RIDGID R138BNA User manual

1
Your brad nailer has been engineered and manufactured to our high standards for dependability, ease of operation, and
operator safety. When properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble-free performance.
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator’s manual before using this product.
Thank you for buying a RIDGID®product.
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
18 GAUGE BRAD NAILER
R138BNA

2
Introduction.......................................................................................................................................................................2
General Safety Rules ........................................................................................................................................................3
Specific Safety Rules.................................................................................................................................................... 4-5
Symbols............................................................................................................................................................................6
Glossary of Terms.............................................................................................................................................................7
Features........................................................................................................................................................................ 8-9
Assembly ..........................................................................................................................................................................9
Operation.................................................................................................................................................................. 10-16
Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................................. 17-18
Accessories ....................................................................................................................................................................19
Troubleshooting ..............................................................................................................................................................19
Warranty .........................................................................................................................................................................21
Customer Service Information...........................................................................................................................Back page
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
This tool has many features for making its use more pleasant and enjoyable. Safety, performance, and dependability have
been given top priority in the design of this product making it easy to maintain and operate.

3
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
DANGER:
READ AND UNDERSTAND TOOL LABELS AND
MANUAL. Failure to follow warnings could result
in DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
WORK AREA
Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered
benches and dark areas invite accidents.
Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres,
such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases,
or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the
dust or fumes.
Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away while
operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to
lose control.
PERSONAL SAFETY
Eye protection which conforms to ANSI specifications
and provides protection against flying particles both
from the FRONT and SIDE should ALWAYS be worn
by the operator and others in the work area when
loading, operating or servicing this tool. Eye protection
is required to guard against flying fasteners and debris,
which could cause severe eye injury.
The employer and/or user must ensure that proper
eye protection is worn. We recommend Wide Vision
Safety Mask for use over eyeglasses or standard safety
glasses that provide protection against flying particles
both from the front and side. Always use eye protection
which is marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.
Additional safety protection will be required in some
environments. For example, the working area may in-
clude exposure to noise level which can lead to hearing
damage. The employer and user must ensure that any
necessary hearing protection is provided and used by the
operator and others in the work area. Some environments
will require the use of head protection equipment. When
required, the employer and user must ensure that head
protection conforming to ANSI Z89.1-1997 is used.
Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common
sense when operating a power tool. Do not use tool
while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol,
or medication. A moment of inattention while operating
power tools may result in serious personal injury.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry.
Contain long hair. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves
away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long
hair can be caught in moving parts.
 Keep fingers away from trigger when not driving fasten-
ers to avoid accidental firing.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance
at all times. Proper footing and balance enables better
control of the tool in unexpected situations.
Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection.
Dust mask, nonskid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing
protection must be used for appropriate conditions.
Do not use on a ladder or unstable support. Stable
footing on a solid surface enables better control of the
tool in unexpected situations.
TOOL USE AND CARE
Do not force tool. Use the correct tool for your
application. The correct tool will do the job better and
safer at the rate for which it is designed.
Do not use tool if trigger does not actuate properly.
Any tool that cannot be controlled with the trigger is
dangerous and must be repaired.
Check operation of the workpiece contact mechanism
frequently. Do not use the tool if the workpiece contact
mechanism is not working correctly as accidental driving
of a fastener may result. Do not interfere with the proper
operation of the workpiece contact mechanism.
Store idle tools out of the reach of children and other
untrained persons. Tools are dangerous in the hands of
untrained users.
Maintain tools with care. Follow maintenance instruc-
tions. Properly maintained tools are easier to control.
Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts,
breakage of parts, and any other condition that may
affect the tool’s operation. If damaged, have the tool
serviced before using. Many accidents are caused by
poorly maintained tools.
Use only fasteners that are recommended for your
model.
Keep the tool and its handle dry, clean and free from
oil and grease. Always use a clean cloth when clean-
ing. Never use brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based
products, or any strong solvents to clean your tool. Fol-
lowing this rule will reduce the risk of loss of control and
deterioration of the enclosure plastic.
SERVICE
Tool service must be performed only by qualified re-
pair personnel. Service or maintenance performed by
unqualified personnel may result in a risk of injury.
When servicing a tool, use only identical replacement
parts. Follow instructions in the Maintenance section
of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to
follow Maintenance instructions may create a risk of
injury.

4
Know your pneumatic tool. Read operator’s manual
carefully. Learn its applications and limitations, as well
as the specific potential hazards related to this tool. Fol-
lowing this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock, fire,
or serious injury.
Always wear safety glasses with side shields.
Everyday glasses have only impact resistant lenses. They
are NOT safety glasses. Following this rule will reduce
the risk of eye injury.
Protect your lungs. Wear a face or dust mask if the
operation is dusty. Following this rule will reduce the risk
of serious personal injury.
Protect your hearing. Wear hearing protection during
extended periods of operation. Following this rule will
reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
Make sure the hose is free of obstructions or snags.
Entangled or snarled hoses can cause loss of balance or
footing and may become damaged.
Use the tool only for its intended use. Do not discharge
fasteners into open air.
Use the pneumatic tool only for the purpose for which
it was designed.
Use only the fasteners recommended for this tool.
Use of the wrong fasteners could result in poor fastener
feeding, jammed fasteners, and nails leaving the tool at
erratic angles. If fasteners are not feeding smoothly and
properly, discontinue their use immediately. Jammed
and improperly feeding fasteners could result in serious
personal injury.
Never use this tool in a manner that could cause a
fastener to be directed toward anything other than
the workpiece.
Do not use the tool as a hammer.
Always carry the tool by the handle. Never carry the
tool by the air hose.
Do not alter or modify this tool from the original design
or function without approval from the manufacturer.
Always be aware that misuse and improper handling
of this tool can cause injury to yourself and others.
Never clamp or tape the trigger or workpiece contact
in an actuated position.
Never leave a tool unattended with the air hose at-
tached.
Do not operate this tool if it does not contain a legible
warning label.
Do not continue to use a tool that leaks air or does
not function properly.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
OPERATION
Always assume that the tool contains fasteners.
Do not carry the tool from place to place holding the
trigger. Accidental discharge could result.
Always handle the tool with care:
• Respect the tool as a working implement.
• Never engage in horseplay.
• Never pull the trigger unless nose is directed toward
the work.
• Keep others a safe distance from the tool while tool is in
operation as accidental actuation may occur, possibly
causing injury.
Choice of triggering method is important. Check
manual for triggering options.
Pneumatic tools are designed for single-hand use. Do
not hold the tool by the front of the magazine. Do not put
hands, head, or other parts of your body near the bottom
of the magazine where the nail exits the tool, as serious
personal injury could result.
Do not point the tool toward yourself or anyone
whether it contains fasteners or not.
Do not actuate the tool unless you intend to drive a
fastener into the workpiece.
Always ensure that the workpiece contact is fully posi-
tioned above the workpiece. Positioning the workpiece
contact only partially above the workpiece could cause
the fastener to miss the workpiece completely and result
in serious personal injury.
Do not drive fasteners near edge of material. The
workpiece may split causing the fastener to ricochet,
injuring you or a co-worker. Be aware that the nail may
follow the grain of the wood, causing it to protrude un-
expectedly from the side of the work material.
Keep hands and body parts clear of immediate work
area. Hold workpiece with clamps when necessary to
keep hands and body out of potential harm. Be sure the
workpiece is properly secured before pressing the nailer
against the material. The workpiece contact may cause
the work material to shift unexpectedly.
Keep face and body parts away from back of the tool
cap when working in restricted areas. Sudden recoil
can result in impact to the body, especially when nailing
into hard or dense material.

5
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
During normal use the tool will recoil immediately
after driving a fastener. This is a normal function of
the tool. Do not attempt to prevent the recoil by holding
the nailer against the work. Restriction to the recoil can
result in a second fastener being driven from the nailer.
Grip the handle firmly, let the tool do the work and do not
place second hand on top of tool or near exhaust at any
time. Failure to heed this warning can result in serious
personal injury.
Do not drive fasteners on top of other fasteners or with
the tool at an overly steep angle as this may cause
deflection of fasteners which could cause injury.
Do not drive fasteners close to the edge of the
workpiece as the wood may split, allowing the
fastener to be deflected possibly causing injury.
AIR SUPPLY AND CONNECTIONS
Do not use oxygen, combustible gases or bottled
gases as a power source for this tool as tool will ex-
plode, possibly causing injury or death.
Do not use with an air compressor which can po-
tentially exceed 200 psi as tool may burst, possibly
causing injury.
The connector on the tool must not hold pressure
when air supply is disconnected. If an incorrect fitting
is used, the tool can remain charged with air after discon-
necting and thus will be able to drive a fastener even after
the air line is disconnected, possibly causing injury.
Always disconnect air supply:
• Before making adjustments
• When servicing the tool
• When clearing a jam
• When tool is not in use
• When moving to a different work area, as accidental
actuation may occur, possibly causing injury.
LOADING TOOL
Do not load the tool with fasteners when any one of
the operating controls is activated.
When loading tool:
Never place a hand or any part of body in fastener
discharge area of tool.
Never point tool at anyone.
Do not pull the trigger or depress the workpiece
contact as accidental actuation may occur, possibly
causing injury.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Refer to them frequently and use them to instruct others
who may use this tool. If you loan someone this tool, loan
them these instructions also.

6
SYMBOLS
Some of the following symbols may be used on this tool. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpreta-
tion of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and safer.
SYMBOL NAME DESIGNATION/EXPLANATION
The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with this product.
SYMBOL SIGNAL MEANING
Read The Operator’s
Manual
To reduce the risk of injury, user must read and understand operator’s manual
before using this product
Eye Protection Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields and, as necessary,
a full face shield when operating this product.
Eye, Ear and Head
Protection
Always wear other personal protective equipment such as hearing protection
and a hard hat when needed.
Keep Hands Away Keep hands and body away from the discharge area of the tool.
Safety Alert Precautions that involve your safety.
Hot Surface To reduce the risk of injury or damage, avoid contact with any hot surface.
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury
CAUTION: (Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates a situation that may result in property damage.
SERVICE
Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge and should
be performed only by a qualified service technician. For
service we suggest you return the product to your nearest
AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER for repair. When servic-
ing, use only identical replacement parts.
WARNING:
To avoid serious personal injury, do not attempt
to use this product until you read thoroughly and
understand completely the operator’s manual.
If you do not understand the warnings and
instructions in the operator’s manual, do not use
this product. Call RIDGID®customer service for
assistance.
The operation of any power tool can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes, which can result
in severe eye damage. Before beginning power tool operation, always wear safety goggles or safety glasses
with side shields and, when needed, a full face shield. We recommend Wide Vision Safety Mask for use
over eyeglasses or standard safety glasses with side shields. Always use eye protection which is marked
to comply with ANSI Z87.1.
WARNING:
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Activate (operating controls)
To move an operating control so that it is in a position
that allows the tool to be actuated or that satisfies one
requirement for the tool to be actuated.
Actuate (tool)
To cause movement of the tool component(s) intended to
drive a fastener.
Actuation system
The use of a trigger, workpiece contact and/or other
operating control, separately or in some combination or
sequence, to actuate the tool.
• Single sequential actuation
An actuation system in which there is more than one
operating control and the operating controls must
be activated in a specific sequence to actuate the
tool. Additional actuation can occur when a specific
operating control, other than a workpiece contact, is
released and re-activated.
• Contact actuation
An actuation system in which there is more than one
operating control and the operating controls can be
activated in any sequence to actuate the tool. Additional
actuation can occur when any operating control is
released and re-activated.
Air inlet port
In an air tool, the opening to which the compressed air supply
is connected, usually by means of a threaded fitting.
Fastener
A staple, pin, brad, nail, or other fastening device which is
designed and manufactured for use in the tools within the
scope of this standard.
Jam
An obstruction in the feed or drive areas of the tool.
Maximum air pressure
The maximum allowable pressure of the compressed air, as
specified by the manufacturer, for operating a tool.
Operating control
A control that separately, or as part of an actuation system,
can cause the actuation of a tool.
Trigger
A tool operating control activated by a tool operator’s
fingers.
Workpiece
The intended object into which a fastener is to be driven
by a tool.
Workpiece contact
An operating control element or assembly on the tool
intended to be activated by the material to be fastened.

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FEATURES
Fig. 1
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Operating Pressure ............................................ 70-120 psi
Fastener Type.......................................18 gauge brad nails
Fastener Range .......................................5/8 in. to 1-3/8 in.
Magazine Capacity........................................100 brad nails
Air Consumption ......................... 0.046 ft3/cycle at 100 psi
Air Inlet .............................................................. 1/4 in. NPT
Weighted sound impulse power level ...................86.9 dBA
Emission sound pressure level..............................73.9 dBA
Vibration ............................................................... 2.28 m/s2
Weight ......................................................................2.6 lbs.
no-mar pad side-loading
magazine
QUiCK-ConneCT
sWiVel ConneCTor
depTH oF driVe
adJUsTmenT
adJUsTaBle
eXHaUsT
seleCTaBle
Trigger
WorKpieCe
ConTaCT
BelT HooK
laTCH
reload
indiCaTor
Jam release

9
FEATURES
KNOW YOUR BRAD NAILER
See Figure 1.
The safe use of this product requires an understanding of
the information on the tool and in this operator’s manual as
well as a knowledge of the project you are attempting. Before
use of this product, familiarize yourself with all operating
features and safety rules.
ADJUSTABLE EXHAUST
The exhaust can be adjusted to a variety of positions
depending on operator preference.
BELT HOOK
The hook will rotate to either side of the tool and can be
used to hang the tool from a belt when disconnected and
not in use.
CONSTRUCTION RULER
A construction ruler located along the left side of the
magazine allows the operator to make quick measurements
while working.
DEPTH OF DRIVE ADJUSTMENT
The tool-free depth of drive adjustment lets the operator
select precise driving depth of the fastener.
IN-HANDLE AIR FILTER
The self-cleaning in-handle air filter helps keep debris out
to extend the life of the tool.
JAM RELEASE
A tool-free jam release is provided for ease in clearing
infrequent jams.
NO-MAR PAD
The no-mar pad prevents marring and denting when using
the tool on softer woods.
OIL-FREE DESIGN
The oil-free design of the tool eliminates daily oiling and
prevents oil splattering on work surfaces.
OVERMOLD GRIP AND TRIGGER
The overmold grip and trigger offer increased comfort and
control of the tool.
QUICK-CONNECT SWIVEL CONNECTOR
The quick-connect swivel connector helps prevent hose
tangles.
RELOAD INDICATOR
The reload indicator shows whether the magazine is running
low on fasteners.
SELECTABLE TRIGGER
The selectable trigger lets the operator choose between
Contact Actuation for higher productivity and Single
Sequential Actuation for precise fastener placement.
SIDE-LOADING MAGAZINE
The side-loading magazine allows easy three-step reloading
of fasteners.
UNPACKING
This product has been shipped completely assembled.
Carefully remove the tool and any accessories from the
box. Make sure that all items listed in the packing list are
included.
Inspect the tool carefully to make sure no breakage or
damage occurred during shipping.
Do not discard the packing material until you have care-
fully inspected and satisfactorily operated the tool.
If any parts are damaged or missing, please call
1-866-539-1710 for assistance.
PACKING LIST
Brad Nailer
Case
Sample Fasteners
Eye Protection
Hex Keys (3 mm and 4 mm)
Fastener Guide
Operator’s Manual
ASSEMBLY
WARNING:
If any parts are damaged or missing, do not
operate this tool until the parts are replaced.
Failure to heed this warning could result in possible
serious personal injury.
WARNING:
Do not attempt to modify this tool or create
accessories not recommended for use with this
tool. Any such alteration or modification is misuse
and could result in a hazardous condition leading
to possible serious personal injury.

10
OPERATION
DANGER:
Do not use oxygen, combustible gases or bottled
gases as a power source for this tool. The tool will
explode and cause death or serious injury.
WARNING:
Do not allow familiarity with tools to make you
careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a
second is sufficient to inflict severe injury.
WARNING:
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with
side shields when operating tools. Failure to do so
could result in objects being thrown into your eyes
resulting in possible serious injury.
WARNING:
Disconnect the tool from the air supply before
leaving the work area, moving the tool to another
location, or handing the tool to another person.
Failure to do so could result in serious personal
injury.
WARNING:
Always wear eye protection. Eye protection does
not fit all operators in the same way. Make sure the
eye protection chosen has side shields or provides
protection from flying debris both from the front
and sides.
APPLICATIONS
You may use this tool for the purposes listed below:
Finish and Trim (interior and exterior)
Decorative Trim
Book Cases
Baseboard
Cabinets
Case Backs
Drawers
Molding
Mirror and Picture Frames
Paneling
Shoe & Base Moldings
Staircases
Upholstery Trim Panels
Wainscoting
Window Beading
Chair Rail
Furniture Frames
Lattice Strip Molding
Nailable Plastic Parts
Crafts

11
OPERATION
NO-MAR PAD
See Figure 2.
The no-mar pad attached to the nose of the tool helps
prevent marring and denting when working with softer
woods.
WARNING:
Disconnect the tool from the air supply before
removing or replacing the no-mar pad. Failure to
do so could result in serious personal injury.
The pad can be removed by pulling it down and away from
the nose. To replace the pad, fit it into place over the nose
and push up to reseat.
On-board storage for the pad is located on the magazine of
the tool. An extra no-mar pad is provided in the on-board
storage area.
ADJUSTING THE EXHAUST
See Figure 3.
The adjustable exhaust on the end cap of the tool allows the
operator to direct the exhaust according to operator prefer-
ence. To adjust, turn the exhaust cap until the exhaust blows
in the desired direction.
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
nose
no-mar pad
adJUsTaBle
eXHaUsT
no-mar pad
sTorage

12
OPERATION
WARNING:
Disconnect the tool from the air supply before
leaving the work area, moving the tool to another
location, or handing the tool to another person.
Failure to do so could result in serious personal
injury.
CONNECTING THE TOOL TO AN AIR SUPPLY
See Figure 4.
DANGER:
Do not use oxygen, combustible gases or bottled
gases as a power source for this tool. The tool will
explode and cause death or serious injury.
This tool is designed to operate on clean, dry compressed air
at regulated pressures between 70 and 120 psi . The correct
air pressure is the lowest pressure that will do the job.
NOTE: Air pressure that is higher than 120 psi may damage
the tool.
The tool and air hose must have a hose coupling that allows
all pressure to be removed from the tool when the coupling
is disconnected.
WARNING:
Always use a coupling that discharges all the
compressed air in the tool at the time the fitting or
hose coupling is disconnected. Using a coupling
that does not discharge the compressed air could
cause unintended operation and serious personal
injury.
Fig. 4
air Hose
ConneCTor
sWiVel ConneCTor
WARNING:
Do not climb rigging or scaffolding while carrying
a tool that is connected to an air hose. Doing so
could result in serious personal injury.
Connect the tool to the air supply with a 1/4 in. female quick
connector.
WARNING:
Disconnect the tool from the air supply before
leaving the work area, moving the tool to another
location, or handing the tool to another person.
Failure to do so could result in serious personal
injury.

13
OPERATION
LOADING THE TOOL WITH NAILS
See Figure 5.
Connect the tool to the air supply.
WARNING:
The tool’s driving mechanism may cycle when the
tool is first connected to the air supply. Always
connect the tool to the air supply before loading
nails to prevent injury from unintended cycling.
Always make sure the tool’s magazine is empty
at the beginning of each work session, before
connecting to an air supply.
With the nose of the tool pointed away from you, depress
the latch located at the rear of the magazine and slide the
magazine open.
WARNING:
Keep the tool pointed away from yourself and
others when loading nails. Failure to do so could
result in possible serious personal injury.
Feed a strip of brad nails into the magazine. Be sure
the nail heads are pointed upward, the tips are pointed
downward, and the tips rest against the bottom of the
magazine.
Push the magazine cover closed until it securely snaps
into place.
Fig. 5
magazine
nails
laTCH
WARNING:
Use only the nails recommended for use with this
tool (refer to the Fastener Guide). The use of any
other nails can result in tool malfunction, leading
to serious injuries.
WARNING:
Never load nails with the workpiece contact or
trigger activated. Doing so could result in possible
serious personal injury.

14
OPERATION
Fig. 6
seleCTor in
posiTion B
seleCTor
in posiTion a
Trigger leVer piVoT pin
(depress To alloW
seleCTor To roTaTe)
WARNING:
During normal use the tool will recoil immediately
after driving a fastener. This is a normal function
of the tool. Do not attempt to prevent the recoil
by holding the nailer against the work. Restriction
to the recoil can result in a second fastener being
driven from the nailer. Grip the handle firmly, let
the tool do the work, and do not place second
hand on top of tool or near exhaust at any time.
Failure to heed this warning can result in serious
personal injury.
USING THE SELECTABLE TRIGGER
See Figures 6 - 7.
WARNING:
Never wedge or hold back the workpiece contact
mechanism during operation of the tool. Doing so
could result in possible serious injury.
This tool is shipped from the factory with a selectable trigger
set in the Single Sequential Actuation mode. The selectable
trigger can also be set for Contact Actuation mode.
SINGLE SEQUENTIAL ACTUATION MODE
Single sequential actuation provides the most accurate
fastener placement.
Disconnect the tool from the air supply.
Depress the trigger lever pivot pin.
Rotate the selector to Position A.
Release the trigger lever pivot pin.
WARNING:
The nailer will not function properly if the selector
is not securely seated in either position A or B.
Always assure the selector is seated properly
to avoid an unexpected fastener discharge and
possible serious personal injury.
Reconnect the tool to the air supply.
Grip the tool firmly to maintain control. Position the nose
of the tool onto the work surface.
Push the tool against the work surface to depress the
workpiece contact.
Pull the trigger to drive a fastener.
Allow the tool to recoil away from the work surface as the
fastener is driven.
CONTACT ACTUATION MODE
Contact actuation allows very fast repetitive fastener
placement.
Disconnect the tool from the air supply.
Depress the trigger lever pivot pin.
Rotate the selector to Position B.
Release the trigger lever pivot pin.
NOTE: The trigger lever pivot pin is spring loaded and held
in position by locking tab to prevent movement during
operation.
Reconnect the tool to the air supply.
Grip the tool firmly to maintain control.
Pull and hold the trigger. Push the tool against the work
surface to depress the workpiece contact and drive a
fastener.
Allow the tool to recoil away from the work surface as the
fastener is driven.
NOTE: In Contact Actuation mode, the tool may also be
operated by depressing the workpiece contact against the
surface and squeezing the trigger.
Fig. 7
Trigger
WorKpieCe ConTaCT

15
OPERATION
SETTING THE AIR PRESSURE
The amount of air pressure required will depend on the size
of the nail and the workpiece material.
Begin testing the depth of drive by driving a test nail into the
same type of workpiece material used for the actual job.
Drive a test nail with the air pressure set at 90-95 psi. Raise
or lower the air pressure to find the lowest setting that will
perform the job with consistent results.
It may be possible to achieve the desired depth with air
pressure adjustments alone. If finer adjustments are needed,
use the drive depth adjustment on the tool.
DRIVE DEPTH ADJUSTMENT
See Figure 8.
The driving depth of the nail may be adjusted. It is advisable
to test the depth on a scrap workpiece to determine the
required depth for the application.
To determine depth of drive, first adjust the air pressure and
drive a test nail. To achieve the desired depth, use the drive
depth adjustment on the tool.
Disconnect the tool from the air supply.
Remove fasteners from the tool.
Turn the depth selector left or right to change the driving
depth.
Reconnect the tool to the air supply.
Load the tool with fasteners.
Drive a test nail after each adjustment until the desired
depth is set.
REMOVING NAILS FROM THE TOOL
See Figure 9.
Disconnect the tool from the air supply.
WARNING:
Disconnect the tool from the air supply before
removing nails. Failure to do so could result in
serious personal injury.
To remove a strip of nails from the tool, depress the latch
located at the rear of the magazine and slide the magazine
open.
Remove the nail strip.
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
driVe depTH
adJUsTmenT
To
inCrease
depTH To
deCrease
depTH
magazine
laTCH
nails

16
OPERATION
CLEARING A JAMMED FASTENER
See Figure 10.
WARNING:
Disconnect the tool from the air supply before
clearing a jammed fastener. Failure to do so could
result in serious personal injury.
If a nail or fastener becomes jammed in the tool, disconnect
the air hose and keep the tool pointed away from you while
clearing the jam.
Open magazine and remove fasteners from the tool.
Pull up on the latch and open the jam release.
Insert a flat blade screwdriver into the driving mechanism
and push the driver mechanism back, freeing the fastener
jam.
Remove the bent fastener.
Close the jam release and latch.
Reconnect the tool to the air supply.
Reinstall fasteners and close the magazine.
Fig. 10
laTCH
Jam
release

17
MAINTENANCE
WARNING:
When servicing use only identical RIDGID®
replacement parts. Use of any other parts may
create a hazard or cause product damage.
WARNING:
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with
side shields during power tool operation or when
blowing dust. If operation is dusty, also wear a
dust mask.
WARNING:
Disconnect the tool from the air supply before
performing maintenance. Failure to do so could
result in serious personal injury.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most
plastics are susceptible to damage from various types of
commercial solvents and may be damaged by their use. Use
clean cloths to remove dirt, dust, oil, grease, etc.
WARNING:
Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline,
petroleum-based products, penetrating oils, etc.,
come in contact with plastic parts. Chemicals can
damage, weaken or destroy plastic which may
result in serious personal injury.
COLD WEATHER OPERATION
For cold weather operation, near and below freezing, the
moisture in the air line may freeze and prevent tool operation.
We recommend the use of air tool lubricant or permanent
antifreeze (ethylene glycol) as a cold weather lubricant.
CAUTION:
Do not store tools in a cold weather environment
to prevent frost or ice formation on the tools’
operating valves and mechanisms that could cause
tool failure.
NOTE: Some commercial air line drying liquids are harmful
to “O” rings and seals. Do not use these low temperature
air dryers without checking compatibility.
AIR SUPPLY PRESSURE AND VOLUME
Air volume is as important as air pressure. The air volume
supplied to the tool may be inadequate because of under-
size fittings and hoses, or from the effects of dirt and water
in the system. Restricted air flow will prevent the tool from
receiving an adequate volume of air, even though the pres-
sure reading is high. The results will be a slow operation,
misfeeds or reduced driving power. Before evaluating tool
problems for these symptoms, trace the air supply from
the tool to the supply source for restrictive connectors, low
points containing water and anything else that would prevent
full volume flow of air to the tool.

18
REQUIRED DAILY CHECKLIST
See Figures 11 - 12.
Disconnect the air supply from the tool and remove all
fasteners.
Check all screws, nuts, bolts, and pins on the tool. If any
of these are loose, they must be tightened with the ap-
propriate size wrench.
Press the workpiece contact against a workpiece to
ensure that it moves smoothly.
With the workpiece contact depressed, pull the trigger.
The trigger should move smoothly, without binding.
While the tool is not loaded, connect the appropriate air
supply (at 70 psi) to the tool.
Rotate the selectable trigger knob on the trigger to Single
Sequential Actuation operation, Position A, as shown in
figure 11. No air should leak from the tool.
• Without pulling the trigger, press the workpiece con-
tact against a workpiece several times. The tool must
not operate.
• With the workpiece contact not engaged on the
workpiece, point the tool down and away and pull the
trigger several times. Hold the trigger in this position
for a minimum of 5 seconds. The tool must not oper-
ate.
• Press the workpiece contact firmly against the
workpiece. Pull the trigger The tool must operate.
• With the workpiece contact still depressed, release
the trigger. The driver must return to its up position.
Rotate the selectable trigger knob on the trigger to
Contact Actuation operation, Position B, as shown in
figure 12.
• With the workpiece contact not engaged on the
workpiece, point the tool down and away. Pull the trig-
ger. The tool must not operate.
• Keeping the trigger fully depressed, push the workpiece
contact against a workpiece. The tool must operate.
If the tool successfully meets all the requirements in this
checklist, it is ready for use. Set the trigger on the tool
to operate in the manner that best fits your application.
Load the proper fasteners for the desired application.
Set the depth of drive according to the Drive Depth
Adjustment section in this manual. Repeat this checklist
before using the tool each day, or if the tool is dropped
or damaged in any way.
seleCTor in
posiTion B
seleCTor
in posiTion a
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
MAINTENANCE

19
TROUBLESHOOTING
Air leak near the top of the tool or
in the trigger area
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION
Loose screws
Worn or damaged O-rings or
seals
Tool does nothing or operates
sluggishly
Tool jams frequently
Tighten screws
Install Overhaul Kit
Inadequate air supply
Inadequate lubrication
Worn or damaged O-rings or bumper
Tighten screws
Install Overhaul Kit
Verify adequate air supply
Lubricate the tool
Install Overhaul Kit
Air leak near the bottom of the
tool
Loose screws
Worn or damaged O-rings or bumper
Incorrect fasteners
Damaged fasteners
Loose magazine or nose screws
Dirty magazine
Worn or damaged driver
Verify that fasteners are the correct size
Replace fasteners
Tighten screws
Clean magazine
Install Driver Maintenance Kit
ACCESSORIES
To order parts and maintenance kits, call 1-866-539-1710.
Overhaul Maintenance Kit ................................................................................................................................079001001701
Driver Maintenance Kit .....................................................................................................................................079001001702
Driver Assembly Kit ..........................................................................................................................................079001001703
Trigger Assembly Kit.........................................................................................................................................079001001085
Wrench Kit........................................................................................................................................................079001001099
WARNING:
Current attachments and accessories available for use with this tool are listed above. Do not use any attachments
or accessories not recommended by the manufacturer of this tool. The use of attachments or accessories not
recommended can result in serious personal injury.

20
NOTES