With a combined total of more than 10 years of experience in operating power tools, the ProTool team spent 30+ hours on product-testing these brad nailers, and further consulted local experts as well. After some deliberation, we reached the consensus that the DEWALT DWP12231 is the best brad nailer currently on the market.
While there are pricier brad nailers for professionals, the DEWALT DWP12231 is the most value-for-money, being the perfect fit for novices working on small projects. We defined brad nailer ‘value’ as a quality that encompasses crucial factors such as durability, ease of operation, and precision.
DEWALT DWP12231 – Best 18 Gauge Brad Nailer
Our Top Recommendation for Brad Nailer!
The DWFP12231 finish nailer kit manufactured by DEWALT is made for performance. It can drive 18 gauge nails from 5/8-inch to 2-inch length with ease. And the tool-free jam release helps easy nail removal. The adjustable belt hook allows the tool to be kept near the user for convenience during work. The kit contains a carrying case and an owner’s manual.
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Require specific features for your brad nailer? Wish to seek out tools at other price points? Or just want to consider more choices? Take a look at our selection of high-quality contenders.
Top Brad Nailer Reviews
This is a selection of high-quality brad nailers that have made our shortlist. We considered a whole spread of weighted factors– not just the brad nailer’s ‘power’ and consistency, but also safety features, portability, and ergonomics.
Nonetheless, it is difficult to strictly rank these tools by overall performance, as they fulfill different niches and budgets, so a lot depends on your specific power tool needs. Read ahead for our detailed testing, to understand what’s the most suitable for yourself in particular.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | DEWALT DWP12231 – Best 18 Gauge Brad Nailer | • Intuitive Features • Easy To Load • Minimal Recoil | |
 | PORTER-CABLE PC790LA – Best Corded Brad Nailer | • Long-lasting Lithium Battery • Trigger Lock • Great for Remote Open-Air Worksites | |
 | Hitachi NT50AE2 – Best Pneumatic Brad Nailer | • Non-skid base • Visual Nail Indicator • Comfortable To Use | |
 | Stanley 6CT10X 2-in-1 Tacker | • Easy to reload • Patented anti-jam for less downtime. • Durable | |
 | Ryobi BS904G 9- Best Trim Brad Nailer | • Great Price Point • Provided Nails And Staples • Highly Portable | |
 | JITOOL 1850NL 18GA 2” Brad Nailer | • Built nice and solid • Easy to disassemble • Highly durable and solid |
#1. DEWALT DWP12231 – Best 18 Gauge Brad Nailer
Easy-to-aim and easy-to-use, this reasonably-priced pneumatic brad nailer, which accommodates up to 2-inches of brad nails, is the perfect fit for novices. With its smooth firing action and minimal noise, home improvement becomes a breeze.
With its tool-free adjustable depth-of-drive, you need not worry about nails penetrating deeply enough. Besides that, it also has a tool-free nail jam mechanism for easier removal of jammed brad nails. The rear exhaust system vents off any debris on your woodwork, while the removable non-marring rubber nose tip prevents leaks and guarantees a clean finish.
QUICK SUMMARY
- Maintanence-Free Motor
- Easy-To-Use Jam Release Mechanism
- Easy To Load
- Minimal Recoil
This nailer also has ergonomic anti-slip rubber grips for comfort and easier handling. For further comfort, attach this nailer to your side by an adjustable belt hook.
With its sequential firing mode, worry not about power tool safety or precision. Worry not about efficiency either, as its magazine capacity of 100 nails cuts down on your downtime.
This nailer comes with a lightweight magnesium body, a sturdy carry case, and a well-written user manual. It also includes 500 brad nails of 1-1/4 inches in length. Its maintenance cost is low as it comes with a lifetime motor that is maintenance-free, which also keeps the workspace stain-free.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
Small Non-Marring Nose Tip
This nailer’s small nose tip makes it easy for you to place nails precisely into tight and tricky spaces. While marks are inevitable, especially when face nailing, this nailer leaves nearly invisible marks, so do not worry about marring the finish of your works with this power tool.
Handy Depth-Of-Drive Adjustment
This handy feature comes with a user-friendly detent wheel, and allows you to adjust brad depth with just a few clicks. This can sometimes be a crucial feature for sinking your nails in deep enough. Nonetheless, we recommend that you first try out varying combinations of air pressure, depth-of-drive and brad nail length, on a test piece of wood. All of those features are adjustable.
Accommodates Nails Of Varying Lengths
This brad nailer is able to shoot nails from as short as 5/8″ to as long as 2″, making it a versatile fit for a variety of projects on the small side.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Oil-Less, Ensuring A Stain-Free Worksite
- Intuitive Features
- Minimal Jamming
What We Didn’t Like
- Reduced Portability (Pneumatic Type)
- Does Not Hold Up To Heavy Use
#2. PORTER-CABLE PC790LA – Best Corded Brad Nailer
This brad nailer is made of durable lightweight material, so worry not about the physical strain of a long project. Being cordless, it is also highly portable, so you won’t have to lug around an air compressor or air hose.
This nailer is battery powered, and comes with one 1.5 Ah 20V MAX Lithium-ion battery you can always recharge with the provided charger. It also features a special kind of motor that can fire brad nails into different materials regardless of the climate. The adjustable nail depth setting, tool-free release lever, and nail jam-release feature, all provide for a breezy home improvement experience.
QUICK SUMMARY
- Long-lasting Lithium Battery
- Consistent, Reliable Depth-Of-Drive
- Trigger Lock
- No Compressor Needed
This brad nailer can accommodate brad nails of 5/8-2 inches in length and has a nail magazine with a capacity of 100 brad nails. Its trigger has a lock, and this nailer provides further safety by firing sequentially. Even jazz up your workspace by turning on its multi-purpose dual LED lights!
Charged By Battery
With its long-lasting Lithium-ion battery, you can reduce your downtime as you work, and worry not about finicky, expensive air compressors.
Highly Portable
You can always carry this brad nailer to any work site without worrying about the power source. You just have to ensure its battery is fully charged, then you can work with it in any remote area. To ensure compatibility, it comes with its own portable charger.
Features A Special Motor
Its motor is uniquely designed to handle driving brad nails into a variety of materials, may it be wood or plaster. It also enables this brad nailer to work in a variety of weather conditions without jamming or malfunctioning.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Great for Remote Open-Air Worksites
- Consistent But Adjustable Depth-Of-Drive
- Various Safety Features
What We Didn’t Like
- No Spare Batteries Provided
#3. Hitachi NT50AE2 – Best Pneumatic Brad Nailer
Home improvement projects often take hours, but this lightweight, well-balanced nailer eases the strain on you. With plenty of power and good trigger control, consider this thrifty nailer for all your small projects.
With its dual firing modes, easily customize your experience by selecting between intermittent (for precise firing), and continuous (for rapid firing). This nailer also comes with adjustable depth-of-drive for you to vary the degree of nail penetration, and a high magazine capacity that can accommodate 100 brad nails of different sizes between 5/8 to 2 inches.
QUICK SUMMARY
- Ergonomic Elastomer Grip
- Only 2.2lbs
- Depth-Of-Drive Dial
- Visual Nail Indicator
In addition, its visual nail indicator helps you keep track of nail count so that you wouldn’t accidentally dry-fire. This nailer also comes with a comfortably lightweight aluminum body, an elastomer grip handle for further comfort, as well as features for easy clearing of jams and easy loading of nails.
Moreover, it features an adjustable exhaust venting system, as well as a non-marring nose cap to protect your workpiece. While this is certainly one sturdy nailer which can fire away for years without issues, the 5-year limited warranty surely provides further reassurance.
Dual Firing Modes
You can easily choose between a sequential firing option, which is intermittent firing that provides greater safety and precision, and a continuous firing “bump” option, which maximises efficiency.
High Capacity Magazine
With this nailer, you are able to load up to 100 brad nails at a time into its magazine. This reduces your downtime, making your work hassle-free.
Adjustable Exhaust Vent
The vent is 360 adjustable, so you can adjust the exhaust air to aim in any direction for your convenience, keeping your worksite free of debris.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Hard-To-Beat Price
- Comfortable To Use
- Great Reliability And Durability
What We Didn’t Like
- Only For Small Projects
- Jams Are Harder To Release
EXPERT TIP
After you’ve adjusted your nailer’s depth of drive, and/or air pressure, make sure to fire a few nails into a scrap piece of wood, to see if you’ve got the depth right.
Staff | Pro Tool Guide
#4. Stanley 6CT10X 2-in-1 Tacker
If you are looking for an all-around tacker to secure speaker cable to floorboards, this Stanley tacker could be the best choice for you. Frederick T Stanley founded the bolt and door hardware manufacturing company, The Stanley Works, in 1843. Later the Rule and Level Company collaborated with The Stanley Works, gradually becoming the popular Stanley Hand Tools Division.
The name “Stanley” is synonymous with quality and innovation. And this nail tacker clearly defines it. The tool weighs only 1.59 pounds and is robust enough to tackle tough job-site conditions.
QUICK SUMMARY
- Fires flat and round staples for general and wire tacking
- Easy to adjust
- Suitable to use on different surfaces
- Easy to reload
- Patented anti-jam for less downtime.
You can make a high and low adjustment to this tool, enabling you to use it on different surfaces. Moreover, it features a captive reload with no loose parts. This will help you to reload this tacker easily. The anti-jam system of this cable tacker is also impressive. It will manage problems related to product failure.
More so, you will also find an easy-squeeze ‘less force in more power out’ feature. Overall, this 2-in-1 cable tacker can fire round and flat staples for wire and general tacking.
Easy to Adjust
This tool will allow you to make high or low adjustments. This means that you can use this tacker on different surfaces conveniently.
Anti-jam feature
This cable tacker’s anti-jam system will help you manage problems related to product failure and for less downtime.
Portable
Weighing only 1.59 pounds, you can carry this tool to any job site without worrying about the source of power.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- High/ low adjustments
- You can use it on different surfaces
- Captive reload with no loose parts
- Durable
- No jamming
What We Didn’t Like
- Instructions are not available in English.
#5. Ryobi BS904G 9- Best Trim Brad Nailer
This brad nailer is the best for home projects, such as piercing small pieces of wood, as well as installing and fastening trims. You can make loads of unique crafts with it due to its versatility, such as doing screen repairs or carpet padding.
It can work with either 5/8-2 inch nails or ¼ inch of crown staples. This makes it a thrifty 2-in-1 tool, a non-marring nailer-and-stapler for different kinds of trims and woodwork.
QUICK SUMMARY
- Both A Brad Nailer And Stapler
- Great Price Point
- Non-Marring Nose Tip
- Provided Nails And Staples
You can rely on it for a fast and efficient finish, while its nose tip has a non-marring feature that will keep that finish clean and unmarked too.
This tool also has a comfortable grip, adjustable nail depth for precise nail drive, and an exhaust control system for debris prevention.
Additionally, it has a 2-in-1 nail magazine for convenient nailing and stapling. It comes with some nails and staples to start you off, as well as a convenient carry case.
Non-Marring Nose Tip
This feature ensures that your trim is clean and neat for the perfect finish. It also protects the brad nailer from any damage during your work.
Versatility
As a 2-in-1 nailer-and-stapler, this is great for a variety of projects, be it wood trim installation or repairs.
Adjustable Depth-Of-Drive
This allows you to control the depth of the brad nail, which is crucial for proper installation and a better overall aesthetic.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Great Value-for-Money
- Does The Job Of Two Tools
- Highly Portable (Cordless)
What We Didn’t Like
- Minimal Marring May Still Occur
#6. JITOOL 1850NL 18GA 2” Brad Nailer
This 18-gauge brad nailer is designed to minimize the physical strain of a big project. It is made of die-cast aluminum that ensures its durability. However, the most impressive feature is, ideally, its lightweight. The tool weighs only 2.97 pounds, allowing you to carry it from one job site to another.
Plus, you get a rubber grip that enables you to carry out your task more conveniently. However, the motor packed inside the device can fire nails into different surfaces. This incredible tool feels like it is built solid & nice and fires well. It allows easy flow and downright clean shots. However, what’s also impressive is that you can easily disassemble the device if a nail gets stuck.
QUICK SUMMARY
- Powerful and tantalizing
- Lightweight
- Easy to disassemble
- Fires good
- Built nice and solid
With this lightweight brad nailer, you don’t have to fret if a nail gets stuck. You can easily disassemble the device.
Compact Design
This ensures it reaches tight spots without any issues. You can rely on it for just about any kind of woodwork.
Efficient Jam-Clearance Feature
This allows you to work without worrying about brad nails being jammed, and if they happen to do so, you can clear it in almost no time.
Large Range of Compatible Nail Lengths
This brad nailer can accommodate nails of 5/8 -2 1/8 inches, meaning it can accomplish a relatively great variety of projects without nail jamming.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- There’s safety on the top, instead of the bottom
- Highly durable and solid
- It will get you clean shots
- Easy to disassemble.
What We Didn’t Like
- Nothing specific.
EXPERT TIP
Be sure to comb through the instruction manual, as it often includes crucial safety information, and information you’ll need to ensure you don’t void your warranty.
Staff | Pro Tool Guide
Brad Nailer Buying Guide
In this buyer’s guide, you will get to know more about brad nailers, their types, functions, and level of maintenance as well as buying tips. So, read on and know why brad nailers often stand out from the rest of the nail guns.
You should place your sole trust in all our recommendations as well as guides and tips when it comes to buying any brad nailer. This is because we have done thorough research on some quality brad nailers and have managed to narrow it down to a few six that we know can function very well with zero hitches. Besides, most of them are user-friendly and cost-effective in the end. You can easily afford to buy any of them and maintain it for optimal functionality. You will not even have to break the bank for maintenance costs. Moreover, these that made it to our top six brad nailer reviews of 2023 are highly versatile and adjustable when it comes to functionality. You can rely on them to deliver as stipulated. You just have to double check the user manual to ensure you are using it right and you will never regret coming across this brad nailer review.
What are Brad Nailers Used For ?
1. Home improvement Schemes
Brad nailers are often very effective when you want to fix a window or door casing as well as add some light trim crown molding or baseboards. Moreover, brad nailers are often very handy when it comes to home renovations, you can easily make upgrades with it as long as you have the skill sets and know-how.
2. Professional Works
Brad nailers can be used to make chairs, cabinets and other sorts of furniture with a combination of some special adhesives to make them sturdy. You just need to have a quality brad nailer and some basic carpentry skills and you can make anything you want.
3. Crafts and Toys
You can use your imagination to create some picture frames, piece some broken wood trim together as well as make some toys using a brad nailer. You can even make some home or office crafts with it and other small-scale crafts.
4. Construction
Brad nailers are very effective in securing parts of a building as well as other structures in place. It can nail things in different blind spots, making the site safer for working.
5. Other Odd Jobs
Brad nailers are also used to build fences, as well as different kinds of flooring projects. You do not need to limit yourself when it comes to its use, just knowing its functionality is enough to open a wide door of its endless potential
Brad Nailer Vs. Finish Nailer
Brad nailers and finish nailers are both ideal for carpentry. It is the nature of the woodwork that often differs, making each useful on its own platform.
- A brad nailer is often smaller when compared to a finish nailer. You can easily distinguish one from the other just by size.
- Brad nailers often use brads, thin gauge nails that are used to piece and attach together lightweight trims.
- Brads often have a thin flat head that is invisible over the wood trim. This ensures that you do not use any wood putty to cover the nail hole.
- Besides, finish nailers can split any lightweight wood trim and their big nail heads often leave the wood with insertion holes, which needs to be covered for a clean finish.
- Finish nailers often use shorter, lighter nail gauge of 14-16 gauge that is 1-2 ½-inch in length. While brad nailers have lighter 18 gauge nails that are 5/8-2 inches in length.
- Finish nailers are often used for finishing only, just as its name suggests while brad nailers are highly versatile and can be used to patch, attach or frame any light wood trim in place.
Evidently, a brad nailer is usually the best choice, if you have to make one. This is mainly due to its versatility when it comes to different woodwork projects. You can use it at home and work, construction sites.
However, you can always invest in both, if budget is not an issue.
Types of Brad Nailers
There are mainly three types of brad nailers, corded, electric and pneumatic.
Pneumatic Brad Nailers
This brad nailer uses compressed air. The air is fired via a hose, which energizes the compressor and powers the brad nailer. You just have to be cautious and exercise some safety, as its pressurized air is often hazardous.
This is often the choice of many woodworkers as it is lightweight, works efficiently and allows for a clean finish.
Pneumatic brad nailers are often cost-effective but constant hose replacements and oil checks often make it hard to maintain. However, it is highly versatile as it can hold different nail types and comes in different sizes.
Electric Brad Nailer
This brad nailer is powered by an electric motor that drives the brads into the wood trim. It is a bit heavier due to the motor. Nevertheless, it gets the job done very fast and efficiently.
It works very quietly and can double as a staple gun.
It is often a bit pricier than a pneumatic brad nailer but with time, it becomes cost-effective due to its minimal maintenance costs.
Corded Brad Nailer
This is the most expensive brad nailer and is powered by a rechargeable battery. It is easy to use and highly portable. Besides, it has low-maintenance costs
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How to Use a Brad Nailer ?
Using and maintaining a brad nailer is not that hard, here is a look at how you can do both without any serious injury.
First, you will have to decide on which brad nailer to use. This often depends on whether you have an air compressor or are always on the move, in which case an electric or corded brad nailer would be ideal.
You should then exercise some level of safety no matter the type of brad nailer you are using. Brad nailers often exert a lot of force and power and if handled badly can cause physical harm.
Ensure you have enough and extra brad nails to work with. Brad nails are often useful when it comes to fixing or hammering small trims of wood. Likewise, you should use the right size or type of brad nail depending on the trim. As most versatile brad nailers often accommodate different sizes and types of brad nails.
You can then start firing, making sure to aim at the correct angle. You can always make some pencil marks to ensure you have the correct position. Remember to also adjust the air pressure and get the depth of the fastener right.
After you are done, you can store it in a secure casing or unplug its cord or air hose for safekeeping. Remember to wipe any debris from it to prevent any jamming or corrosion.
Read more: 10 Best Framing Nailer Reviews
How to Maintain a Brad Nailer?
1. Lubricate
You should always lubricate the brad nailer with pneumatic tool lubricant, no additives, detergents or oil as they would damage some if its rubber parts and O-rings. The lubricant will limit its malfunction
2. Care During Cold Weather
Never store the brad nailer in any cold place always keep it warm to avoid rust. If it gets cold, you can warm it by reducing its air pressure, emptying all the brad nails and then blank firing. This will help warm its shifting parts
3. Inspect the Nail Magzine
Always keep the nail magazine and air hose very clean and lubricate it with pneumatic tool lubricant. Make sure it has no debris
4. Store
When not in use, always put some thin coat of pneumatic tool lubricant on its metal parts to avoid rust. Do not keep it in a cold place and always ensure it is dry and warm
Things to Consider Before Buying Brad Nails
Brad nailers are not an easy buy, especially if you do not know some of the ideal features to look for. You can rely on the list below as a simple guide to making any purchases. This will prevent you from making a faulty purchase.
1. Nail length
This is very important as some brad nailers will not be able to accommodate some brad nails due to their length. Most brad nailers often accommodate nails of 5/8 to 2 inches in length. Therefore, it is ideal to buy a brad nailer with a limit of about 2 1/8 inches.
2. Nose size
Nose size is important to ensure that the brad nailer will end up where you want it. Therefore, the smaller the nose size the better, especially for finish results. Besides, always opt for ones with non-marring rubber nose tips as they guarantee a clean finish.
3. Power Source
You should always consider your source of power. This will help you in choosing the most convenient type of brad nailer. You can opt for pneumatic brad nailers if you have an air compressor around or an electric or corded one if you can afford to.
4. Trigger Type
There are often two types of trigger, contact and sequential. Contact trigger often requires you to tap the object with the tip of the brad nailer for it to release the fastener immediately. Meanwhile, you will have to keep a hold of the trigger with your fingers. This can be dangerous, as the brad nailer can be activated instantly, no warning.
As for a sequential trigger, you will have to push the tip of the brad nailer to the object and pull the trigger. It is the safest but can be tiring in the end.
5. Warranty Period and Repair
It is always better to buy a product with a longer warranty which also covers repairs and other malfunctions.
6. Adjustability
Adjustability is important in a brad nailer, be it depth adjustability or power source settings. The easier the adjustments the better it will function and last
7. Type
You will also have to consider the type you can work with comfortably be it corded, pneumatic or electric. This also depends on a lot of factors like power source, where you are going to work, maintenance level and even cost
8. Cost
Different brad nailers often come at different costs depending on make as well as model type. Likewise, progressive brad nailers are often pricier than the regular ones. So choose carefully, keeping in mind its use, effectiveness, level of maintenance as well as durability
Brad Nailer FAQ’s
Final Words – Make Your Choice!
It might seem like a lot but when you want to buy a brad nailer, our brad nailer reviews and buyer’s guide can help you make the right choice. You can rely on it to answer all your questions for an easier purchase.
Moreover, we have skill-fully selected the 6 best brad nailers of 2023 meaning all the information is updated and very useful.
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