The best brad nailer or nail gun for you will depend on what you need to do with the tool.
Compared to a finish nailer, brad nails are smaller. Compared to a pin nailer, brad nails are larger.
For this reason, they fit somewhere in between those two tools in terms of strength of fixing, hole size, and the thickness of material they can nail without splitting the material or it coming loose from whatever you’re fixing it to.
We aim to save you time & money by listing & discussing the best brad nail gun reviews.
As we said, you can read the top rated list below if you are running short on time.
Otherwise, the full guide contains valuable information if you have a few minutes to browse over it.
(*Friendly Disclosure – links to retailers or brands on this page may include affiliate links, and we may receive a commission when you purchase through these links)
Top Rated Brad Nailer & Nail Gun List
Best Cheap 18 Gauge Brad Nailer
WEN 61720 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (on Amazon)
Best Cordless 18 Gauge Brad Nailer
DEWALT DC608K 18-Volt 18-Gauge 2-Inch Brad Nailer Kit (on Amazon)
Best Electric Brad Nailer
Best Cheap Electric Brad Nailer/Stapler – Stanley TRE550Z Electric Staple/Brad Nail Gun (on Amazon)
Best Electric Brad Nailer – Stanley TRE650 Electric Brad Nailer (on Amazon)
Best Pneumatic Brad Nailer
WEN 61720 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (on Amazon)
Best Value For Money Brad Nailers
Best Value For Money Pneumatic Brad Nailer – WEN 61720 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (on Amazon)
Best Value For Money Cordless Brad Nailer – DEWALT DC608K 18-Volt 18-Gauge 2-Inch Brad Nailer Kit (on Amazon)
Best Value For Money Electric Brad Nailer – Stanley TRE550Z Electric Staple/Brad Nail Gun (on Amazon)
Best Brad Nailer For Woodworking
Best Cordless Brad Nailer For Woodworking – DEWALT DC608K 18-Volt 18-Gauge 2-Inch Brad Nailer Kit (on Amazon)
Best Air Brad Nailer For Woodworking –WEN 61720 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (on Amazon)
Best Air Compressor For Brad Nailer
PORTER-CABLE C2002-WK Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor Kit (on Amazon)
Best Brad Nailer & Nail Gun: Reviews
Refer to below in this guide for:
Best 18 Gauge/18ga Brad Nailer
Best Cordless 18 Gauge Brad Nailer
Best Pneumatic/Air Brad Nailer
Best Electric Brad Nailer
Best Brad Nailer For Woodworking
Best Brad Nailer For The Money
Best Brad Nailer & Nail Gun: Buyer’s Guide
Other Names For A Brad Nailer?
Brad Nailer Stapler
What Is A Brad Nailer/Nail Gun?
A brad nailer is a gun type tool that is usually pneumatically (air) powered, but has other types available
A brad nail gun fires 18 gauge brad nails,
This is in comparison to other nail guns like finish nailers that fire 15/16 gauge finish nails, or pin nailers that fire 23 gauge pin nails.
What Is A Brad Nailer/Nail Gun Used For?
Brad nailers, and the brad nails they shoot, are used for fixing lightweight-medium materials usually inside the house.
Examples include moldings, picture-frame assembly, trim, light baseboards and cabinetry building.
The brad nails themselves are usually 3/4 to 2 inches in length with small heads.
You wouldn’t use a brad nailer for the heaviest baseboards or heavier crown moldings for example – you’d use a finish nailer for a stronger hold.
You wouldn’t use a brad nailer for delicate trim or fine wood – you’d use a pin nailer so you don’t split the material.
What Does A Brad Nailer Do?
A brad nailer is pretty simple – it shoots nails into light to medium thickness finishing type materials to fix them into other materials.
Types of Brad Nailers/Nail Guns
Brad nailers come in one gauge – that is 18 gauge:
18 gauge brad nailer – shoots brad nails. Probably the most versatile of the finish nail guns. Brad nails are usually 3/4 to 2 inches in length with small heads that you might not have to cover up or putty.
Aside from the gauge of nails, there are the following types of Brad nail guns:
Pneumatic/Air Brad Nailer
Electric Brad Nailer
Cordless Brad Nailer
Brad Nailer Stapler – manual brad nailer tool that fires staples and 5/8 inch long (15mm diamter) brad nails
Straight or angled magazine Brad nailers (angled are good for getting into tight spots, and usually shoot bigger nails)
Being a 2, 3 or 4 in 1 brad nail tool, or just a standard brad nail tool that does one thing
Brad Nailer/Nail Gun Bits & Accessories
Straight Brad Nails, or Angle Brad Nails (for angle magazines)
Air Compressor (for pneumatic brad nailers)
Air Hose (for pneumatic brad nailers)
Re-chargeable battery (for battery powered nailers)
Extension cord (for electric brad nailers)
Oil or lubricant
How To Choose A Brad Nailer/Nail Gun
Firstly, look the work you want to do – is it thin and light, medium duty, or heavier type finish work?
Choose a brad nailer for light to medium duty finishing work where you want a stronger fixing than what a pin nailer provides, but you don’t want the thickness of a finish nail.
Then secondly, decide on the following things about your nailer based on the work:
1. Decide if you want a cordless/battery operated, or pneumatic, electric, or manual brad nailer?
2. Decide specifically what length and type of brad nails you want to use – check the nailer fits them
3. Decide if you want a straight or angled brad nail magazine – the angled nailers often take different types of nails
4. Decide if you want a tool that offers 2 in 1, or 3 or 4 in 1 capabilities e.g. the 2 in 1 brad nailer/stapler
5. If you have an existing air compressor and you get a pneumatic brad nailer, make sure the CFM (cubic feet of air per minute) the nailer uses isn’t too great for the air capacity of your compressor.
Best Brad Nailer For…
Coming soon
Features To Look For In A Brad Nailer
How it’s powered
Length and type of nails it shoots
Straight or angled brad nailer
If it’s multiple tools in 1
Recommended CFM (cubic feet of air per minute) & PSI (air pressure) of the nailer by the manufacturer is a pneumatic nailer
Whether it comes with an air hose
Whether it comes with a battery
How many nails it holds
Settings for shooting the nails e.g. sequential or contact nailing, depth of nail drive
Adjustable exhaust
Look at what the nailer is actually designed for, along with the nails you buy
How To Use A Brad Nailer
- Load the nail magazine
- Lubricate/oil the hose and gun if air brad nailer
- Attach the power source
- Set the air pressure on the compressor if an air nailer
- Adjust the settings of the gun – type of nail shooting, depth of nail shooting etc.
- Mark or set out where you will be fixing the nails
- Turn the gun on, or turn the compressor on
- Use the brad nailer
Best 18 Gauge Brad Nailer
A brad nail gun is part of the 3 nail guns used for finishing type activities – along with a finish nailer (15 & 16 gauge), and pin nailer (23 gauge).
Some see 18 gauge brad nails as the best option for them as you still get a relatively strong fixing, without the nail size and nail head of a finish nail, and without the decrease in strength of a pin nail. This gives some people better flexibility.
Let’s look at the best value for money 18 gauge brad nail gun on the market at the moment …
Best 18 Gauge Brad Nailer: Reviews
WEN 61720 18 Gauge Brad Nailer
What Is Good About This Brad Nailer?
Extremely cheap – for the price, even if you use it once, you’ve got your value for money back
Designed for Trim Work and Light Assembly
Drives 3/4 inch long to 2 inch long brad nails
60–100 PSI Operating Pressure
100 nail capacity in the nail magazine
Durable aluminium body
1.8 CFM air consumption
Only 3 pounds
Kit includes oil (for lubrication), two adjustment hex wrenches and a custom carrying case
What Are Some Potential Improvements?
An angled magazine might make this gun better for working at awkward angles
Not the most precise nailer on the market, but not terrible either
May struggle with shooting SOME 2 inch nails into harder materials like hardwood for example
What Else Might I Need To Get With This Brad Nailer?
Brad Nail Variety Pack #1 – Senco A209909 18-Gauge-by-1-2-Inch Electro Galvanized Variety Pack Brads (on Amazon)
Brad Nail Variety Pack #2 – Senco A209809 18-Gauge-by-5/8-Inch to 1-1/4-Inch Electro Galvanized Variety Pack Brads (on Amazon)
Pancake Air Compressor – PORTER CABLE 6 Gallon Pancake Compressor Kit (on Amazon)
Where Can I Check Out This Brad Nailer?
View the WEN 61720 18 Gauge Brad Nailer on Amazon
Best 18 Gauge Brad Nailer: Buyer’s Guide & FAQ
What Is An 18 Gauge Brad Nailer?
An 18 gauge brad nailer is a nail gun that shoots nails which are 18 gauge and fit the profile of a brad nail.
’18 gauge’ is a way to describe the size/thickness and length of the nails the gun shoots (length is usually 3/4 or 5/8 to 2 inches long).
A brad nailer fits into the range of nail guns that are used for finishing type activities, along with finish nailers (15 & 16 gauge) and pin nailers (23 gauge).
On a scale, the nails could be described as the following:
15 Gauge Finish Nails – thickest and strongest fixing…usually around 0.0720 inches, or 1.829mm thick
16 Gauge Finish Nails – usually around 0.067 inches , or 1.70 mm thick
18 Gauge Brad Nails – usually around 0.0475 inches, or 1.207mm thick
23 Gauge Pin Nails – thinnest and weakest fixing
So, the lower the number, the thicker the nail and stronger the fixing.
What Is An 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Used For?
18 Gauge brad nails fit between finish nails and pin nails in terms of strength, size and profile.
They aren’t as thick, round, long and don’t have the head of a 15 or 16 gauge finish nail, however, they are thicker (and provide a stronger fixing) than a pin nail.
Like a pin nail, brad nails usually dont have a head (some have a slight head though) – which means in some applications you might not need to putty up the nail hole.
You can use an 18 gauge brad nail on medium thickness baseboards, lighter crown moldings, some window and door trim, and for cabinetry.
Use a finish nail for thicker and heavier material fixings, whilst a pin nail is better for delicate materials and where you want small nail holes.
18 Gauge Brad Nailer Bits & Accessories
18 Gauge Brad Nails – you get them in differing lengths. Some have a slight head on the nail, while others can be headless
Air Compressor – a pancake compressor is usually OK for a brad nailer
Air hose with connection to attach to the gun
How To Choose An 18 Gauge Brad Nailer
Refer to the brad nailer guide.
Features To Look For In An 18 Gauge Brad Nailer
Refer to the brad nailer guide.
Best 18 Gauge Brad Nailer: Resources
1. http://www.wenproducts.com/
Best Cordless 18 Gauge Brad Nailer
A cordless 18 brad nailer is different from most nail guns in that it is battery operated, compared to most nail guns which are air operated, or pneumatic.
Battery operated brad nailers might still have some power, but you probably get more power out of the air nailers (depending on models, compressors and air compressors of course).
Still, a cordless nail gun provides so much more freedom of movement – as you don’t have to worry about an air hose or being plugged into an air compressor all the time.
Best Cordless 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Reviews
DEWALT DC608K 18-Volt 18-Gauge 2-Inch Brad Nailer Kit
What Is Good About This Cordless Brad Nailer?
Designed for softwood sheets, hardwood sheets, plywood sheets, cabinetmakers, trim, baseboards, shoe and crown molding, chair rail moldings, paneling, and window and door casings and jambs.
18 volt battery makes this nailer extremely portable
Fires straight 18 GA nails ranging in lengths from 5/8″ to 2″
Can lock the trigger when the nailer is not in use
Easily removable top cap on tool to get inside and look at tool components
Two nail firing operating modes – sequential (for precision) and bump (for speed)
Tool free nose adjustment in the case of nail jams
12 position nail depth dial
Has a belt hook
110 nail capacity magazine
3 Year limited warranty
Included is a NiCad battery, one-hour charger, reversible belt hook, safety glasses, and plastic storage case
What Are Some Potential Improvements?
A lithium ion battery would be a preference over the NiCad battery
Might struggle on harder woods or really thick baseboards for example (look for an air brad nailer or finish nailer in this instance)
What Else Might I Need To Get With This Cordless Brad Nailer?
1 1/4 inch brad nails – DEWALT DBN18125 Heavy Duty 18 Gauge, 1-1/4-Inch Brad Nail: 5000-Pack (on Amazon)
2 inch brad nails – DEWALT DBN18200 Heavy Duty 18 Gauge, 2-Inch Brad Nail: 5000-Pack (on Amazon)
Where Can I Check Out This Cordless Brad Nailer?
View the DEWALT DC608K 18-Gauge 2-Inch Brad Nailer Kit on Amazon
Best Cordless 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Buyer’s Guide & FAQ
What Is A Cordless 18 Gauge Brad Nailer?
A cordless 18 gauge brad nailer is a nail gun that shoots nails which are 18 gauge and fit the profile of a brad nail.
Most nail guns are usually air driven tools, whilst cordless brad nailers are battery driven tools.
We wrote about some other important details of 18 gauge brad nailers in general in this guide.
What Is A Cordless 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Used For?
Overall, a cordless brad nailer compared to an air powered brad nailer sometimes has slightly less power to drive nails into thick woods.
It’s best to check what the manufacturer suggests the tool is designed for to confirm this for the particular model of cordless brad nailer.
But, in general 18 Gauge brad nails fit between finish nails and pin nails in terms of strength, size and profile.
They aren’t as thick, round, long and don’t have the head of a 15 or 16 gauge finish nail, however, they are thicker (and provide a stronger fixing) than a pin nail.
Like a pin nail, brad nails usually dont have a head (some have a slight head though) – which means in some applications you might not need to putty up the nail hole.
You can use an 18 gauge brad nail on medium thickness baseboards, lighter crown moldings, some window and door trim, and for cabinetry.
Use a finish nail for thicker and heavier material fixings, whilst a pin nail is better for delicate materials and where you want small nail holes.
Cordless 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Bits & Accessories
18 Gauge Brad Nails – you get them in differing lengths. Some have a slight head on the nail, while others can be headless
Battery
Battery Charger
How To Choose A Cordless 18 Gauge Brad Nailer
Refer to the brad nailer guide.
Features To Look For In A Cordless 18 Gauge Brad Nailer
Refer to the brad nailer guide.
But, obviously you want to look closely at the battery. Look for things like:
Charge time
Voltage of the battery
Can the tool take other brand batteries of the same voltage?
How many shots of nails can you get out of 1 charge?
Best Cordless 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Resources
1. http://www.dewalt.com/
Best Electric Brad Nailer
Whilst brad nail guns are mostly pneumatic/air powered, there are corded models available too.
The biggest thing to note with electric brad nailers is that they don’t have the power, and can’t shoot the length of brad nails an air brad nailer can.
On the flip side to that – they are quite cheap, and if you only need shorter brad nails for thinner or lighter materials, they can be very useful for some people.
So, if you decide to purchase one – keep realistic with what you’re getting.
If you decide an air brad nailer is more for you – you can check out the air brad nailer information elsewhere in this guide.
Let’s have a look at the best electric brad nail guns for those interested …
Best Electric Brad Nailer: Reviews
Stanley TRE650 Electric Brad Nailer
What’s Good About This Electric Brad Nailer?
Cheap compared to air brad nailers
Shoots 5/8 to 1″ 18-gauge brads (recommended STANLEY® SWKBN Series)
Has a dial to adjust the power
Has an easy jam clear mechanism
Indicator lets you know when nails magazine is empty
Eight foot long power cord
What Are Some Potential Improvements?
VERY low power compared to an air or battery powered gun – only use on thin and small materials where a 1 inch brad nail will be ok
Recommended to be used on a dedicated power circuit and without power dividing devices like power boards
What Else Might You Need?
5/8 inch to 1 1/4 inch Brad Nails Pack – Senco A209809 18-Gauge-by-5/8-Inch to 1-1/4-Inch Electro Galvanized Variety Pack Brads (on Amazon)
1/2 inch Brad Nails Pack – Senco A209909 18-Gauge-by-1-2-Inch Electro Galvanized Variety Pack Brads (on Amazon)
Where To Check It Out?
View the Stanley TRE650 Electric Brad Nailer on Amazon
Stanley TRE550Z Electric Staple/Brad Nail Gun
What’s Good About This Electric Brad Nailer?
Very Cheap
Can fire STANLEY® SharpShooter® TRA700 Series or Arrow® T-50® heavy-duty staples, and 1/2″, 9/16″ and 5/8″ Brad nails
Two speed lever – two speeds for harder or softer materials
Mechanism to quickly clear nail jams
8 foot power cord
What Are Some Potential Improvements?
Very low power – use the brads only for very thin or lightweight material fastening > get an air powered brad nail gun for more heavy duty applications, or even an air powered finish nailer
Not a very heavy duty tool – doesn’t stand up to being dropped or general wear and tear very well
What Else Might You Need?
Staples and Brad Nails – Stanley TRA700BN Heavy-Duty Staple & Brad Assortment, 2500-Pack (on Amazon)
Where To Check It Out?
View the Stanley TRE550Z Electric Staple/Brad Nail Gun on Amazon
Best Electric Brad Nailer: Buyer’s Guide & FAQ
What Is An Electric Brad Nailer?
An electric brad nailer is a brad nail gun that is powered by mains power via an electrical cord.
Electric Brad Nailer vs Pneumatic Brad Nailer – What’s The Difference?
Electric brad nailers are corded and powered by mains electricity.
Pneumatic brad nailers are the most common brad nail guns and are powered by an air compressor with an air hose.
Air brad nailers have more power and shoot longer and bigger brad nails than electric brad nailers.
What Is An Electric Brad Nailer Used For?
Electric brad nailers are used for very lightweight, thin and delicate fixings of things like trim and moldings.
The brad nails are usually only up to 1 inch long in electric brad nailers.
What Features Can You Look For In An Electric Brad Nailer?
You can read more about the main features to look for in a brad nail gun here.
For an electric brad nailer specifically, you want to check:
What is the power like in the gun
What type and length of brad nails does the gun shoot
Does is shoot staples as well as brads?
How long is the power cord
What are the power outlet requirements of the tool?
Best Electric Brad Nailer: Resources
1. http://www.stanleytools.com/
Best Pneumatic/Air Brad Nailer
The air brad nailer is the most common brad nail gun on the market.
The best pneumatic brad nailer is usually operated with an air hose and a smaller air compressor – a pancake air compressor is usually suitable.
For those who don’t know, a brad nailer shoots 18 gauge (diameter) brad nails.
This is in comparison to other nail guns used for finishing type activities such as finish nail guns (15 and 16 gauge), and pin nailers (23 gauge).
Some professionals find their air brad nailer the most flexible of the three guns.
Let’s look at the best air brad nailer on the market at the moment …
Best Pneumatic/Air Brad Nailer: Reviews
WEN 61720 18 Gauge Brad Nailer
We already reviewed this brad nailer in our guide on 18 gauge brad nailers.
However, the following are some reasons why this is the best pneumatic brad nailer in our opinion:
Very cheap – if you use it once, you’ll get back value for what you pay for it
Can drive a range of brad nail lengths from 3/4 inch long to 2 inch long
Can be used with a less expensive pancake compressor
Very lightweight – only 3 lbs
Designed for trim and light assembly
In the kit you get
Kit includes oil (for lubrication), two adjustment hex wrenches and a custom carrying case
Best Pneumatic/Air Brad Nailer: Buyer’s Guide & FAQ
What Is A Pneumatic Brad Nailer?
A pneumatic brad nailer is a brad nail gun that is air powered.
An air brad nail gun shoots 18 gauge brad nails usually 3/4 inch long to 2 inch long.
An air brad nailer is one version of the brad nail gun and the most common – with the other two being a battery operated brad nailer, and an electric brad nailer.
What Is A Pneumatic Brad Nailer Used For?
Brad nailers in general can be used for many finishing type activities like fixing lightweight to medium trim, moldings, baseboards, picture frames, woodwork, and more.
Air brad nailers are generally the most powerful brad nailers.
You would get one if you want a brad nailer that can do the most activities out of the air, cordless, and electric models.
When comparing an air brad nailer to finish nail guns and pin nail guns, they fit in between the two.
The nail gauges are as follows:
Finish nails – 15 and 16 gauge. Thickest nails that provide the strongest support, but provide the biggest nail holes and can split fine wood and trim
Brad Nails – 18 gauge. Medium thickness nails that have decent support. Are sometimes headless. Fit in between finish and pin nails.
Finish Nails – 23 gauge. Thinnest nails that provide the least support, but are usually headless and so thin you don’t need to putty the holes. Will also be suitable for fixing fine wood or delicate trim so as to not split them
Pneumatic Brad Nailer Bits & Accessories
Brad nail packs – 18 gauge. Usually 3/4 inch long to 2 inch long.
Air hose
Pancake compressor (but check the air intake requirements of the brad nailer)
Features To Look For In A Pneumatic Brad Nailer
Read this guide about brad nailers for features to look for, and how to select a brad nailer.
With a pneumatic brad nailer in particular, you want to look at:
The PSI of the gun (the operating pressure required)
The CFM (how many cubic feet of air per minute the gun uses)
What size the air inlet nozzle/thread is
If the gun come with an air hose
If the gun comes with lubricant oil or needs it
Best Pneumatic/Air Brad Nailer: Resources
1. http://www.wenproducts.com/
Best Brad Nailer For The Money
Below, we’ve identified the value for money brad nail guns which are air operated, battery operated and electric.
For those wondering, the air operated brad nailers are probably the most versatile of the three, as they tend to have the most power, but cordless brad nailers can be very useful too.
Factors we’ve taken into account include cost, number of applications the gun can be used for, number of features, inclusions and more.
Let’s have a look …
Best Brad Nailer For The Money: Reviews
WEN 61720 18 Gauge Brad Nailer
We’ve already reviewed this brad nailer in another guide about the best 18 gauge air brad nailer.
However, the following are some reasons why this brad nailer presents good value for money:
One of the cheapest brad nailers on the market – one use will recoup the price you pay for it
Will drive 3/4 inch long to 2 inch long brad nails
Aluminium body isn’t weak
Can be used with a pancake compressor
Comes with oil (for lubrication), two adjustment hex wrenches and a custom carrying case
DEWALT DC608K 18-Volt 18-Gauge 2-Inch Brad Nailer Kit
We’ve already reviewed this brad nailer in another guide about the best cordless brad nailer.
Unfortunately, no cordless brad nailer comes cheap.
However, the following are some reasons why this brad nailer presents good value for money:
Can be used for a very wide range of activities – fixing softwood sheets, hardwood sheets, plywood sheets, cabinetmakers, trim, baseboards, shoe and crown molding, chair rail moldings, paneling, and window and door casings and jambs.
Fires 5/8″ to 2″ inch long brad nails
LOTS of extra features including but not limited to nail depth adjustment, AND nail operating modes
Included is a NiCad battery, one-hour charger, reversible belt hook, safety glasses, and plastic storage case
3 year limited warranty
Stanley TRE550Z Electric Staple/Brad Nail Gun
We’ve already reviewed this brad nailer in another guide about the best electric brad nailer.
However, the following are some reasons why this brad nailer presents good value for money:
Cheap compared to air brad nailers
Fires staples and nails – STANLEY® SharpShooter® TRA700 Series or Arrow® T-50® heavy-duty staples, and 1/2″, 9/16″ and 5/8″ Brad nails
Two settings for softer, or harder materials
Best Brad Nailer For The Money: Buyer’s Guide & FAQ
What Is A Brad Nailer and What Are They Used For?
We have explained brad nail guns and their uses in our main guide on brad nailers – you can read more here.
What To Look For When Deciding If A Brad Nailer Is Good Value For Money?
The following are some factors which might indicate that a brad nailer is good value for money:
Competitive price
Can be used for a wide range of finishing type activities – fixing molds, baseboards, trim, picture frames, cabinetry making and woodworking, stairs etc.
Body of the nailer is solid – metal or aluminium
Can shoot a brad nails of differing lengths and brands – usually 5/8 inches to 2 inches is a good range
Includes a range of settings including type of nail actuation (precision or speed setting), and nail depth adjustment
Includes a decent length limited tool warranty
Includes a range of inclusions in the kit like the tool, safety equipment, part changing tools, tips and other attachments
IF an air brad nailer, it can function well with a small pancake compressor
IF a cordless battery powered brad nailer, the battery will provide a decent amount of nail shots per charge
Any other extra features like belt hooks, magazine nail capacity, straight or angle magazine & any other features which are suitable for your needs
NOTE: there definitely is a difference between a brad nailer you might use casually, and a nailer a professional tradesman or woman might use. Usually, the expensive brad nailers are the most suitable models for professionals if you are using them daily.
Best Brad Nailer For The Money: Resources
1. http://www.wenproducts.com/
2. http://www.dewalt.com/
3. http://www.stanleytools.com/
Best Brad Nailer For Woodworking
The best brad nailer for woodworking is usually an air or cordless model for most users.
You generally get slighter more power with an air brad nailer, but cordless brad nailers have lots of features and the advantage or portability.
Brad nails are best for light to medium woodworking materials in terms of size, thickness and weight.
They are designed for finishing woodworking activities like light to medium profile molds, trims, baseboard, furniture/cabinetry making, pallets etc.
If you are working on fine and delicate wood, consider a smaller 23 gauge pin nailer instead so you don’t split it and you get a smaller nail hole.
If you are working on harder or thicker/heavier wood, consider a 15 or 16 gauge finish nailer for a strong fixing with a thicker gauge nail.
Best Brad Nailer For Woodworking: Reviews
WEN 61720 18 Gauge Brad Nailer
We already reviewed this brad nailer in our guide on 18 gauge brad nailers.
However, the following are some reasons why this air brad nailer is good for woodworking in our opinion:
Designed for lightweight to medium finishing wood activities
Extremely cheap – even if you use it once or twice for woodworking, you’ve got the value back you paid for it
Has a one year limited warranty
Shoots a range of brad nail lengths for different woodworking tasks
Can function between 60 to 100 PSI
Has nail depth setting for different woodworking tasks
DEWALT DC608K 18-Volt 18-Gauge 2-Inch Brad Nailer Kit
We’ve already reviewed this brad nailer in another guide about the best cordless brad nailer.
However, the following are some reasons why this cordless brad nailer is good for woodworking:
Designed for softwood sheets, hardwood sheets, plywood sheets, cabinetmakers, trim, baseboards, shoe and crown molding, chair rail moldings, paneling, and window and door casings and jambs.
Has a number of settings for different types of woods and nail depths
Two nail firing operating modes – sequential (for precision) and bump (for speed) – for both workshop based woodworking, and casual or on-site based woodworking
Fires straight 18 GA nails ranging in lengths from 5/8″ to 2″
You get 100’s of nail shots out of 1 charge, so the battery is durable for extended periods of woodworking use
Best Brad Nailer For Woodworking: Buyer’s Guide & FAQ
What Is A Brad Nailer?
A brad nailer is a nail gun that fires brad nails – usually 18 gauge and 3/4 to 2 inches long.
Brad nailers are most commonly air powered, but also comes in battery operated, and electric models as well.
Air powered brad nailers are generally the most powerful of the three, and can usually be run with a pancake air compressor attached to an air hose.
What Types Of Woodworking Is A Brad Nailer Used For?
Along with finish nailers and pin nailers, brad nailers are best for finishing type woodworking.
They are not for say framing, or fencing.
Example of finishing type activities include light cabinet and furniture making, fixing sheets of thin wood, installing wood trim and picture frames, installing light to medium baseboards and moldings.
Hardwood vs. Softwood vs. Fine Wood – How To Use A Brad Nailer For Different Types of Wood?
There are three main types of wood you will run across when using a brad nailer:
- Hardwood – by nature, hardwood is going to be harder to drive a nail into. You’ll want to make sure the brad nailer has nail setting depths deep enough, and enough PSI to drive nails to the depth you want in hard wood.
Most suitable brad nailer: You’ll want to use a brad nailer with a range of depth settings, and with the capacity for a higher PSI of at least 100-110. If it’s harder wood, sometimes a finish nail gun. is a better option with thicker nails.
- Softwood – softwood is generally not an issue for most brad nailers.
Most suitable brad nailer: most brad nailers are good for soft wood.
- Fine Wood – you’ll want to maintain the surface of fine wood and not split it. You may also want very thin or headless nails so you keep the nail holes and the nails themselves as invisible as possible.
Most suitable brad nailer: It’s actually the nails themselves you want to look out for. Use headless brad nails, or even consider a pin nail gun for fine wood and delicate trim.
Brad Nailer For Woodworking Bits & Accessories
Brad nails – come as 18 gauge. Look at length, and choose if you want headless brad nails or not.
Air compressor – usually a pancake compressor
Air hose
Features To Look For In A Brad Nailer For Woodworking – How To Choose?
Read this guide about brad nailers to see what to look for generally.
But here are some things to look out for in brad nailers in particular for woodworking:
Nail depth settings – can the nailer set nails at a depth in the type of wood you are working on?
Speed settings of the nailer – does it do precision and production (faster) nail shooting?
What max PSI range does the nailer run at? You might need a higher PSI for some types of wood or tasks
Type of nails the nailer shoots – does the brad nailer fire the length and type of brad nails you want for your woodwork?
Best Brad Nailer For Woodworking: Resources
1. http://www.wenproducts.com/
2. http://www.dewalt.com/
Best Air Compressor For A Brad Nailer
The best air compressor for a brad nailer is usually a smaller portable air compressor.
Pancake compressors are small air compressors that are usually portable, and around 3-6 gallons in size.
Brad nailers use minimal amount of air per nail fired, compared to another air tool like say an air hammer that has high air consumption requirements.
The good thing about buying a pancake air compressor is they useful for other common activities like filling your car tires.
Let’s have a look at the best air compressor for 18 gauge brad nailers …
Best Air Compressor For Brad Nailer: Reviews
PORTER-CABLE C2002-WK Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor with 13-Piece Accessory Kit
This is the same pancake compressor we reviewed in the guide for air compressors for finish nailers.
Head over to that article if you want to read about:
- The pancake compressor specs
- Good points about the compressor
- How the compressor could be better
- What else is needed with the air compressor – read this guide on brad nailers if you don’t have a brad nail gun yet.
Where To Check Out This Pancake Compressor?
View the PORTER-CABLE C2002-WK Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor Kit on Amazon
Best Air Compressor For Brad Nailer: Buyer’s Guide & FAQ
What Is A Brad Nailer?
A brad nailer is most commonly a nail gun that shoots 18 gauge (gauge refers to nail thickness – the lower, the thicker the nail) brads, or brad nails.
Brad nails fit in between finish and pin nails in terms of thickness and profile – and they may or may not come with a head on the nail.
Brad nailers, like finish and pin nailers, are used for finishing type activities like fixing trim, molding, baseboards and woodwork like cabinetry tasks.
Some tradesmen say a brad nailer is their most flexible and most used finishing type air nailer.
What Is An Air Compressor?
An air compressor is a tank used to power air tools, like air nail guns.
What Type Of Air Compressor Is Used For A Brad Nailer, And Why?
A smaller air compressor like a pancake compressor is usually suitable for a brad nailer.
The reason for this is that driving a brad nail does not use a lot of air.
To look at it a bit deeper, let’s use a common brad nailer as an example – the WEN 6172 18 gauge brad nailer.
Probably the two essential pieces of information you want to get from a finish nailer owner’s manual when you purchase is PSI, and CFM (air volume used per minute).
For the WEN 18 gauge, it tells us it’s specs are:
60–100 PSI Operating Pressure
1.8 CFM
With an air compressor, you want to look at the CFM/SCFM to make sure it matches up.
With the above PORTER CABLE compressor, it does 2.6 SCFM at 90 psi – which meets the requirements.
There are other factors you can look at for an air compressor like tank size and horsepower to name a few, but to simplify it, the above factors are quite key.
Brad Nailer Air Compressor Bits & Accessories
Sometimes bits are included, and sometimes not. Common accessories you’ll need are:
An air hose
Outlet attachments
Chucks
Valves
Plugs
Air pressure gauges
For oil compressors, you usually get compressor oil included too
Features To Look For In An Air Compressor For A Brad Nailer
As mentioned above, CFM and PSI are important. Other factors you might look at are
Portability
Air capacity/tank size
Horsepower
What accessories are included
Whether the compressor is oil free, or not
What sort of outlets and valves it has
Voltage
Check if the coupler and plug are factory installed or whether you have to install them yourself
You also want to take into account what else you will be using the compressor for.
If you are using it for tools like an air chisel for example, they use a lot more air, so you should consider a bigger compressor.
NOTE: some air compressors come with a brad nail gun included.
Best Air Compressor For Brad Nailer: Resources
1. http://www.portercable.com/
2. http://www.wenproducts.com/
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