Using a hammer to drive a few nails on a wooden chair or table is okay, but do you have enough energy to hammer hundreds of nails during home DIY projects? Handy tools like best brad nailer is an excellent solution for both professional carpenters and DIYers to get the job done in no time. From driving nails to a small wooden table to fixing your roof in the winter season, you can make use of the best brad nailer to get things fixed. However, you have to carefully select a brad nailer for the best results.
A tool with a budget friendly price, easy usability, and versatile features are always in your reach, but you have to spend some time to find it. We know you are busy and don’t have time to visit the market or online store, so here is a list of the top 10 best brad nailers that will surely help you save your money, time, and above all, find the best one for your needs.
The DEWALT DCN680 18 gauge cordless brad nailer is one of the most versatile on the market. It is an ideal tool for fastening decorative molding, kitchen crown, casing, and shoe molding. Featuring a brushless motor powered by a DEWALT 20V MAX Lithium-Ion battery, this brad nailer is ready to go for work without any hassle of using a compressor, gas, and hose.
The micro nose offers a clear vision during nailing and helps each shank perfectly, like laser beam accuracy. The innovative flywheel is connected with a brushless engine that produces super-fast rotations. You can easily drive 1200 nails in a single charge. To make things easy and reduce work time, the nailer also has several tool-free designs.
To adjust or change the depth of countersink or drive, all you need is to turn the wheel knob and monitor it in the slider indicator. Another noteworthy feature of the cordless nailer is a tool-free jam cleaning latch. Just open the latch with a push and clear the bent pins from the driveway. A tool-free stall release level is useful to clear the stucked drive blade.
For night work, this DEWALT brad nailer offers multi-functional LED lights for workspace illumination and tool diagnostics. There is a low nail lockout to prevent dry firing and unnecessary marks on the work material. Other notable features include a tool-free selectable trigger, no-marking tip, and adjustable belt hook.
Most brad nailer brands offer a brushless engine, but this Porter Cable Nailer comes with two flywheel style drivers for ideal strength and steady firing power. The unique design not only helps to sink nails but also provides the liberty to operate in different weather conditions without dragging hose, expensive gas cartridges, or compressors. Loading and unloading are easy. Just push the red button, then slid down the magazine and slide up the magazine after inserting the nails.
The cordless brad nailer is 100% powered by the batter and has a 20V battery. You can easily shoot up to 1300 2-inch brad nails on a single charge with a 4.0Ah battery and 450 pins with 1.5Ah one. Weighing only 5.9 lbs, the nailer is easy to move around with no wires. It is designed ergonomically with an over-molded rubber grip to improve speed and convenience. It has a textured handle to prevent slippage during nailing, along with a rubber mold all-around the body to protect it from sudden drops on hard floors.
To ensure the user’s safety and convenience, this nailer comes with a variety of tool-free settings. The tool-free stall release lever allows opening the latch conveniently and removing jammed nails on the way. Other safety features include a tool-free jam release, tool-free depth adjustment wheel, multi-functional LED lighting system, Trigger lock-off system, and 90 days limited warranty.
Pros
Durable and ergonomic design
A perfect choice for punch list works
Powerful motor for consistent driving
Trigger Lock-Off System
Multiple Tool-Free Settings to Improve Productivity
When it comes to innovative design, there are only a few reputable brands like Makita. The intuitive features, along with affordable prices, make them one of the manufacturers on the market. Featuring a state-of-the-art nose design, special functionalities, and stellar infrastructure, this best brad nailer is the best budget pick.
Extremely narrow and manufactured with rubber tips, the nose design allows you to reach hard to reach spots. The rubber tip is perfect to avoid nasty scratches. The tool features handy depth adjustment settings that help to get the job done with precise depth at each shot. You can also adjust the tool drip at 180 degrees for convenient maneuverability.
Thanks to the huge nail capacity, this AF505N by Makita can handle 100 nails at a time. There is an ergonomic non-slip rubber grip on the handle to prevent slipping during working. With an improved trigger design, it offers a quick response and stunning driver power. Last but not least, the multi-directional exhaust fan is 360 degree rotatable to keep air away from the user.
This brad nailer is an excellent choice for shooting ¾-2 inches of brads on different surfaces. Operating on 60-100 PSI, the nailer is fitted with an air inlet of ¼ inch NPT. The feature makes it compatible with any type of air tube or compressor. Manufactured from cast aluminum, WEN 61720 weighs only 2.08 lbs and has an ergonomic grip hand composed of rubber. Both features combine to allow you to work for an extended period by providing comfortable ultra light support.
Featuring a 30-degree flexible exhaust port and depth adjustment wheel, this nailer offers an ultimate A-Z control. The jam clearing clasp ensures that no time is wasted on eliminating the congested nailer and improves work efficiency. All you need is to rotate the depth adjustment wheel to adjust the depth.
The spring-loaded magazine helps in quick and convenient reloads and can hold up to 106 nails. The package also comes with lubricating oil, hex keys, 500 1 inch nails, 500 3/8 inches nails, 500 2 inches nails, and 500 ¾ inch nails. The final and customer-friendly feature is that it is backed by 2 years warranty to avoid inconvenience.
A Super efficient brad nailer to handle upholstery, paneling, cabinet tops, or large woodworking projects, the BOSTITCH BTFP12233 is one most durable brad nailers on the market. From comfortable control to smart features, this tool comes packed with some exciting features. Featuring a Smart Point Technology, the nailer has a nose tip 80% smaller than contemporary brad nailers. Not only it allows working efficiently, but it also allows working in hard-to-reach spots without any hassle.
Another great feature is the oil-free operation that saves re-oiling time and needs less maintenance too. The smart nailer also has a Dial-A-Depth control to ensure precise counterstriking of nails. You can easily adjust the depth of the nails with this feature. You can easily load up to 100 brad nailers to the magazine from 5/8 inches and 2- 1/8 inches. The magazine is designed to load brad nails from the side.
There is also a selectable trigger system for sequential operation. It allows you to drive nailers with greater speed and accuracy. Don’t forget to lock the trigger with the trigger lock switch before changing the firing mode. A tool-free jam release saves you time and energy by allowing you to remove the nail jam quickly. Other noteworthy features include an ultra-quiet air exhaust, integrated pencil sharpener, and no-mar tip to save your surface from staining.
Hitachi products are best known for their supreme quality and durability. Featuring a selective actuation mechanism, the NT50AE2 allows you to switch between contact fire and bump fire modes quickly. There is a nail indicator to help you stop firing nails when it is out of nails. The adjustable depth of drive knot is located near the nailer’s nose. It allows adjusting the drive depth quickly and precisely. Just turn the dial half-way to make the changes.
Its high capacity bottom loading magazine can load up to 100 nails. The visual nail indicator keeps you informed about the number of available nails in the magazine. One of the best features for long working carpenters is the lightweight aluminum body. Weighing only 2.2 lbs, this best brad nailer offers optimum control and comfort.
There is a no-mar tip to prevent the surface from unintended markings. The 360-degree adjustable exhaust port keeps debris, dust, and oil off the finished project. Last but not least, the brad nailer comes with 30 days money-back guarantee and one year warranty.
When you compare this framing nailer to others, you will find that it comes with substantial speed and power for a variety of home building and other projects, including fencing, framework assembling, seething and fixing broken plunks of decks. Featuring a lightweight magnesium body, the nailer is comfortable for long-range works. The firearm is convenient to load with the pullback trigger, whereas anti-dry firing ensures proper protection.
One of the best ways to give your project an ideal finish is by protecting the surface from any harm. The no-mar tip perfectly shields your surface while finishing the work. You can easily reveal the teeth by removing the mar tip for the best surface grip while firing. A good grip is essential for excellent results, and with this best brad nailer, the ergonomic grip offers a secure grip with anti-vibration comfort.
Featuring the dual trigger, the nailer allows selecting the preferred mode for bump fire or single fire. Alter your firing depths according to the task requirement to ensure ideal depth while triggering. Cleaning the nailer is effortless with the easy to remove air filter gap. To prevent your tool from damages, the anti-dry feature stops it once the nails decrease in number. The final noteworthy feature is rotating 360-degree air drains to prevent the air from blocking a view and helps in efficient working.
Investing in a tool that can last for many years is surely a wise idea. CRAFTSMAN is one of the best brands known for producing power tools for homeowners, automobile enthusiasts, homebuilders, and master mechanics. This 20V brad nailer is a perfect example of its durable build quality, versatile features, and user-friendly design.
This 100% cordless brad nailer comes with an over-molded handle for a comfortable grip. It has about 5 lbs of weight that offers optimal balance during nailing. You don’t need to worry about hoses, compressors, and expensive gas materials because the 10V lithium-ion battery can fire up to 420 nails on a single charge.
No matter what climate conditions or material you are working on, this best cordless brad nailer offers consistent firing power. It also comes with tool-free depth, jam, and stall settings for convenient use and improved efficiency. Another noteworthy feature is the dual LED work lights to help you work in dark conditions. Other important features include a low battery power indicator and trigger lock-off button, and belt loop for safe access and storage.
One of the best pneumatic nailers on the market, the Ryobi P320, offers unique features with a perfect performance for different tasks. This battery-powered cordless brad nailer comes with an airstrike technology to fire nails quickly and efficiently. The best thing is you can adjust the air pressure and depth of drive independently. This unique feature is rarely available in modern brad nailers.
The air pressure dial allows controlling air pressure to deep drive or shallows your nails. The best thing about this brad nailer is that you can select from contact or sequential actuation by using the dual firing mode. Its battery generated air supply decrease the chance of fluctuations between shots.
Dry fire lockout feature is essential to prevent the tool from damages. It comes into action when 0-5 nails remain in your nailer magazine. Just like all other nailers, this one also has a tool-free jam release mechanism for quick and efficient tasks. Other important features of Ryobi P320 are a no-mar pad, dual led lights, and an adjustable belt clip.
Featuring a dual design of brad nailer and stapler, the KIMO brad nailer is powered by 2.0Ah lithium-ion battery that can drive up to 700 nails per charge. The battery can last for up to 1000 charging cycles, which means you don’t need to worry about replacing it soon. It is compatible with 18 gauge nails that measure between ¾ inches to 2 inches. To make the tool versatile, it has two modes of operation, including sequential and bumps firing.
The adjustable depth of drive allows adjusting the firing depth using a knob located at the top. This KIMO brad nailer offers a compact and lightweight design of only 6 lbs, which makes it ideal for a tight place. Also, there are handy LED lights to work safely in low lit areas. This nailer is a perfect choice for moldings, trims, furniture build, and home projects.
Charging the 20V battery takes only one hour and can fire up to 1400 shots per single charge. The narrow body with a comfortable handle makes it an ideal tool to work in a tight space, which means you can choose it for floor molding. Last but not least, the brad nailer is backed up with two years manufacturer warranty.
When it comes to quality and performance, DEWALT has been one of the trustable brands for years. This Air Powered 18 gauge brand is a bright example of its flawless craftsmanship. The nail gun compressor combo kit comes with 165 psi pressure. It has a powerful, maintenance-free motor and tool-free depth of drive adjustment for the ideal setting of nail heads.
Thanks to the tool-free jam release mechanism, you can easily remove the jammed nails during working. This best DEWALT brand nailer also has a precision point technology for precise nail placement. The smaller nose is an excellent addition for accurate nail placement and compresses the contact trip for actuating the tool. Weighing only 30 lbs, the brad nailer is easy to carry and store after work.
There are two universal couplers to conveniently support two users. DEWALT has added a ball drive valve for thorough tank draining. The 1.4 inches x 50ft rubber plend is non-marring and has low memory for resisting twisting and kinks. One of the best features of DEWALT DWFP1KIT is its low noise level of only 75.5 dBA for the ultra-quiet work environment. To prevent tool heat up, there is a rear exhaust added to the tool. DEWALT is offering 90 days satisfaction guarantee, one-year free service, and a 3-year limited warranty for this nailing beast.
One of the best brad nailers for woodwork, baseboards, crown, and other light materials, this battery-powered brad nailer by KIMO delivers 80 nails of 18 gauge per minute. Thanks to the patented air cylinder, the nailer is a great performer with plenty of power for a variety of woodworks. This 2-in-1 cordless nail gun has both a brad nailer (3/4 inches- 2 inches) and stapler (3/4 inches, 1-5/8 inches).
The adjustable depth allows for precisely working on different surfaces. It has two working modes, including sequential and bumps firing. You can easily switch from one to another according to your needs. The ergonomic and compact design offers ultra convenience for one-hand operation. One unique feature of this best brad nailer is its built-in LED to illuminate dark space for accurate nailing.
Equipped with a 2.0 Ah long-lasting battery, the nailer needs only one hour for quick charging. I loved the powerful brushless motor that helps maximize the runtime and durability of the tool. The package comes with 300 crown staples (18GA), 700 brad nails (18GA), a bare tool, and a wrench. Last but not least, KIMO is offering two years warranty for this nailer and stapler kit.
A high-quality brad nailer for woodworking, cabinet making, finishing, casing, and paneling, Senco 430101N SLP20XP is one of the lightest brad nailers available on the market. You can easily maneuver and handle the 18 inches nailer in small places. It can drive a wide range of slight-headed and medium-headed brads to provide you with two tools in one.
One excellent feature of the Senco 430101N SLP20XP is that it comes with an easy slide loading to help you select brad length without adjusting the tool. Also, the E-Z clean jam function allows quick removal of a jammed fastener. Thanks to its superior power, the nailer is an ideal option for plastics, hardwood, and particleboard.
Another standout feature is the Never-Lube design that makes allows maintenance-free operation. The magazine capacity of 110 nails is good enough for continuous nailing without worrying about empty fires. Also, the muffler of the Senco brad nailer ensures ultra quiet operation. If you are not satisfied with the performance or facing any issues, the manufacturer is offering five years limited warranty for the tool.
Choosing any product may be easy but considering some essential feature are useful to make a perfect choice for multiple needs. Here are important things to consider before you buy a brad nailer.
Power Source
An air compressor is commonly found in most job sites. A brad nailer is powered by a pneumatic hose. There are many benefits of this powering way. For instance, when there is air in the compressor tank, you can drive nails using the brad nailer. However, you have to drag the umbilical hose during your project. It can be quite difficult to move quickly along a molding task, where you may encounter sawbucks, ladders, and many other things.
But battery-powered brand guns are free of such issues. You can easily move them anywhere you want as there are no hoses or power cords used with them. The thing is that there are the best brad nailers available on the market that can be used throughout the day on a single battery. However, Lithium-Ion batteries are expensive and also a bit heavy.
Nose Design
A brad nailer with a small nose design is perfect to drive nails in different places. Make sure it has a rubberized tip to prevent marring the wood. Also, the firing safety mechanism should work quickly and effectively every time.
Depth of Drive and Adjustment
Finding the brad nailer with easy to adjust proper depth can help you to prevent many inconveniences. This is important because you don’t want the nailer to leave the nails prominent.
Trigger
Choose the nailer that allows switching from sequential to bump firing during the nailing task. It can help to finish your work effectively.
Storage Case
Handling your brad nailer can improve the life of your tool. Consider a storage case as you have to store it in a safe place to prevent damages and enhance the life span.
Tool-Free Jam Release
To be honest, jam happens to every brad nailer. Though each brand claims to be jam-free, it will happen at some point. It is essential to pop the nose open and clear it so you can resume your work.
Anti Dry Fire
This standard is commonly found in almost all brad nailers. Make sure your nail comes with an anti-dry fire control because firing without a nail in the chamber may damage your tool.
LED lights
One of the most essential features to consider when buying the best brad nailer is LED lights. If you are unable to see the nailing place, how can you make a perfect shot? However, the feature is available only with the best cordless brad nailers.
Exhaust Air Control
Air controller is essential. When the exhausted air is blowing at your face, it gets really annoying. Choose the nailer that allows the exhaust port to rotate 360 degrees.
Price and Warranty
Well, no one wants to use a warranty, but it’s is an essential factor to consider while buying a product. Warranty is crucial to boost your confidence because when investing in a product, no one wants to buy a damaged product or one that stops work immediately.
If you are not a professional carpenter, then you don’t need to invest a high amount in buying the brad nailer. Find the one with versatile features to fulfill your needs. There are plenty of budget-friendly brad nailers available on the market.
What is a Brad Nailer?
A brad nailer is a nail fastener designed to fasten a thin piece of wood with small diameter nails. These nails are smaller in size and have no heads at the end. There is a nail cap that can be adjusted to prevent nails from protruding too far out of the tool.
Different types of Brad Nailers
Brad nailers are available in two types:
Pneumatic brad nailers
Cordless brad nailers
Both are used for a variety of brad nailing tasks, but still, they are different from each other in many ways. Let’s compare pneumatic and cordless brad nailers to help you choose the best brad nailer for your needs.
Cordless brad nailers are more expensive than pneumatic brad nailers as they are equipped with powerful batteries. On the other hand, Air powered brad nailers are affordable and powerful, but they are less maneuverable due to the cord.
When it comes to performance, pneumatic brad nailers have a faster firing rate than cordless brad nailers. They are quick and fire immediately when you pull the trigger. A battery-powered brad nailer has a slight delay between the actual nail firing and trigger actuation.
Considering the efficiency and power, a pneumatic brad nailer is the top choice of carpenters. However, new cordless brad nailers feature improved power as compared to older ones.
Pneumatic vs. Cordless brad nailer- A quick comparison
Feature
Pneumatic brad nailer
Cordless brad nailer
Power source
Compressed Air
Battery powered
Performance
Fast firing rate
Slow fire rate
Force
Powerful
Less powerful
Ease of use
Need air compressor setup
Ready to go
Portability
Hard to move around
Ultra convenient portability
Maintenance
Convenient to maintain
Expensive replacement parts
Weight and size
Compact and lightweight
Heavy weight due to additional battery
Cost
Affordable price
Expensive price
What is brad nailer used for?
The brad nailers are used for fastening small pieces of wood and other materials with small diameter nails. These tools are commonly used in woodworking when carpenters can’t use large nails due to collated screws and lath. Brad nailers are versatile tools that are also used for fastening molding, thin wood pieces, and different products.
Trim pieces, furniture trimming & ultra thin veneers
Finish Nailer
14, 15, & 166 gauge
Crown molding, baseboards, chair rails, window and door casings and nailing thick baseboards
Brad Nailer
18 gauge
Nailing slim baseboards
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, 18 or 16 gauge nail gun?
Remember, the high gauge number means thinner nail. The number stands for how many nails/inch. For instance, an 18 gauge will have 18 pieces per inch, which is definitely thinner than 16 gauge nails with 16 nails per inch.
Is a brad nailer best for baseboards?
Yes, a brad nailer is good for baseboards.
Is nail finishes better than a brad nailer?
Well, one of the odd sides of brad nail is its low holding power. On the other hand, nail finishes are created from heavier, 15 or 1 gauge wire to hold a greater payload. For larger trim like crown molding or baseboard, the best nail finisher is more suitable than a brad nailer.
Conclusion
Brad nailer is a handy tool for both professional and home improvement projects. The best brad nailer is the one that meets your needs. It is not important to buy the expensive brad nailer with high-class features, but the one with decent features to get the job done for you. Just consider two things, your needs, and your budget. You will surely find the best brad nailer that will help you to complete your work quickly and effectively.
Hi, This is James, Author at "Best Product Hunter". I am a postgraduate in Interior Design, currently working as a owner of an interior designing firm, and a blogger for home design and renovations. I love to share my research and reviews.
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