Power Tools
Ryobi HP Framing Nailers Arrive: 21-Degree and 30-Degree Compared with Ridgid
Ryobi's most requested tool is finally here: two brushless HP framing nailers with no gas cartridges and no air hose. Here is what they offer and how they stack up.
Introduction
Cordless framing nailers keep getting better, and this release fills one of the most requested gaps in the Ryobi HP line: two full framing nailers, a 21-degree and a 30-degree model. Both are 100 percent battery powered, with no gas cartridges, no compressor, and no air hose. Put in a battery and go.
They arrive under the HP badge, which marks the top of the line for the brand. And they look very similar to the Ridgid cordless framing nailer, which is worth knowing if you are shopping across either platform.
Ryobi HP 21-Degree Framing Nailer (PBL345)
The 21-degree model (PBL345) is the full round head option. It drives nails up to 3.5 inches, and Ryobi claims up to 750 nails per charge on a 4Ah battery. It is fully brushless and includes shock absorbers to protect the battery, plus an integrated rafter hook.
Pricing is set at $329 for the tool only. That number may feel high depending on how you shop the competition, so weigh it against what else is on sale before committing.

Ryobi HP 30-Degree Framing Nailer (PBL350)
The 30-degree model (PBL350) carries the same MSRP of $329 for the tool only. It gives you more flexibility in fasteners: full round head nails at 30 degrees, or clipped head nails at 30 degrees only.
Like its sibling, it is brushless, cordless, and free of gas cartridges and hoses, with selectable drive modes and a three-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Firing Modes and Handling
Both nailers offer selectable drive: a single-shot mode for precision placement, and a bump mode for faster sequential firing along a plate or header. Flipping the switch changes the firing behavior, so you can match the mode to the task.
One thing to check before buying: there does not appear to be a quick-release for nail jams. Clearing a jammed fastener may involve removing a few screws, so factor that into your expectations for on-the-job maintenance. The design reads slightly bulkier than some rivals, though the shared Ridgid platform has been working well in use, so there is no obvious reason to expect problems.

Nail Capacity and Compatibility
Fastener flexibility is one of the stronger selling points here. The 21-degree model handles full round head nails, while the 30-degree model accepts both full round head and clipped head nails at 30 degrees. Full round head is still preferred in some regions and by some inspectors, so choose based on your local requirements.
The claimed 750 nails per charge on a 4Ah battery is a meaningful figure for a full day of framing, though real-world output will depend on wood density and nail size.

Warranty and Where to Buy
Both Ryobi HP nailers carry a three-year manufacturer’s warranty, which is solid for a tool in this class. They are expected to be available at Home Depot. The initial announcement pointed to a 2023 rollout, so keep an eye on local availability if they are not yet on shelves.
The Ridgid Alternative
The Ridgid cordless framing nailer is nearly identical in appearance and, in practice, is likely the same tool on a different battery platform. At the time of the comparison it was discounted to $359 during a sale event, and that price included both a battery and a charger.
That bundled kit matters. Buying a bare Ryobi nailer at $329 means budgeting separately for batteries and a charger if you are not already on the platform. If you are starting from zero, the Ridgid kit can be the more complete purchase.
Which One Should You Buy?
If you are already invested in the Ryobi 18V battery ecosystem, these HP nailers finally give you a framing solution without adding a second platform. Pick the 21-degree model for full round head work, or the 30-degree model if you want the option of clipped head nails.
If you are buying your first cordless framing nailer and price is the deciding factor, compare the current Ridgid kit pricing with batteries included against the Ryobi tool-only price plus the cost of a starter battery and charger. A cordless framing nailer beats dragging around a compressor and hoses, but the total cost of entry varies a lot depending on which platform you already own.

Conclusion
Ryobi’s HP framing nailers answer a long-standing request with two well-specified, fully cordless options: up to 750 nails per charge on a 4Ah battery, 3.5-inch fastener capacity, selectable drive modes, and a three-year warranty. The $329 tool-only price will not suit every budget, so it pays to compare against the Ridgid kit and other platforms before you buy. If these fit your battery lineup, they are a genuinely convenient way to leave the compressor behind.


