Top 10 Best Brad Nailers in 2023 Reviews
Last updated on January 15, 2023
Create a fine finish in your carpentry projects requires excellent nailing. The nail needs to hold wood pieces together without leaving large holes. This takes away the extra effort of refilling the holes. This is the case, especially when sinking tiny nails that are hard to drive in. However, innovation has created a brad nailer to handle tiny nails and provide easy nailing. A brad nail is a compact and lightweight design tool that uses compressed air to drive nails. This is a useful tool in every light finishing project. It is a must-have for every woodworker, DIY enthusiastic and hobbyist.
In this post, we are going to look at different brad nailers. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming finding the best brad nailers. Luckily for you, our reviews will narrow down your search to 10 leading brad nailers. These are the best brad nailers best suited for firing 18-gauge nails. The nails are usually small between 5/8 to 2 inches hence pretty difficult to drive into woods. If you’re looking for these useful nailers, then start selecting from our ten picks below:
Table of Contents
- 10. WEN 61720 ¾-Inch to 2-Inch Brad Nailer
- 9. Hitachi NT50AE2 18-Gauge 5/6-Inch to 2-Inch Brad Nailer
- 8. PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Cordless Brad Nailer Kit
- 7. DEWALT Brad Nailer kit
- 6. BOSTITCH Nail Gun, Brand Nailer, Smart Point
- 5. SENCO FinishPro 18MG Nailer
- 4. Makita AF505N Brad Nailer 2-Inch
- 3. Stanley TRE550Z Electric Staple/Brad Nail Gun
- 2. BHTOP Cordless Brad Nailer & Stapler
- 1. Metabo HPT NT50AE2 Pneumatic Brad Nailer
10. WEN 61720 ¾-Inch to 2-Inch Brad Nailer
This is our first brad nailer and a quality choice that fires brads from ¾ to 2 inches long. It is a leading brand brad nailer to consider buying with confidence. The nailer operates at pressure ratings of 60-100 PSI. Besides, it features a ¼-inch NPT inlet air fitting for easy nail driving. This is a lightweight design with durable aluminum body construction. The nailer weighs a mere 3 pounds hence pretty easy to handle. Moreover, it comes with a comfortable rubber grip handle for easy handling. This is a large capacity nailer capable of holding up to 100 brads in the magazine. It also features a quick-release preventing jams. There is also a custom carrying case and two adjustment wrenches.
Pros
- Large magazine capacity with 100 brands
- Extended use without fatigue due to lightweight construction
- Rubber-grip handle hence comfortable to use
- Easy jam clearing due to a quick-release
Cons
- A little hard to setup
9. Hitachi NT50AE2 18-Gauge 5/6-Inch to 2-Inch Brad Nailer
The Hitachi is another top-quality brad nailer renamed after Metapo HPT. It is a premium brad nailer suitable for 18-gauge nails measuring 5/8 to 2 inches long. The nailer is quite easy to use and features a simple flip switch. Besides, it allows for selective actuation. This means users select bump fires with easy or choose contact fire models. This is a lightweight design finish nailer with excellent balancing. It weighs a mere 2.2 pounds hence pretty easy to use. In addition, the nailer features an elastomer grip preventing slippage and adding to comfort. This is an easy to use nailer with easy and quick extraction during jams. It also features a depth drive dial allowing users to adjust the depth drive with ease.
Pros
- Easy depth adjustment due to a depth drive dial
- Lightweight hence easy to handle
- Comfortable and anti-slip grips due to elastomer grip handle
- Easy nose clearance for jam-free driving
Cons
- Leaves holes bigger than the nail
8. PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Cordless Brad Nailer Kit
This is a battery-powered cordless brad nailer taking away the need of a compressor. There is no need for those expensive gas cartridges and hoses. The nailer delivers a consistent driving depth delivering precise and accurate results. This is a tool-free jam release machine that drives 18-gauge nail diameter. It is a highly rated choice and one of the best picks on our list. Moreover, it comes with a long-lasting battery for a better runtime. Overall, this is an excellent nailer with depth adjustment for accurate nailing. It is a pretty decent buy that also comes with 3 years warranty to buy with confidence.
Pros
- Long-lasting battery with excellent runtime
- Consistent nail drive due to depth adjustment
- Easy to use since it is battery powered
- Tool-free jam release
Cons
- A little slower
7. DEWALT Brad Nailer kit
This is a leading brand brad nailer and an excellent choice to consider buying right away. It is a top-notch nailer with a maintenance-free motor. You can be sure of a clean and stain-free work area. In addition, this nailer comes with a tool-free depth-drive adjustment. This ensures users get the ideal settings for different nail types. Moreover, the unit features a rear exhaust that prevents contamination of the work area. This is an excellent choice nailing kit with pressure ranging from 70-120 PSI. It is a perfect choice for driving 18-gauge nails with a length of 5/8 to 2 inches long. Overall, this unit is quite easy to use and features a tool-free jam release.
Pros
- Tool-free jam release hence easy nail removal
- Prevents contamination of work area due to rear exhaust
- Excellent operating pressures
- Maintenance-free motor
Cons
- Bigger and heavier
6. BOSTITCH Nail Gun, Brand Nailer, Smart Point
This is another top-quality brad nailer to consider buying this year. It is a perfect choice for excellent smooth on your projects. The nailer drives 18-gauge nails with a length ranging from 5/8 inches to 2-1/8 inches. This is a smart design nailer with smart point technology. It ensures precise and accurate nailing due to a small nose width. You can easily nail without compressing the contact trip. Moreover, the nailer features a tool-free jam release mechanism. This allows for easy nail removal. There is a further dial-depth to ensure the precise driving of nails.
Pros
- Excellent kit with everything you need and a carrying case
- Easy depth adjustment
- Quick and easy nail removal due to a tool-free jam release
- Easy nail placement due to a small nose
Cons
- Poor exhaust location
5. SENCO FinishPro 18MG Nailer
This is another exceptional nailer to consider buying with confidence this year. It is an excellent choice nailer with an ultra-lightweight design. The nailer is also extremely durable and can last you many years of use. This product is highly rated and one to buy right away. Moreover, it is pretty easy to use. The nailer comes with an adjustable depth of drive getting nails to desired depths. In addition, it also comes with an oil-free design. There is a further rear exhaust helping keep the work area clean. Overall, this is a pretty decent quality nailer with a selective trigger for precise results.
Pros
- Precise nailing due to a selective trailer
- Durable hence long-lasting
- Ultra-lightweight hence easy to handle
- Rear exhaust to keep work area clean
Cons
- Not the best magazine design
4. Makita AF505N Brad Nailer 2-Inch
Makita tools are quite reliable and you can never go wrong with this amazing Makita nailer. It is a premium quality nailer and an excellent choice on our list. It features a tool-less quick jam release hence faster nail removal. This tool is pretty easy to use due to easy depth adjustment without using any tools. You can dial the depth to match a wide range of finish and nails. Moreover, the nailer features a non-marring rubber nose for protection of wood from scratches. Overall, this is a versatile design tool that rotates 180 degrees but will never get in your way. It is a quality nailer with a cast and machined nose to create precise contact.
Pros
- Precise contact due to a machined nose
- Keeps wood safe from scratches due to a non-marring rubber nose
- Easy nailing due to a narrow nose design
- Tool-free depth adjustment hence easy to use
Cons
- Not good with generic nails
3. Stanley TRE550Z Electric Staple/Brad Nail Gun
The Stanely is another heavy-duty nailer with a powerful driving force. It is a highly rated nailer and one of the best-sellers on the market. This is a uniquely designed brad nailer with a dual power level. The nailer works perfectly with both soft and hard metals. Besides, this is an electric powered nailer with a long 8 feet power cord. It is also pretty lightweight and quite easy to use for extended periods of time. You can hold the nailer with one hand without fatigue. Overall, this is a pretty decent quality brad nailer with everything you need for precise nailing.
Pros
- Lightweight hence easy to handle
- Long cord for extended reach
- Dual power lever to work with soft and hard metals
- Outstanding driving powers
Cons
- Hard to find the right staples
2. BHTOP Cordless Brad Nailer & Stapler
This is another widely used brad nailer and stapler to consider buying today. It is a versatile nailer suitable for a wide range of materials. It is a perfect fit for 18-gauge nails ranging from 1-2 inches. Moreover, the stapler offers convenient operation with alternative use between contact and single firing modes. There is a further dual toggle switch which allows users to handle those tough projects with ease. Overall, this is a quality nailer with adjustable nailing depth. Depth is easily adjusted using a rotating knob for easy operation. It is a humanized design nailer with a lightweight and wireless use. There is a further LED lighting to illuminate dark areas and work with ease.
Pros
- Non-slip rubber handle for a comfortable grip
- LED lighting
- Adjustable nailing depth
- Lightweight and portable hence easy to carry
Cons
- Easy for the striker to contact wood
1. Metabo HPT NT50AE2 Pneumatic Brad Nailer
This is our final best brad nailer and an excellent choice to consider buying. It is a lightweight design brad nailer featuring aluminum body construction. In addition, it also features a composite magazine tool to help reduce user fatigue. This is a top-quality brad nailer with selective actuation. The nailer allows user bump-fire selection by a simple flip switch. There is a further depth drive dial that allows the user to adjust the depth and create a professional finish. Overall, this is a decent quality brad nailer with the 360-degree adjustable exhaust.
Pros
- Keeps debris and oil off the project due to 360-degree exhaust
- Depth drive dial for easy use
- Lightweight aluminum body construction
- Easy bump-fire selection due to selective actuation
Cons
- Some parts appear flimsy
Final Verdict
These are by far the best brad nailers on the market to consider buying today. The nailers are highly rated and come with excellent features for easy use. They are a must-have tool in any project. Make sure you analyze each brad nailer on the list above and choose one that suits your needs. You can never go wrong picking a brad nailer from our carefully selected list.