Best Brad Nailers Reviewed & Rated for Quality
- DEWALT DCN680B
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Our rating - Precise
- Price: See Here
- Hitachi NT50AE2
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Our rating - Adjustable
- Price: See Here
- Makita AF505N
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Our rating - Affordable
- Price: See Here
Top 10 Best Brad Nailers
DeWalt DCN680B
The DeWalt is an incredibly easy to use brad nailer. That is because it has a micro nose design. The front sight of the DeWalt is much narrower than other options on this list. This gives you better visibility of where your brad is going to end up when you fire. This precision is important when you are doing the fine work that is necessary with a brad nailer.
Battery Power
The other advantage of the DeWalt is that it is a battery powered brad nailer. That means that you have much more mobility when you are doing finishing work. You don't need to worry about tripping over the cord or being too far away from an outlet. The DeWalt is perfect for those who might be doing work somewhere where the power isn't on. Even better, DeWalt's batteries work for all the tools in their product line-up. This means you can easily transfer the battery from tool to tool as needed.
Cost and Value
The only disadvantage of the DeWalt is that it costs more than many of their other products. It really is a top of the line nailer, which makes it worth the price if you plan on using this tool extensively. It is a light and easy to use tool that will work wonders in any kind of work that needs a lighter touch.
Precise design
Light and easy to wield
Highly mobile
Works with all DeWalt batteries
Pricier option
Hitachi NT50AE2
The Hitachi comes with a feature called selective actuation. It lets you choose the mode of firing for your Hitachi. It can switch between either the nose or the trigger being what fires the brad. This lets you choose between being quick or precise.
The other way that this tool can be adjusted is through the changing of the gun's depth. This means you can choose a depth that is more suitable for the material you are working with.
Easy to Use
The Hitachi NT50AE2 is also designed so that you will have an easy time wielding it. It comes with a comfortable grip that is made of elastomer. It is very easy to grip, but without sacrificing anything in the way of comfort.
It also clocks in at a low weight of 2.2 pounds, which will make it easy to keep using it for long periods of time.
Cost and Value
The Hitachi NT50AE2 is a great choice for anyone who is looking for a simple, but well-made, brad nailer. It doesn't have much for extra features, but it does a great job when it comes to comfort and customization. This option is great for those who want something that they can rely on as a tool that they can make their own.
Comfortable grip
Adjustable settings
Good value
Easy to clear
Not many features
Makita AF505N
The Makita works wonders on the materials that it is being used on. It has a rubber tip to the nose that will protect the material from becoming dented. The final product will look great after you are finished.
The nose is also very precise which makes it easy for you to drive in a line of uniform brads without any problems.
Convenient Features
The Makita AF505N is also packed with convenient features that will make your jobs easier. This includes the manual clearance mechanism for the nose. It makes it easy to quickly clear the nose without the need for outside tools. It also comes with an indicator that will let you know when you have run out of nails.
Finally, this tool also comes with a gauge that you can use for depth adjustment. It makes it easy to use the right level of power for the right kind of material.
Cost and Value
The Makita AF505N also has the distinction of giving you the best value of all the options on this list. It comes with all the most important convenience features, but at a price that is affordable. It has a good deal of power, too. It isn't so much that you need to worry about damaging the material that you are working with. The Makita is the perfect choice for those who want something cheap, but that is still of good quality.
Best value
Easy to use
Very powerful
Keeps siding safe
Not as comfortable
Ridgid R213BNE
Simple, but clever, design features are the name of the game for the Ridgid R213BNE. It comes with the previously mentioned transparent magazine. This will stop you from dry firing. That can unnecessarily damage the materials or the nailer.
It also comes with adjustable exhaust vents in the back of the gun. It makes it easy to change the angle of the gun's exhaust when you fire. Finally, it comes with an easy to clear nose. It makes it easy for you to clear jams when too many brads fall into the chamber at the same time.
Solid Design
The Ridgid is also designed for those who are looking for something that will last for the long haul. It operates without oil, which makes it much less work to care for the nailer. It is also a very powerful choice that can easily drive brads into solid oak. It will make any project seem like an easy one. This is a sturdy gun that you can rely on for any occasion.
Cost and Value
The Ridgid R213BNE is also a great choice for the value that it brings. This is a no-nonsense nailer that you can rely on for any kind of work that you need it for. It does good work without the fuss of any of the messier choices that there might be on the market. Thee Ridgid does this at a reasonable price point, too.
Sturdy design
Powerful brads
Adjustable vents
Comfortable
Can damage material
Grex 1850GB
The Grex gives you a lot of control when it comes to how you can fire your brads. To start with, there are two different firing modes to choose from. It can fire on contact, or by using the trigger.
It is also notable for the ability to fire brads from strange angles. It means you will have just as easy a time getting brads into the corners of your wall as with the straight bits. It even has depth control, which will make it easier for you to work with all kinds of materials.
Durable and Protective
The Grex 1850GB is also designed for the long haul. It has just the right amount of power so you donèt need to worry about any damage caused by fired brads. There is also the locking nose, which does a good job of keeping your brads single file as they move through the chamber.
This tool is designed out of one piece of machined metal. This makes the housing extra-durable any time that you might drop it.
Cost and Value
The Grex 1850GB is a great choice for those who want something that can get at all those awkward angles of a construction project. It does a wonderful job with the actual firing of brads.
When combined with the high-quality production of the housing, the Grex is a great all-around tool you should consider adding to your arsenal. It does cost more than the other options on this list, but not by enough to make its price unmanageable.
Precise design
Durable and protective
Adjustable options
Good for awkward angles
Pricier option
WEN 61720
The 61720 is perfect for those who need an easy to use tool. It has an aluminum design that makes it very easy to carry the WEN around. This tool comes in at three pounds, which makes it convenient to use for long periods of time.
The rubber grip on the handle makes it very comfortable, which makes it even easier to use it. It also holds a good deal of brads. The magazine can hold one hundred brads. On top of that, it has an indicator for when you are getting low.
Easy to Adjust
The WEN also has a few features that can be adjusted to fit the current job. It has a rear exhaust port that you can adjust from side to side. This means you don't need to get any uncomfortable gusts of air blown at you.
The WEN is also designed with an adjustable depth gauge that you can switch depending on the material you are working with. Besides being easy to adjust, the WEN is easy to use due to its lightweight frame and comfortable grip.
Cost and Value
A big point of price increase is the battery that is found on many tools of this nature. The WEN is much cheaper than other options on this list, due to the need for an external pneumatic tube. It makes a great choice for those who have access to one already, but might be too much of a leap for those who do not.
Very cheap option
Comfortable grip
Lightweight and easy to use
Adjustable design
Need a pneumatic tube
Senco FinishPro
The Senco is built to last out in the field. It is made of a lightweight aluminum frame that is easy to carry around with you. Another cool feature is the exhaust port, which is left at the bottom of the nailer. It makes it easier for you to use the tool without the worry of exhaust hitting you in the face.
It is also designed with a protective tip on the nose that will protect your material when you are firing into it.
Added Features
The Senco FinishPro also comes with a few adjustable features that will make it easy to get the right brad nailing for you. It comes with two kinds of firing. It has an automatic firing mode that makes it easy to place a lot of brads quickly. It also comes with an easy to adjust depth guide that you can use. It makes it easy for you to work with any material in any way that you would like.
Cost and Value
The FinishPro is a good choice for those who want something lightweight, but also with great value. It comes in at a cheap price but has a high-quality design in both the shell and the way the brads are fired. It gives you options that let you choose exactly how you want to work, too. The Senco is a really reliable option.
Lightweight magnesium
Lots of choices
Great value
Works with multiple lengths
Magazine is difficult
Porter-Cable BN200C
The Porter-Cable is a fun brad nailer to use. That is because of the easy to use magnesium body. It makes the nailer both lightweight and durable, which means you have a tool that is easy to wield and strong enough for serious work. It is also a very comfortable design, due to the rubber grip that also gives you a good handle on your new favorite tool.
Useful Features
The BN200C comes with lots of other features that you can play with, too. It has multiple depths that the nails can be fired from. It makes it much easier for you to pick the right option for your materials.
The tool can fire from 5/8" to 2" brads, which makes it very adaptable to the scenario. There is also a sequential trigger that makes it easy to make precise shots. The soft tip of the gun also makes it perfect for not scuffing up your trim.
Cost and Value
The Porter-Cable BN200C is designed with ease of use in mind. This does a great job of making your construction work much simpler. It does a great job of making it easier for you to wield your new tool, too. The Porter-Cable comes in at a convenient and low price, which makes it within reach for anyone who is curious about this reliable option.
Easy to use
Good value
Lots of features
Precise shots
Not as comfortable
Ryobi P320 Airstrike
The Ryobi P320 Airstrike comes with a longlasting charge that you can rely on for a very long time. It operates by the nail, so you don't need to worry about it losing power while it is unattended. It should last for about 1700 nails before it needs another charge.
The battery is completely rechargeable, which makes it easy to leave it powered on in your garage for any time that you might need it.
Other Features
There are lots of other features that make the Ryobi worth your time. This includes its ability to tell you when you are running low on brads. It is easy to notice while you are working, which will help you avoid dry firing. It also comes with a dial that lets you pick the strength of your nailing, which is perfect for calibrating for more sensitive jobs.
Cost and Value
Ryobi's products are all great value, and the Airstrike is no exception. It comes in at a price that is comparable to the cheaper options on this list. The battery-powered design means that this is one of the more convenient options on this list. You will have an easy time getting the right to work at any time that you need the Ryobi. It will last for a long time, to boot.
Long-lasting battery
Adjustable strength
Easy to use
Magazine indicator
Not very protective
Bostitch BTFP12233
The Bostitch BTFP12233 is designed with the brads at the forefront. The precision aim does a great job of helping you achieve uniform brad placement. It lets you place the nose without any unnecessary movements. The magazine also a mechanism that lets you quickly remove jams without the need for any external tools.
Other Features
There are lots of other clever pieces of design on the Bostitch. This includes the extra effort that it has put into the ability to easily change the depth of your brads. It accommodates brads from 5/8" to 2 and 1/8", which gives you lots of extra leeway when it comes to the projects that you can do with the Bostitch.
Cost and Value
The Bostitch BTFP12233 is also a good choice because it can be had at a very reasonable price. It makes it easy for you to get the finished product that you want. The handle isn't as comfortable, but there is a lot to be said for an option that puts so much effort into how well the brads can be fired with precsion.
Precise brads
Easy to release jams
Good value
Easy to adjust
Not as comfortable
Criteria Used in Evaluation of the Best Brad Nailers
There is a lot that goes into a brad nailer to make it tick. The best will be comfortable, precise, and durable. These pieces of criteria, along with some others, make up the most important things to keep in mind before you choose your brad nailer. These are the criteria that were used to rank this list.
Precision
The most important thing to keep in mind when shopping around is the tool’s ability to be both powerful and precise. The eighteen gauge brads are perfect for accurate work with finer materials. The best options are to choose options that have accurate nozzles. They will usually be narrow.
Having multiple choices for how you can fire the nailer will also allow for more precision in how you work. Another thing that will help is the ability to change the depth of your brads. This makes it easier to work with different kinds of material and get uniform fastening.
Durability
There is a lot of power when you use a brad nailer. It means that you need to worry about the construction of your brad nailer. Many of the options are housed in either aluminum or magnesium metal. It makes for a lightweight, but durable, tool that you can use for long periods of time. How much that matters to you is going to depend on what kind of worker you are. Durability is more important if you are someone who has to take their nailer to the worksite.
Another thing that is going to change the durability of your nailer is the interior. Some motors are brushless, which involves less moving parts and fewer abrasions on the interior of the nailer.
Comfort
It is also important that your brad nailer is comfortable to use. You are often going to find yourself on your knees while you are working with your new nail gun. Besides there, you will also be getting into difficult to reach spots. It is important that it is comfortable to use. The handle is important for this, as it needs to be made of a comfortable material that you can hold onto easily.
Another thing that will make this easier is if you find an option that is lightweight. Some come in at a comfortable two to four pounds, which should be easy to use for a long time.
Protection
The quality of your finishing work is going to depend on the power and protection of your brad nailer. The nails can be launched with quite a bit of strength, which can sometimes damage lighter materials.
Finding a soft muzzle for your brad nailer means that you can know there won’t be any scuffs. It leaves your finished products looking as good as they can. It will also be affected by the PSI of the pneumatic options on this list.
Value
There are lots of different options that you can choose from if the price is something that is important to you. What price you should consider is going to have a lot to do with what you need it for. Things that are going to increase the price are things like the way that the nailer operates, and the number of features that it has.
There are lots of options that combine these features together in convenient ways that allow you to pick what is best for you.
Other Factors to Consider
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between finish nailers vs brad nailers?
A: Many people aren’t aware that there are differences between these two nailers. The difference is actually quite large, and important.
Finish nailers are closer to what people think of when they think of traditional nail guns. They fire larger nails that are designed to more seriously keep pieces of construction together. While brad nailers are designed for trim and finishing, Finish nailers are better suited for things like baseboards and other permanent connections.
The biggest difference is the gauge of the nail used. Finish nails are much thicker. They usually run in the 15 and 16 gauge range. Brads are almost exclusively 18 gauge nails. They also have much narrower heads that do a better job of hiding them when they have been driven in. Finish nails are much more obvious, but this gives them more structural integrity.
Q: What are these tools used for?
A: Brad nailers have a much more specialized range of uses when compared to more traditional nail guns. That is because the nails that they fire are much thinner, and are more suited to keeping lighter woods together. They can be used for more serious construction projects, but usually only in the end stages, such as with things like trim or molding.
These tools are also great for those who want to do smaller projects around the house. They are often used for smaller hobbyist projects. The wider variety of projects that you can do with a brad nailer comes from the fact that they can be used with a wide range of nails. Brads all have an eighteen gauge width, but they range in length from 5/8″ to 2″. It makes it very easy to find the right-sized brad fro any project.
Sources
- , How to Use a Brad Nailer , How To
- , Brad Nailer vs Finish Nailers – What’s the difference?, Article
- , What Do You Use a Brad Nailer For?, Article
