Quick Summary: The Hitachi NT5OAE2 18-Guage 5/8″ to 2″ Brad Nailer is our top pick for the best brad nailer because it’s ergonomically-designed, easy to use, and incredibly lightweight. With this tool, you can conveniently adjust drive depth for a professional finish.
There are many features to look at when choosing the best brad nailer. First, consider the type: pneumatic nailers, battery-powered brad nailers, and corded brad nailers. You’ll also want to decide between an air-powered nailer that uses an air compressor and a battery-powered brad nailer.
Depth of drive – preferably adjustable without tools – and nail length are other factors to consider. How deeply you want to drive nails depends on the thickness of the materials you’re working with. And look at the nose design: the smaller the better.
Some brad nailers have non-marring rubber nose tips for a clean finish. Consider the power source, too: if you already have an air compressor, you may want an air powered brad nailer.
There are also cordless brad nailers, and two types of triggers: sequential and contact. Sequential triggers tend to be safer and easier to use. And remember the types of projects you want to work on, as that will influence the type of nail gun you choose.
But how can you know which models are the best?
Read on to discover our reviews of the best brad nailers. We have done the research for you so that you can make an informed choice.
Quick Navigation:
- Comparison of 10 Best Brad Nailers
- Reviews of 10 Top Brad Nailers
- How to Choose the Right Brad Nailers
- FAQs
- Final Verdict
Reviews of 10 Top Brad Nailers
Here’s a list of the best brad nailers on the market:
Best Overall
1. Hitachi NT50AE2 18-Gauge Brad Nailer
What You Will Love:
- Lightweight
- High-capacity magazine
- Easy drive-depth adjustment
- Dual firing options
- Ergonomic design
If you’re looking for a compact tool for all your small carpentry projects, consider the Hitachi NT50AE2 18-Gauge 5/8″ to 2″ Brad Nailer. Although it may be small, it packs a lot of power into one tool, fastening a variety of woods, even maple and oak.
Weighing in at 2.2 lbs. and equipped with an Elastomer grip handle, your hands won’t get a workout during woodworking sessions, even the ones that last all day.
Customers report that it provides plenty of balance and trigger control. The bottom-loading high-capacity magazine holds up to 100 nails from 5/8″ to 2″ long (with head sizes ranging from 0.075 and 1.9mm), and you won’t have to constantly replenish your nail supply.
You can check the visual nail indicator to see when it’s time to refill. Without tools, you can quickly transition between intermittent and continuous firing. Just move the selection control up or down with your fingers.
We recommend the intermittent setting when precision is a concern. On the other hand, if speed is an issue, continuous firing allows you to drive nails in rapid succession.
To protect your work surface (and the tool itself), the nailer comes with a no-mar nose cap. So that you can keep air output out of your face, the unit features a 360-degree exhaust vent.
The device operates between 70 and 120 psi. The nailer comes with safety glasses and a carrying case, too.
Pros:
- Easily Adjust Speed And Drive Depth
- Features High Capacity Magazine And Lightweight Design
- Provides Plenty Of Power For Your Woodworking Projects.
Cons:
- A relatively small number of complaints didn’t reveal any consistent issues with the tool.
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Best Budget
2. Brad Nailer and Air Stapler, 2-in-1 2″ (Campbell Hausfeld SB504099AV)
What You Will Love:
- Works as a stapler and brad nailer
- Compatible with a variety of materials for extra versatility
- Allows users to control settings for professional results
If you’re looking for the best brad nailer on a budget, look no further than the Campbell Hausfeld SB50409AV 2-in-1 Brad Nailer and Stapler.
With the capacity for double duty, this nailer can drive 18 gauge brad nails and 1/4″ crown staples. You can use this versatile tool for upholstery, trimwork, carpet padding installation, screen repair, and more.
This pneumatic bard nailer allows you to easily adjust drive depth and direct exhaust away from the user and work surfaces. (You can purchase an air compressor from Campbell Hausfeld to go with the unit).
These features make it possible to achieve professional results with all your crafting and small home improvement projects. Another thing you’re sure to appreciate about this tool is that it only weighs 8 ounces, taking lightweight to the next level.
That means you can use it comfortably, even for those hours long crafting sessions. But don’t let its size fool you; it’s packed with plenty of power to fasten a variety of materials.
Many users also reported that this tool gave them a good “bang for their buck.” It’s no wonder this compact nailer got so many stellar reviews.
Pros:
- Extremely Lightweight
- Versatile (2-in-1 Stapler And Nailer
- Provides Controls For Exhaust And Depth Drive.
Cons:
- Not many, some users reported issues with nails jamming, which is fairly common with nailers in general. It does require an air compressor, so a little more maintenance may be necessary than with other nailer types.
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Best Pneumatic Brad Nailer
3. WEN 61718 18 Gauge Pneumatic Brad Nailer & Stapler
What You Will Love:
- 2-in-1 stapler/nailer capacity
- Built to last
- Versatile enough for a variety of projects
- High-capacity quick-release magazine
In our quest for the best air powered brad nailer, we discovered that the WEN 61718 18-Gauge 2″ 2-in-1 Pneumatic Brad Nailer and Stapler stood out from the pack.
With it, you can drive 18-gauge 5/8″ to 2″ brad nails, or 1/4″ crown staples ranging from 5/8″ to 1-5/8″ long. With a depth-adjustment wheel, you can easily set the depth without tools.
As with similar units, this one allows you to direct exhaust away from work areas. The magazine holds up to 100 nails or staples and has a quick-release feature for easy reloading and jam-clearing.
It’s equipped with a nail-gauge window, too, so you can tell at a glance when it’s time for a refill. To get started, just hook it up to your favorite air compressor, and you’ll have access to operating power between 60 and 100 psi.
With its no-mar tip, the tool offers built-in damage protection. You can accomplish a variety of home improvement and crafting tasks with this device– it can even power through 3/4″ hardwood flooring.
The nailer is brushed with powder-coated finish to protect it from scratches. Another plus: The unit comes with a few extras you will likely find helpful– safety glasses, lubricating oil, a no-mar tip, and a hard-shell carrying case.
Lightweight and equipped with a rubber handle, this best air powered brad nailer isn’t likely to tire you out no matter how long you use it– you’ll likely find crafting very comfortable.
With all these “perks,” it’s no wonder more than 90% of customers gave this tool at least four stars.
Pros:
- Durable
- Versatile
- Allows You To Control Exhaust Release And Drive-depth Settings
Cons:
- We didn’t find any all-across-the-board drawbacks to this tool.
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Best Cordless Brad Nailer
4. Ryobi Airstrike One+ Lithium Ion Cordless Brad Nailer
What You Will Love:
- Powerful enough for a variety of renovation projects
- Easily adjust drive depth
- Equipped with LED lighting to illuminate your work area
- Long battery life
- Belt clip for extra portability
When it comes to the best cordless brad nailer, we gave that award to the Ryobi P320 Airstrike 18-Volt One+ Lithium Ion Cordless Brad Nailer. This incredible tool has enough power to measure up against some gas-operated units, yet it gives you the convenience of going cordless.
Nail a variety of around-the-house nailing jobs, such as reinforcing joints or installing roofing tiles, with this go-to gadget. Just power up the battery for an hour, and you’ll be able to shoot up to 700 50-mm nails.
A dial allows you to adjust nail drive depth, so you can use your manual dexterity to customize your settings, rather than lugging out your toolbox to accomplish it.
Another feature that customers really like is that this device is equipped with LED lighting, so if you need a little extra illumination for your work area, it’s there when you need it.
Need to carry the nailer around the house? No problem; it comes with a belt clip so you can take it wherever you need to. This tool is designed to be put to work, so it’s likely to prove highly-reliable when put to the test.
Not surprisingly, most customers give it top marks for its versatility and performance.
Pros:
- Comes With Led Lighting So You Can See What You’re Doing
- Even In Dark Spaces
- As Powerful As Some Gas-operated Units
- Comes With A Belt Clip
Cons:
- The battery isn’t included, so you’ll need to purchase it separately.
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Best Pneumatic Brad Nailer
5. Valu-Air F50Q 18 Gauge Pneumatic Brad Nailer
What You Will Love:
- Lightweight
- Powerful
- High-capacity quick-release magazine
- Versatile
- Durable
In search of the best air brad nailer, we came across this gem: the Valu-Air 2″ 18-Gauge Air Brad Nailer. Tipping the scales at just over 2 pounds, it’s lightweight to ensure maximum comfort.
Despite its size, it’s capable of operating between 70 and 120 psi. Like most brad nailers, it drives 18-gauge nails from 5/8″ to 2″ long. With its durable aluminum housing, it’s built to withstand even tough work environments.
Heat-treated aluminum housing gives this device extra durability. The magazine releases quickly and easily, so if you should occasionally find yourself in a jam, you can clear it without too much hassle and get back to work.
And did we mention that the magazine holds up to 100 nails, so you shouldn’t have to reload too often. It’s designed for a variety of projects: trim, baseboards, cabinets, chair rails, and finish work– to name a few.
With 360-degree exhaust adjustment, you can keep spent air out of your way while you’re working.
As a bonus, the tool comes with a few helpful accessories: air tool oil, a set of Allen wrenches, and 2 strips of 18-gauge nails so you can get started on wood-fastening without delay.
Toward that end, all you have to do is lubricate the nailer, open the magazine, and load the nails, and latch the magazine closed.
Pros:
- Durable
- High Nail Capacity
- Quick-release Magazine
- Lightweight
Cons:
- A few complaints about the trigger firing inconsistently.
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Best Corded Electric Brad Nailer
6. Bostitch Nail Gun, Brad Nailer, Smart Point, 18GA, BTFP12233
What You Will Love:
- Easy nail placement
- Accepts a variety of nail sizes
- High nail capacity and ease of jam-clearing
- Adjust nail depth without tools
If you’re looking for the best corded-electric brad nailer, look no further than the Bostitch Nail Gun, Brad Nailer, Smart Point, 18GA, BTFP12233. It uses Smart Point technology for easy, accurate nail placement.
A smaller nose eliminates the need to compress the contact trip to activate the nailer. You can use a variety of nail sizes with this tool, too, because it accepts nails that are between 5/8″ and 2-1/8″ inches long.
Removing jammed nails is a snap with the tool-free jam-release mechanism. The side-load magazine, which is straight rather than angled, holds up to 100 nails.
To precisely countersink nails, all you have to do is adjust the drive-depth dial. A no-mar pad protects the tool and surrounding surfaces from damage, and extra tips are included. You can easily direct exhaust release wherever you want.
The selectable trigger system means you can switch back and forth between sequential and contact mode, using sequential for optimal accuracy and contact mode when you need to fire nails in rapid succession.
You don’t need to lubricate the device before use, so you don’t have to worry about possible staining your clothes or work areas. You can use this handy toolkit for upholstery, cabinetry, and paneling.
Another little bonus: The unit comes with a belt hook and pencil sharpener, so you can keep writing utensils in good order for marking wood and other surfaces.
Pros:
- Versatile
- Selectable Trigger System
- No-mar Tip
Cons:
- While there were a few dissatisfied customers, their complaints didn’t turn up any consistent flaws with this tool.
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Best 18 Gauge Brad Nailer
7. Bostitch Nail Gun, Brad Nailer 18GA (BT1855K)
What You Will Love:
- Oil-free engine makes it low-maintenance
- Selectable trigger system
- Trigger lockout mechanism for added safety
- High-capacity magazine
- Easy drive-depth adjustment
- Lightweight design
The best 18-gauge brad nailer is, hands-down, the Bostitch Nail Gun, Brad Nailer 18GA (BT1855K). With its oil-free engine, it’s low-maintenance. You don’t have to lubricate it every day, so no worries about getting grease stains on your clothes and workpieces.
With the selectable trigger system, you can easily convert between sequential and contact mode. The magazine holds up to 100 nails measuring between 5/8″ and 2-1/8″. For optimal safety, you can use the trigger lockout setting when working in tight or occupied spaces so you don’t run the risk of having the tool misfire.
Another thing customers really appreciate about this unit is that you can adjust the drive-depth using a dial, instead of having to fiddle with tools to get it done.
To enhance the engine’s longevity, the manufacturer equipped it with an air filter inlet, so this device is definitely built to last. All that power is packed into a compact tool– it weighs less than 3 pounds.
Its over-mold grip allows for maximum comfort when carrying the nailer around too. As if things couldn’t get any more convenient, something else you might like to know about this tool is that it comes with a belt hook and integrated pencil sharpener.
Customers consistently gave this unit high ratings because of its performance and user-friendly features.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Built To Last
- Low-maintenance
- Easy-to-adjust Drive Depth
- High-capacity Magazine
Cons:
- While most customers were satisfied, a few complained that the unit didn’t deliver as promised or didn’t perform as well as they expected it to.
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Best for Upholstery
8. NEU MASTER NTC0040 Electric Brad Nailer
What You Will Love: You’ll love that this tool includes 200 staples and 800 brad nails, and offers friendly customer service where you can get a new replacement instead of repairs should anything go wrong.
This wire 2-in-1 brad gun/staple gun doesn’t need compressors or an air hose for convenient use. The upholstery nail gun is ideal for softwood DIY projects such as carpentry DIY, picture framing, door or window molding installation.
Two Tools in One
With one tool you get both a brad nailer and a staple gun, so you can use it for a variety of projects.
Adjustable Power
This electric brad nailer is designed with an adjustable power function for light-duty home improvement projects.
Ergonomic Grip
The soft-grip handle makes this tool perfect for long periods of use without fatigue or discomfort.
Pros:
- Non-marring rubber nose will make sure that you can achieve a complete and smooth finish for your projects
- Quick release mechanism for easy tool free jam release
- Large trigger for easy operation
Cons:
- These tools are not recommended for quarter round, baseboard, drywall installation, roofing and flooring
- Users say this tool only works well on a 20A circuit as opposed to 15A
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Best Ergonomic Design
9. NuMax S2-118G2 Pneumatic 18-Gauge Brad Nailer
What You Will Love: You’ll love that this is the best pneumatic nailer for use over long periods of time due to its lightweight construction.
This is the best brad nailer for decorative trim, chair rail, baseboards, window casing, and shoe and crown moulding. The pressure for operation is from 60-110 PSI.
Durable
The light and solid aluminum construction means that this tool is built to last.
Versatile
This woodworking power tool is both a brad nailer for 2 inches and a stapler so you can complete a wide range of project with the same tool.
Handy
This nailer can use two types of fasteners – nails of 18 gauge and 18 gauge 1/4″ narrow crown staples. It can accommodate nails ranging from 3/8″ to 2″, and staples ranging from 1/2″ to 1-5/8″.
Pros:
- Anti-vibration comfort grip. Pull the trigger and hold. Sequential firing.
- Tool free adjustable depth for multiple applications
- 1-year limited warranty and 30-day wearable parts warranty
- 360 degree adjustable exhaust port
- Anti-dust cap to keep debris away from you while you work
Cons:
- Some users say that it leaves a 1/4″ indentation in wood and that the stapler-sized plunger makes shooting brads difficult
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Best for Long Lasting Battery
10. PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Cordless Brad Nailer Kit
What You Will Love: You’ll love the peace of mind you’ll get with this model, as the manufacturer offers a 3-year limited warranty where Porter-Cable will repair, without charge, any defects due to faulty materials or workmanship for 3 years from the date of purchase.
The special motor design of this model gives you consistent firing power into various materials under different climate conditions, with multiple tool-free settings for increased productivity and safety.
No Compressor Needed
This cordless nailer is battery-powered, so no need for an air compressor, air compressor hose, or costly cartridges.
Consistent Driving Depth
The wheel for depth adjustment allows you to properly countersink nails consistently. Nail diameter: 18 gauge.
Simple to Use
The tool-free lever for release, jam release, and wheel for depth adjustment make this tool simple to use.
Pros:
- Includes a 1.5 Ah 20Volt Lithium max ion battery, which lasts longer than NiCad batteries. The charger is included
- Integrated belt hook is included
- Drives up to 1,300 nails per charge (with the 4Ah battery)
- Multifunctional LED lights
Cons:
- Some users say there is a slight recoil when using this gun
- No indicator to tell you when you’re running low on nails, so dry fire is a possibility
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How to Choose the Best Brad Nailer
Before you decide on the right brad nailer for you, it’s helpful to know about the different types and features of the tools.
Types
Pneumatic Brad Nailer
Pneumatic brad nailers run on compressed air. Because of that, they can be difficult to maintain but are highly versatile in that they come in different sizes and accept a variety of nail types.
Electric Brad Nailer
Powered by an electric motor, electric brad nailers can drive nails quickly, quietly, and efficiently. Electric brad nailers sometimes also double as staple guns.
Corded Brad Nailer
Highly-portable, low-maintenance, and easy-to-use, corded brad nailers are operated via a rechargeable battery.
Air vs. Battery-Powered
Air-powered nailers may require more maintenance (because of the compressor), while battery-powered nailers are usually more expensive.
Depth of Drive
How deeply you want nails to penetrate depends on the thickness and consistency of the materials you’re working with.
Nail Length
Most brad nailers are compatible with brad nails between 5/8″ and 2″ long, so your brad nailer should have a length limit of 2-1/8″.
Nose Size
For best results, the smaller the nose, the better. Brad nailers with non-marring rubber nose tips are a wise choice because they allow you to achieve a clean finish.
Power Source
Consider the power source that’s most accessible to you. If you happen to have an air compressor (or don’t mind buying one), you may opt for a pneumatic nailer.
Corded nailers may be a better option if you’d rather have a battery-powered device, and electrically-powered nailers may be your best bet if you can count on having an outlet within easy reach.
Trigger Type
Brad nailers feature two types of triggers: sequential and contact. With sequential triggers, you have to touch the tip of the nailer to a surface and pull the trigger.
For the contact type, you have to touch the nailer to the surface while continuing to hold the trigger with your fingers, which can be cumbersome and even dangerous.
Adjustability
The easier it is to adjust drive depth or power source settings, the longer your tool will last and perform at its best.
Intended Purpose
The availability of a power source and the type of projects you want to work on will impact what kind of brad nailer you choose.
Depth Adjustment
You should be able to adjust drive depth without tools.
Carrying Case
Some nailers come with a carrying case to protect them when not in use.
FAQs
What is a brad nailer used for?
Brad nailers serve a variety of purposes. They’re great for renovations and home improvement projects, such as fixing windows and door casing. This tool is also helpful when you’re making cabinets, chairs, and small-scale crafts. These nailers can even be put to practical use at construction sites.
How much does it cost to buy a brad nailer?
Prices vary depending on the make and model. If you’re looking for something that has additional features beyond what you’d find with “regular” brad nailers, then expect to pay more. Also consider how much you’ll use it, how durable it is, and how much maintenance it requires.
What is the difference between a brad nailer and a finish nailer?
Smaller than finish nails, brad nailers use brads (thin-gauge nails designed for lightweight trim). Finish nailers require a shorter, lighter nail gauge and are primarily used only for finishing. More versatile, finish nailers are for attaching, patching, or framing lightweight trim.
What is the difference between a pin nailer and a brad nailer?
A pin nailer uses headless pins to attach trim work or other lightweight workpieces for added aesthetic appeal. (The nails are essentially camouflaged). Brad nailers work with headed pins, so they are somewhat visible when incorporated into a project.
Related: Which Type Of Nail Gun Do You Need
Final Verdict: Best Brad Nailers
When it comes to getting your hands on the top brad nailer, there are several factors to consider, such as how often you expect to use it and what materials you’ll be working with.
The best brad nailer is user-friendly, lightweight, and built to last. When you select the one that’s right for you, it can transform how you approach DIY crafting and home-improvement.
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