Which brad nailer?

[kooshball]

I have a 15-ga finish nailer but want something a bit smaller for interior trim work and misc projects; and so a brad nailer is on the list.

I have tried to read the reviews online but most guns have mixed reviews and I can't seem to find a good consensus.

My only requirements with this gun are that it have a reliable depth setting adjustment and that it minimize the marring to the work where the tip makes contact (my 15-ga finish nailer always dings the work and it drives me crazy).

So what to buy...???...???

 

[JackLeg]

I just bought a Hitachi on sale at Lowe's and I'm well pleased so far. It replaced a Bostich that I couldn't keep operating. Several other folk recommended the Hitachi also. :wsmile:

 

[JackLeg]

Depending on what type "finish work" you're doing, the guru's tell me you might also want to consider a pin nailer. :dontknow:

 

[jemcguire]

I've always liked my 18ga Bostitch and it gets a lot of use, but it's over ten years old and probably doesn't compare to the newer models. I've heard good things about the Porter Cable as well.

 

[ChrisB]

I have a Senco 18-ga brad nailer that I've had for several years and have used a lot. It doesn't have an adjustable depth adjustment but I've never had a problem nailing anything from oak and hard maple to white pine. If I had to replace it I'd get another Senco.

Chris

 

[MarkE]

Bash had mentioned this deal on another thread. Might be worth checking out.

http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2082584/33129/Freeman-Pinner-and-Brad-Nailer-Combo-Kit.aspx

It seems like other online sources are also selling this kit for similar clearance prices.

 

[jhreed]

I have the Bostitch 18 ga, 5/8-2" unit. w/depth adj. oil free. Others advertise how quick you can clear a jam. I cannot tell you how long it takes to clear a jam on my Bostitch, never had one. Love the oil free feature. The depth adj. works great. Mine is certainly not for sale.
James

 

[Mike Camp]

I have the Bostitch 18 ga, 5/8-2" unit. w/depth adj. oil free. Others advertise how quick you can clear a jam. I cannot tell you how long it takes to clear a jam on my Bostitch, never had one. Love the oil free feature. The depth adj. works great. Mine is certainly not for sale.
James

+1 on the Bostitch.

I got this one reconditioned and love it. The Hitachi @ Lowe's gets rave reviews as well. The reconditioned Bostitch is on sale for $49.99 @ Rockler and free shipping with code V9117

 

[Bill Clemmons]

I have the Porter Cable 18 ga. and have been very satisfied w/ it. This deal, mentioned by Mark above, might also be worth checking out. I have the Freeman pin nailer, and it works fine.

The only brand pneumatic guns I have had consistent problems w/ are the two Campbell Hausfield models. Both have been replaced because the originals malfunctioned, and the replacements weren't any better.

Bill

 

[DanR]

I just bought a Hitachi on sale at Lowe's and I'm well pleased so far. It replaced a Bostich that I couldn't keep operating. Several other folk recommended the Hitachi also. :wsmile:

I also just bought the Hitachi, but I got it at Big Sky Tools ($41 for a refurb). I bought this one because of the reviews on Amazon and people say the depth adjustment works. I only got it yesterday, so can't talk from first hand experience:

http://bigskytool.com/Hitachi_NT50A..._Reconditioned)___i1043.aspx?ref=qrbmymmwyrdy

Note: If you use that link I get some kind of credit with them. Some people don't like that kind of thing, so here is the public link:

http://bigskytool.com/Hitachi_NT50AE2_2_18-Gauge_Brad_Nailer_(Grade_C_Reconditioned)___i1043.aspx

 

[kooshball]

Thanks folks! I picked up the Bostitch at Lowe's today on my lunch...I really dig the oil-less feature!