Ryobi One+ 18V Narrow Crown Stapler Upgrades to the HP Brushless Line
For the last decade, we’ve been consistently impressed by Ryobi’s AirStrike nailers because they offer confident driving power and an approachable design. Now, we’re seeing many of these nailers making their debut on the Ryobi growing One+ HP lineup, offering improved power that won’t break the bank. We’ve got our hands on the latest Ryobi 18V One+ 18-Gauge Narrow Crown Stapler to see what it has to offer for serious DIYers and value-minded Pros!
Ryobi 18V Narrow Crown Stapler Performance
- Shots Per Charge: 1,900 nails
- Fastener Size: 3/8 – 1 1/2 in.
- Gauge: 18ga.
- Magazine Capacity: 105 nails
- Rate of Fire: 60 staples/min.
- Firing Modes: Single, sequential
- Motor: Brushless
Ryobi’s newest narrow crown stapler is built with power and versatility in mind. It features single and sequential firing modes and the brushless motor can fire up to 1,900 shots per charge with a 4.0Ah Edge battery. Additionally, it has a max firing rate of 60 staples per minute.
The plastic magazine holds up to 105 18-gauge staples ranging from 3/8 to 1-1/2 inches. That fastener range makes it ideal for installing soffit, securing floor underlayment, repairing cabinets, furniture assembly, and installing lattice around your home.
Since narrow crown staplers have a wide range of applications, making adjustments along the way is necessary. Ryobi employs a simple thumb wheel to adjust the drive depth, and there’s also a lever on the back of the tool to dial in the driving power. These two elements really come into play when you’re working with delicate materials, otherwise the finished product’s quality may suffer.
During our hands-on testing, the Ryobi PBL324 displayed confident firing power thanks to its AirStrike drive system. It fully sank 5/8-inch staples into our solid red oak test block and was even able to drive staples flush with the power dialed all the way down to its lowest setting. This definitely earned it some major kudos from our testing team!
Admittedly, there is a very slight firing delay. However, it’s only noticeable when you’re in the bump fire mode. I found that as long as you keep a steady pace, you won’t have any issues, but if you try to rush, you’ll likely have unfavorable results.
Ryobi 18V Narrow Crown Stapler Design Notes
- Model: Ryobi PBL324
- Power Source: Ryobi 18V battery
- Weight: 5.4 lbs (bare tool), 6.9 lbs (with 4.0Ah Edge battery)
- Height: 10.75 in. (with 4.0Ah Edge battery)
- Head Length: 11 in.
Size and Weight
The Ryobi PBL324 weighs 5.4 pounds as a bare tool, 6.9 pounds with the recommended 4.0Ah Edge battery, and measures 11 inches from tip to tail. This stapler’s overall profile is very similar to its predecessor, the Ryobi P361, and it’s very easy to maneuver around your work piece.
The grip is covered with a generous amount of rubber overmold, and there are also a few rubber bumpers around the tool body for added protection. Ryobi employs a dual-trigger system on this stapler. Unsurprisingly, the main trigger controls the firing mechanism, but the secondary trigger acts more as a presence sensor and eliminates the need for a power button. It’s a small detail, but I tend to prefer this style if for nothing more than simple convenience and ease of use.
If you’re used to pneumatic tools, you will immediately notice that Ryobi’s design is a bit bulkier than its air-powered contemporaries. However, this stapler has a nice balance, and the benefits of going cordless are simply hard to ignore. Plus, you can stand this tool upright on the battery when you’re in between tasks.
Although they’re not very common, jams do occur. Rather than manually opening the firing chamber, Ryobi takes a slightly different and simpler approach to clearing a jam. Start by removing the battery and staples, and then use a small slotted screwdriver to push the firing mechanism back to free up the jammed staple.
Quick Model Comparison
| P361 (OLD) | PBL324 (NEW) | |
|---|---|---|
| Runtime | 1,700 Shots Per Charge | 1,900 Shots Per Charge |
| Motor Type | Brushed | Brushless |
| Fastener Range | 3/8 – 1 1/2 in. | 3/8 – 1 1/2 in. |
| Bare Tool Price | $169 | $219 |
Additional Features
- LED worklight
- Spare no-mar tip
- Dry-fire lockout
- Integrated construction ruler
Ryobi 18V Narrow Crown Stapler Price
The Ryobi PBL324 is set to hit the shelves of your local Home Depot with a bare tool price of $219. Currently, there are no kit options in the works, so be sure to pick up a battery and charger if you’re not already on Ryobi’s 18V platform. Ryobi backs this stapler with a 3-year limited warranty.
The Bottom Line
After a little hands-on time with the Ryobi 18V Narrow Crown Stapler, it’s clear that this stapler has some serious potential for both value-minded Pros and serious DIYers. Its approachable design is easy to use, and it has more than enough driving power to tackle whatever you throw at it. If you’re ready to leave the compressor and hoses behind, Ryobi has exactly what you need!
