Best Overall
DeWalt 20V MAX XR 18GA Cordless Brad Nailer Kit
Runner-Up
Ryobi 18V One+ AirStrike 18GA Brad Nailer and Battery
Best Bang For The Buck
Freeman 18V 2-in-1 18GA Cordless Brad Nailer
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For virtually every expression or craft project , admit heavy - duty roofing and light upholstery work , there ’s anail gunto simplify and rush the process . Finish nailersmake fantabulous light woodwork and trim instrument , whilebrad nailersare the go - to creature for cultivation carpentry and nonstructural trimness .
Some nailers ask an electrical electric cord or compressor for power , but dragging around a cord or an air hose is cumbersome and can be a tripping hazard . A cordless brad nailer powered by rechargeable atomic number 3 - ion bombardment is a commodious alternative — but only if you get the right one for your project .
We ’re always on the lookout for great magnate tools , so we decided to test the top cordless brad nailer on the market today . We put them through their paces in our woodshop , firing brad nail into arduous and soft woods , and noted how well each tool execute .
Ahead , see what to turn over when choosing a cordless brad nailer and discover out how the following models earned a spot on our lineup of the full cordless brad nailers via our woodshop tests .
How We Tested the Best Cordless Brad Nailers
Choosing which cordless stamp battery - power nailers to prove was no easy task . We bug out by take cutting - edge models from reputable manufacturer , such as DeWalt and Milwaukee , but we did n’t automatically excrete lesser - bang brands , specially if their brad nailers were highly rated . We research each tool ’s features and included models that dish out various purposes , from being budget - friendly to offer professional - caliber event .
In real examination , we used these cordless tools in the manner both DIYers and pro would . We charged their atomic number 3 - ion battery overnight to ensure each was full juiced , and then we fired brad ( also called pin ) over and over into hardwoods , include oak and ash , as well as softer pine tree boards .
Brad nailers are design for faint - obligation passementerie and refinement body of work , and to be good , they must set the read/write head of the brad just below the surface of the forest . This requires being able to adjust the depth of the brad to suit the density and heaviness of the wood , so we tested the truth of the deepness - adjustment telephone dial on all the cordless brad nailer .
In all , we open fire more than 200 brads through every cordless nailer and we present percentage point ground on a rubric . The better a tool perform , the more points it receive . We also grant points base on our review and analysis of the dick ’s design , bioengineering , and ease of use of goods and services . After testing , we add and averaged the points and used the scores to assist determine the full category and uses for each tool .
Our Top Picks
Below are some of the best cordless brad nailer available on the mart — we know because we screen each one . In addition to noting their best features , we also made annotation of their weaknesses and where we feel they could be improve . While features may vary , along with costs , each one is a standout in its family . One is sealed to be a quality addition to any exponent peter collection .
The DeWalt cordless brad nailer do beautifully in our hand - on woodshop tests . That did n’t surprise us at all : We ’ve long been fans of DeWalt ’s power tool course , which is made for both pros and prosumers , but we ’d never tested one of their cordless brad nailers .
The DeWalt brad nailer comes with a 2 - adenosine monophosphate - time of day ( Ah ) lithium - ion bombardment and a charger , so we charged the barrage overnight before testing the next day . The first affair we did — quite by accident — was drop the brad nailer on the concrete shop floor . Fortunately , the tool has a broken casing , and we need n’t have worry — it last on to perform flawlessly .
This poser raise a mountain chain of 18 - gauge ( Ga ) brads from as myopic as ⅝ in to as foresighted as 2⅛ inches , nominate it versatile for several nailing projects . We fired more than 200 brads into a mixed bag of forest type , including hardwood and soft pine . We did n’t experience any kettle of fish or stall , but if we had , we could have removed them speedily using the tool - free crush departure or the stall release lever . A jam release let users to remove a brad that misfire and gets stuck in the nose of the tool . A stall release — most exclusive to battery - operate nailers — relinquish a brad that gets stick midway in the wood and the nail gun .
We test the DeWalt brad nailer in both single - fervency mode and bump modality , which is designed to fire brads quickly for make quick work of bind canvass - type material , such as plywood . We care the sizable profoundness - registration telephone dial on this model , but we were n’t too impressed with its guide lights — they fall outward rather than on the workpiece — so do n’t depend on them for elucidation when working in bleak areas . This model admit a whack hook that we establish ready to hand for stowing the nailer on our shaft belt when not in use .
register our full review : DeWalt 20V MAX XR 18GA Cordless Brad Nailer KitProduct glasses
Photo: Glenda Taylor
Get the DeWalt cordless brad nailer atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orBlain ’s Farm & Fleet .
Ryobi ( The Home Depot ’s flagship mark ) has produced a winner with the AirStrike brad nailer . It fires 18 - caliber brads from ⅝ in to 2⅛ column inch , and it comes with both a prick - free jam discharge and a kiosk release . We fired more than 200 brads of depart lengths through the Ryobi nailer using both single - fire and bump modality , and only one brad pile in all that time . We were capable to get rid of it quick via the jam release and get back to testing .
We did n’t experience any stalls , for which we mostly credit the 4Ah bombardment ( include ): We began our trial run with it fully bear down , and it ’s a powerful , long - live on barrage . ( Stalls often fall out when the battery in a cordless nailer starts to run down . A low-toned battery does n’t have quite enough juice to fire the nail completely into the wood , so it fires it halfway — and the other half stick in the nailer . ) To state the obvious , a 4Ah battery will move an average of doubly as long as a 2Ah battery — and result in few if any stall .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
We also bump the Ryobi brad nailer to be a treat to work with . Its nonslip , ergonomic hold reduces hired man fatigue duty , the profundity adjustment telephone dial is big and easy to expend , and the LED guide light shines directly on the workpiece . Plus , it came with a box of various - duration brad , making this tool ready for manipulation . The only downside deserving mentioning was the lack of a whang sweetener . Slipping a nailer on a tool belt is convenient when using both hands to move and align a woodworking labor .
Get the Ryobi cordless brad nailer atRyobi .
The features of the Freeman two - in - one brad nailer and stapling machine kit read like a DIY enthusiast ’s wish list . It give the axe brads from ¾ in to 2 inch long and crown staples from ¾ inch to 2 inches . In addition , it also fires ¼-inch crown staples that range in distance from ¾ inch to 1⅝ inch . We feel the power to open fire staple added a whole new proportion to this tool . staple fibre are typically used to fasten the fold - out strip of detachment batts to stud and rafters , so this is an excellent addition for stapling duties , such as installing faced batt insularity or affixing roofing carpet pad to a ceiling deck . And all that versatility comes at an attractive price compass point .
Photo: amazon.com
We fired more than 200 brads of varying lengths through the nailer without any jams in the undivided - ardour manner . We live eight jams when using the tool ’s bump modal value , but the tool - free jam handout made straightaway employment of clearing them . That said , we ’re not big fans of blow modes on brad nailer anyway because these tools are typically intended for confiscate trim and molding , which require the precision of a single - fire mode . We did n’t experience any stalls with the Freeman model — a safe thing , since we see the peter has no stand release . Pro Tip : The unspoiled room to forfend stalling is to run with full charged batteries .
A dyad of light-emitting diode work lights helped illuminate the workpiece , and we like the inclusion of a belt hook to make clip labor gentle . Another perquisite is the included box of brads and basic , making the cock quick to go in good order out of the boxwood .
Get the Freeman cordless brad nailer atAmazonorLowe ’s .
Photo: homedepot.com
Best for DIY
Porter-Cable 20V MAX Cordless Brad Nailer
For some , the lack of a bump - firing fashion on the Porter - Cable brad nailer may be a deal breaker . But those who plan to use this tool strictly for trimming and woodwork labor ( the most uncouth utilisation of a brad nailer ) may never pretermit it . We did n’t .
We sack more than 200 brad of varying lengths through the Porter - Cable model , using just single - shot mode , and we did n’t have a single jam or stall . However , the nailer does boast both a shaft - free jam release and a stall release lever . The brad nailer fires brads from ⅝ inch to 2 in , making it versatile and well suitable to install several types of trimness and molding .
It also comes with a eminent - capacity 4Ah atomic number 3 - ion battery and a courser . The LED visible light on the Porter - Cable brad nailer were some of the best on any of the brad nailer we tested — they clearly crystalize the workpiece , establish it easy to see exactly where we were firing the brads .
Photo: amazon.com
When we first unbox the Porter - Cable nailer , we thought it looked top - big — but nothing could be further from the truth . The cast of the nailer is slightly different than most — looking a act like a science fiction ray gunslinger — but we ascertain it to be very comfortable to keep and use . It features an ergonomic , nonslip bobby pin , and the depth - adaptation dial is sizeable and situate on the side of the prick where it ’s easy to get at .
Get the Porter - Cable cordless brad nailer atAmazon , Ace Hardware , Grainger , orAcme Tools .
Best Professional
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18GA Brad Nailer Kit
Milwaukee has a prove repute for tough jobsite dick , and its cordless brad nailer is no exclusion . It deliver powerful , consistent dismissal for brad drift in duration from ⅝ inch to 2⅛ inches without miss a beat . We give the axe more than 200 brad of various lengths into hardwood and pine and did n’t have a single mess or stall — even when we fire it repeatedly on bump mode .
It comes with a preciseness tip that allowed us to position the brad just , which is a must for last carpenters and cabinetmakers who want professional - looking results . While the deepness - modification dial is comparatively modest , it ’s soft to get at on the side of the tool , and we did n’t have any trouble adjust it .
For the most part , this is a powerful precision nailer that will be a welcome addition to any professional carpenter ’s puppet armoury . Still , we were n’t big fans of the digital chooser switching for changing from individual - ardor to knock mode . To switch modality , we had to first press and hold the on clitoris on the digital pad , which take about 5 seconds to force on , before we could select the desired modality . That may not sound like a long meter to hold back , but it might be slenderly annoying for professional who want to switch mood quickly and keep crop .
Photo: amazon.com
The LED pathfinder light are ready to hand and illuminate most of the workpiece , but they produce a small shadow mighty at the tip , which is a slight distracting . The Milwaukee brad nailer come with a 2Ah rechargeable barrage , charger , and stock suitcase .
Get the Milwaukee cordless brad nailer atThe Home Depot , ToolBarn , Acme Tools , orGrainger .
Best Heavy-Duty
Metabo HPT 18V Compact Cordless 18GA Brad Nailer
Pneumatic nailers earned their reputation as the industry touchstone because of their hefty nail - driving ability . Metabo ’s give drive organization provide comparable performance without an air hosepipe or compressor . It discharge brad from ⅝ inch to 2 inch with the fastness and preciseness that barter professionals take , and it does so even though it weighs a simple 4.4 pounds . Metabo includes an above - ordinary higher - capacity 3Ah battery and charger , so there ’s nothing supernumerary to grease one’s palms , and it comes with a ready to hand sail carry bag to boot .
After lodge the battery overnight , we started screen the following day . We fired more than 200 brad of varying lengths into hardwood and pine and did n’t live any jams , even though the Metabo has a high - speed bump musical mode that fires up to three brads per second . The nailer comes with a prick - free jam firing for promptly clearing any jams that might fall out , and we care the handy belt hook .
The Metabo ’s lightsome system of weights gain a difference for either a professional finish carpenter or a DIYer who plans to install a lot of overhead crown modeling . While the modality selector electrical switch is digital , we found it turned on as presently as we pressed the push — no waiting . The only downside we note was the want of a stall expiration , which is typically found on most cordless nailers . stall often occur when battery power is develop low , so recharging the stamp battery — or buy an supernumerary and keeping it charged — will likely work the trouble .
Photo: homedepot.com
Get the Metabo cordless brad nailer atAmazon , Nail Gun Depot , CPO Outlets , orToolBarn .
Best for Trim
Kobalt 2.125-Inch 18GA Cordless Brad Nailer
While Kobalt is a Lowe ’s flagship brand , its tools tend to hold their own against models from big figure like Metabo and DeWalt . This Kobalt brad nailer sure did in our tests . It take a full image of brad length , roam from ⅝ inch to 2⅛ inch , put it in the running play with other all-inclusive - scope nailers we try out .
We fired more than 200 brad of different duration through the Kobalt , and it only jammed once , when we tested out bump musical mode . Fortunately , the kettle of fish was comfortable to take by using the putz - costless crush release . The tool does n’t have a stall handout , however .
We liked the dual light-emitting diode guide lights that did a unspoilt job of illuminating the work piece in low - luminance situations . While a little on the bulky side ( lengthwise ) , it still does an excellent job of get into tight spot for displace precise nail when trimming or constructing woodwork projects . The Kobalt nailer get along with a 2Ah stamp battery and a charger , but it does n’t include a belt hook .
Photo: amazon.com
The Kobalt brad nailer also comes with a nice blue canvass bag , but unfortunately the nailer does n’t fit out into it ! We could get the top three - quarter of the instrument inwardly , but its rear end stuck out , so we could n’t zip the purse up . That was strange , but we do n’t consider it a deal surf for what is a precise brad nailer that ’s well suitable to trimming and other type of culture carpentry study .
Get the Kobalt cordless brad nailer atLowe ’s .
Also Consider
Craftsman V20 Cordless Finish Nailer Kit
For those looking to use a brad nailer solely for installing trimming , mould , or create mellow - end carpentry projects , the Craftsman V20 cordless nailer could be just the just the ticket . It does n’t arrive with a gibbosity modality or a stall loss , focusing solely instead on the most important uses for a traditional brad nailer : trim and finish carpentry .
We saddle the 2Ah atomic number 3 - ion barrage fire that comes with the tool overnight to ensure it had a full charge for testing the following day . We were pleasantly surprised that the Craftsman cordless brad nailer seemed to have every mo as much magnate as a pneumatic brad nailer — but we did n’t have to drag an air hose around to practice it . We would have opt a higher - capacity battery , but after shoot more than 200 brads of vary lengths into hardwood and pine , the battery was still move strong . The depth adjustment is goodish and easy to access .
We did have one crush , but it was comfortable to remove via the instrument - innocent fix sack on the olfactory organ of the nailer . At just 5.3 Pound , this was one of the light brad nailer we tested . Along with its ergonomic nonslip padded handle and contoured grip design , we were capable to employ the nailer for extended periods without experiencing hand fatigue .
Photo: lowes.com
Get the Craftsman cordless brad nailer atAmazonorAce Hardware .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Cordless Brad Nailer
Brad nailers are have it off for their narrow-minded nose — a characteristic that ’s essential for positioning the nailer when installing detailed trimness and moldings . The brad nailer replaces the outgrowth a trim carpenter had to follow only a couple of decades ago , which involved drill a lilliputian hole in the woodwind instrument to keep it from splitting , carefully hammering in the nail , and then using a nail lot to countersink the brain of the nail .
With today ’s cordless brad nailer , all those stride are take guardianship of with one pull of the gun trigger . Still , it pays to consider additional lineament before investing in one of these finish carpentry tools .
Brad Length and Capacity
brad are all the same thickness ( 18Ga ) and they have small foreland that leave only tiny holes in the Ellen Price Wood ’s surface . The minute size of the hollow makes it easy for the woodman to fulfill the hole with putty and it may be barely detectable — if at all — when finished with a sealant or pigment .
Brad length change from ½ inch to 2⅕ inches , but few cordless brad nailer accommodate the full compass of sizes . The requisite length typically depends on the thickness of the wood being used . The want length should bear the woods in place without blow out the backside .
brad come in collated strips , which make them easy to laden . Most cordless brad nailers hold around 100 brad at a prison term .
Photo: amazon.com
Nailing Control
Cordless brad nailers use “ sequential firing . ” That mean the nailer fires only one brad per trigger pull . However , some models also offer “ bump ” or “ contact ” sack in which the drug user does n’t have to pull a induction to displace a brad . Instead , the nailer mechanically fires a brad when the user bumps the steer against the wood .
Bump raise tolerate for more speed but importantly reduces efficiency , so this sack mode is n’t used for attaching intricate trim opus . It may amount in handy for attaching large sheets of plywood that do n’t require exact nail placement .
There ’s also asafetyaspect to bump - fire way that can result in brad being fired into the air or bruise the drug user or a bystander if the tip of the nailer accidently protuberance on an unintended object . In our experience , the most significant dismission mode on a brad nailer is undivided - fire mode , and we would rarely , if ever , use bump flame with this type of nail gas . For the safest experience , check out ourguide to blast gun operation .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
Battery and Runtime
All the cordless nailer on our leaning run at 18 or 20 volts , but they ’re the same in raw powerfulness . Electric motors surge on start - up then sink back to what ’s called “ nominal ” voltage . Most manufacturers use the surge frame , 20 V , while others utilise the nominal , 18 volt .
While electric potential remain constant , runtime varies considerably . Technically , runtime depends on the assault and battery ’s Ah capacity . For example , a 4Ah battery runs doubly as long as a 2Ah barrage . A well-nigh sustenance - gratis brushless motor makes more in force use of barrage power than an older brush motor . However , brushless motor cost more .
Durability
When shoppers invest in a cordless brad nailer , they require it to last . They will desire to verify the figure protects the motor and sacking mechanism not only from accidental shock but also from rubble and dirt . They ’ll want a honorable - sized slide ( that holds the brads in position ) and switches . The latter should n’t protrude too far from the eubstance of the cock .
Some agiotage brands build a reputation for tone and enduringness , and their Price reflect that . However , a DIYer may not need that form of jobsite toughness . While we advocate steer clear of the cheapest cordless brad nailers , good customer feedback may make it worthwhile to check over a more affordable fashion model out . Some budget tool ply outstanding economic value for the home exploiter .
Weight
Weight may be a consideration when looking at cordless brad nailers . The rechargeable barrage and the extra casing to take hold the battery make cordless brad nailer heavier than their pneumatic similitude .
It may not make much difference on small job , but if using the tool all day , particularly above head height , substance abuser will quickly get the difference between a 3 - hammer pneumatic modelling and an 8 - pound sign cordless one . DIYers and weekend warrior who are not used to the constant manipulation of heavy tools may favor a light-headed - exercising weight pneumatic model . It ’s a personal choice .
Additional Features
FAQs
This guide should help you find the best cordless brad nailer for your motivation . However , a few oecumenical interrogation may crop up . Keep reading to find frequently expect questions along with their result .
Q. What’s the difference between a brad nailer and a finish nailer?
Brad nailer fire brads ( aka pin ) , which are thinner ( 18Ga ) than the16Ga nailsfired by a finish nailer . brad are adept for fixing lightweight trim , such as slight skirting board , while finish nailers are better suitable to thicker trim types , such as windowsills .
Q. How do you load a brad nailer?
The magazine contain slots to arrest different - length brad . The drug user simply slew a strip of collate brad into the clip expansion slot . When the substance abuser slue the magazine publisher binding closed , a saltation pushes the striptease of nail into send away position .
Q. How do you use a brad nailer?
For the most accurate results , set the nailer ’s nose against the wood and slowly pull the induction .
Q. How long should brad nails be?
In general , brad nail should be three multiplication retentive than the thickness of the stuff being attached . So for ½-inch board , use 1½-inch brad nail . However , if this induce the nail to protrude through the back of the pedestal textile , just use the long nails that can be accommodated without poking through .
Q. Can you use a brad nailer for baseboards?
you could use a brad nailer for stock baseboards . However , if the baseboard is wooden-headed than 1 inch or if it is a very impenetrable Mrs. Henry Wood such as ironwood , consider using a finish nailer , which extend a bit more firing power .
Q. How do I maintain my cordless brad nailer?
Remove the battery when not in function and stash away both the nailer and the battery in a dry situation . Some cordless brad nailers may necessitate an casual drop of oil to keep their firing mechanism lubricate , so check the owner ’s manual to see if yours does .
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a intersection tester and author specify in building , remodeling , and real estate . She and her husband own a general contracting company , and she is experienced in both residential and commercial building applications . She try out a wide scope of office pecker as well as other house advance , household , and lawn - and - garden product .
extra inquiry provided by Bob Beacham .
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