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Are you a DIY enthusiast and searching for a versatile tool for your projects? Or,
Are you a homeowner or construction worker or engineer and looking for a trustworthy way to get your finishing job done more precisely and efficiently?
Then, undoubtedly 18-gauge brad nailer is one of the excellent and most useful finishing tools for your wood and renovation projects.
A number of different models of brad nailers are available in the market today. In a matter of fact, it’s really impossible to find out the right model from this pretty competitive market.
If you’re confused to select the best one, take a look at our best 18 gauge brad nailer reviews and take into account the information in our buying guide. Undoubtedly, it’ll be most useful to identify the efficient and right brad nail gun for you.
Based on efficiency, accuracy, precision, performance, and price, we’ve analyzed a good number of brad nailers available in the market. Finally, after correlating all the qualities, we’ve discovered 10 special models.
Keep on reading!
Definitely, you’ll be able to find out all the useful information about each of our choices.
18-Gauge Brad Nailer Comparison Chart
Here, we offer you our best rated brad nailers review which includes both electric and pneumatic nailer.
PORTER-CABLE PCC790LA
Electric
100
10 Best 18-Gauge Brad Nailer Reviews
#1. DEWALT DC608K Review – Best Cordless 18 Gauge Brad Nailer
Need to nail through plywood, hardwood, or softwood? Then, DEWALT DC608K Brad Nailer can be the perfect finishing tool for you. DC608K comes with a narrow, tapered nose that fits into any tight space such as inside a cabinet or under toe kicks.
Featuring dual operating mode this tool works as fast as you do with consistent nail penetration. You need to work with lots of wood furniture, building cabinets, chair rail moldings, or paneling, DEWALT DC608K will allow you to save a lot of time, effort, and cost.
Contact lock-off and a reversible belt hook add an extra safety feature to this tool. DC608K comes with an 18V NiCad battery, safety glasses, a one-hour charger, and a plastic storage case.
Core Features
- Quality design for rapid working procedure with consistent nail penetration into both hard and soft surfaces
- Dual operation mode- Bump mode for production speed and sequential mode for precision placement of nails.
- No need of exhaust pipe and compressor
- Contact Trip Lock-Off to prohibit accidental deployment and ensure the safety of the user
- Easy to access nose-piece for the removal of the nail blocked
- Specially designed box-style, straight magazine to seal out dust and debris and to increase the longevity of the tool
Specifications
- Product Weight – 7.4 lbs
- Product Dimensions – 11.5x 3.5x 11 inches (Lx W x H)
- Power Source – Cordless-Electric
- Operating Mode – Selective
- Voltage – 18V
- Battery Required? – YES
- Battery Included? – YES
- Charger Included? – YES
- Nail Diameter – 18GA
- Nail Length – 5/8 to 2 inches
- Magazine Capacity – 110
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Convenience
- Able to withstand continued and heavy use
- Efficient and constant nail penetration
- Precise depth-control mechanism
- Safe to use
Cons
- Not suitable to work on all types of wood
Does 20V XR Lithium-ion battery work with DEWALT DC608K Brad Nailer?
No, not at all. You should use DEWALT DCA1820 Dewalt Battery Adapter for 18V Tools, 20V.
Why Best Of The Best?
DEWALT DC608K Brad Nailer is one of the best power tools that provides the users the opportunity to complete their finishing jobs in half the time it used to. Being wireless and not rely on the power of an air compressor, DEWALT DC608K ensures the convenience of your project. Its different operating modes, large Brad’s capacity, anti-jam mechanism as well as target assistance qualities make this tool one of the trusty brad nailer.
#2. PORTER CABLE PCC790LA – Top rated brad nailer
Don’t like to have a hose or compressor around? Then no more compressor, no hose, no gas cartridge.
PORTER-CABLE PCC790LA 20Volt MAX Lithium 18gauge Cordless Brad Nailer is the tool that you’re looking for your finishing job. You must be impressed with its solid and well-built, nice size as well as lightweight. Its ergonomic design with multi-functional dual LED light is a great feature. The nail depth is consistent and easily adjustable.
This functional and ease of use tool are perfect to meet your finishing needs- installing chair rail, baseboard as well as other forms of trims. Finally, it’s a great battery-powered, affordable cordless brad nailer for the DIYer.
Core Features
- 100% battery powered
- Able to drive 5/8 to 2-inch long brads
- Multiple tool-free settings for easy operation
- Multi-functional led lights for work area illumination
- LED light indicators for battery charge and nail jammed
- Excellent no-mar tip and trigger lock
- Belt clip for convenient storage and access
- Consistent nail driving power into different materials and climate conditions
- Optimal center of gravity and low weight to increase comfort and decrease user fatigue
Specifications
- Product Weight – 8.1 lbs
- Product Dimensions – 13.9 x 5 x 12 inches
- Power Source – Battery-Powered
- Voltage – 20V
- Nail Diameter – 18 GA
- Magazine Capacity – 100
- Firing Mode – Sequential
- Battery Required – 1 Lithium ion batteries required. (Included)
- Depth of Drive – Adjustable
Pros
- Well-built
- Ergonomic design
- Easy to operate and load
- Tool-free jam clearing mechanism
- Convenient
- Lightweight and handy
- Great Battery life
- Low maintenance
- Affordable
Cons
- Doesn’t comes with storage case
- No bump fire mode
- A little bulky
Does PORTER CABLE PCC790LA support multiple lengths of nails?
Definitely. ½ inch to 2” nails can be used with this tool.
Why Best Of The Best?
For its portability and consistency in putting the finishing touches on a job and portability, PCC790LA has become one of the excellent brad nailers. In terms of the battery life, the loading and unloading procedure, the consistent depth of drive, the belt clip, and the lights, this is a great finishing tool ever.
#3. Hitachi NT1850DE – Best battery powered brad nailer
Installing delicate pieces, such as crown molding or cabinet fronts is now a less effort job with Hitachi NT1850DE 18-Volt Cordless Lithium-Ion Brushless 18 Gauge Brad Nailer. It includes a lightweight, compact battery that provides the power you require for the job done by hand. Fire up to 1650 nails on a single charge of its powerful battery.
Set the brads deeply in just seconds with its tool-free depth adjuster. The tool-less jam removal, variable position belt hook, LED light, low battery indicator- all these features allow you to manage your project efficiently. The tool also comes with Charger, Safety Glasses, and contractor bag.
Core Features
- Brushless motor technology for longer operation time per charge, increased durability and easy maintenance
- The compact, lightweight Lithium battery for complete portability
- No compressor, no air hose.
- Air spring drive system for increased driving speed, rapid response time between drives
- Dual mode- Sequential and bump fire mode
- Tool-free depth adjustment for smooth drives into different materials
- Tool-free, quick clear jam release for reducing downtime
- LED light to work in low light job site
- Ergonomic designed soft grip handle for comfort and secure hold
- Side-lock switch and automatic power shut off feature for added safety
- Magazine reload indicator to avoid dry firing
Specifications
- Product Weight – 7.3 lbs
- Product Dimensions – 12 x 2x 12 inches
- Batteries Required – YES (1 Lithium-ion Battery- Included)
- Style – Cordless
- Power Source – Battery
- Measurement System – Metric
- Nail Length – 5/8 to 2 inches
- Magazine Type – Side Loading
- Magazine Capacity – 100
Pros
- Convenient and portable
- Freedom from air compressor and hose
- Longer runtime
- Easier and less maintenance
- Tool-free jam release
- Tool-free depth of drive
- Reliable and accurate
- Durable
Cons
- Doesn’t come with sample nail
Is Hitachi NT1850DE compatible with 18-volt slide-in batteries?
The Lithium battery is compatible, but you can’t use the NiCad.
Why Best Of The Best?
Hitachi NT1850DE brad nailer has taken cordless nailing to the next level. You don’t need to be worried about the risk of hoses or the cost of compressor or gas cartridges. NT1850DE is one of the best professional options in terms of technology, power, efficiency, durability, and safety.
#4. DEWALT DWFP12231 Review – Best pneumatic brad nailer
You’re a professional woodworker, homeowner, DIYer, or whatever and need to work a lot on DIY projects or home repair, then DEWALT DWFP12231 Pneumatic 18-Gauge 2-Inch Brad Nailer Kit can be your best companion to your finishing job. Powered by air DWFP12231 is one of the excellent tools with a lot of enticing qualities.
Magnesium-built body, maintenance-free motor, tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment, and jam release mechanism- all these features are enough to make you a great fan of a DEWALT brad nailer. All these features of Dewalt brad nailer you’ll enjoy at a reasonable price tag.
Core Features
- Lightweight and strong magnesium body
- Maintenance free, long life motor to keep from staining the work area
- Tool-less jam cleaning mechanism for easy jam release and reduced downtime
- Tool-less depth-of-drive adjustment for locating proper depth settings
- Rear exhaust for keeping the dust and debris away from the worksite
- Rubber grip and on-tool storage for improved comfort and convenience
- Adjustable belt hook to keep the too near the user
Specifications
- Product Weight – 4.8 lbs
- Product Dimensions – 13 x 3.7 x 13.1 inches
- Color – Yellow
- Power Source – Pneumatic
- Magazine Capacity – 100
- Nail size – 5/8 to 2 inches
- Included Components – Case
- Batteries Required? – No
Pros
- Strong and lightweight design
- Easy to use
- Ergonomic design
- Easy jam extraction
- Very quiet
- Maintenance free
Cons
- Some users complain about the frequent jam while using 2-inch nails
Is DEWALT DWFP12231 suitable to nail wood skirting to concrete using concrete nails?
No. This tool is only for interior projects such as crown molding, base trim, or plywood cabinets.
Why Best Of The Best?
DEWALT DWFP12231 Pneumatic 18-Gauge 2-Inch Brad Nailer Kit is one of the top-notch pneumatic brad nailers with all the latest features of professional-level use. DWFP12231 is well made lightweight, durable, and highly practical air-powered brad nailer to meet your finishing needs. So if you want a great brad nailer, just go for it!
#5. Makita AF505N Review – Best brad nailer for the money
What you’re looking for from your brad nailer? Accuracy, Precision, convenience, or speed?
All these great features you’ll get from Makita AF505N Brad Nailer. Definitely, you’ll be impressed by the conveniences of the Makita cordless nailer, from the tool-free adjustment to its 360’ swivel tool hook. Its extra narrow nose design not only makes your finishing job easier, even in the confined area but also provides quality and precision.
The tool features dual nail indicators that are a great advantage to see when it’s time to reload. The rubberized soft grip combined with its tiny nose makes AF505N superb maneuverable.
Core Features
- Extremely narrow nose piece to work in tight spaces with precision
- Tool-less depth adjustment for using different types of finish applications
- Tool-less quick-release Cam-lock nose-piece latch to remove jams easily and quickly.
- Non-marking rubber nose augmented by rubber pads to prevent marring the workpiece
- Multi-directional 360’ swivel exhaust port to direct exhaust air and dirt away from your work
- 180’ Rotatable belt hook for your convenience
- Dual nail reload indicator window to alert you the reload time and thus avoid black drives
Specifications
- Product Weight – 6.3 pounds
- Product Dimensions – 14 x 14 x 4 inches
- Power Source – Air-powered
- Battery Required? – No
- Air Pressure (PSI) – 60 to 115
- Nail Size – 5/8” to 2” (18 GA.)
- Magazine Capacity – 100
Pros
- Efficient design
- Well-built
- Useful and Convenient
- Accurate
- Easy to maneuver
- Easy to adjust
- Works flawlessly
Cons
- Requires machine oil
Does Makita AF505N Brad Nailer feature dry fire lockout?
No, it doesn’t have any dry fire lockout.
Why Best Of The Best?
In terms of lifespans, performance, and overall quality Makita AF505N Brad Nailer is a great product. The tool works faster without compromising accuracy and performance. You’ll just give thanks to Makita because of its comfortable and effortless handling mechanism. Overall, a great gun at a great price.
#6. BOSTITCH BTFP12233 Review – Best brad nailer for trim
BOSTITCH BTFP12233 is one of the most diligent pneumatic brad nailers that you’re looking for. One of its impressive features is its lightweight and petite size that makes this model remarkable. Definitely, you’ll be surprised to see how the narrow nose provides the highly accurate nailing even on hard-to-get places.
Obviously, this Bostitch brad nailer is a perfect tool to work on small and delicate projects. In addition, the nailer is not only selectable to sequential or bump firing but is also able to fire extremely long brads up to 2 1/8 inches. You’ll surely get a comfortable working experience due to its lightweight, compact design and comfortable rubber grip.
In addition, the ¼ inch swivel air connector makes the tool easy to maneuver when working within tight spaces. You’ll be happy to learn that the package includes ¼ inch fitting, carrying case, sample brad nails, and extra no-mar tip.
Core Features
- Soft and comfy handle along with big trigger for easy gripping and handiness
- Effective jam release mechanism to remove any jammed nail from the nailer
- Lightweight and sturdy magnesium alloy body
- Adjustable belt hook along with integrated pencil sharpener
- Oil-free operation, no grease spot after nailing
- Swivel hose fitting to follow the tool maneuvers
- Equipped with a filter to clean the dirt from supplied air
- Dial-A-Depth fastener control to adjust the depth of drive
- Yellow reload indicator to indicate the brads are run out
- Easy to open magazine
Specifications
- Product Weight – 3.1 pounds
- Product Dimensions – 12.2 x 11.7 x 4.5 inches
- Type – 2 1/8 inch oil-free, smart point brad nailer
- Power Source – Air-powered
- Magazine Angle – Straight
- Magazine Capacity – 100
- Magazine Loading – Side Load
- Operating Pressure – 70-120 psi.
- Battery Required – No
Pros
- Well-designed
- Super lightweight
- Great for intricate trim
- Convenient
- Easy to use
- Easy to adjust
- Oil-free operation
- Pinpoint accuracy
- Tool-free jam release
- Affordable
Cons
- Some users complaint at least one non-fire
Does BOSTITCH BTFP12233 Smart Point 18GA Brad Nailer compatible with Porter cable nail?
If the brads are 18GA and within the length limitations of the nailer, should work well with this nailer.
Why Best Of The Best?
BOSTITCH BTFP12233 is great quality and user-friendly tool that you can hook up your waistband while working on the project. It’s a well-designed pneumatic brad nailer compared to other comparatively priced nailers.
#7. Hitachi NT50AE2 Review
Hitachi NT50AE2 18-Gauge 5/8-Inch to 2-Inch Brad Nailer offers you a lot of useful features within your budget. Its depth-of-drive dial makes it easy to get the nails exactly where you want. Moreover, the selectable trigger provides you more working flexibility. This professional-grade Hitachi brad nailer is just great for a variety of applications.
Easy and quick loading and jam removal feature as well as the low nail indicator, will definitely decrease the downtime. Its lightweight, compact design along with elastomer grip, makes the tool perfect for the DIYer or woodworker.
Core Features
- Dual firing mode- bump and sequential
- Super lightweight Aluminum body
- Visual nail reload indicator to avoid firing blanks
- Elastomer grip handle for better handling
- 360o adjustable exhaust port to keep the worksite tidy and clean
- Bottom-loading, high capacity magazine for easy and quick loading
- Tool-less jam clearing mechanism and depth adjustment
- Narrow and non-marring nose tip
Specifications
- Product Weight – 4.7 lbs
- Product Dimensions – 14.7 x 12 x 3.5 inches
- Color – Silver
- Power Source – Air-powered
- Measurement Unit – Inch
- Battery Required – No
- Operating Pressure 70 – 120 PSI
- Magazine Capacity – 100
- Nail Type – 18GA
- Nail Size – 5/8 to 2 inches
Pros
- Precise and continuous driving
- Great quality and functionality
- Ease of use
- Quick and easy loading
- Comfortable
- Efficient
Cons
- Doesn’t include a case for the nailer
Is Hitachi NT50AE2 18-Gauge 5/8-Inch to 2-Inch Brad Nailer oil-free? Or does it need oil for maintenance?
Manufacturers recommendations to use a few drops of lubricating oil before you start the tool. Also, use another few drops before storing it. It’s good to use pneumatic oil lubrication after each use.
Why Best Of The Best?
If you’re looking for a nailer that is built well, runs well, and is easy to operate, Hitachi NT50AE2 is one of the best air nailers available in the market. Its rapid-firing mechanism, easy depth adjustment, and fairly lightweight and compact design make it one of the great professional finishing tools. Best of all, it’s inexpensive compared to other brands of similar quality.
Really an awesome nailer at a good price.
#8. PORTER-CABLE NS150C Review
PORTER CABLE NS150C is a perfect tool for any DIYer or professional contractor. This brad nailer comes with every basic feature that a user needs for his/ her project. NS150C comes with a magnesium-built lightweight yet strong body.
The split nose design is a convenience to remove the jammed staples easily. Its integrated rubber grip will provide you improved comfort while working with it for a long time. In addition, its low staple reload indicator will alert you to reload. The tool features a specially hardened driver blade that ensures its long life.
The porter cable brad nailers package comes with a stapler, staples, ¼-inch fitting, carrying case, and owner’s manual. Open the box and just get right to work!
Core Features
- Lightweight as well as durable, rugged magnesium body
- Practically maintenance free long life motor
- Soft rubber grip for safety and comfort
- Removable rubber nose tip to protect delicate surfaces
- Removable tool belt hooks to keep the tool handy
- Able to drive 18GA with ¼ inch crowns staples from ½ inch to 1-1/2 inch length
- Tool-free staple drive depth adjustment
- Equipped with a reload indicator window
- Innovative split nose design to clear the jammed right away
- Rear exhaust to keep contaminants away from the work place
Specifications
- Product Weight – 4.9 lbs
- Product Dimensions – 9.9 x 2.6 x 10.3 inches
- Product Color – Black
- Power Source – AC/ DC
- Batteries Required – No
- Depth of Drive – Adjustable
- Fastener Capacity – 100
Pros
- Stylish, compact and ergonomic design
- Able to work with a variety of staple lengths
- Tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment
- Highly maneuverable
- Comfortable to use
- Powerful and flexible
- Lightweight yet durable
- Easy to load
- Maintenance free
- Offers the best value for the money
Cons
- Not suitable for vinyl siding
- No sample staples come in the box
- Doesn’t support bump fire mode
How to load the PORTER-CABLE NS150C? From front or back?
Never try to ram the nailer in backward. Load it in the front.
Why Best Of The Best?
In terms of flexibility, durability, ease of use, PORTER-CABLE NS150C is an excellent as well as an affordable staple gun. In considering customer satisfaction, this tool ranks highly. Whether you need to screen doors, aluminum or plywood siding, ladder insulation, barbed wire, flooring, or stairwell carpeting, to get your job done, there is no better tool on the market than NS150C.
#9. SENCO FinishPro 18MG
If you’re new to using power tools or doing home improvement, SENCO FinishPro® 18MG, 2-1/8″ 18-Gauge Brad Nailer (ProSeries) can be a perfect gun for you. Its well-balanced and ergonomic design makes the tool extremely easy to use. Its rubber grip is comfortable to grasp for a long time.
Moreover, the 5.6-pound weight makes the tool simpler. Definitely, the new user will appreciate its oil-free design, as they don’t have to deal with oil handling and there is no risk of destroying the project with oil spills.
And finally one of the best features of this tool is- it fits up to 2 1/8 inch nails whereas most of the brad nailers fit up to 2-inch nails. Hence, this Senco brad nailer will surely exceed your high expectations.
Core Features
- Extremely lightweight and durable magnesium body
- Oil-free design to protect your workpiece from oil spills
- Rear exhaust to prevent a chance of splattering workpiece
- Adjustable depth-of-drive
- Sequential and contact trigger options
- Easy-open nose-piece for quick jam removal
- Nail reload indicator to prevent from dry firing
- A swivel air connector and belt hook
Specifications
- Product Weight – 5.6 pounds
- Product Dimensions – 10 x 4 x 10 inches
- Color – Black
- Power Source – air-powered
- Measurement Unit – inch
- Depth Of Drive – Adjustable
- Operating Pressure – 70 to 120 PSI
- Included Components – Case
- Batteries Required? – No
Pros
- Easy to use in tight areas
- Easy to load
- Highly durable
- Powerful
- Little and compact
- Ultralight and durable
- Oil-free design
- Low maintenance
- Very reliable
- Easy to dial in and change nail depth
- Versatile nail sizes
Cons
- Nothing found yet
Does SENCO FinishPro Brad Nailer continue to dry fire when the magazine is empty?
Yes, it’ll continue to dry fire when the magazine is empty. But there is an indicator to show the empty magazine.
Why Best Of The Best?
SENCO FinishPro can be an excellent choice for everyone, especially for the newbie. Its weight and well-balanced handle are just appropriate as a quality brad nailer. The ease of clearing jam, the oil-less design, the rear exhaust, the ease of depth adjustment- all these positive factors make this tool one of the best tools ever.
#10. DEWALT Bare-Tool DC608B
If you’re looking for versatility, convenience, and power, DEWALT Bare-Tool DC608B 18-Volt Cordless 2-Inch 18 Gauge Brad Nailer is one of the best tools for you. All of its great features at a reasonable price will certainly make you surprised.
Powered by DEWALT’s 18V cordless batteries (sold separately), DC608B is able to drive 18GA brads ranging from 5/8” to 2” with ease and as speed as five brads per second. Its two operation modes provide versatility on the worksite. No matter what is your working surfaces, its durable 18-Volt engine design allows you to complete multiple projects with consistent nail penetration.
You don’t need to be worried about working fatigue if you decide to use it for a long time. Its cordless, compact and lightweight design makes the tool extremely portable. The tool is specially designed to keep out the debris and dust on your job site.
Core Features
- Dual operation modes-sequential and bump
- Efficient engine design to work as fast as you wish
- Easy to load/unload brads
- Contact trip lock-off
- Integrated LED lights
- Easy to access nose-piece
Specifications
- Product Weight – 6.1 lbs
- Product Dimensions – 11.5 x 3.5 x 11 inches (Lx WX H)
- Operating Mode – Selective
- Power Source – Electric (Cordless)
- Voltage – 18V
- Nailing Rate – 4-5 nails per Sec.
- Nail Diameter – 18GA
- Magazine Capacity – 110 nails
- Magazine Style – Straight
- Magazine Loading – Box style
- Depth Adjustment – Tool-free
- Battery Required – YES
Pros
- Versatile
- Cordless power source
- Tool-free selectable trigger
- Easily transportable
- Easy troubleshooting and jam removal
- Makes very little noise
- Perfect nail setting according to the variable depth dial
- Adjustable drive depth
- Durable
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a case
- Won’t work with DEWALT 20V adapter and 20V batteries
Does DEWALT Bare-Tool DC608B accept 18V Dewalt lithium or nicad battery?
Certainly, it works well with 18Volt XRP. But lithium battery or low profile battery doesn’t work efficiently with it.
Why Best Of The Best?
If you’re an average DIYer and looking for a modern, versatile, and easy-to-use brad nailer, you should try out DEWALT Bare-Tool DC608B for your projects. Although it doesn’t come with a battery, the overall performance of this tool will absolutely satisfy you.
Best 18 Gauge Brad Nailer [Things To Consider]
#Functionality
It’s important to define what kind of work you need to do with the nailer.
Framing a house?
Building furniture?
Putting up paneling?
Or Do you need to do various types of projects with a nailer?
Consider your working area too. Whether it’s open or confined?
There is no way to overlook the finished project itself. Take into account the stability and the thickness of the wood you’ll be using.
These points will help you to determine what types of nails you actually need.
#Power Source
You should determine what power source do you like to use-pneumatic, electric, or combustion?
If you need to work with harder surfaces, pneumatic brad nailers can be a perfect choice. These types of nailers are able to drive larger nails into tough surfaces with ease.
If you like to work anywhere with ease cordless electric brad nailer can be the best selection for you. You can use the corded electric nail gun too. These types of nailers rely on the electric current passing through a magnetic field and solenoid to run the firing pin.
A combustion-powered nailer is perfect if you need to drive larger nails into tough surfaces easily. These types of nailers rely on the battery.
#Convenience
If you need to frequently use a nailer, you should take into account the convenience of the tool. Size, weight, corded or cordless- these features have a great impact on the convenience of the user. The size and the adjustability of the nail also need to be factored in.
What Is A Brad Nailer?
Brad Nailer, a lightweight and compact power tool, is an essential part of anyone’s toolkit. Brad nailer is very useful if you do finishing works with thin trim pieces or delicate wood and need to affix the workpiece without pre-drilling or using screws.
Brad nailer takes the name because of its part what is called “Brads”, a thinner gauge of nail used to affix the trim. If you use a brad nailer, you won’t have to use wood putty to hide the hole. This is a great advantage of this tool.
Which 18 Gauge Nailer Is Right For You?
Certainly, a large number of models of different types of brad nailers are enough to confuse you. But you don’t need to be worried. To make a wise buying decision of a brad nailer, our buying guide will obviously help you.
If you’re getting excited about tough, large, and capable power tools, Relax!
What type of brad nailer is suitable for you depends on what kind of job you’ll use it for. When choosing a brad nailer, you should concentrate on the job nature you’ll do with it.
If you’re a homeowner or DIY enthusiast, or something in between, you need something basic for lighter jobs around your home.
But if you’re a contractor, you should consider something tough, versatile, and easy to use. Hence, if you know your job nature, you can easily look into different features of a brad nail gun and figure out which model is best for you.
Types Of Brad Nailer
Considering the power source, three types of brad nailers are available in the market. These are:
- Battery or combustion powered
- Air powered or Pneumatic
- Electric
#1. Battery or Combustion Powered
If you feel uncomfortable dragging air hose around or using a compressor, battery or combustion-powered nailer can make your task easy.
– It features an internal flammable gas reservoir or cartridge.
– The battery produces a spark, ignites the gas, and drives the piston.
Positive
- Doesn’t depend on air supply
- Free from hoses and wires
- Able to drive larger nails
- Capable to use for harder surfaces
- Extremely portable
Negative
- Pricey as you need to buy gas canisters
- A little heavier than the air powered nailers
#2. Air Powered/ Pneumatic
If you need a nailer to handle wood projects, pneumatic nailers are perfect for most finishing works. These types of nailers use compressed air to push it out on the downstroke, providing the hammer to drive the nails.
Positive
- Lightweight
- High speed and low noise
- Strong enough to drive larger and tough surfaces
Negative
- The attached air hose is a little risky while climbing ladders or stairs
#3. Electric
Corded or cordless- these two types of electric brad nailers are available. These nailers are suitable for small finishing works where medium brad driving power is enough.
Positive
- Cordless electric nailers are extremely portable
- Don’t need to be worried about the gas canisters or air compressor
- Zero emission design
Negative
- Relies on electricity
- Corded brad nailers are somewhat uncomfortable to handle
- Costly
No tool is 100% perfect for everyone. It depends on your working conditions, workpiece, and working needs. All the electric and pneumatic brad nailers that we’ve discussed in our 18g Brad Nailers Reviews are obviously beyond comparison in terms of quality, functionality, power, convenience, accuracy as well as price.
If you’re looking for all the basic features of a brad nailer at an affordable price, PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Cordless Brad Nailer Kit, 18GA (PCC790LA) can be your best selection.
Hitachi NT1850DE 18-Volt Cordless Lithium-Ion Brushless 18 Gauge Brad Nailer is only for you if you need power and speed to your finishing the job.
Take into account the versatile DeWalt DC608K 18 Gauge 2″ Cordless Brad Nailer, if you need to work on multiple projects.
If you’re a newbie and searching for a lighter option, SENCO FinishPro® 18MG, 2-1/8″ 18-Gauge Brad Nailer (ProSeries) is just for you.
BOSTITCH BTFP12233 Brad Nailer can be a great choice for you if you prefer a super lightweight nailer, but heavier in performance.
Hopefully, our review will help you to get the best 18 Gauge brad nailer to meet all of your finishing project needs.
So, why still confused?
Confidently, choose the perfect electric or pneumatic 18 gauge brad nailer from our top pick and make your finishing job a breeze.
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