Best Brad Nailer

Cordless 18 Gauge Brad Nailer

The key to getting any job done the right way in carpentry is choosing your tools well. With the best cordless 18 gauge brad nail gun, you will be able to handle simple DIY construction projects and repairs with ease.

However, you will need to pick the right nailer for you to get the best results. With so many brands making brad nailers, it can be hard to choose the right one.

Fortunately, we are here to guide you. Whether you are looking for the best nail gun for DIY or the best cordless brad nailer, you are going to get one on our list.

Quick Comparison of 7 Best Cordless 18 Gauge Brad Nailers

ProductKey SpecificationsMore Info
Porter Cable Brad Nailer PCC790LA
Porter-Cable PCC790LA Brad Nailer
Type:  Cordless
Gauge:  18 GA
Power Type:  Battery
Weight:  5.9 lbs.
Material:  Plastic
PriceDetail review
KIMO 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer
KIMO 18 Gauge Brad Nailer
Type:  Cordless
Gauge:  18 GA
Power Type:  Battery
Weight:  6.2 lbs.
Material:  Plastic
PriceDetail review
Ryobi Cordless Brad Nailer P320
Ryobi P320 Brad Nailer
Type:  Cordless
Gauge:  18 GA
Power Type:  Battery
Weight:  6 lbs.
Material:  Plastic
PriceDetail review
Makita brad nailer XNB01Z 18V
Makita XNB01Z 18V Brad Nailer
Type:  Cordless
Gauge:  18 GA
Power Type:  Battery
Weight:  7.7 lbs.
Material:  Plastic
PriceDetail review
Dewalt Brad Nailer DWFP12233
Dewalt DWFP12233 Brad Nailer
Type:  Cordless
Gauge:  18 GA
Power Type:  Battery
Weight:  5.46 lbs.
Material:  Plastic
PriceDetail review
Metabo HPT NT1850DE Cordless
Metabo NT1850DE Brad Nailer
Type:  Cordless
Gauge:  18 GA
Power Type:  Battery
Weight:  15.5 lbs.
Material:  Plastic
PriceDetail review
BOSTITCH BCN680D1 MAX Cordless Brad Nailer Kit
BOSTITCH BCN680D1 Brad Nailer Kit
Type:  Cordless
Gauge:  18 GA
Power Type:  Battery
Weight:  5.4 lbs.
Material:  Plastic
PriceDetail review

Top 7 Cordless Brad Nailer Reviews

We settled on this list of seven top-rated cordless 18 gauge brad nailers after analyzing tens of brand nailers based on expert reviews as well as customer reviews. Here are our top ten brad nailers 2021;

So, let’s get started.

1Porter-Cable PCC790LA 20V MAX Lithium Brad Nailer


Porter-Cable PCC790LA 20V MAX Lithium Brad Nailer

  • Type: Cordless
  • Gauge: 18-GA
  • Weight: 5.9 lbs.

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Highlight Features

  • Battery-powered
  • Consistent depth adjustment wheel
  • Bluetooth capability
  • Two high-quality speakers
  • Built-in LED lights
  • Rubberized handle to prevent the tool from slipping from your grasp

Another nail gun worth a mention in our best 18 gauge brad nailer reviews is this PCC790LA brad nailer kit by Porter-Cable. This brad nailer kit uses a 20V Li-ion battery for cordless operation, and this makes it highly portable- it has no hoses or gas cartridges or compressors insight.

And since this tool is designed to hold all the things in its frame, including the battery, the Porter-Cable prioritized on a lightweight design with a great center of gravity.

This unit balances well in hand, and thus you can use it for a long time without feeling fatigued. Just like the other brad nailers we have reviewed above, the PCC790LA Porter Cable Brad Nailer Kit has a fastening length capacity of 18ga brad nails of 5/8 inches to 2 inches.

What’s more, the nailer has a sequential firing mode as well as a safety trigger lock. Other features include tool-free operations such as jam release, release lever, and depth adjustment wheel. All these features make it one of the best electric nail gun models on the market.
Overall, the Porter-Cable 18 Gauge Brad Nailer PCC790LA is a robust brad nailer with excellent features. Depending on the amount of work at hand, you may need to consider the weight of this tool before you buy it.

What We Liked Most:

  • This is a cordless brad nailer that is fully battery-powered
  • Easy depth adjustment wheel to help you work on different surfaces
  • Too-free jam release and release level for efficiency
  • Powerful battery included for long-lasting usage
  • 3-year limited warranty

What Needs to Improve:

  • It is quite heavier as compared to most other models in its price range

2KIMO 9418A Brad Nailer 20V Lithium-Ion Battery


KIMO 9418A Brad Nailer 20V Lithium-Ion Battery

  • Type: Cordless
  • Gauge: 18-GA
  • Weight: 6.2 lbs.

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Highlight Features

  • 2-mode operation allowing you to switch from sequential to contact operation
  • Battery fully charges within 45minutes to one hour
  • LED lighting for nailing/stapling in dark areas
  • Drives seven hundred brads when fully charged

Cordless Brad Nailer If you often work on distinct projects, then KIMO 9418A is an excellent brad nailer choice for you as it comes with a variety of accessories. A quick look at its key features makes this product one of the best cordless brad nailers in the market.

This unit for the money is uniquely designed, making it versatile. It can be used for both nailing and stapling. You will be able to use nails ranging from ¾” to 2″ long and ¾” to 1 5/8″ long staples. Also, its Lithium-ion battery charges very fast. In less than an hour, the battery will be full. Furthermore, the 2.0Ah battery is strong enough to drive seven hundred brads when fully charged.

This versatile brad nailer also features a 2-mode operation that enables you to switch between sequential action and contact actuation conveniently. This feature allows you to choose between having a single or multiple brads each time you squeeze the trigger.

An additional appealing feature of this product is its 2 LED lights at the anterior part. The light provides better visibility when using this unit in dimly lit areas.

What We Liked Most:

  • It is lightweight, therefore not tedious to use
  • Versatile for use in nailing as well as stapling
  • LED lighting makes it convenient for use in dimly lit areas
  • The compact design makes it great for use in squeezed spaces

What Needs to Improve:

  • A bit pricey

3RYOBI P320 Airstrike Brad Nailer 18 Volt One+ Lithium-Ion


RYOBI P320 Airstrike Brad Nailer 18 Volt One+ Lithium-Ion

  • Type: Cordless
  • Gauge: 18-GA
  • Weight: 6 lbs.

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Highlight Features

  • Two firing modes; sequential & contact
  • Battery-powered
  • Two front positioned LED lights
  • Indicator for low nails level
  • Automatic shut down once nails are exhausted

Ryobi Brad Nailer P320 Airstrike 18 Volt One+ Lithium-Ion Cordless If you are looking for a brad nailer that is compatible with different batteries for your professional /DIY projects, we recommend that you consider this Ryobi nail gun P320.

It is compatible with a 1.5Ah Lithium-ion battery as well as a 4.0 Ah one. Since this unit is battery-powered, you will not have to deal with the hassle of carrying and buying an air compressor or gas cartridge.

The P320 can be used for professional use, thanks to its ability to drive up to 1700 nails when fully charged. In terms of safety, the Ryobi cordless nailer P320 has a safety lock for preventing dry firing. The lock automatically shuts down the firing of this unit if the brads are exhausted.

This automatic shutting down also aids in increasing the lifespan of this brad nailer for the money. Besides, this product has a remarkable dial knob feature for adjusting the air pressure and nail depth. The Ryobi brad nailer P320 doesn’t need to have additional tools for control by having these adjustment settings, and this saves both money and time.

Overall, the Ryobi airstrike brad nailer P320 gives value for money, and it is also comfortable to use for long thanks to the rubber handle that offers a firm grip.

What We Liked Most:

  • LED lights for dimly lit places
  • It is safe to use thanks to the anti-dry firing feature
  • Gives users control over air pressure and nail depth
  • It is lightweight

What Needs to Improve:

  • The battery gets damages too fast
  • Magazine area often gets jammed when adding brad strips

4Makita XNB01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brad Nailer


Makita XNB01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brad Nailer

  • Type: Cordless
  • Gauge: 18-GA
  • Weight: 7.7 lbs.

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Highlight Features

  • Drives a range of 18ga brad nails from 5/8 inches to 2 inches
  • Magazine capacity of up to 110 nails
  • Integrated LED light indicator to show battery charge
  • Battery charges in 45 minutes
  • 2-mode selector switch for contact or sequential nailing operation
  • Tool-less depth adjustment dial

If you are in the market looking for the best cordless brad nailer of 2021, then we can recommend this unit. Checking most of its reviews, it is true that this brad nailer offers a great value for its price.

Provided with a 5.0AH Li-ion battery that lasts for thousands of shots, this nail gun is designed to handle some serious projects. You will be able to use it for extended projects such as home improvement and woodworking projects, all with commendable results, thanks to the non-marring nose that is made of rubber.

In addition to this, its battery charges fast. Within 90 minutes, it will be full, which means you will be ready for another round within no time. Not to mention that you can use drive brad nails from 5/8 inches to 2 inches. What’s more, it has a decent nail magazine capacity of up to 110 nails.

With two-mode selective switches for single and rapid nail operation, this tool can handle various projects, including installing molding and narrow trims.

This product also features a depth adjustment dial that is easy to use and allows it to be used on plenty of finishing applications. Also, it features an inbuilt LED that also doubles as a battery indicator and informs users about the battery level. What’s more, the battery takes less than an hour to fully get charged.

Another great feature worth a mention is the dry-fire protection. This cordless brad nailer from Makita will shot every brad nail in its magazine and then automatically lock itself to prevent it from firing when empty. This means that you will not have small strips of nails left on your material that normally arises from dry-firing.

What We Liked Most:

  • Quick battery charge time
  • Low LED light which is ideal for working in low light
  • Different nailing modes to enable it to handle different projects
  • Depth options to allow it to handle different projects

What Needs to Improve:

  • Not great for hardwood operations
  • It is a bit heavy as compared

5Dewalt DWFP12233 Brad Nailer 20V MAX Precision Point


Dewalt DWFP12233 Brad Nailer 20V MAX Precision Point

  • Type: Cordless
  • Gauge: 18-GA
  • Weight: 5.46 lbs.

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Highlight Features

  • Unique Precision Point tech
  • Air compressor powered
  • Drives between 5/8 inch and 2-1/8-inch-long 18GA nails
  • Durable, easy to maintain the motor
  • The belt hook is adjustable
  • Magazine capacity of up to 100 brads

Dewalt Brad Nailer DWFP12233 20V MAX Cordless DeWALT brand has been in the portable tools industry for a decade now, and it is safe to say that they have mastered the art of making quality tools. The Dewalt brad nailer 20v DWFP12233 is one of their most reliable free maintenance brad nailers, especially for delicate surfaces.

A unique feature of this brad nailer is the Precision Point Tech by DeWALT. This tech facilitates a more definite line of vision while also making it easier to place nails via a tinnier nose. Thanks to this tech, you don’t need to compress the unit’s tips when actuating the device.

Another appealing feature is the toll-free mechanism integrated into this unit for jam release. When nails jam, one only needs to open the nose plate at the anterior part and remove the stray nails. Besides, the tips of this unit are designed to prevent marring.

Therefore, your work surface doesn’t get scratched or deformed. The kit also comes with additional tips and a case for secure storage and transport. When it comes to longevity, this product does not disappoint. The unit’s body is made using magnesium, which makes it long-lasting and sturdy.

Overall, this product is a good buy, especially for working on delicate surfaces, thanks to its tips that don’t cause scratching.

What We Liked Most:

  • Doesn’t mar surfaces
  • It is lightweight at only 3 pounds
  • Requires little to no maintenance
  • Provides users with a better line of sight
  • It comes with additional items such as a carrying/packing case, sample nails, and extra tips.

What Needs to Improve:

  • It tends to jam quite often

6Metabo HPT NT1850DE 18V Lithium-Ion Brad Nailer Kit


Metabo HPT NT1850DE 18V Lithium-Ion Brad Nailer Kit

  • Type: Cordless
  • Gauge: 18-GA
  • Weight: 15.5 lbs.

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Highlight Features

  • Unique air spring drive system
  • Straight magazine that holds up to 100 18ga fasteners
  • Brushless motor for longer run time and increased durability
  • Selective actuation switch transition between bump fire mode and sequential mode

For professionals, having a quality, the versatile nailer is a must. You don’t want to keep switching between different nailers when working to serve framing, electrical, renovation, or demolition purposes, and this is where Metabo HPT brad nailer comes into play.

Metabo HPT is a relatively new brand in the industry of cordless framing nailers, and they are steadily rising in popularity, and this being one of their latest models is already rising in popularity.

One of the key features of Metabo HPT NT1850DE is the air spring drive system. Although it is primarily powered by a battery, you will notice that it is more powerful thanks to the air spring system. By this, we mean that it uses a compressed air cylinder to shoot nails.

Another great feature of this unit is the frictionless motor that is designed to deliver longer run-time while requiring less maintenance. The frictionless motor also ensures superior performance as well as an extended lifespan that allows you to drive up to 2 inches nails effortlessly.

In terms of battery, this brad nailer is powered by a powerful 3.0Ah Li-ion battery that can drive up to 1,650 nails per full charge.

Apart from versatility, this brad nailer is safer to use. The side lock triggers and dry fire lockout prevent accidental firing at the job site.

In addition to this, this new cordless framing Metabo HPT from Metabo HPT is equipped with a control panel that is placed at the base of the handle. The control panel has several pressing buttons, including the On/Off button.

This Metabo nail gun also addresses the issue of drive depth by having a design that allows a quick change wheel/dial without using any tools. You can, therefore, easily set your desired drive depth based on your working surface density.

What We Liked Most:

  • Superior engineering
  • Longer run time and increased durability
  • Less maintenance
  • Has safety features to prevent accidents

What Needs to Improve:

  • Has no tool-free jam clearing option

Despite these reported issues, the product remains overall well received. There is a large possibility that these problems were simply one-offs and the overall quality of the product is not reflected fully by this.

7BOSTITCH BCN680D1 20V MAX Brad Nailer Kit


BOSTITCH BCN680D1 20V MAX Brad Nailer Kit

  • Type: Cordless
  • Gauge: 18-GA
  • Weight: 5.4 lbs.

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Highlight Features

  • It is cordless and thus no compressor is needed
  • Has a brushless motor
  • The engine drives 18ga brad nails of length between 5/8 inches to 2-1/8 inches
  • Multifunctional LED lights to allow workspace illumination and diagnosing the tool
  • Has quick jam release to easily and quickly clear nail jams

This cordless brad nailer kit by BOSTITCH features a narrow nose design that allows you to place nails accurately and with quick succession without having to use a separate contact trip. The small nose design saves you from the hassle of having to push against your work surface so as to actuate the nailer. This allows you to place nails, even in narrow spaces.

This unit saves you time as it is highly effective and efficient at driving brad nails. Operated by a cordless brushless motor as well as an exclusive engine that drives brad nails of 18ga into any material from 5/8 inches to 2-1/8 inches length, you can rest assured that this device can handle different carpentry tasks.

Another feature worth a mention is the LED lights that enable it to see your working space clearly and also operating the tool when working. The LED lights allow you to work in dimly lighted areas making this unit one of the best cordless brad nailer models.

Overall, this tool offers excellent performance when working thanks to the quick jam release tool that allows you to quickly and accurately release brad nails and clear nail jams.

What We Liked Most:

  • Has a compact size
  • It is lightweight, and thus will not tire your hand
  • Allows for accurate nail placement
  • Features LED lights for illuminating

What Needs to Improve:

  • The safety button is hard to operate

Things to Consider – Before Buying the Best Battery Brad Nailer

Now that you have read our reviews for the best brad nailers in the market at the moment, you may still find it hard to choose the right one for your needs because they all have close-related features. It is, therefore, important that we share this information with you to help you make a quicker, better-informed decision. Here are things you should consider when buying a brad nailer;

Projects you intend to handle

You should not go for a nailer that is only designed to handle the project at hand. Rather, you should choose a nailer that will handle a range of different projects you normally handle.

Of course, you may need a unique nailer designed to handle specific projects such as a finishing nailer, but if you don’t have a budget for buying different types of nailers, you may just need to go for one suited for general usage. This will save you money in the long run.

Nail storage capacity

One of the features to look at in a nailer is the magazine capacity or nail storage capacity. Manufacturers always indicated the number of nails a nailer magazine can accommodate. For instance, you will find many with a capacity ranging from 100-250 nails.

A relatively larger capacity means that you will be able to work uninterruptedly without the need to refill the magazine over and over again. Most of the time, brad nailers with a large nail storage capacity are suitable for people who handle large projects.

Construction

When it comes to construction, we mean build quality, ease of loading, and weight of your unit. If you want a brad nailer that will serve you for a long time, you should go for one built with quality materials.

For example, a brad nailer with stainless steel or aluminum construction will last longer. However, keep in mind that the choice of material determines the weight of the unit. For example, a brad nailer made from stainless steel is often heavier than one made from aluminum. If you are often working for long hours or on large projects, you should look for units that are made of lightweight materials.

Another thing to check is the handle- does it have an anti-slip grip? Does it have an ergonomic design for easier and comfortable grip?

Power source

When it comes to brad nailers, there are three sources of power. One of the most common is the pneumatic system, which uses an air compressor. The 2nd most common ones are those with an electronic system. Others are gas-powered. It is up to you to know which system suits you the most- electronic or gas nail guns tend to be pricier than air compressor versions, but they are more portable.

Corded vs. cordless operation

The choice between corded or cordless units depends on the type of jobs you frequently handle. For example, if you move from one workshop to another, it may be wise to invest in a cordless unit. Mostly, the cordless device requires one to install batteries.

On the other hand, the corded brad nailers need electric power to operate, which is great for people who do not move a lot. Should you decide to go for a corded unit, you should find one with a long cord.

Other features

The above five are the main factors you should keep in mind, but there are extra features you should keep in mind when choosing the right brad nailers. These include an anti-nail jam mechanism, ease of reloading, low-nail indicator function, built-in LED light, as well as adjustability. The warranty period is also another thing to consider.

FAQs

What is brad nailer used for?

A brad nailer is used for different woodworking tasks including, nailing, trimming, cabinetry, moldings, and a lot more. Essentially, a brad nailer gun helps one to drive the nails quicker and in a simpler fashion.

What are the best brad nailer models to use?

There are several brands known to create great products, including Porter-Cable and DeWALT, among others. If you go through our reviews above, you will easily spot the best brad nailers that suit your needs.

Which is better- a battery-powered nailer or an electric nailer?

Well, this depends on your needs. For instance, battery-powered nailers tend to be more portable than their electric counterparts. Also, they are cordless, and thus easy to use everywhere.

For electric nailer, they tend to be more powerful, but lacks mobility as they have to be used in an area with a power outlet. It is up to you to know what works for you.

Final Words

Whether you want brad nailer to complete your DIY projects or want one for professional work, you need to buy the right one for the projects at hand.

But with the market having many different nailers, choosing the right one for your needs is always a difficult job as all tend to have similar features. We have tried to make it easier for you to pick the right models by reviewing the top 10 best brad nailer models in the market, and we hope that you have found the right one.

We have also outlined the things you should consider, including nail magazine capacity, power source, construction, among other things. Whether you want to do DIY projects or you are looking for a device that will help you carry out professional projects, our list above has something for you.

Use this list of the top 10 brad nailers of 2021 as your buying guide to choosing the right nailer for your needs.