6/6/2023 0 Comments Scribe mouldingOffers tool-free jam release for removing brads that jam in the tool.The Bostitch Smart Point brad nailer’s compact nose fits into tight spots.Performance-wise, the Bostitch fired brads of all lengths into oak, ash, and pine boards without splitting any. On the plus side, this brad nailer comes with a carrying case, three no-mar tips that keep the nailer from indenting softwood, and a built-in pencil sharpener on the back of the belt hook. It’s located on the inner frame below the trigger, which is handy, but at about the size of a dime, it’s relatively small, so adjusting it is inconvenient. The other downside is the size of the depth-adjustment dial. This is a minor inconvenience, but without a swivel nipple, the air compressor hose stuck straight up when we used the belt hook to carry the tool on our tool belt. We connected the Bostitch to our air compressor via a hose (not included), and we noted a slight downside: The nipple on the back of the nailer does not swivel. But for those who want bump-firing mode, the Bostitch performs quite well. We’re not big fans of bump modes on brad nailers with trim nailers it’s best to align each brad precisely before firing. In bump mode, the Bostitch shot a brad every time we pressed the nose of the nailer against the wood. We toggled between modes by turning a small switch near the trigger. We fired more than 200 brads through the Bostitch, using single-shot and multishot (or “bump”) modes. Fortunately, we didn’t have any brad jams (the shooting mechanism is well tuned), but the Bostitch comes with a tool-free jam release in the event a jam occurs. This brad nailer fires nails between ⅝ inch and 2⅛ inches long, and it performed well with the longest and shortest nail lengths as well as those in between. After testing, we tallied the scores and determined the best categories for each tool.Īnyone looking for an overall top-quality brad nailer may want to check out the Bostitch Smart Point. The better a brad nailer performed a test, the higher the points it received. We made notes of all pros and cons of each tool and awarded points based on a rubric. We looked for top performance from the brad nailers we tested-no one wants to stop and clear repeated jams or use a nail set to countersink brads that don’t do so upon firing. We tested the longest and shortest brads the tools would accommodate and tried all their features, such as single-shot and multishot modes. We noted how easy it was to adjust the brad’s depth and looked for user-friendly features, such as tool-free jam releases. We then performed extensive testing in our woodshop-using the brad nailers on hardwoods, including oak and ash, and softer pine boards, since painted pine is a common choice for trim. We selected corded, cordless, and pneumatic brad nailers within these categories. We also chose models that rate high with home woodworkers and are more budget-friendly. Bostitch and DeWalt have great reputations for making quality brad nailers, so we included their top picks. We first chose top-rated options from brands we know and trust. Photo: Glenda Taylor How We Tested the Best Brad Nailersīrad nailers are professional-grade precision power tools and DIY favorites, so we took a multipronged approach when deciding which models to test. Check back for our honest reactions after getting our hands on best picks. BEST CORDLESS: DeWalt DCN680D1 20V 18-Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer KitĮditor’s Note : We’re in the middle of testing even more of the top brad nailers on the market right now.BEST CORDED: DeWalt DWHT75021 Electric 5-in-1 Multi-Tacker.BEST PNEUMATIC: Ridgid R213BNF 18-Gauge 2⅛-Inch Brad Nailer.UPGRADE PICK: Craftsman CMCN618C1 V20* Cordless Brad Nailer Kit.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Wen 61721 18-Gauge Pneumatic Brad Nailer.RUNNER-UP: Metabo HPT NT50AE2M 18-Gauge 2-Inch Brad Nailer.BEST OVERALL: Bostitch BTFP12233 Smart Point 18-GA Brad Nailer Kit.Ahead, learn what to look for when shopping for the best brad nailer, and find out how the following models earned their spot on our lineup. We fired thousands of nails, using each tool in the same ways finish carpenters and cabinetmakers use them, and we took careful note of each model’s strengths and weaknesses.Ĭhoosing the right brad nailer could mean the difference between a professional-looking job and an amateurish mess. Like many woodworkers, we’re big fans of high-quality brad nailers for installing molding and completing woodworking projects, so we put several models through extensive hands-on testing to find the top options. These efficient tools fire 18-gauge nails, which are less likely to split fine wood moldings since they’re thinner than the 16-gauge versions used by a finish nailer. Brad nailers helped spur the DIY movement by making quality trim projects achievable for DIYers and pros alike.
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