3 best brad nails for nailer

Brad nails are a type of fastener commonly used with brad nailers, which are power tools designed for precision fastening in woodworking and other applications. Here's what you need to know about brad nails and brad nailers:

Brad Nails: Brad nails are thin, straight nails with a small, rounded head. They are designed to be discreet and leave minimal marks, making them ideal for finishing work and applications where a clean, polished appearance is essential.
Size: Brad nails come in various sizes, typically measured by their gauge (thickness) and length. Common brad nail sizes include 18-gauge and 16-gauge, with lengths ranging from 5/8 inch to 2 inches or more. The choice of size depends on the specific project and the thickness of the materials being fastened.
Applications: Brad nailers are often used in woodworking, cabinetry, trim work, and other tasks where precision and aesthetics are important. They excel at attaching delicate or thin materials without causing splits or visible holes.
Features: Brad nailers are pneumatic or electric tools that can drive brad nails into various surfaces. They are designed for ease of use and typically have adjustable depth settings to control how far the nail is driven into the material. This prevents over-penetration and ensures a flush finish.
Safety: When working with brad nailers, it's crucial to follow safety precautions. Wear appropriate safety gear, including safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris. Ensure that the workpiece is secure, and be cautious about the nailer's exhaust and recoil.
Versatility: Brad nailers are versatile tools that can handle a range of fastening tasks. They are often used for attaching baseboards, crown molding, trim, paneling, and other decorative elements. Their narrow profile makes them suitable for tight spaces.
Fastening Method: Brad nails are typically collated in strips or coils for easy loading into the nailer. Depending on the nailer type, they can be loaded from the top or bottom. The nailer drives the brad nails into the material with a quick and controlled motion.
Finishing Touches: After using brad nails, it's common to fill the small holes left behind with wood putty or filler to achieve a seamless finish.Sanding and painting or staining may also be required to conceal any marks or imperfections.

In summary, brad nails are thin, small-headed nails used with brad nailers for precision fastening in woodworking and finishing applications. These nails leave minimal marks and are ideal for tasks that require a clean and polished appearance. Brad nailers are versatile power tools that make fastening delicate or thin materials easier and more precise. Proper safety measures should always be followed when using these tools.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best brad nails for nailer on the market

Metabo HPT Brad Nailer, Pneumatic, 18 Gauge, 5/8-Inch up to 2-Inch Brad Nails, Tool-less Depth Adjustment, Selective Actuation Switch, 5-Year Warranty (NT50AE2)

Metabo HPT

Based on 796 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The 2" 18-Gauge Brad Nailer - NT50AE2 is ideal for trim work, furniture building and other finish applications that require precision and performance that the pro and DIY both require. It accepts finish brad nails from 5/8" in length up to 2". With a lightweight economical design, this brad nailer is engineered for the toughest jobs.

BRAD NAILER: Accepts 5/8" up to 2" 18-gauge brad nails
FASTENERS: Accepts 5/8 In. to 2 In. 18-gauge fasteners
TRIGGER: Selective actuation switch lets the user easily select bump fire or sequential fire modes
LIGHTWEIGHT: Only 2.2 lbs, for easy all day use
DEPTH ADJUSTMENT: Depth of drive dial allows the user to easily adjust the drive depth for a professional finish
NO-MAR TIP: No-mar tip on the nose protects the work piece from unintended markings
RELOAD INDICATOR: Located on the magazine, alerts the user when nail quantities are low so that blank drives are avoided

User questions & answers

Question:	Can this be used to nail quarter round to the floorboards
Answer:	This nailer is perfect for quarter round. The smaller 18 gauge nails make it less likely to split the wood. I’ve also noticed that this nailer doesn’t leave dimple marks. I’ve used mine to install base trim, quarter round, shiplap, and furniture making.
Question:	Is it possible to fix the safety so that I can shot without applying pressure to the nose where the nail exits the gun
Answer:	I wouldn’t, seems like a good way to shoot your finger. Some of my guns have double triggers and it’s not an issue. Plus how would you control the depth of the nail setting action.
Question:	why does it say power source corded electric
Answer:	I guess they mean the air compressor is electric and it’s the power source. The nailer is all air.
Question:	can this gun take 18 gauge headless nails
Answer:	I got a stapler in my box, don't know what you will get!

Product features

360 Degree Adjustable Exhaust Port

Keeps dust, debris and oil off the finish project.

Visual Nail Reload Indicator

Located on the magazine and alerts the user when nail quantities are low so that blank drives are avoided.

Selective Actuation

Allows the user to select bump fire or contact fire modes with the simple flip of a switch.

Tool-less, Easy-to-clear Nose

For quick and simple nail extraction should a nail jam during use.

PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Cordless Brad Nailer Kit, 18GA (PCC790LA)

PORTER-CABLE

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The PORTER-CABLE PCC790LA 20V MAX Lithium 18GA Brad Nailer Kit is 100% battery powered which eliminates need for compressor, hose or costly gas cartridges. The special motor design provides consistent firing power into various materials and climate conditions. This nailer features multiple tool free settings to provide increased productivity and user safety. The unit's lightweight and optimal center of gravity provide user comfort in multiple positions reducing user fatigue. It also offers multi functional dual LED lights to light up your workspace, and indicate errors. Fastener length capacity of 5/8" - 2", magazine capacity of 100, with sequential firing mode and trigger lock. Includes Battery, and Charger.

NO COMPRESSOR NEEDED: This cordless brad nailer is battery powered, eliminating the need for a compressor, hose, or expensive gas cartridges.
CONSISTENT DRIVING DEPTH: Our depth adjustment wheel allows you to properly countersink nails consistently. Nail Diameter: 18 gauge
INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY: A tool free release lever, jam release, and depth adjustment wheel make your life easier.
BETTER RUNTIME: Included 1.5 Ah 20Volt MAX Lithium ion battery lasts longer than NiCad, charger included. Integrated Belt Hook: Yes
3 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: PORTER CABLE will repair, without charge, any defects due to faulty materials or workmanship for 3 years from the date of purchase.

User questions & answers

Question:	Does this come with a charger
Answer:	This one does come with a battery & charger, but they sell a model without a charger
Question:	Would this tool work to repair my fence
Answer:	Sure it can repair your fence and build you new fences too I use it every day for at least two hours . Great tool I have not use my compressor from I bought this tool. But do not use the nailer alone use screws too.
Question:	Will it go through 1" oak trim
Answer:	yes
Question:	can i use multiple lengths of nails
Answer:	5/8 inch through 2 inch nails....awesome gun...i am so happy with it

DEWALT Brad Nailer Kit, 18GA, 5/8-Inch to 2-Inch (DWFP12231)

DEWALT

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The new DEWALT DWFP12231 18 gauge, 2-Inch Brad Nailer Kit is an excellent tool with many enticing qualities. It features a long life maintenance-free motor to keep from staining the work surface. The magnesium body delivers a strong and lightweight design. It also features a tool-free depth -of-drive adjustment with detents for proper setting of nail heads, along with a tool-free jam release mechanism for easy nail removal. The rear exhuast helps to keep contaminates away from work. This unit is made to drive 18 gauge nails from 5/8" to 2" in length, with a sequential style trigger, and 100 nail magazine capacity. This unit has a removable non-marring nose tip with on tool storage, and an integrated rubber grip for improved comfort and anti-slip grip. It also has an adjustable belt hook which allows the tool to be kept near the user. This kit also includes carrying case and owner's manual. Refer instruction manual before use. A compressor is required and not included.

Long life maintenance-free motor to keep from staining the work surface
Tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment with detents for proper setting of nail heads
Tool-free jam release mechanism for easy nail removal
Rear exhaust to keep contaminates away from work. Operating pressure 70 - 120 psi
Drives 18 gauge nails from 5/8" to 2" length. Power Source: Pneumatic. Power Tool Type: Pneumatic. Note: There are no nails included
Compressor is required to use this product but is not included

User questions & answers

Question:	Can someone recommend an air compressor that would power this nailer? I don't know a lot about tools and don't want to buy larger than i need
Answer:	: A Husky 4 gallon portable will run three of these nailers. I believe it cost me $250.00. It's pretty quiet. Both of these cost less than a battery one
Question:	What is the difference between 18 gauge brad nailer and 16 gauge finishing nailer? I need to install trim, build bookcase and install decking floor
Answer:	Brad nails are formed from a fine 18 gauge wire, while finish nails are made from heavier 16 or 15 gauge wire. Finish nails are the correct choice for fastening larger crown and baseboard trim, brad nails are used to install smaller trim to help prevent splitting and to promote a cleaner looking job with less touch-up work after the nailing is done.
Question:	Would I need to purchase anything else (battery) in order to use? I know absolutely NOTHING about power tools
Answer:	Hello, Thank you for writing ACME Tools. The DWFP12231 Brad Nailer is a Pneumatic tool so you will have to use an Air Compressor and a hose with the proper fittings. Other than that, this unit is very straight forward and easy to use.
Question:	what is the voltage
Answer:	The voltage is 765 kV and it is also powered by two Siemens & Halske alternators rated 30 hp (22 kW), 2 kV at 120 Hz and uses 200 series-connected Gaulard 2-kV/20-V step-down transformers provided with a closed magnetic circuit, one for each trigger. Hope this helps.