Every woodworker and furniture maker should have a trusty brad nailer in their arsenal, especially when working with trim and fine details and embellishments.
In this article, we will let you know which of the various brad nailers sold out there are the best choices when it comes to functionality, reliability, durability, and price.
Also, read our buying guide, so you will gain confidence in choosing the brad nailer that works best for your specific needs.
The Best Brad Nailers Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. WEN 61721 18-Gauge 3/8-Inch to 2-Inch Pneumatic Brad Nailer |  Top Pick |
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| 2. Porter-Cable BN200C 2-Inch 18GA Brad Nailer Kit |  |
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| 3. DeWALT DWFP12231 Pneumatic Brad Nailer Kit |  |
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| 4. Bostitch BTFP12233 Nail Gum Brad Nailer, 18GA |  |
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| 5. Makita AF505N Brad Nailer, 2-Inch |  |
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1. WEN 61721 18-Gauge 3/8-Inch to 2-Inch Pneumatic Brad Nailer
Are you looking for the best brad nailer and do not want to break a bank to purchase one? Then you should consider investing in the WEN 61721 18-Gauge 3/8-Inch to 2-Inch Pneumatic Brad Nailer.
This tool comes at a relatively cheap price. Despite its low price tag, it still performs incredibly well. WEN made this tool from a lightweight aluminum body. This does not make this tool only durable; it also helps to reduce the overall weight of the tool. It is super lightweight, as it weighs only 2.7 pounds.
This tool has a standard .25-Inch NPT air inlet, allowing you to use it with a wide range of air compressors and hose. It operates at a pressure of between 60 and 115 PSI. It also comes with a depth adjustable wheel, allowing you to choose the depth to which you want to drive the nail.
This unit also gives you full control over where you want the outputted air to go, thanks to its 360-degree adjustable exhaust.
The WEN 61721 comes with a contact trip trigger for faster nailing. It can shoot 18-gauge brads with a length of 3/4 to 2 inches. Another fascinating feature of this tool is its larger magazine, which has a view window.
The view window will let you in on the number of nails you have left. It also comes with a comfortable rubber-grip handle that makes the tool very easy to use.
We also love the hassle-free nose latch that makes it very easy and quick to clear jammed nails. This tool is ideal for professional tasks, and its lightweight nature allows for prolonged use.
Specs
- Nail Size: 3/4 – 2 Inches
- Pressure: 60 to 115 PSI
- Capacity: 106 Nails
- Power Source: Pneumatic
- Weight: 2.7 pounds
Pros
- Made with lightweight aluminum body
- Comfortable handle
- Clearing jammed nails is easy and quick
- Inexpensive
- Comes with a carrying case
Cons
- The loading instructions are a bit complex
2. Porter-Cable BN200C 2-Inch 18GA Brad Nailer Kit
Many contractors just want tools that do not require frequent and rigorous maintenance. This one fits the bill. The motor is engineered in such a way that it does not require too much maintenance work. It also prevents leaking that can stain your work surface.
No need to worry about jamming because this unit has a tool-free jam release function that removes jams even without the need for extra tools. With its lightweight and strong design, you can use this brad nailer easily and for a long time as it is capable of withstanding wear and tear.
This is built to last. The body is made from magnesium material that is strong and resistant to damages. The rubber grip ensures comfort. It eliminates hand fatigue so you can work for hours without putting a strain on your hand.
It drives nails with accuracy. You also do not have to deal with jams quite a lot. This unit comes with a nifty belt hook that you can use to keep it with you no matter where you go. It is easy to use. Novice and professionals alike will find this a great choice for their everyday construction needs.
Specs
- Nail Size: 5/8 – 2 Inches
- Pressure: 70 to 120 PSI
- Capacity: 100 Nails
- Power Source: Corded-Electric
- Weight: 2.6 pounds
Pros
- Body is made from magnesium for longevity and durability
- Rubberized grip for a comfortable hold
- Delivers great accuracy when driving nails
- Nifty belt hook to keep the tool closer to you.
Cons
- It does not come with a nail indicator that will let you know the number of nails left in the magazine.
3. DeWALT DWFP12231 Pneumatic Brad Nailer Kit
If you are looking for a highly reliable and powerful brad nailer, then you might want to give the DeWALT DWFP12231 Pneumatic Brad Nailer Kit a try. This is one of the most popular brad nailers on the market, and it offers great value for your money.
You can use this tool to shoot 18-gauge nails from 5/8 inches to 2 inches long, and this is the ideal nail size range for most woodworking jobs.
It comes with a highly durable and reliable motor that does not need maintenance. The motor delivers great performance and it will never stain your workspace. Adjusting the depth of the nail is a very easy process, and it is a process that does not require any tool.
The process of clearing jammed nails is also very easy, and you do not need any tool to do that. These features will help you to finish your project easily and quickly, as they help to reduce downtime.
The DeWALT DWFP12231 is made from a lightweight magnesium body, and this contributes to the lightweight nature of this tool. This tool is also highly durable, and it is going to serve you for years. It also features a rugged build that allows it to withstand the normal job site abuse.
The operating pressure of this tool is 70 to 120 PSI. It comes with a rear exhaust to keep contaminates away from your workspace. You need a compressor to use this product. However, the compressor does not come with the tool. This tool also comes with an adjustable belt hook that allows you to keep the tool close to yourself.
Specs
- Nail Size: 5/8 – 2 Inches
- Pressure: 70 to 120 PSI
- Capacity: 100 Nails
- Power Source: Pneumatic
- Weight: 5.03 pounds
Pros
- Long-life maintenance-free motor
- The nail depth is very easy to adjust
- Well-balanced and lightweight
- You do not need a tool to clear jammed nails
Cons
- It does not come with a view window to keep track of the number of nails left
4. Bostitch BTFP12233 Nail Gum Brad Nailer, 18GA
The next brad nailer on our list is the Bostitch BTFP12233 Nail Gum Brad Nailer. This is another great brad nailer that has gotten the attention of many woodworkers. This tool comes with a feature that you can hardly find in other brad nailers, and that is the Smart Point Technology.
With this feature, you no longer need to compress the contact tip to activate the tool, and this helps to minimize damage to your workpiece.
With the Smart Point Technology, placing nails at the perfect spot on the workpiece is much easier, thanks to the smaller nose. If you are looking for the best precision brad nailer, then this is one of the best options to consider.
One of the most outstanding features of this tool is that it works without oil. As such, you do not need to add oil to the nailer. This also helps to eliminate the chances of oil stains on your workpiece.
This tool shoots your brad well into the wood, regardless of the wood type. You will also record fewer nail jams with this tool. In the event of a nail jam, the process of removing the nail is very easy, thanks to its tool-free jam release mechanism.
Interestingly, despite all these great features, this tool weighs only 3.1 pounds. With the lightweight nature of this tool, you can use it all day without feeling fatigued.
Loading the magazine is also not an issue, and you will not have any misfire with this tool. For precise countersinking of nails, this tool features a dial-a-depth control. It drives an 18-gauge broad nail from 5/8 inches to 2-1/8 inches length. It also comes with a carrying case that makes it easy to transport the tool.
Specs
- Nail Size: 5/8 – 2-1/8 Inches
- Pressure: 70 to 120 PSI
- Capacity: 100 Nails
- Power Source: Pneumatic
- Weight: 5.16 pounds
Pros
- Start point technology
- Tool-free jam release mechanism
- Precise countersinking of nails
- The nail replacement process if very easy
Cons
- It is a bit weighty
5. Makita AF505N Brad Nailer, 2-Inch
Makita is one of the most popular brands in the world today, and this brand makes high quality, reliable, and powerful tools. The Makita AF505N Brad Nailer is one of the best brad nailers on the market, and it comes at a fairly reasonable price.
This tool has a narrow design that allows it to reach tight spaces. To protect the material from scratches and damages, Makita covered this tool with a rubber nose and bumpers.
You can adjust the depth of the nail without any tools, and this allows you to use the tool on a wide range of surfaces, including soft and hardwood.
This unit also allows you to choose the direction you want the air to blow away from, thanks to its 360-degrees exhaust. It comes with a dual-indicator window to keep you updated on the number of nails left and when to reload.
For those who prefer a dry lock out, you might want to consider other options on this list, as this brad nailer does not have a dry lock out. If a jam occurs, the cam-lock of this tool opens easily and quickly. You do not even need a tool to open it. Clearing nail jams is easy and quick, and this helps to reduce downtime.
The packaging of this tool includes oil, safety goggles, and a hard plastic carrying case. The case allows for easy storage and transportation. You can rotate the tool hook 180 degrees, so it can remain close to you. For precise contact, this unit features a cast and machined nosepiece.
The capacity of this magazine is 100 and it weighs only 3.3 pounds. The operating air pressure of this tool is between 60 and 115 PSI.
Specs
- Nail Size: 5/8 – 2 Inches
- Pressure: 60 to 115 PSI
- Capacity: 100 Nails
- Power Source: Pneumatic
- Weight: 3 pounds
Pros
- Lightweight and very easy to use
- Narrow design that makes it easy to get into tight spaces
- Clearing the jam is easy and it does not require any tool
- Hard plastic carrying case
Cons
- It does not come with a dry lock out feature
What You Should Look For When Buying A Brad Nailer
Construction and Build
You do not want your nailer to fail on you after just a few uses. That said; look for a nailer that has a durable body that is resistant to common wear and tear.
Choose one with a body made from wear-resistant materials such as magnesium. Also, check how well-constructed the brad nailer is. There should be no loose parts that can be prone to damages.
Magazine Length and Nail Size
What kinds of nails can it accommodate? Also, find out how long the magazine it can accommodate is so you can determine just how many nails you can incorporate in one go. That way, you can avoid doing repeated replacement of the magazine.
Anti-Jamming Feature
If you have worked with a nailer before, you probably already know how annoying jamming can get. When the nails jam up, it can be frustrating to free up that jam.
Lightweight
Choose a brad nailer that has a lightweight design. If it is light in weight, it is much easier to use as you can maneuver it any way you want. This also helps you work on your projects without feeling hand fatigue.
Low Maintenance
Unless you want to spend so much time maintaining your brad nailer, look for one that has low-maintenance or even maintenance-free features. That way, you will not spend so much time keeping your nailer in good shape.
Brad Nailer versus Finish Nailer – Are They the Same?
They are not the same. A finish nailer is usually bigger than a brad nailer is. While finish nailers make use of standard nails, brad nailers make use of brads.
Brad nailers are better used for light attachment needs. If you do not need to attach something heavy, this is a good option because of its seamless results.
If you are looking for a seamless end result, brad nails will offer a great solution. However, if you want more sturdy attachment, you also need to reinforce it with a finish nail.
Conclusion
Now that you know all these, it is time to decide which brad nailers are the best choice for you. Our recommendations above are all fail-proof options.
Aside from a brad nailer, you can also find a variety of tools that will make home improvements a lot easier from our homepage. Check it out for more information on different products.
Our top pick is the WEN 61721 18-Gauge 3/8-Inch to 2-Inch Pneumatic Brad Nailer because it comes with several great features and it is super lightweight. The handle is pretty comfortable to hold and clearing jams is pretty quick and easy.
