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What Is The Best Brad Nailer?
After careful review of a wide array of brad nailers, we have chosen the Hitachi NT50AE 18 Gauge ⅝ to 2 inch Brad Nailer as the best brad nailer. The Hitachi is lightweight and easy to handle. The brad nailer comes complete with safety goggles, as well as a protective case.
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Top 5 Brad Nailers: Our Picks & Recommendations
- Best Overall: Hitachi NT50AE2 18-Gauge
- Best Budget: WEN 61720 3/4-Inch to 2-Inch
- Best 18 Gauge Brad Nailer: Bostitch BTFP12233 Smart Point
- Best Cordless Brad Nailer: PORTER-CABLE PCC790LA 20V
- Best Pneumatic Brad Nailer: NuMax S2-118G2 Pneumatic 2 in 1
Whether you are a seasoned woodworker, or a woodworking enthusiast just starting out, there is one tool that everyone should have included with their other tools. Whether it is a brad nailer, brad nailer staple gun or a brad nailer combo, either one of these will help you get the job done with ease.
The best brad nailer leaves a smaller hole in your wood since it uses a smaller gauge nail. Therefore, your wood project is less likely to split. Most importantly, this eliminates concern over the nail head size that is showing. Which ultimately means you likely will not need hole filler.
Things To Consider When Purchasing a Brad Nail Gun
There are many things to consider before the purchase. These are all important aspects because you do want your finished product looking professional.
Nail Size
Nail size is important because you do not want a large nail and nail head if you are doing trim work or flooring. The size of the nail is dependent on the project.
For more intricate projects, you want a finish nail that is virtually invisible, unless you know to look for one. The length of your nail should be one that would measure ¾ of the way through your piece of wood.
Nose size
Nose size of the gun is most important as you want a nailer that is compact enough to fit the smaller spaces, such as wood trim. The nose size of the brad nailer also ensures accuracy in the placement of the nail.
Power Source
Power Source is one of the most important questions to find an answer to before you make the purchase. There are two power sources that a brad nailer may use. These are Pneumatic or Electric. The Pneumatic power brad nailer is the most popular of the two. This is due mainly to the depth you achieve when firing the brad nailer.
Along with the pneumatic brad nailer, be sure that you purchase or have a compatible air compressor to plug into. As for the electric brad nailer, you can find these in cordless models as well as the corded.
These are ideal if you are doing a home project. It is easier to unplug from an outlet than it is to move around an air compressor.
Trigger Type
Trigger Type is a matter of choice. There are two types of triggers to consider when looking to purchase the best brad nailer. Again, this depends on the type of project you are working on. When you need to ensure that only one nail or brad is released at a time, you will want to purchase a sequential nailer.
The trigger needs to be pushed and then released before the nailer is ready to fire another nail. The contact trigger is by far the quickest type trigger to use. The contact trigger will continue firing the nails as long as you hold the trigger down.
Warranty Period And Repair
Warranty Period and Repair will vary widely in the tool’s warranty. Most importantly, read the fine print. This is most important so that as a customer, you know what you will be expected to pay and what the company is responsible for.
Most warranties will not have coverage for wearable parts. This is not surprising, as the wearable parts are likely the ones to wear out first. Some of these warranties will include parts, but not labor. This is most often true for warranties that do not go past a one year limit.
Extra Benefits
Extra Benefits included in the purchase may not seem important at the time. However, when you arrive home and realize you do not have safety goggles it could make a huge difference. Glance over what is included in the purchase to determine what else you will need to pick up while at the store.
We have found that the majority of brands will include a protective case and safety glasses. There are some that will include the hex key to loosen the nose. Others include a battery and air tool oil. All items we reviewed did include a warranty of varying lengths.
5 Best Brad Nailer Reviews
Here’s a list of the best brad nailers on the market today:
Best Overall
1. Hitachi NT50AE2 18-Gauge 5/8-Inch to 2-Inch Brad Nailer
What you will love: You will love the fact that this is a lightweight brad nailer that works wonderfully for trim work and baseboards. Small woodworking projects such as making photo frames, dollhouses are best done with brad nailer tools.
The Hitachi NT50AE2 comes complete with a sturdy carrying case and a nose piece that protects the tool. Also included is a pair of safety goggles. The Hitachi NT50AE2 requires an operating pressure of 70 to 120 psi. This brad nailer kit is great for framing, small wood projects or putting in trim in your own home.
The design was made to be comfortable and easy to use. This brad nail gun also has the actuation trigger switch. This allows the user to go from contact firing mode to a rapid bump mode. The elastomer grip makes it comfortable and able to use all day.
Woodworkers and wood finishers will fall in love with the intuitive ability of the Hitachi. Settings will allow for a perfect countersink of the brad nails. This brad nailer was found to be very reliable and of extremely high quality.
Pros:
- The NT50AE2 has an adjustable depth drive that allows the user to make small modifications in the depth.
- This brad nailer has a high capacity magazine which allows for a very little downtime. Also has a viewing window with nail count remaining.
- There is also a 360* exhaust vent.
- This Hitachi brad nail gun is covered with a 5-year warranty.
- There is no mark left when firing, no marring of the wood.
Cons:
- The warranty does state that the wearable parts, ie: O-ring, pistons or drivers are only covered for 90 days of the 5-year warranty.
- The nail capacity is listed at 100 nails, this may be adequate for most projects.
Best Budget
2. WEN 61720 3/4-Inch to 2-Inch 18-Gauge Brad Nailer
What You Will Love: This is a simple and basic brad nail gun. It comes with a case for easy storage. The psi is between 60 and 100. This nailer has a rubber handle and is lightweight and easy to use. You will also love that this nailer kit comes with oil, adjustment wrenches and a cool carry case. It is a corded, electric tool for convenience wherever you are.
The WEN 61720 comes with oil, the carrying case and two adjustment wrenches. Nail gauge that can be used would be ¾ to 2 inches. Has an aluminum body and can hold a magazine of 100 brads. Work will be done quickly when you just plugin and start shooting.
This also has a quick release to end all jams. This comes with a one year warranty included. The WEN 61720 is ideal for projects such as framing, paneling or trim work.
This is a great deal for the money. Does basically the same as higher-priced items. WEN61720 does virtually everything that a DIY person would want in a brad nailer.
Pros:
- Allows you to complete jobs quickly.
- This brad nailer is lightweight with an aluminum body.
- Holds a full magazine of 100.
- Rubberized handle makes an all-day job easy to do.
- This WEN 61720 is air-powered so no need to worry about a battery dying in mid-job.
- This nailer gun is more than capable of handling putting in new flooring.
- Those who enjoy DIY will be thankful they made this purchase.
- You can lay your hammer to rest when you own this nailer.
- With the Bostitch brad nailer kit, you will have excellent driving power.
Cons:
- The WEN 61720 only has a one year warranty.
- Also, it does weigh 5 pounds, which for the most part is lightweight, but, to some could be cumbersome.
- Brad nails of ¾ to 2 inches are what it will hold, nothing smaller.
Best 18 Gauge Brad Nailer
3. Bostitch BTFP12233 Smart Point 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Kit
What you will love: This brad nailer kit from Bostitch is made with Smart Technology. This means that it has a smaller nose point, which is easier to make placement and no need to compress the nose tip.
Also built into the Bostitch is a tool-free release for jams that may happen. The consumer is able to dial the depth they desire for their project. This Bostitch Nailer kit includes not only the nailer, a smart carrying case, sample adjustments, and extra no mark tips.
There is a 1/4 “ air fitting, You have a side loading brad magazine that holds 100 brad nails. The price is above average, the quality is well worth spending the tiny bit of extra. Operation is 70 to 120 psi.
Pros:
- This is an electric nailer kit and requires no use of oil.
- There is a 7-year limited warranty included.
- The Bostitch Brad Nailer Kit weighs in at only 5 pounds. It is easy to use with a comfortable grip.
- This handy nailer kit will work on upholstery, cabinetry and trim work. Also included is a countersink option for your brads.
- You will feel comfortable having accurate tip placement with this handy gun kit.
- The Bostitch has excellent power and is able to easily toenail your trim, framework or other projects.
- Although relatively lightweight, it is sturdy and well built.
- Includes a belt hook and built-in pencil sharpener.
Cons:
- Although this Bostitch does carry a 7-year warranty, the buyer will need to read the warranty in detail.
- The warranty is a limited warranty.
- Reading will determine what all will be covered and what is not covered.
- The air exhaust is located on the bottom and tends to blow the dust up into the users face.
Best Cordless Brad Nailer
4. PORTER-CABLE PCC790LA 20V MAX Lithium 18GA Cordless Brad Nailer
What you will love: This Brad nailer kit is a 20V maximum Lithium, 18 gauge cordless kit that comes complete with a battery and a charger. The ease of use in this cordless nailer kit will have you using it for everything you can.
There is no compressor needed, You will have the consistency of drive depth throughout. With a tool-free jam release, your productivity will increase. The depth adjustment wheel allows for easy changes to your depth drive.
The inclusion of a lithium battery and a charger reduces any downtime. Comes with a 3-year warranty. There is an integrated hook for belts, making this easy to carry. No cords or cables to stretch from an air compressor helps make quick work of your tasks.
The buyer has other options for purchase with this brad nailer kit. You can order an extra battery, with one battery only, or single as a bare tool. Other options include a radio for the job site, and also a Bluetooth speaker.
Pros:
- Little to no downtime due to battery and charger inclusion.
- Consistent drive depth and easy adjustment.
- The Porter-Cable brad nailer kit is highly recommended and easy to use.
- You can easily countersink the brads to minimize holes.
- You can use nails from ⅝” to 2 inches.
- The magazine will hold up to 100 brad nails.
- Batteries are interchangeable with products from the same brand.
- A great positive for this is that plaster is no match, you can nail crown molding into the plaster with ease.
Cons:
- Weighs in at over 5 pounds.
- The 3-year warranty is a limited warranty. Please read the warranty.
- As it is with brad nailers, This Porter-Cable brad nailer only uses brads and finishing.
- Not recommended for outdoor use, due to boards warping.
- There is no storage or carry bag for this brad nailer kit.
- You cannot use batteries other than the brand included.
Best Pneumatic Brad Nailer
5. NuMax S2-118G2 Pneumatic 2 in 1 Brad Nailer And Stapler
What you will Love: This is an 18 gauge, 2-inch ergonomic combination tool. You get a brad nailer and staple gun all in one. This brad nail and staple gun combo is lightweight aluminum and is made with an ergonomic grip that is also anti-vibration.
This nailer gun stapler combination uses both 18 gauge brad nails and also 18 gauge crown staples. Nails that can be used can be ⅜ inch to 2 inch and staples for use are ½ to 1 ⅝ inches.
The NuMax is made with high quality and durable material, which makes this combination tool tough and dependable. Also included in the package is the Air Oil needed, and adjustment tools. Since it is pneumatic, you will need a power source or compressor for the tool.
This is one perfect combination tool for use on decorative trim, crown moulding, framing, and baseboards. There are many other ways to use this combination of a brad nailer and stapler gun.
Pros:
- The NuMax S2 118G2 is a perfect combination brad nail and a staple gun.
- Therefore it is highly versatile.
- The operating pressure is 60 to 110 psi.
- The NuMax has an extremely affordable price tag.
- Considering that this is a brad nailer and a stapler gun, the price is on the lower side of everyone’s budget.
- DIY, all the way to well-seasoned woodworkers will benefit from a combination tool with this good of a price.
- The brad nailer Staple gun has an aluminum body with heat-treated metal for extra durability.
- It is lightweight, weighing in at just over 3 pounds.
- There is a tool-free finger depth adjust.
Cons:
- This combination brad nail gun and stapler has a one year warranty and only a 30-day wearable parts warranty.
- Please read the warranty to understand the benefits and disadvantages.
- Sadly, this combination tool does not come with a carrying bag or storage bag.
- Another negative may be that it is a tool-free finger depth adjustment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Gauge Are Brad Nails?
Brad nails are available in two sizes. Most often these are 18 gauge and 21 gauge brad nails. The most common of these is 18 gauge due to the bond they make with the wood project.
What Are Brad Nails Used For?
Brad nails main use is for wood finishing projects. They are the main brad nail used when wood splitting could be a factor. Trim work is the most often project for brad nails.
What Is An 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Used For?
The 18 gauge brad nailer is generally used when wood splitting is a concern. The gauge helps prevent the wood from splitting. Trim work is the most common wood project. For framing in smaller, tighter areas is also common to use a brad nailer.
Can You Use A Brad Nailer For Framing?
A brad nailer is most commonly used for small projects or upholstery work. The brad nailer uses 18 gauge or 21 gauge brad nails, these leave a smaller hole and virtually no head is seen on the finished product.
Are All Brad Nailers Pneumatic?
No, brad nailers can be electric or pneumatic. The pneumatic is considered to be very efficient when used. The electric brad nailer is heavier and most often more expensive. However, the electric brad nailer is more powerful.
Can I use A Brad Nailer For Baseboards?
Brad nailers are acceptable for baseboards. Do not use any brad nails that are longer than 2 inches. Brad nails of 1.5-inch length are ideal for baseboards and framework.
Can I Use A Brad Nailer For Fencing?
The brad nails that a brad nailer shoots in are too short and thin to hold any sturdy fencing boards. Fence boards tend to warp outside in the variety of weather in all locations.
Conclusion
When considering a purchase for a brad nailer or stapler gun, even considering a combination tool, be sure to read the warranty. Most importantly, make a list of what you plan to use the tool for, and base your purchase on your list.
For those who enjoy woodworking, DIY projects or home remodel, any of these brad nailers or staple guns will work fantastic.
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