Ryobi P320 Airstrike 18V One+ Brad Nailer 

In the beginning, we were a little skeptical about cordless brad nailers. In fact, we doubted whether it could fire nails accurately without ample pressure, which is usually produced by air compressors for pneumatic brad nailers. However, the fear of dragging heavy air compressor and air hose to do simple tasks like trim molding or putting together any custom built-ins makes us think seriously about cordless brad nailer. The most significant advantage of battery-powered cordless brad nailers is mobility, and it also eliminates most flaws that we usually find in the pneumatic brad nailers. For example, carrying air compressors and working in the perimeter of the air hose. The Lithium-ion battery is the real player behind the scenes here. Since the technology has matured enough, it can now produce the same level of force to fire nails as its pneumatic competitors. Therefore, if you are in the trim or finish carpentry where requires lots of nailing, then Ryobi P320 Airstrike 18V One+ may be the nailer you’re looking for.

First Impression

Ryobi is selling P320 Airstrike 18V One+ as a bare tool. So, you will not find the battery and charger in its package. However, the first thing you will notice about Ryobi One+ P320 is the weight. It’s not too heavy compared to its counterparts, and the total weight will not exceed 7.0 pounds with 4.0 Ah 18V One+ lithium-ion battery. While this nailer is about 5 pounds heavier than pneumatic brad nailers, but you will feel balanced when you hold this nailer in your hand. According to most professionals, weight is not an issue when compared to the benefit of the cordless nailer.

We have already stated that you will only receive the nailer. Thus, the nailer packaging may include,

• A P320 Airstrike 18V One+ Brad Nailer
• (500) 1-1/4” 18 Gauge Brad Nails
• Belt Clip
• Operator’s Manual

Design

One thing we can tell you at first look that the Ryobi design team has spent lots of time creating this nailer. It’s not only stylish but also functional at the same time. Ryobi’s patented 18V ONE+ system features 100s of unique products but one thing in common, and that is color. All products under 18V ONE+ system have a combination of green (most likely lime) and light ash color on their outer shell. So, it’s time to change our mind that all power tools will not come in traditional black and dark yellow color combinations. We liked its brand statement that Ryobi has applied to differentiate their products from competitors.

Now, the green color you see on Ryobi One+ P320 is hard reinforced plastic, and the rest of the body is light ash color, which is virtually rubberized over-mold for optimum grip and user comfort. You will also notice that the control switches like the trigger, mode selector, air pressure dial, jam release latch, and depth of drive adjustment feature the same color. So, users can find them easily. Above all, we think its built quality and ergonomic design are sufficient to be considered for home and professional use.

Performance and Key Features

You can expect the same performance from the Ryobi P320 as the pneumatic nailers. You will also get extended mobility compared to pneumatic nailers. However, in this section, we will discuss the overall performance and key features of Ryobi P320 Airstrike 18V One+.

• Airstrike Vs. Pneumatic

It may raise in your mind whether the battery-powered cordless brad nailer could perform the same as a pneumatic nailer. The answer is yes, both perform the same act, but the technology and method of work are different. The significant difference between Ryobi’s Airstrike technology and pneumatic nailer is firing time. You will experience a slight delay in nail firing after pulling the trigger of Ryobi P320, whereas pneumatic nailer shot nails instantly. It’s because Ryobi’s silent motor requires a short cycle of ramp-up before shot the nail. While the delay time is not too long and you will actually get habituated to it after firing 10-15 shots.

• Driving with Dual Depth Adjustment

You can adjust both air pressure and depth of drive independently with Ryobi P320 One+. This is a unique feature that you will find in this nailer. Though most brad nailer usually relies on the depth of drive adjustment to determine how deep the nail will sink. Hence, the Ryobi P320 air pressure dial will allow you to control air pressure to shallow or deep drive your nails. If you don’t get the depth you need, use the depth of drive adjustment wheel as a second option. In fact, Ryobi primarily suggested using air pressure dial to adjust depth.

• Versatile Firing Mode

Ryobi P320 One+ offers dual firing mode that allows you to select the firing mode from contact or sequential actuation. It really works well with the Airstrike system. You will get impressive results in counter countersinking 2-inch brad nails on various wood materials such as pine, maple, and birch using contact or sequential firing mode with high consistency. You may even find it more consistent than pneumatic brad nailers. Do precision nailing or fast nailing, you will get reliable shots from both firing modes. Above all, battery generated air supply minimizes the chance of fluctuation between shots.

• Dry-fire Lockout

Dry-fire lockout is a feature that most professionals want in their brad nailer. It does no matter whatever the nailer power source is. This system will come into action when 0-5 nails are left in your nailer magazine. Once the system is activated, it will stop firing nails and deliver only air instead of the nail on pulling the trigger. It’s also a kind of message to let you know that your nails are finished, and it’s time to load your nailer magazine with another round of nails. While some top brands sometimes ignore this useful feature, but Ryobi One+ P320 has it, and it works great.

• Tool-free Jam Release

Nail jamming is common that you can’t avoid while using a nail gun. Ryobi P320 One+ offers the tool-free jam release feature. There is a latch on its easy to clear front nose assembly. Just open the front nose and lift the latch to expose the nail driver. In contrast, the Ryobi One+ P320 user manual indicates the use of a flat screwdriver into the driving mechanism tip and suggests to push back to release the jam. During our research, we didn’t find any practical information to support that indication.

• No-Mar Pad

The Ryobi P320 has attached a removable non-marring pad on its nose. It helps to prevent marring and denting, especially when working with relatively soft woods. You will also receive an extra no-mar pad stored in the on-board storage located on the nailer magazine. In addition, this nailer is equipped with enough bumpers to set it on any work surface without the fear of scratching.

• Dual LED Lights

LED light is a common thing nowadays, but the way Ryobi uses it in P320 is quite unique. Ryobi equipped the One+ P320 with dual LED lights on each side that shine directly to the point you are nailing. In addition to illuminating your work surface, it also indicates whether your battery charged well enough or your nailer is functioning correctly.

• Adjustable Belt Clip

An adjustable belt hook will be supplied with the nailer packaging. It’s an outstanding supporting element, especially when you use nailer too often. It’s wide enough to fit with thick or traditional belts as well as waistbands. You can set it to the right or left as you like. Just make sure you have screwed the belt clip tightly with the nailer. You can use a Phillips head screwdriver to tighten the clip.

Uses of Ryobi P320 Airstrike 18V One+

Whether it is pneumatic, gas, or battery-powered brad nailer, all of them are designed to drive only 18-gauge brad nails. Ryobi One+ P320 is also designed for the same purpose. Hence, you can depend on Ryobi P320 for any DIY or serious nailing jobs around your home. Like all other brad nailers, P320 is also ideal for finishing work, crown molding, cabinetry top, paneling, or delicate wood trim. While it offers some additional benefits such as dual fire mode, dry-fire Lockout, depth adjustment, or tool-free jam release. However, we don’t recommend Ryobi P320 Airstrike 18V One+ for any structural work or where you need secure bindings. It’s because the 18 gauge brad nails are very thin (more than ideal for delicate woods) and don’t have enough holding power.

#Ryobi ONE+ P320 Airstrike 18 Volt Brad Nailer Video Review