The Ridgid Narrow Crown Stapler Drives Fasteners with Speed and Confidence
Ridgid has long been a front-runner when it comes to pneumatic nailers. With the developments in battery technology, it only makes sense that some of these models are going cordless. We got our hands on the latest Ridgid 18V Narrow Crown Stapler for some in-house testing, so you can decide if it’s time to leave the air hose behind.
Ridgid Narrow Crown Stapler Performance
- Shots Per Charge: 1000 (with 2.0Ah battery)
- Fastener Size: 3/8 – 1 1/2 in.
- Gauge: 18 Ga.
- Magazine Capacity: 105 staples
- Firing Modes: Single, sequential
- Rate of Fire: 60 shots/min.
- Motor: Brushless
The Ridgid 18V narrow crown stapler is built with power and versatility in mind. It features single and sequential firing modes and the brushless motor can fire up to 1,000 shots per charge with a 2.0Ah battery. The Ridgid Clean Drive firing system eliminates any kind of ramp-up, reduces jams, and reduces damage to sensitive materials, like MDF.
The translucent magazine holds up to 105 18-gauge staples, ranging in size from 3/8-inch up to 1 1/2-inch. That kind of range makes it ideal for installing soffit, securing floor underlayment, repairing cabinets, and installing lattice around your home.
Adjusting the drive depth is very simple. Just turn the dial on the right side to extend and retract the nose guard. You can also adjust the drive power using the dial on the back of the tool if you’re working with more delicate materials.
During our hands on testing, this stapler confidently fired 1-inch staples into our solid oak test block. What’s even more impressive, is that it could still fully drive those fasteners after we dialed the power back to its lowest setting. With that kind of power, it definitely got a thumbs up from our testing team.
Ridgid Narrow Crown Stapler Design Notes
- Model: Ridgid R09850
- Power Source: Ridgid 18V battery
- Weight: 5.3 lbs. (bare), 6.3 lbs. (with 2.0Ah battery)
- Height: 10-1/2 in.
- Length: 11 in.
This narrow crown stapler weighs in at 5.3 pounds as a bare tool and 6.3 pounds with the recommended 2.0Ah battery. It stands 10-1/2 inches tall and is 11 inches from tip to tail. The grip is slightly larger than some of the other 18V Ridgid tools we’ve tested, but it still contours nicely to my hand. Ridgid utilizes a dual-trigger on this stapler. The main trigger obviously controls the firing mechanism, but the secondary trigger acts more as a presence sensor and eliminates the need for a power button.
Compared to the pneumatic staplers, the Ridgid R09850 is a bit heavier and bulkier, but the benefits of going cordless are hard to ignore. The overall weight is balanced nicely, which makes it easy to maneuver. One thing we really appreciate is that this stapler will stand upright thanks to the battery providing a stable base.
Although they’re not very common, jams do occur. Rather than manually opening the firing chamber, Ridgid takes a slightly different approach to clearing a jam. They recommend you remove the battery and staples and then use a small slotted screwdriver to push the driver mechanism back, freeing the jam.
Additional Features
- LED worklight
- Dry-fire lockout
- Includes replacement no-mar tip
- Integrated construction ruler
Ridgid Narrow Crown Stapler Price
This narrow crown stapler retails for $249 as a bare tool and $289 as a kit. The kit includes a standard 2.0Ah battery and a single-port charger. Ridgid backs this stapler with their standard Lifetime Service Agreement, but you need to register within 90-days to take advantage of this offer.
The Bottom Line
After getting more familiar with the Ridgid 18V Narrow Crown Stapler, it’s clear to us that this tool has big potential for both Pro users and serious DIYers. It offers quick, confident firing control, and its performance here at our shop showed us that it’s a true pneumatic replacement. If you’re ready to ditch the air hose and compressor, Ridgid has the solution.
