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If you consociate the name “ Bostitch ” with office and home staplers , you ’re not alone . But the troupe also manufactures top - of - the - strain roofing , flooring , and finish nailer . I test theBostitch brad nailerin my woodshop , along with several other framework , to fix which one were undecomposed enough to be used by finish carpenters , cabinetmakers , and perfection - minded DIYers .
When choosing which product to test , I looked for brad nailers that provoke pins flawlessly without frequent electronic jamming . If they did mess , I appreciated models feature instrument - free clarification so I could get back to make quickly . I also looked for ergonomically well-heeled nailers compatible with a orbit of 18 - bore brad length .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
In my tests of thebest brad nailer , the Bostitch brad nailer accept top honors . Learn more about this top - do tool and find out if it belongs in your woodshop .
Bostitch BTFP12233 Smart Point 18-Gauge Brad Nailer Kit: At a Glance
Rating : 9.4/10
PROS
confidence trick
Photo: Glenda Taylor
Get the Bostitch brad nailer at :
What is the Bostitch brad nailer?
Brad nailers are putz typically used to instal light clipping and molding , such as mopboard or door casing , or for constructing cabinets and fine furniture . The Smart Point is a pneumatic nailer , meaning an strain compressor powers it . Like all brad nailers , the Bostitch Smart Point brad nailer give notice 18 - gage brads ( or pin ) .
The benefit of a brad nailer over a cultivation nailer ( which fire larger 16 - bore nails ) is that brads are thinner and have smaller heads , so the hole they leave in the Ellen Price Wood are less substantial and easier to fill up . In my tests , the Smart Point excel in displace brads into hardwood , including oak and ash tree , and softer pine table . It also come with a couple of decent perks .
Is the Bostitch brad nailer designed for precision or speed?
Both . The Bostitch Smart Point brad nailer features two firing modes — single fire ( sequential ) and bump fire . In single - fire way — the most important mood for a brad nailer — I could line up the narrow tip of the nailer exactly to accurately fire a unmarried brad . Inserting a nail in the right spot and using the depth claims adjustor to set it just below the wood ’s open gives trim a professional look . This brad nailer also come with a gentle no - mar tip cover that wo n’t forget an indention in the woodwind instrument .
For rapid dismission , I rick the selector switch knob near the trigger to multi - fire musical mode and oblige the trigger down . Now , every clip I bumped the tip of the brad nailer against the wood , it fired a nail . Bump mode make quick work of tie something like plyboard to wood boxing , where precision is n’t necessary , but it ’s a feature I rarely employ . However , in my hands - on testing of protuberance modal value , the Smart Point fired brad after brad cleanly and rapidly without any nail jams .
How versatile is the Bostitch brad nailer?
The real exam of a brad nailer ’s versatility is not in fire modes but rather in the range of brad length it accept . The Bostitch circumvent out the other brad nailers here because it ’s compatible with the encompassing reach of brad length . I kindle brad as short as ⅝ inch and as long as 2⅛ inches .
A secondary aspect of versatility is the brad nailer ’s tycoon source . The Bostitch brad nailer is pneumatic , so it ’s define by the availability of electricity and the length of an aura compressor hose . It ’s likely best fit for a woodworking workshop because it requires an melodic phrase compressor that produces 60 to 90 quid per square inch ( psi ) of air imperativeness . luckily , most melody compressor , even portable model , accommodate brad nailer .
While users can work on - site by bringing along an air compressor to power the Smart Point , it ’s less convenient than using a cordless brad nailer , such as theDeWalt 20V Cordless Brad Nailer , which also earned a position in the card of the well brad nailer .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
How could the Bostitch brad nailer be better?
I was float away by the power and clean-living firing mechanism of the Bostitch Smart Point , and I appreciated the rap hook that allow me hang the nailer on my dick whack during breaks . The Bostitch brad nailer was one of the few modelling in my testing that did n’t experience any nail jams , so I did n’t get a chance to use its putz - free jamming release . I know from experience , however , that this is a must - have feature of speech on a nailer . I was also impressed that Bostitch put a pencil sharpener on the belt crotchet — a corking improver for a finish carpenter !
But with all the plus points I discover , I had to dingdong the Bostitch brad nailer in a few areas . First , the profoundness - adaption telephone dial is just too small ( about the sizing of a dime bag ) , and its placement under the trigger is tricky to access .
The other downside , which is just a pocket-sized inconvenience , is the lack of swivel on the gentle wind - hose connection nipple . I ’m a big fan of swivel nipple on nailers because they grant the air hose to throw off off to one side — out of the way if I string up the peter on my tool whang . It wo n’t be an issue for anyone who does n’t hang the nailer on a belt .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
Is the Bostitch brad nailer right for you?
Anyone looking for a high - caliber pinner or brad nailer for installing trim or build forest labor will be satisfied with the Bostitch Smart Point brad nailer . Its well - engineered sacking mechanics resulted in no jams in my tests , which include firing more than 200 brads into hardwood and pine .
However , the availability of electrical energy , an breeze compressor , and the aura compressor ’s hose duration limit this brad nailer . Those who want to fire brads in remote areas might be happier with a cordless brad nailer , such as theCraftsman V20 * Cordless Brad Nailer , that can be used anywhere — even in distant locations — as long as its batteries are charged .
In gain , hobbyists may not need all the power of the Smart Point , or they may not require a brad nailer that ask an air compressor . For those user , the Bostitch brad nailer may be overkill . They may choose a simple electric model , such as theDeWalt 5 - in-1 Multi - Tackerthat fire only one length ( ⅝ in ) of brad but also give notice ¼-inch crown basic , make it well suited to upholstery projects and crafts .
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