Tools & Garden Archives

Have a new home carpentry project in mind? Make your life easier by purchasing a high-quality brad nailer instead of wasting time and energy hammering all those nails in with a regular hammer.

Since I have quite a bit of experience with making my own cabinets and other DIY projects involving the use of brad nailers, I have worked with and tested a large number of different models over the years

This is why I feel competent enough regarding these handy tools to help you make your pick, by giving you my list of top 10 best brad nailers in 2018, with some brief notes and reviews regarding each of these helpful tools.

WEN 61720 3/4-Inch to 2-Inch 18-Gauge Brad Nailer

Tired of stopping work in the middle of your carpentry project to reload your brad nailer or for jam clearing? With the WEN 61720, your work will be effortless, fast and without unnecessary pauses.

Pros:

Fires brad nails from ¾ to 2 inches
Lightweight aluminum body for reduced fatigue (3 lbs.)
Excellent grip thanks to the rubber handle
Operates at 60-100 PSI
Features a ¼ inch NPT air inlet
The quick release spacious magazine holds up to 100 brads
The kit includes adjustment wrenches, oil, and a durable carrying case
1-year warranty and friendly customer service

Cons:

You may need to make some adjustments via the depth gauge before using it to get the brads properly into the wood without imprints

Final verdict:

This is a very reliable brad nailer, with a very spacious magazine, and with a quick release which ensures that there is no jamming and that the work is done properly. Some adjustments may be needed before a job, but overall, this is a top-notch brad nailer.

Hitachi NT50AE2 18-Gauge 5/8-Inch to 2-Inch Brad Nailer

You are looking for a lightweight and yet effective brad nailer, which you can use without ending up with your hand and arm sore and fatigued? The Hitachi NT50AE2 is just what you need!

Pros:

Works with 5/8 – 2 inch brad nails
Very light body (2.2 lbs.)
A depth dialer to adjust the depth of the nail in the wood
Easy switching between contact fire and bump fire mode
Works with 70-110 PSI
Slip-resistant handle grip
Removable nose cap
easy to clear nose for quick and hassle-free nail jam clearing – no tools required
High capacity nail magazine – approximately 100
360 degree exhaust vent
Included in the kit: mounted nose cap, safety goggles and a protective storage case
Visual nail indicator allows you to check on the quantity of nails in the magazine
5-year limited warranty by Hitachi

Cons:

It is a bit challenging to shoot the brads from certain angles
No indicator informing you when the nails have ran out

Final verdict:

This is a superb compact and light brad nailer which is perfect for small carpentry projects. Nail jams are easy to resolve and the convenient switch between firing modes will make your job much easier and efficient.

Stanley TRE550Z Electric Staple/Brad Nail Gun

If you want a multi-functional tool for your DIY carpentry and other home projects, you should seriously consider purchasing this Stanley TRE550Z combined brad nail gun and electric stapler.

Pros:

Lengthy 8-foot power cord for easy maneuvering
Works with both Stanley staples and with nails (1/2, 9/16, 5/8 inch brads)
Two power options for softer and harder materials
Flush nose for easy use in tight areas and corners
Anti-jam feature
Contoured comfortable grip
Lifetime warranty

Cons:

Heavier and heftier than some of the other brad nail guns

Final verdict:

This combined brad nailer and stapler from Stanley is a heavy-duty, versatile and very sturdy tool which will serve you perfectly while working on your projects. It is heftier than others, but that’s what heavy-duty is about, right?

DEWALT DWFP12231 Pneumatic 18-Gauge 2-Inch Brad Nailer Kit

Looking for a sturdy brad nailer which requires little or no maintenance and which you can rely on for all of your carpentry work at home or at your job? The Dewalt DWFP12231 is a serious contender for the leading position in the best brad nailer recommendations for you!

Pros:

Works with 18 gauge nails (5/8 to 2 inches long)
Durable and maintenance-free motor
Easy depth of drive adjustment
Tool-free jam release
Rear exhaust for safe work
High capacity magazine for 100 nails
Adjustable hook for your belt for easy reach
Comfortable rubber grip for safe and precise work
Non-marring removable nose tip

Cons:

Heavier than some of the other products on this list

Final verdict:

This is a very precise and reliable brad nailer which requires little or no maintenance and nail jams can be resolved very quickly without the need of special tools. It will help you get the job done with high precision. This is truly a great carpentry tool!

PORTER-CABLE BN200C 2-Inch 18GA Brad Nailer Kit

Tired of getting air and dust in your eyes while using your air compressor powered brad nailer? This one has a rear exhaust to keep it out of your face for safe and worry-free work.

Pros:

Drives 18 gauge nails from 5/8 to 2 inches
The motor is maintenance free
Adjustable depth of drive – no tools required
Sequential style trigger – easy to access during work
No oiling of the motor is needed which keeps the surfaces you are working on clean and free of stains
Anti-jam feature
Rear exhaust
Very light – only 1.25 lbs.

Cons:

The depth adjustment wheel is not as easy to work with as with some other nailer guns

Final verdict”

This nailer gun is highly efficient, and its anti-jam feature and maintenance free motor make it very easy to use while working on a wide variety of projects – big or small. It is possible one of the lightest brad nailers right now, so if this is a feature you are looking for – this brad nailer is perfect.

BOSTITCH BTFP12233 Smart Point 18GA Brad Nailer Kit

If you are a perfectionist and want to get each nail exactly where you want it to be, the Bostitch BTFP12233 could be the right brad nailer to suit your needs.

Pros:

Features a small nose which allows for greater precision when firing nails
Works with 5/8-2 1/8 size 18 gauge nails
Tool-free jam resolution
A ¼ inch air connection
Dial-a-Depth adjustment
Also included in the kit: a ¼ inch air fitting, extra no-mar tips, belt hook, sample fasteners and a carrying and storage case
reduced work damage from compressing and from oil-free use
7-year warranty

Cons:

It is not as efficient for working with hardwood such as oak

Final verdict:

This is a fine carpentry tool which allows for excellent visibility and precise control at all times. If you like to have everything under control and get the nails exactly where they are meant to be – this brad nailer is an outstanding choice.

NuMax S2-118G2 18-Gauge 2 In 1 Brad Nailer and Stapler

Want to save money for purchasing a brad nailer and a stapler separately? This 2-in-1 tool is an outstanding option.

Pros:

Double function – brad nailer and stapler
Works with 18 gauge 3/8-2 inch nails and ½ – 1 5/8 inch staples
Depth is adjustable
Especially designed no-mar tip to protect from work damage
An anti-dust cap for clearer air during work
Useful re-load indicator
Comes with air tool oil, a fastener and hex wrenches
1-year warranty and 30 days warranty for the wearable parts
Works at 60-110 PSI

Cons:

It is smaller and not as heavy duty as some of the other similar tools

Final verdict:

This multifunctional compact tool is a must-have for anyone who wants a reliable and affordable brad nailer and stapler combined in one easy to use package! It is gentle on the surface you are working on and yet highly efficient in getting the nail or stapler in it.

Makita AF505N Brad Nailer, 2-Inch

If you hate the frustration and fumbling accompanying getting nails in tight and difficult to reach spots, the Makita AF505N will be a heaven-sent brad nailer for you.

Pros:

The nose is very narrow which allows for effortless nailing in very tight spaces
Adjustable depth
The magazine has a capacity of holding up to 100 brad nails
360-degree rotating exhaust
Quick jam release without tools
Non-mar rubber nose to lessen surface damage
The hook can be rotated at 180 degrees for your convenience
Indicator window for timely reloading of the magazine
Sold with safety goggles, nailer oil, 2 no-mar tips and a case

Cons:

Doesn’t have a rapid-fire function

Final verdict:

This brad nailer from Makita is a very precise tool and it can be used for finicky jobs when you need to get a nail into a constricted or tight area. Also, with this nail gun, you can always check on the number of nails left in the magazine, so that you don’t run out during work.

Ryobi P320 Airstrike 18 Volt One+ Lithium Ion Cordless Brad Nailer (Battery Not Included, Power Tool Only)

If you dread working with a corded tool and getting tangled and restricted by the cable all the time, you should opt for a cordless brad nailer instead. The Ryobi P320 is one of the best cordless brad nailers at the market.

Pros:

Cordless function, battery-powered tool
Fires up to 700 nails per charge of the 4 amp Lithium-Ion battery
Dry fire feature protects the surfaces from damage
Stops working when the magazine is empty so no more firing blanks
Feature 2 bright LED lights for better visibility
Fires 5/8 to 2-inch nails
Depth control adjustment via a dial
No air compressor needed

Cons:

Resolving nail jams is more complicated than in other models

Final verdict:

This battery operated Ryobi brad nailer is great if you don’t want to carry an air compressor around with you when doing handy jobs around the house. It is powerful, precise and allows for free movement at all times.

PowRyte 18 Gauge Air Brad Nailer with Tool-Free Jam Release Mechanism – 5/8-inch to 2-inch

The PowRyte brad nailer is an incredibly light and comfortable to hold instrument suitable for all kinds of projects.

Pros:

No-slip handle
Very lightweight (approximately 2 lbs.)
Works with 18 gauge nails from 5/8 to 2 inches long
70-110 PSI
Indicator to warn you when you are running low on nails
Adjustable exhaust for eye protection
Easy and fast jam release
The capacity of the magazine is 100 nails

Cons:

It performs better with shorter nails and not so well with longer ones

Final verdict:

This is an easy-to-use and very light brad nailer which will keep you away from fatigue and sore hands and arms during work. It will duly inform you when you are running out of nails and will automatically stop when the magazine is empty, so you won’t waste your time shooting an empty gun instead of working.

Conclusion:

No matter how good a professional or a DIY carpenter you are, a good quality and reliable brad nailer can make a huge difference in your work and overall performance.

Say goodbye to the slow and painstaking manual hammering, and get one of these top-notch brad nailers to help you become better, faster and more precise when working on your next carpentry project or other home errands.

You can get a cordless one, or one which combines both a brad nailing gun and a stapler. Plus, you can choose between the lighter ones and the heavy-duty models in my list, depending on the type of work you need this handy tool for.

The choice is big, but all of the products which made it on my top 10 best brad nailers list are definitely worth investing in. Just pick the one which you feel will be of most use for you, and you will be done with using that regular hammer for most of your home projects and for work once and for all

Good luck with your purchase and keep those projects going with your new brad nailer!