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Family Handyman tested Ridgid’s 18V cordless crown stapler while installing insulation and fastening wire. The reviewer reported no jams and noted the wire attachment and LED, but found that the tool still fired without staples and that staple depth sometimes changed.
Family Handyman tested Ridgid’s 18V cordless 3/8-inch crown stapler on garage insulation and wiring, reporting straightforward operation and no jams during the trial. The reviewer also found that the stapler fired without staples despite its advertised dry-fire lockout and that staple depth needed periodic adjustment. These findings describe the test and may be relevant to buyers considering the tool.
The reviewer used the stapler while insulating a newly built garage, first fastening material across the main level and then trying the tool’s wire attachment. The stapler uses Ridgid’s 18V battery platform and drives 3/8-inch crown T50 staples ranging from 1/4 to 9/16 inch long. The tested setup included a 2.0 Ah battery.
During the test, the reviewer installed six rolls of insulation, then a couple more outside the main test, and said the battery indicator did not change. The report describes the tool as easy to use after a short adjustment of the depth knob. The reviewer also noted the onboard wire and screen attachment for fastening wire and a separate-trigger LED light for illuminating work.
The review noted two drawbacks. The stapler continued to fire when its magazine was empty, contrary to the reviewer’s expectation of Ridgid’s advertised dry-fire lockout. The report says the tool did not mar the work surface, a benefit Ridgid lists for the feature, but empty firing made it harder to notice when staples had run out. The reviewer also found staples began sitting proud after roughly 20 to 30 staples and adjusted the depth knob to compensate.
Where the Stapler Helps on Site
The test describes the tool as a cordless option for insulation work, while noting that a standard stapler could also do the job. The report identifies the wire attachment and LED as features that may be useful for fastening low-voltage wiring, screen, or upholstery, although not all of those applications were tested.
The reported empty firing and shifting staple depth are practical considerations during use. A tool that continues firing when empty may make it harder to tell when staples have run out. Changes in depth can also affect how material is fastened, so the test indicates that users may need to check the settings as work progresses.
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Specifications and Listed Price
The tool weighs 3 pounds and includes a depth-adjustment knob, belt hook, integrated LED, and onboard wire and screen attachment. Ridgid claims a firing rate of up to 105 staples per minute and up to 6,800 staples per charge with a 4.0 Ah battery. Those figures are manufacturer claims; the test used a 2.0 Ah battery and did not measure maximum firing rate or a full-charge staple count.
The report listed the tool alone at $119 at Home Depot. It also said a special-buy package had been available for several months at $104 with the stapler, charger, and 2.0 Ah battery. That is the pricing reported in the source, not a guarantee of current availability. The reviewer disclosed regular use of Ridgid tools and noted the company’s lifetime service agreement, which requires registration within 90 days of purchase.
““It’s as simple as load, point, and pull the trigger.””
— Family Handyman reviewer
Questions About Lockout and Depth
The report does not establish why the stapler’s depth changed during use. The reviewer said it might relate to denser framing lumber or inconsistencies among staple strips, but could not determine the cause. It is also unclear whether the tested unit’s behavior reflects a defect, an interpretation of the dry-fire lockout, or a feature that works differently than the reviewer expected.
The test covered a limited number of materials and one battery setup. It did not independently verify Ridgid’s claims about firing speed or the maximum number of staples per charge, and the source does not provide a publication date or confirm whether the reported promotional price remains available.
Check Settings During Use
The report does not identify a planned follow-up test or a response from Ridgid about the lockout or depth changes. Buyers can compare the tool’s current specifications and package price with the retailer listing, then check the manual for compatible staples and operating instructions. The stapler takes 3/8-inch crown staples from 1/4 to 9/16 inch long; other crown widths or staple types may not fit.
For users who purchase it, the review’s findings identify several checks during a project: confirm staple depth on a sample surface, monitor the magazine supply, and recheck settings if staples begin sitting proud. The source does not say whether Ridgid has changed the tool or issued further guidance since the test.
Key Questions
What staples does the Ridgid 18V crown stapler use?
It uses 3/8-inch crown T50 staples from 1/4 to 9/16 inch long. Check the tool’s manual before buying staples, since other staplers may require a different crown width or staple series.
Did the stapler jam during Family Handyman’s test?
The reviewer reported no jams while installing insulation and testing the wire attachment. That result describes this trial and does not establish how the tool will perform in every material or under all conditions.
What problems did the review find?
The reviewer said the tool still fired when empty and that staple depth began changing after about 20 to 30 staples. The cause of the depth change was not determined.
What was the reported price?
The source listed the tool alone at $119 at Home Depot and described a $104 special-buy kit with a charger and 2.0 Ah battery. The report does not confirm that the deal is still available.
Source: familyhandyman.com
