Any finishing nails that you would like to put into trim or molding should become embedded into the wood but this should be done without blemishing the wood around the nail in the process.
The easiest way to get a clean and beautiful finish is to choose a brad nailer over a hammer, but if you have never bought a brad nailer before then you probably won’t know where to start.
To get you off on the right foot and make sure you get the best brad nailer for your projects and your budget, follow this expert guide. We have compiled only the most important information and the most useful expert reviews.
Points to Remember
The first thing you need to consider when buying a brad nailer is that there are 3 types, each with its own appeal and drawbacks:
- Pneumatic Brad Nailer. This is the most efficient and, therefore, the most popular option. This kind of nail gun uses compressed air in order to work. This is not the cheapest option as it does require a portable air compressor.
In terms of neatness and the look of the finished product, you cannot beat the results you get with the pneumatic brad nailer.
- Battery Powered. This is possibly the least popular option because it comes with the added cost of the batteries. This is not a good option for professional use but is perfect for anyone that will be using the nailer for limited projects.
. - Electric. Rather than using compressed air, the electric brad nailer uses the power from the electric motor to shoot the nails out of the gun.
While this is a convenient option without needing an air compressor, there is a drawback. This nail gun is much heavier than pneumatic models and can be difficult to work with as a result.
Top 10 Brad Nailers
| Picture | Name | Length Range | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. WEN 61722 18-Gauge 2-in-1 Pneumatic 2-Inch Brad Nailer | 5/8” – 2” | $$ | 4.4 |
| 2. BOSTITCH BTFP12233 Smart Point 18GA Brad Nailer Kit | 5/8” – 2 1/8” | $$$ | 4.8 |
| 3. NuMax S2-118G2 18-Gauge 2 In 1 Brad Nailer and Stapler | 3/8” – 2” | $$ | 4.5 |
| 4. SENCO FinishPro® 18MG, 2-1/8" 18-Gauge Brad Nailer | 5/8” – 2 1/8” | $$$ | 4.6 |
| 5. Hitachi NT50AE2 18-Gauge 5/8-Inch to 2-Inch Brad Nailer | 5/8” – 2” | $ | 4.5 |
| 6. DEWALT DWFP12231 Pneumatic 18-Gauge 2-Inch Brad Nailer Kit | 5/8” – 2” | $$$ | 4.7 |
| 7. PORTER-CABLE PCC790LA 20V MAX Lithium 18GA Cordless Brad Nailer Kit | 5/8” – 2” | $$$$ | 4.7 |
| 8. Campbell Hausfeld CHG00100AV 1-1/4-Inch 2-in-1 Brad Nailer/Stapler Kit | 3/8” – 1 ¼” | $ | 3.6 |
| 9. Stanley TRE550Z Electric Staple/Brad Nail Gun | 1/2”, 9/16”, 5/8” | $ | 4.3 |
| 10. BHTOP Cordless Brad Nailer ＆Stapler | 1” – 2” | $$$$ | 4.2 |
How to Choose the Perfect Brad Nailer
Before purchasing a nail gun, ask yourself the following questions to determine if it is the right brad nailer for you:
- What Size Nails Are Compatible? Brad nailers come able to accept only specific nail sizes or a specific range. The most common brad nailer will come at 18 gauge, ¾” to 2”. If the gun is in that range then it will be suitable for most projects.
. - Is It Easy to Load the Brad Nails into the Gun? This is especially important for those that will be using the gun a lot and will need to reload often. Consider the brad nailers that either uses a cartridge system or have a magnetic strip to hold the nails in place.
Top 3 Best Brad Nailer Reviews
1. WEN 61722 18-Gauge 2-in-1 Pneumatic 2-Inch Brad Nailer
The convenience and the price of the WEN 61722 easily make it the best brad nailer you could buy. For starters, the range of brad lengths is perfect for getting most home projects and construction jobs done.
The nailer itself is relatively lightweight, too, which means that you can use it all day long without feeling the effects too badly.
The magazine holds up to 100 brads inside to let you work without interruption. It should also be noted that the magazine is quick release so jams can be cleared in a synch. This along with the comfortable grip add to the overall convenience of using this tool.
For anyone that will be using this brad nailer often, it is essential that the gun itself lasts through more than a few projects. When you buy this model, you can be sure that you are getting great value for money and that includes longevity far beyond what you would expect.
2. BOSTITCH BTFP12233 Smart Point Brad Nailer Kit
If you have ever used another brad nailer before, then it will be clear from the first time you use the BOSTITCH BTFP12233 Smart Point gun that the quality and precision is far superior to anything else. The first thing you will notice is the quality of the makeup and the materials that were used to build the brad nailer.
The second thing you will notice are the features that have been put into place to make the life of the operator much easier. The smart point technology makes nail placement more precise, the tool-free jam release means you never have to waste time getting the gun back into action and the dial control allows you to choose the depth of the brad nails.
The nailer comes in at just over 3lbs to make it easier to use for large projects and more maneuverable too. You will not only notice that you are more precise with your nails but also that you are much faster when installing any kind of trim or woodwork.
3. NuMax S2-118G2 2 In 1 Brad Nailer and Stapler
The NuMax S2-118G2 is ideal for nailing down decorative trim, molding, and baseboards. It is the tool that will make these jobs quicker and easier for you with the option to use the tool as a brad nailer or stapler.
The entire tool itself has been built to last and built to stand up to the normal wear and tear any tool will undergo on a job site.
The gun is comfortable to use and gives the user total control over the exhaust direction, the depth of the nails, the fitting, and more. When you first get this tool, it is very easy to set up and operate whether you have used a brad nailer before or not.
Considering the low price for this consistent and efficient tool, you really are getting a great deal. There is no reason to spend any more on such a tool, even for professionals, when you know that this one will service all of the jobs you might have with ease.
