad nails designed for this tool.

Disconnect the air hose from the tool.
Press the magazine latch and pull the magazine door open.
Insert a strip of nails into the magazine with nail points facing down and toward the nose.
Push the nail strip fully into the magazine until it clicks into place.
Close the magazine door until it latches securely.
Connect air hose and test fire into a safe, appropriate material.

WARNING! Never load nails with the air hose connected. Keep fingers clear of the nose area.

Depth Adjustment

Fine-tune how deep the nail is driven into the workpiece.

Locate the depth adjustment wheel, typically near the nose.
To drive nails deeper (countersink), rotate the wheel toward the "+" or "Deeper" setting.
To drive nails shallower (flush or proud), rotate the wheel toward the "-" or "Shallower" setting.
Make test fires on scrap material of the same hardness as your project to verify setting.

Note: Proper depth setting prevents damage to wood and ensures a professional finish.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Disconnect air supply before any maintenance.

Daily: Add 2-3 drops of pneumatic tool oil into the air inlet before connecting the hose for the day's work.
Weekly: Wipe exterior with a clean, dry cloth. Inspect the O-ring on the air inlet for damage.
As Needed: Clear jams using the quick-release mechanism. Clean the driver blade channel if debris is present.
Lubrication: Use only air tool oil. Do not use motor oil, WD-40, or other lubricants.

CAUTION! Never disassemble the tool beyond user-serviceable parts (magazine, nose). Internal repairs should be performed by a qualified service technician.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Tool does not fire	Low air pressure, empty magazine, safety tip not depressed	Check PSI (70-120), load nails, press nose firmly against workpiece.
Nails jam frequently	Wrong nail size, damaged nails, dirty tool, low air pressure	Use correct 18ga nails, inspect strips for damage, clean magazine, increase air pressure.
Nail does not drive flush	Incorrect depth setting, worn driver blade, hard wood	Adjust depth wheel, have blade inspected by service, pre-drill pilot holes in hardwoods.
Air leaking from exhaust	Worn O-rings or internal seals	Disconnect air and have tool serviced by an authorized repair center.
Tool cycles but no nail fires	Magazine not loaded properly, nail strip misaligned	Disconnect air, open magazine, realign nail strip fully into channel.

Service: For repairs not covered in this manual, contact Ridgid Customer Service.

Warranty Information

The Ridgid Brad Nailer is backed by a Lifetime Warranty on material and workmanship for the original purchaser when registered within 90 days of purchase. This warranty covers repair or replacement of the tool if it fails due to defects in materials or workmanship. Normal wear items (O-rings, driver blade, seals) are not covered. Damage from misuse, neglect, or unauthorized repair is not covered. For warranty service, visit an authorized Ridgid service center or call 1-800-474-3443.