Last updated on: May 19th, 2019
You have a project at hand and time is not on your side, you want the job done quick, easy, and clean but you have only a hammer. The project needs a quick and fast hammer – an automatic one. For special projects, a conventional hammer and nail will not do.
This post comes as a life-saver to you dear DIYer and shall inform about the different nailers. By the time you finish reading this article, you should be able to choose the best brad nailer that best suits you.
A brad nailer refers to a type of tool used to drive nails into wood or other material. A brad nailer (also known as a nail gun or a nailer) replaces the hammer. They make nailing easy and smooth. Brad refers to small nails usually fired into wood or another surface.
As a professional or amateur, you should opt for a brad nailer. It will make work easy and fun for you.
What You Should Pay Attention To When Buying Best Brad Nailer
How does a brad nailer work? Let’s recap how a brad nailer uses technology to execute its task. You are sure to find that this tool will save you much time and effort. Step 1. A spring-loaded magazine pushes a sleeve of 16-gauge nails into a chamber directly under the driver blade. Step 2. Squeeze the trigger to open the main valve of the nailer. The process allows air from a compressor to set in motion a 33-gram aluminum piston to drive the nail. Step 3. The driver blade, a 5.3-inch steel rod attached to the bottom of the piston, hits the nail then sending it into the surface before it. Step 4 The vent at the back of the nose exhausts all the air as the piston descends without resistance in less than 0.1 seconds. Once compressed air enters again, it pushes the driver back up to repeat the process. Advantages of a Brad Nailer A brad nailer, compared to a regular hammer has many advantages which make it unique and useful:
- They perform complex and precision nailing
- With a brad nailer, you need not worry about bent nails associated with hammering nails.
- The risk of injuring yourself with a hammer becomes eliminated.
- You can complete nailing jobs very fast depending on the nailer, e.g., some can drive five per second.
- Operating brad nailers does not require much.
- It makes nailing smooth and neat with a finished quality.
- They replace a conventional hammer and nails which comes with stress and strain.
Brad Nailer Types
A brad nailer comes in all shapes and sizes and is categorized based on what powers them. The following include the types available:
- Pneumatic Nailer
- Electric Nailer
- Powder-Activated Nailer
- Combustion-Powered Nailer
- Solenoid-Powered Nailer
- It’s quite powerful and more reliable
- When it comes to affordability, it comes up top
- It is lightweight
- It has a high-efficiency level
- An obvious disadvantage is a compressor is required which is an added cost.
- You have to care for the compressor and the hose at the same time because a burst or broken hose stops the job.
- It’s simple to use
- It can be quite portable compared to a pneumatic nailer
- It’s a versatile power tool
- It is not as powerful as an air nailer
- It requires an outlet near the work area; this can be difficult when working in a remote area that lacks a constant power supply.
- It can be cumbersome and complicated to operate at times
- It is more expensive
Pneumatic Vs. Electric Nailers
To aid your buying decision, we put the two types of nailers head-to-head. After reading the section, you will be able to decide which to buy out of the two. We base our analysis on some features to consider. Either you are buying a pneumatic or electric nailer, with these features, your buying decision will be seamless: Nose Size When choosing a nailer, ensure you check the nose size or you will end up returning it. Nose size will determine if your nail ends up where you need it to be. As a rule of thumb, shorter noses give accurate strikes, hence the length and diameter aid the accuracy of the unit. If the nose is too long the level of accuracy will be affected. Trigger Type Nailing speed and precision go together, hence when buying a nailer, watch out for it. A good trigger makes a fast and accurate nail gun. Triggers come in two types – sequential and bump trigger. A sequential trigger requires the user to compress the nose of the gun before squeezing the trigger. Although it makes nailing slower, this trigger type works best for delicate projects and also high precision tasks. A sequential trigger also provides an added safety feature in case you drop the tool. A bump trigger got its name from the fact that once you press or ‘bump’ the trigger, the nailer releases the nail. As a result of its action, the trigger works faster than the first making it perfect for large or mass production projects. However, it’s a little short in the department of accuracy. It can also be a safety issue if you are not careful. Extra Features Extras enriches any tool, and the case of a nail gun should not come as a surprise. Features make nailers more efficient, effective and convenient to use. For example, an adjustable belt hook, a brad loading mechanism, depth adjustment, a swivel cord, tool-less jam clearing and so on. Experts advise to buy a nail gun with useful features. Mind you, getting a nail gun with features does not mean buying one with so many features it can’t perform its primary function – deliver nails accurately! Warranty Often we buy an item without worrying so much about the warranty. We forget to check the warranty which is important in case your tool comes with any defects. A warranty gives you the peace of mind that your nail gun will be with you for a long time. The idea of paying for repairs for a new purchase becomes void with a good warranty in place. A good warranty should cover your tool for defects for a long period of time. Warranties vary from one manufacturer to the another, so ensure you purchase a nailer that comes with a minimum of a 2-year warranty. Also, check the terms and conditions of the warranty. The terms and conditions of the warranty tell you exactly what the manufacturer will offer. For example, a 2-year limited warranty and a 2-year full warranty differ.
- 2-year Limited Warranty The warranty is limited to just specific parts, certain types of defects, or other conditions. It covers only the parts and not the labor cost of repairs. Also, it could be spelt out that the manufacturer and the consumer shall bear the cost of repairs together (for two years in this case).
- 2-year Full Warranty (or 2-year warranty) means the manufacturer fully covers the repair or replacement of the product during the said warranty period. You should know that full warranties generally do not cover wear and tear – only defects. At times, some companies offer lifetime warranties which cover their products for as long as they are present on the market.
Brad Nailer Buying Guide
In this section, our team of experts at The Cozyholic have carefully selected and researched the best models of good brad nailer based on the above points. This unbiased guide will aid your buying decision. In no particular order, here is the best brad nailer for your reading pleasure:
Stanley TRE550Z Electric Staple/Brad Nail Gun
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Dimension: 5.9 x 3 x 3.6 inches
- Power Cord Length: 96 inches
- Weight: 2.4 pounds
- Material: Plastic
- Included Components: Stand
- It comes with two power levels – Hi/Lo usable on hard or soft materials.
- It comes with an anti-jam mechanism for time efficiency.
- The nose design makes it easy to work in tight spots.
- The handle supplies comfort while operating.
- It also includes a nose safety for injury-free operation usage time.
- Being an electric nail gun, it comes with an 8-foot power cord.
- It works fast and efficiently
- It is safe to use
- Its variable power gives you the option of using it on various tasks and surfaces – versatility.
- Its long cable can handle jobs that seem far from the outlet.
- It can fire both staples and brads adding to its versatility.
- It doesn’t seem to be durable according to some customers
- The power cable restricts working to a limited distance – 96 inches.
WEN 61720 ¾-Inch to 2-Inch 18-Gaude Brad Nailer
- Power Source: Air-powered
- Force/Pressure: 60 to 100 PSI
- NPT Air Inlet Fitting: ¼ inches
- Dimension: 3 x 13 x 11 inches
- Weight: 5.2 pounds
- Material: Aluminium Body (+ plastic/rubber)
- Included Components: Durable Blow mold Case, Hex keys, and air tool oil
- It comes with an adjustable exhaust port
- It has a Quick Release Magazine
- It has a Lightweight Body for ease of use
- It has Depth Adjustment Wheel for different surfaces and projects.
- It has a Rubber Grip Handle that makes for comfortable nailing experience.
- It is a reliable tool.
- It works great, no misfeeds or jams
- It works like a professional nail gun
- It comes with an excellent price.
- At times if nails don’t come out when you shoot.
Hitachi NT50AE2
- Power Source: Air-powered
- Force/Pressure: 70 to 120 PSI
- Air-Intake Rate: 0.025 cubic feet/cycle at 100 PSI
- Dimension: 10 x 9-3/16 x 2-3/8 inches
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Material: Aluminium Body (+ plastic/rubber)
- Included Components: Safety glasses, nose cap, (mounted on tool) and a protective case
- The NT50AE2 comes with a dual firing option which allows for precise and continuous driving action. It has up and down control to switch the firing options for various applications. You can choose either intermittent or continuous firing. While the intermittent firing works best for precise driving, continuous shooting works best for rapid firing.
- The NT50AE2 comes with a drive depth adjustment for drive accuracy. With the turn of the dial, you can make quick and accurate adjustments without tools.
- The NT50AE2 has a large capacity magazine that can hold up to 100 brad nails (5/8 to 2-inch brad nails with a head size between 0.075 and 1.9 mm.) The large capacity magazine reduces reloading time, and the magazine can be bottom-loaded quickly. It also has a visual nail indicator to aid monitoring the amount of nails remaining.
- The nailer has a lightweight aluminum body that weighs only 2.2 pounds which makes it easy to maneuver. The soft elastomer grip supplies extra comfort while you working all day. It also has an adjustable 360-degrees exhaust and a no-mar cap that protects the material and tool.
- Its double trigger option makes it an efficient and versatile tool
- It can be used in a tight space due to its perfect dimensions
- It can perform like a professional tool due to the depth adjustment feature
- Nail jam can be cleared easily due to its tool-less easy-to-clear nose,
- It requires oil to work perfectly, but it does not come with oil
DeWalt DWFP12231 Pneumatic
- Power Source: Air-powered
- Dimension: 13 x 3.7 x 13.1 inches
- Weight: 5.45 pounds
- Material: Magnesium Body
- Included Components: Case + 500 nails of 1-1/4 inches
- It comes with a tool-free drive depth adjustment with detents for adequate setting of nail heads.
- It comes with a long life maintenance-free motor which makes for clean work surfaces.
- Tool-free jam release mechanism: The jam release mechanism makes it easy to remove a nail
- It comes with a rear exhaust and a removable non-marring nose tip
- It has an integrated rubber grip for needed comfort and anti-slip grip.
- It comes with a sequential trigger style for continuous firing
- It comes with a 100-capacity nail magazine for less work stoppage.
- It’s easy to use
- Its lightweight makes for easier maneuvering
- You can easily carry it with you when working on a ladder due to its adjustable belt hook
- Nails can be removed easily due to its tool-free jam release mechanism.
- It is not adequate for professional work because it is known to develops faults within the first year of purchase (common ring/magazine problems.)
DeWalt DC608K
- Power Source: Cordless-Electric
- Voltage: 18V
- Dimension: 11.5 x 3.5 x 11 inches
- Weight: 7.4 pounds
- Nail Diameter: 18 (gauge)
- Nail Length: 5/8 to 2 inches
- Magazine Capacity: 110 nails
- Included Components: Plastic storage case + charger, and 18-volt NiCad battery, reversible belt hook, and safety glasses
- It comes with both trigger styles – sequential mode and bump mode for either precise placement or fast work.
- The DC608K delivers 18-gauge nails at the rate of five brads per second.
- The design of the DC608K makes it easy to seal out dust and debris that leads to nailer malfunction.
- It can fire nails on all surfaces with ease, e.g., hardwood, softwood, plywood, and so on.
- It can fit under toe-kicks, inside cabinets, and into any tight space due to its narrow-tapered nose.
- Swing-open nose piece for clearing nail jams.
- It comes with a precise depth-control mechanism.
- It comes with a safety contact lock-off trigger which disables the trigger from unnecessary firing.
- It can be used anywhere – handy and useful.
- It does not require an air compressor
- It works fast delivering nails at a high rate of five brads per second
- It works long before reloading brads due to its large capacity magazine
- It is versatile since it has a dual trigger style and can fire nails on various surfaces.
- It has a long battery life.
- It comes with a pilot light to lighten-up hard to see areas.
- The nailer becomes noisy after hours of use, and the driver’s head leaves nail deformation on the wood surface.
Bostitch BTFP12233
- Power Source: Air-powered
- Force/Pressure: 70 to 120 PSI
- Air-Intake Rate: 0.025 cubic feet/cycle at 100 PSI
- Dimension: 12.2 x 11.7 x 4.5 inches
- Weight: 3.1 pounds
- Nail Diameter: 18 (gauge)
- Nail Length: 5/8 to 2-1/8 inches
- Magazine Capacity: 100 nails
- Included Components: Carrying case, ¼-inch air fitting, sample brad nails, extra no mar tips, belt hook
- Its Smart Point Technology makes for easy nail placement and compression-free contact.
- With a flick of a switch, you can change the firing style to either sequential or contact operation
- It comes with a highly efficient tool-free jam release mechanism
- It comes with rear exhaust to keep dust and debris away from work and the user’s face
- It comes with an adjustable belt hook for convenience and ease of carrying
- The BTFP12233 comes as an oil-free tool for reduced risk of oil stain on work surfaces.
- It comes with a pencil sharpener for convenience.
- Its design makes for improved visibility when working with it
- It works with reduced work surface damage due to the smart point technology
- It conveniently fits into tight spaces due to its nose which is 80% smaller than others
- It comes with tool-free jam release.
- It makes for smart and clean looking finished works.
- Some consumers have reported O ring failure during the first year of purchase.
Porter-Cable BN200C
- Power Source: Corded-Electric
- Voltage: 18V
- Dimension: 10.4 x 2.6 x 9.2 inches
- Weight: 1.24 pounds
- Nail Diameter: 18 (gauge)
- Nail Length: 5/8 to 2 inches
- Material: Magnesium Body
- Included Components: Case
- Strong and lightweight design
- It comes with an integrated rubber grip which makes for improved comfort
- Low nail reload indicator: The indicator alerts the user to reload when the nails level goes down
- It comes with a special hardened driver blade for longer life
- Newbies can use it
- It is a great indoor tool
- It performs great for its price
- It lasts long
- The plastic tip of the barrel of the Porter-Cable BN200C comes off at times while working.
Ryobi P320 Airstrike
- Power Source: Cordless-Electric
- Voltage: 18V
- Dimension: 10 x 3 x 7 inches
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Material: Plastic Body
- Included Components: Case
- Its dry-fire lockout feature prevents the tool from firing without loaded nails, which prolongs the tool and protects the work surface.
- A super-efficient battery that delivers 700 nails on a single charge
- It comes with a tool-less depth adjustment dial
- It comes with an LED light which makes it easy to work in dark or dim work areas.
- It comes with an integrated gas cartridge for the convenience of air powered mailers.
- It can be easily taken to work sites
- It comes with an integrated gas cartridge and therefore does not require an air compressor
- It works perfectly in dark places because of its built-in LED lighting
- It comes with a LED light that indicates empty nails or when nailer needs attention
- It seems not to be durable according to some customers.
Hitachi NT50AE2
- Power Source: Air-powered
- Force/Pressure: 70 to 120 PSI
- Air-Intake Rate: 0.025 cubic feet/cycle at 100 PSI
- Dimension: 10 x 9-3/16 x 2-3/8 inches
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Material: Aluminium Body (+ plastic/rubber)
- Included Components: Safety glasses, air fitting, no-mar tips, hex bar wrenches, carrying case
- It comes with dual firing options for varying quality and speed of work.
- It comes with an adjustable depth drive.
- It features a high-Capacity Magazine for reduced stoppages.
- It comes lightweight and comfortably made,
- It’s an efficient and versatile tool
- It has a good nail jam clearing
- It works fine in tight spaces without issues.
- It comes with a nail indicator to prevent blank firing.
- It’s a reliable nailer.
- This tool needs air-tool oil to work correctly.
Conclusion
Now you have our 10 top rated nail guns fully reviewed to aid your buying decision. We are sure after reading, you are fully loaded with the requisite knowledge to make an informed buying decision. What is the best brad nailer? The million-dollar question begging for an answer regarding the best brad nail gun, in our opinion, is none other than the Bostitch BTFP12233 and Smart Point 18GA Brad Nailer Kit for the top rated brad nailer. The Bostitch BTFP12233 with the aid of its Smart Point Technology, can execute nailing with ease. By flicking a switch, you can choose between two firing styles. The tool-free jam release works wonderfully and you don’t have to worry about dust while working; its rear exhaust keeps dirt and dust away from the user and work area. The BTFP12233 is best used for cabinetry, upholstery, and paneling. It’s oil free service feature allows you to reduce the cost of nail gun service. Furthermore, it has a 7-year limited manufacturer’s warranty to serve you for a long-long time. Regarding all the above, can this tool become your best nailer for the money? So, why not buy it? Cheers!
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