Ryobi R18NL15 User manual

ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS
18V Nailer (15Ga)
R18NL15

Important!
It is essential that you read the instructions in this manual before operating
this machine.
Subject to technical modifications.

Safety
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INTENDED USE
Safety, performance, and dependability have been given
top priority in the design of your nailer.
The product is intended to drive nails in soft materials such
as wood. It can be used in the following:
■Finish and trim (interior and exterior)
■Door and window casing
■Door jambs
■Baseboard
■Crown molding
■Cabinetry
■Cap and shoe molding
■Molding
■Wooden staircases
■Door and window trim
■Chair rail
■Brickmold
■Hardwood flooring
■Paneling
■Furniture
The product is not suitable for xing electric cables.
The product is intended to operate in full sequential
actuation mode only:
■In full sequential actuation mode, the nailer will fire a
nail each time when the trigger switch is squeezed after
safety contact tip has been pushed into the workpiece.
Both safety contact tip and trigger switch must be
released and activated again at the same sequence to
fire a second nail.
Do not use this product in any way other than those stated
for intended use.
NOTE: Some timbers (such as very dry hardwood) may
require shorter nails to fully drive in.
GENERAL POWER TOOL SAFETY WARNINGS
WARNING
Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure
to follow the warnings and instructions may result in
electric shock, re and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.
The term “power tool’’ in the warnings refers to your
mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated
(cordless) power tool.
1) WORK AREA SAFETY
■Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or
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 children and bystanders away while
operating a power tool. Distractions can cause
you to lose control.
2) ELECTRICAL SAFETY
■Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never
modify the plug in any way. Do not use any
adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power
tools. Unmodied plugs and matching outlets will
reduce risk of electric shock.
■Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded
surfaces, such as pipes, radiators, ranges and
refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric
shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
■Do not expose power tools to rain or wet
conditions. Water entering a power tool will
increase the risk of electric shock.
■Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for
carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool.
Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges
or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords
increase the risk of electric shock.
■When operating a power tool outdoors, use an
extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of
a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of
electric shock.
■If operating a power tool in a damp location
is unavoidable, use a residual current device
(RCD) protected supply. Use of an RCD reduces
the risk of electric shock.
3) PERSONAL SAFETY
■Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use
common sense when operating a power tool. Do
not use a power tool while you are tired or under
the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A
moment of inattention while operating power tools
may result in serious personal injury.
■Use personal protective equipment. Always
wear eye protection. Protective equipment such
as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat or
hearing protection used for appropriate conditions
will reduce personal injuries.
■Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the
switch is in the off-position before connecting
to power source and/or battery pack, picking up
or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your
nger on the switch or energising power tools that

Safety
4
have the switch on invites accidents.
■Remove any adjusting key or wrench before
turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left
attached to a rotating part of the power tool may
result in personal injury.
■Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times. This enables better control of
the power tool in unexpected situations.
■Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or
jewellery. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves
away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery
or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
■If devices are provided for the connection of
dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure
these are connected and properly used. Use of
dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.
4) POWER TOOL USE AND CARE
■Do not force the power tool. Use the correct
power tool for your application. The correct
power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate
for which it was designed.
■Do not use the power tool if the switch does not
turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be
controlled with the switch is dangerous and must
be repaired.
■Disconnect the plug from the power source and/
or the battery pack from the power tool before
making any adjustments, changing accessories
or storing power tools. Such preventive safety
measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool
accidentally.
■Store idle power tools out of the reach of
children and do not allow persons unfamiliar
with the power tool or these instructions to
operate the power tool. Powertoolsaredangerous
in the hands of untrained users.
■Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment
or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts
and any other condition that may affect the
power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the
power tool repaired before use. Many accidents
are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
■Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly
maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges
are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
■Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits
etc, in accordance with these instructions,
taking into account the working conditions and
the work to be performed. Use of the power tool
for operations different from those intended could
result in a hazardous situation.
5) BATTERY TOOL USE AND CARE
■Recharge only with the charger specified by the
manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one
type of battery pack may create a risk of re when
used with another battery pack.
■Use power tools only with specifically
designated battery packs. Use of any other
battery packs may create a risk of injury and re.
■When battery pack is not in use, keep it away
from other metal objects, like paper clips, coins,
keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects
that can make a connection from one terminal
to another. Shorting the battery terminals together
may cause burns or a re.
■Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected
from the battery; avoid contact. If contact
accidentally occurs, flush with water. If liquid
contacts eyes, additionally seek medical help.
Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation
or burns.
6) SERVICE
■Have your power tool serviced by a qualified
repair person using only identical replacement
parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power
tool is maintained.
NAILER SAFETY WARNINGS
WARNING
The product is not intended for use by persons (including
children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental
capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge,
unless they have been given supervision or instruction
concerning use of the product by a person responsible
for their safety.
Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not
play with the product.
■Always assume that the tool contains fasteners.
Careless handling of the nailer can result in unexpected
firing of fasteners and personal injury.
■Do not point the tool towards yourself or anyone
nearby. Unexpected triggering will discharge the
fastener causing an injury.
■Do not actuate the tool unless the tool is placed
firmly against the workpiece. If the tool is not in
contact with the workpiece, the fastener may be
deflected away from your target.
■Disconnectthetoolfromthepowersourcewhenthe
fastener jams in the tool. While removing a jammed
fastener, the nailer may be accidentally activated if it
is plugged in.
■Use caution while removing a jammed fastener.

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The mechanism may be under compression and the
fastener may be forcefully discharged while attempting
to free a jammed condition.
■Do not use this nailer for fastening electrical cables.
It is not designed for electric cable installation and
may damage the insulation of electric cables thereby
causing electric shock or fire hazards.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY WARNINGS
■Always be aware that misuse and improper handling of
this tool can cause injury to yourself and others.
■The tool is 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 be caused.
■Always ensure that the workpiece contact is fully
positioned above the workpiece. Positioning the
workpiece contact only partially above the workpiece
could cause the nail to miss the workpiece completely
and result in serious personal injury.
■Do not drive nails near edge of material. The workpiece
may split causing the nail to ricochet, injuring you or a
coworker. Be aware that the nail may follow the grain of
the wood, causing it to protrude unexpectedly from the
side of the work material or deflect, possibly causing
injury.
■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
fastener 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.
■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.
■Always check the work area for hidden wiring, gas lines,
water lines, etc., before using the product on such work
area.
■The driving depth of the nail may be adjusted beyond
air pressure. It is advisable to test the depth on a scrap
workpiece to determine the required depth for the
application.
■Only fasteners matching the description in the product
specification table can be used with this tool. Using
incorrect fasteners may lead to jamming or other
malfunctions.
■Use battery only with charger listed. For use with
18V nickel-cadmium and 18V lithium-ion battery packs,
see tool/appliance/battery pack/charger correlation
supplement 987000-432.
■Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Contain
long hair. Loose clothes, jewellery, or long hair can be
drawn into air vents.
■Do not use on a ladder or unstable support. Stable
footing on a solid surface enables better control of the
power tool in unexpected situations.
■Hold power tool by insulated gripping surfaces,
when performing an operation where the nail may
contact hidden wiring. Nails contacting a “live” wire
may make exposed metal parts of the power tool “live”
and could give the operator an electric shock.
■Know your power tool. Read operator’s manual
carefully. Learn its applications and limitations, as
well as the specific potential hazards related to this
power tool. Following this rule will reduce the risk of
electric shock, fire, or serious injury.
■Always wear eye protection with side shields
marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1. Everyday
glasses have only impact resistant lenses. They are not
safety glasses. Following this rule will reduce the risk of
serious personal injury.
■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 include 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.
■Keep fingers away from trigger when not driving
fasteners to avoid accidental firing.
■Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection.

Safety
6
Dust mask, nonskid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing
protection must be used for appropriate conditions.
■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.
■Battery tools do not have to be plugged into an
electrical outlet; therefore, they are always in
operating condition. Be aware of possible hazards
when not using your battery tool or when changing
accessories. Following this rule will reduce the risk of
electric shock, fire, or serious personal injury.
■Do not place battery tools or their batteries near fire
or heat. This will reduce the risk of explosion and injury.
■Use the tool only for its intended use. Do not
discharge fasteners into open air.
■Use the tool only for the purpose for which it was
designed.
■Use only the nails recommended for this tool. Use of
thewrongnailscouldresultinpoornailfeeding, jammed
nails, and nails leaving the tool at erratic angles. If nails
are not feeding smoothly and properly, discontinue their
use immediately. Jammed and improperly feeding nails
could result in serious personal injury.
■Never use this tool in a manner that could cause a
nail to be directed toward anything other than the
workpiece.
■Do not use the tool as a hammer.
■Always carry the tool by the handle.
■Do not alter or modify this tool from the original
design or function without approval from the
manufacturer.
■Never clamp or tape the trigger or workpiece
contact in an actuated position.
■Never leave tool unattended if the battery is
installed.
■Do not operate this tool if it does not contain a
legible warning label.
■Keep the tool and its handle dry, clean and free
from oil and grease. Always use a clean cloth when
cleaning. Never use brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-
based products, or any strong solvents to clean your
tool. Following this rule will reduce the risk of loss of
control and deterioration of the enclosure plastic.
■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 nail may result. Do not
interfere with the proper operation of the workpiece
contact mechanism.
■Do not use a tool that does not work correctly.
■Always assume that the tool contains nails.
■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.
■Do not point the tool toward yourself or anyone
whether it contains nails or not.
■Do not actuate the tool unless you intend to drive a
nail into the workpiece.
DEPTH ADJUSTMENT SAFETY WARNINGS
■Always remove the battery before adjusting the depth
of drive wheel.
■Do not pull back on the adjustment wheel, the wheel is
designed to be rotated.
■Do not press the trigger while adjusting the depth of
drive wheel.
■Do not point the tool towards yourself or anyone nearby
when adjusting the depth of drive.
TRANSPORTING LITHIUM BATTERIES
Transport the battery in accordance with local and national
provisions and regulations.
Follow all special requirements on packaging and labelling
when transporting batteries by a third party. Ensure that
no batteries can come in contact with other batteries or
conductive materials while in transport by protecting exposed
connectors with insulating, non-conductive caps or tape. Do
not transport batteries that are cracked or leaking. Check with
the forwarding company for further advice.
MAINTENANCE
WARNING
When servicing, use only identical replacement parts.
Use of any other parts can create a hazard or cause
product damage.

Safety
7
WARNING
Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to
comply with ANSI Z87.1. Failure to do so could result in
objects being thrown into your eyes resulting in possible
serious injury.
WARNING
To avoid serious personal injury, always remove
the battery pack from the product when cleaning or
performing any maintenance.
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 uids, gasoline, petroleum-
based products, penetrating oils, etc., come in contact
with plastic parts. Chemicals can damage, weaken or
destroy plastic which could result in serious personal
injury.
BATTERY PACK REMOVAL AND PREPARATION FOR
RECYCLING
WARNING
Upon removal, cover the battery pack’s terminals with
heavy-duty adhesive tape. Do not attempt to destroy
or disassemble battery pack or remove any of its
components. Lithium-ion and nickel-cadmium batteries
must be recycled or disposed of properly. Also, never
touch both terminals with metal objects and/or body
parts as short circuit may result. Keep away from
children. Failure to comply with these warnings could
result in re and/or serious injury.
■Do not use lubricants on nails, nail magazine or driving
mechanism. Keep clean.
LUBRICATION
All of the bearings in the product are lubricated with a
sufcient amount of high grade lubricant for the life span of
the product under normal operating conditions. Therefore,
no further lubrication is required.
Do not use lubricants on nails, nail magazine or driving
mechanism. Keep clean.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Recycle raw materials instead of disposing
of as waste. The machine, accessories
and packaging should be sorted for
environmental-friendly recycling.
SYMBOLS
Safety alert
Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM).
Product meets applicable regulatory
requirements.
Please read the instructions carefully
before starting the machine.
Depth adjustment
LED work lights
Waste electrical products should not
be disposed of with household waste.
Please recycle where facilities exist.
Check with your local authority or retailer
for recycling advice.

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Know your product
1. No-mar pad
2. Workpiece contact
3. Jam release latch
4. LED worklight
5. Air pressure lever
6. Switch trigger
7. LED worklight grip switch
8. Battery port
9. Pusher
10. Depth of drive adjustment
11. Rear loading magazine
12. No-mar pad replacement
13. Belt clip screw
14. Belt clip
15. Nails

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20150408v1

TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION
Work-contacting element does not depress
fully - tool does not operate. Nails are low. Work-contacting element is jammed. Replenish the nails. Remove the battery and clear the debris.
Tool operates properly, but fasteners are
not driven fully. Air pressure is too low. Depth of drive is not deep enough.
Nail is too long for wood hardness.
Increase the air pressure.
Adjust the depth of drive.
Use nails of the length that is appropriate for
the wood.
Tool operates properly, but fasteners are
driven too deep. Air pressure is too high. Depth of drive is too deep. Decrease the air pressure. Adjust the depth of drive.
Tool jams frequently. Nails are incorrect.
Nails are damaged.
Magazine is loose.
Magazine is dirty.
Verify that the size of nails is correct.
Replace the nails.
Tighten the screws.
Clean the magazine.
Tool stops and LED work lights flash
rapidly. Battery is low or has no charge. Tool is hot. Recharge the battery. Allow tool to cool.
Tool has charged battery and LED work
lights flash slowly. Tool has malfunctioned. Take tool to the nearest authorised repair centre.
Tool operates properly, but fasteners are
not driven fully. Tool is too cold (less than 5°C). Warm the tool up to the operating temperature, either by storing in the correct
environment or by firing test shots into spare
material.
Tool doesn’t operate. Nail magazine is empty/very low. Refill the magazine.
Tool doesn’t operate. Nailing process has been interrupted (by
releasing the trigger mid-way through the
process).
Remove the battery and replace to reset the
system.
Tool doesn’t operate. Trigger or work piece contact has been
held for too long without activating the nail
firing process.
Release the trigger then activate again.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
18V Nailer
Voltage 18 V
Magazine capacity (number of nails) 105
Fastener type: Finish nail
Length 25.4 - 64 mm (1” - 2½”)
Diameter 1.8 mm (15 Ga)
BATTERY AND CHARGER
Model Compatible battery
pack (not included) Compatible charger (not included)
Lithium-Ion RB18L13
RB18L15
RB18L25
RB18L26
RB18L40
RB18L50
BCS618G
BCL14181H
BCL14183H
BCL1418IV*
*for vehicles with 12V DC outlets

Techtronic Industries (Australia) Pty. Ltd.
31 Gilby Road,
Mount Waverley VIC 3149,
Australia
Techtronic Industries New Zealand Ltd.
18-26 Amelia Earhart Avenue
Mangere, Auckland 2022, New Zealand
961152489-01