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DeWalt power instrument are mainstays for both pros and DIYers , and the brand name has become synonymous with high quality and reliability . I ’m conversant with a blanket ambit of DeWalt tools , but I had n’t tried out theDeWalt DCN680D1Cordless Brad Nailerbefore , which made it all the more exciting to test this nail gun .
Thebest cordless brad nailersfeature a combination of power , precision , ergonomics , and versatility . I tested several cordless model in my woodshop , and the DeWalt DCN680D1 took top pureness . However , it had some tough competition from other leading brands , includingRyobi ’s ONE+ AirStrikeandMilwaukee ’s top - sell M18 FUEL Brad Nailer .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
I tested the DeWalt cordless brad nailer by firing more than 200 18Ga brad of vary lengths into oak , ash , and pine . I note how easy it was to adjust brad depth ( a must for brad nailers ) , how well the cock perform using full consecutive ( individual - fire ) mode versus bump ( multi - fire ) musical mode , and I took special bank bill of the overall quality of the materials and design of the tool . onward , memorize what happened when I put the DeWalt cordless brad nailer through its paces , and determine whether this finish woodworking tool would be a near fit for your woodworking tool repertory .
The DeWalt Cordless Brad Nailer: At a Glance
Rating:9.4/10
PROS
CONS
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What is the DeWalt Cordless Brad Nailer?
Brad nailers blast 18Ga brad ( or pin ) , and their principal use is for installing igniter cut back or forge or constructing fine woodworking task such as bookcase . Brad nailers shoot thinner nails than finish nailers , which fire 16Ga nails . Finish nailers are also used for install trim , but they ’re typically better suited to big trim , such as window sills , whereas brad nailers are meant for light trim — such as delicate crown molding .
Until about a decade ago , most brad nailers were pneumatic , meaning they required an air compressor and air hose to operate . Many still are , and we test several pneumatic models in our roundup ofthe best brad nailer . With the advances in rechargeable lithium - ion technology , many top puppet maker are now arrange on a cordless version of a brad nailer .
The DeWalt DCN680D1 is an splendid example of a battery - mesh brad nailer that come across the same high carrying out found in pneumatic brad nailer . DeWalt has gone the extra mile and add substance abuser - friendly functions that make it a top tool for installing quality trim .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
Is the DeWalt cordless brad nailer easy to operate?
The DeWalt cordless brad nailer is simple to use . I found all the use to be straightforward and beneficial , except for the tool ’s two LED guide lights that did not illuminate the workpiece but rather smoothen outward to the side . Still , that ’s a minor downside because most professional trimness carpenters will use work lights to crystalise a large surface area , so tiny pathfinder visible light are n’t much more than an second thought .
DeWalt adds two tool - innocent clearing part on the DCN680D1 — a crush release on the nose of the tool that tolerate user to apace take a jam-packed nail and a stall release lever tumbler that releases a nail if it becomes partially stuck in the wood while the other part of the nail remain in the instrument . stall are dissimilar than jams , and they are typically because of a shelling running abject and not have enough top executive to fire the nail all the direction into the wood . The stall button on the Dewalt cordless brad nailer frees the nail and then reset the tool .
Another fringe benefit with this brad nailer is its respectable astuteness - adaption dial that ’s easy to see and access . Some of the other models I try out came with tiny adjustment telephone dial that were challenging to use .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
Is the DeWalt cordless brad nailer designed for precision or speed?
The DCN680D1 performs both tasks well . The nailer come with single fire mode and a bump fire style . When I selected single blast mode , I could cautiously position the tip of the DeWalt nailer where I require to fire a nail and then pull the trigger . The nailer fired one nail — precisely where I wanted it .
chance elicit is a little different . By change a small lever located on the inside of the DCN680D1 ’s casing , I was able-bodied to select bump fire . On the DeWalt , single - firing mood is represented by an range of one nail , while bump - fire mode is represented by a movie of three nails close together . While I was impressed with the speedy firing from the DeWalt , I would n’t choose a brad nailer just because it offer bump modality .
In bump mode , I could hold the induction down on the nailer and then simply bump the tip to the wood . Each clip I knock the tip , the nailer fire another nail . Bump firing is a democratic option on framing nailers when the user want to instal something like boxing or sheathing rapidly , but when it comes to trim work , find fire is seldom the best way to go if you ’re looking for preciseness . Still , the bump fire mode on the DCN680D1 is well - designed , and I did n’t get any jammed nails while using it .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
How could the DeWalt cordless brad nailer be better?
Make no mistake , the DeWalt DCN680D1 is a redoubtable power cock , and if I had to prefer only one brad nailer from the many I test , it would be this one . The downsides are minor — but I ’d either re - align the LED guide lights so they would shine forward or I ’d reject them . As it is , they ’re somewhat annoying because when I was leaning tight to ensure I had the nailer backsheesh in just the right spot , they shine in my eyes a couple of times . I lick that problem by putting a couple of modest pieces of canal tape over the lights .
The only other downside , and again , it ’s minor , is that the DCN680D1 comes as a outfit with a battery and charger include . That ’s a right alternative so a new user does n’t have to go out and bribe a barrage , but DeWalt only admit a 2Ah stamp battery . For my test role , the shelling was fine , but for someone who needs to use the brad nailer for an entire day , it might be a unlike narrative . And , when batteries start running low , the risk of exposure of stalls increases . It ’d be great if DeWalt would admit a 4Ah or at least a 3Ah barrage fire with this kit .
Is the DeWalt cordless brad nailer worth the cost?
At the time of examination , the DeWalt DCN680D1 is hunt right around the $ 350 fall guy . Compare that to about $ 130 for the pneumaticBostitch brad nailerthat accept first property in our standard brad nailer tests , and there ’s quite a price difference .
What is it that make the DeWalt cordless brad nailer worth the money ? Simple — the fact that it ’s cordless . Pneumatic nailer are fine in workshops where you’re able to access an air compressor and air hose , but a cordless nailer goes anywhere . I like not being restricted ( or tripping over ) a foresightful air hose , and I get it on the fact I can take the DCN680D1 to work on remote projects , such as building a storage shed in the backyard without have to plug a compressor into an outlet . So , for me , this brad nailer is well worth the money , but it ’s a personal choice .
Should you buy the DeWalt cordless brad nailer?
If you ’re look for a top of line brad nailer that you may take on the job internet site — believe the DeWalt cordless brad nailer . Its delicately - tuned firing mechanism rarely obstruct ( It did n’t jam at all in my test . ) , and the tool is built to last .
mayhap I ’m just chance event - prone , but before I even depart quiz the DeWalt brad nailer , I unknowingly cast off it on the concrete shop floor . I picked it up , expect the worst , but it only suffered a couple of superficial scratch on the casing — it plump on to perform flawlessly .
However , if you have a modest woodwork shop and a cardinal air compressor , you may not need to spend the special money to get a cordless brad nailer . In that casing , you could save some bucks by choosing a pneumatic brad nailer and still get excellent public presentation .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
Where to Buy the DeWalt cordless brad nailer?
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