Everyone seems to have a new pneumatic framing nailer this year. Ridgid have updated their popular R350RHE (along with their roof nailers) with a few things worth noting. The new Ridgid R350RHF certainly shares similar characteristics with its predecessor, but it's not just a new model with a slightly different design.
Editor's note: Ratings reflect Ridgid's performance in our best framing nailer review.
What are the similarities?
Many of the features we loved about the previous generation model (and look forward to pro-grade nailers) are still there. Ridgid's HexGrip overmolds the handle with a slightly different design. You still have the dry fire lockout, tool-less start selector switch, toenail claws, tool-less jam removal and no-damage pads.
This magazine has a slightly different appearance, but has the same two-step rear loading. Fastener length and capacity also remain the same. The depth of the drive adjustment is at the same location, and the direction is slightly lower. You still have a solid leash hook, and the unit comes with a swivel coupler.
you still get
- Ridgid HexGrip Overmolding
- dry fire lock
- Tool-less start switch
- Toe claws
- Tool-less jam removal
- No-Mar pad
- Two-step rear loading magazine
- 2″ – 3-1/2″ nail length
- Thumb wheel drive depth adjustment
- belt hook
- Rotary joint
what is the difference?
As soon as you pick up your nail gun, you'll notice one of the biggest changes. The Ridgid R350SHF features a magnesium construction to keep weight down. There is also a new drive system that enables the Ridgid to achieve the fastest drive speed in its class at 8 nails per second. I don't know how many people have been able to shoot a nail every 0.125 seconds and have made much of an improvement in quality. We just figured that meant I couldn't try to work faster than the nail gun could keep up with.
While the fastener length range is the same, the upper dimension has been moved down from 0.162" diameter to 0.148" diameter.
The changes to the magazine are more than just a difference in appearance. The pushrod has a new design that is easier to pull off for loading, which I hope will help with a sticking issue I found with the smaller pegs on the previous model.
The air diffuser features a 3-way outlet with a new look, and a new trigger design complements the slightly less contoured handle.
new or improved
- Magnesium structure is lighter
- 8 nails/sec rate of fire
- 0.148″ maximum diameter (was 0.162″)
- Magazine, pushrod, air diffuser, trigger and handle adjustments
Will these changes lead to better performance?
If you read my review of the R350RHE, you probably know that the first thing I needed to figure out was if I would get stuck between the 2" frame stud strips. That's what I decided to address before looking at anything else. With some changes to the magazine, thruster and drive system, I had high hopes for this model.
When I got to the end of the first strip, I held my breath and waited for the jam. It didn't happen.
Strip after strip was fired with no delay other than the dry fire lockout telling me to reload. The problem has apparently been resolved.
secret plan
Many people have secrets. Some are in their heads, some are in their homes. I have a small project to work on for a client who needs a hidden door to close off an area of the basement where items will be stored away from the grandkid's reach and curiosity (not to mention anything else that might not be invited people) home).
I built a frame for the hidden door using 2 x 4 dimensions and three inch nails to fill the entryway. Direct shots and toenails are easy to accomplish. The only problem I had was that I could have gotten into tight spaces with a more compact framing nailer.
Once the frame was built and the hidden hinges installed, I switched back to the two inch nails to secure the plywood that was used to camouflage the new door with the rest of the unfinished wall. By extending the plywood beyond the dimensions of the entryway, it looks like another sheet of plywood blended in with the rest.
Ridgid R350RHF Framing Nailer Key Features
- Magnesium metal housing provides lightweight and durable construction
- Tool-less selectable trigger allows you to quickly and easily switch between contact and sequence firing modes
- Rear loading magazine with bypass push rod for quick two-step reloading
- Powerful motor drives 3-1/2" x 0.148" framing nails (16d common) into the hardest engineered woods
- Dry fire lockout extends motor life, prevents misfires, and prevents damage to work surfaces
- Overmolded Handle and Trigger: Rubber overmolding interlocks with the metal housing for maximum durability and prevents twisting of the handle
- Exhaust diffuser with muffler automatically directs exhaust away from the user
- Tool-less jam clearance door easily clears occasional jams
- Positive "toe peg" prongs reduce slippage during angled pegs
- No-mar pads keep work surfaces clean of tool marks
the bottom line
I've used the Ridgid R350RHF in other jobs – it's just more generic than a hidden door. I have had no issues with properly oiling the nail gun before each use. The interference issues I had with the previous model didn't show up at all.
With the reduced weight, high rate of fire, and great performance, I can easily recommend the Ridgid again near the top of the list for full-size framing nailers.
Ridgid R350RHF Framing Nailer Specifications
- Model: Ridgid R350RHF
- Power source: compressed air
- Nail Gun Angle: 21
- Loading Type: Stripe
- Maximum Fastener Size: 3-1/2″
- Minimum Fastener Size: 2″
- Minimum recommended working pressure (psi): 70
- Warranty: 3-year limited, lifetime service agreement
- Price: $229
- Available combo kits: R350RHF-R175RNF (framing and roof nailer) $428
- Combo kits available: R350RHF-R350PNF (frame and palm nails) $289