Top 9 Best Brad Nailers in the Market | (Latest Updates)

It doesn't matter how good a professional you are, without a brad nailer you can't win your customers. It makes a huge difference in your work and overall performance.

See also-

• Best Roofing Nailer
• Best Framing Nailers
• Best Finish Nailer

What Are the Best Brad Nailers?

There are vast collections of brad nailers in the marketꟷ you don’t know what to pick. Maybe, you want the most professional one or the cheapest one. Or perhaps you want one which will serve your specific purpose. So to, here we have listed down the best brad nailer categorically. Please check. If you have any better ideas, then please comment on the article sharing your thoughts.

Best Overall: BOSTITCH Nail Gun, Brad Nailer, 18GA (BTFP12233)

“Features a ¼ inch air fitting, rear air exhaust and belt hook with an integrated pencil sharpener to provide the ultimate convenience”

Best for Wood Trim: NEU MASTER NTC0023 Rechargeable Brad Nailer

“Up To 1100 Shots Per Full Charge; It is ready to go to work without the hassle of using gas, compressor, and cord”

Best for the Money: DEWALT Brad Nailer Kit (DWFP12231)

“The magnesium body delivers a strong and lightweight design; Rear exhaust to keep contaminates away from work”

Best for Furniture Making: Metabo HPT Brad Nailer Kit (NT50AE2)

“360° adjustable exhaust port; Selective actuation switch lets the user easily select bump fire or sequential fire modes”

Best for Toughest Materials: Makita AF505N Brad Nailer

“To protect the wood’s surface from being scratched or damaged, it has a non-marring rubber nose and bumpers”

Best for Flooring: Ryobi P320 Airstrike 18 Volt One+ Lithium Ion Cordless Brad Nailer

“On a single charge, it can fire up to 700 nails up to 50 millimeters long”

Best for Crown Molding: PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Cordless Brad Nailer Kit (PCC790LA)

“The unit’s lightweight and optimal center of gravity provide user comfort in multiple positions reducing user fatigue”

Best in Cordless Design: CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Brad Nailer Kit, 18GA (CMCN618C1)

“Provides consistent firing power in various climate conditions and materials”

Best Inexpensive: WEN 61721 18-Gauge Brad Nailer

“Operating pressure ranges from 60 to 115 PSI with the nailer consuming 0.028 CFM of air per nail at 88 PSI”

Best Brad Nailer Comparison

Are you in a hurry?

Let's check our market analysed top Brad Nailer comparison at a glance.

How Do the Brad Nailers Work?

Best brad Nailer work in two to three different ways.

The main difference among different models is the 'Driving Force'. For example, some brad nailers utilize the power of fuel canister that provides the driving force. These types of nailers are quite powerful and work in the long term as the fuel gives accurate force you need even for the hardwood projects, once it is ignited inside the cylinder.

There are some recent models which use motors as the driving force. The motor compresses air into the cylinder that uses it as a force to drive the brads.

Many experts, these days, are in favor of brad nailer with motors. For them, fuel is a credible source of power but it can compel you to spend more money on it. You have to purchase replacement fuel canisters once they start smelling bad.

Best Brad Nailer in the Market

Professionals use brad nailers for a wide range of renovation and home improvement projects. If you are also interested in buying a brad nailer for your next projects, we have a list for you. All these below brad nailers are needed for fixing trims and molding.

They have many other features that can facilitate you in many precise jobs which cannot be attained with a hammer or a framing nailer.

Before putting together our list, we knew price and warranty will always be in your mind. All these below products come in the varying price range. You can opt for anyone that suits your needs and budget. Almost all of them have great features and have their own specifics pros and cons also.

Moreover, don't forget to check the warranty. The length of it is important as it determines how long you are going to be covered from defects.

Best Overall: BOSTITCH BTFP12233 Brad Nailer

When it comes to working in the real world environment with a nailer, BOSTITCH BTFP12233 Brad Nailer is the winner.

It is a great gun and exactly what you are looking for. The overall construction has a quality that ensures no jamming or technical kind of issues. Most critics can raise questions on its design element but as far as we know there is almost no one who disparages its performance. This can be the best-selling feature of this product.

Some nailer doesn't work well in tight spaces or where the angular movement is required. Achieving the angles and driving nails becomes very difficult or impossible with them. You mostly have to depress fully to drive out nails.

But BOSTITCH BTFP12233 has a specific nailing point that makes it easy to shoot.

People who work in tight spaces and deal with angle issues can count on it utterly. The nailing point feature also makes it a reliable option for many projects.

People who use this nailer on a constant basis recommend using it at only about 80% of its max pressure. According to them, this pressure is ideal for hardwoods. If you'd keep on using it on its max pressure, it will reduce its lifespan and affect its performance.

There is one question that most customers ask about this product, can we use this product without an air compressor? Well, no. You can't. The air compressor is needed to make it work.

Product Highlights (BOSTITCH BTFP12233):

• It has a smaller nose that gives easy nail placement and facilitates in tough jobs.
• The Dial-a-Depth Control system is often used for accurate countersinking of the nails.
• You won't often deal with oil stains as it relies on the oil-free operation.
• The tool-free jam release mechanism of BOSTITCH BTFP12233 let you remove nails.
• You need an air compressor to make it work.

Best for the Money: DEWALT Brad Nailer (DWFP12231)

Before including this product in our list of Best Brad Nailer, we examined each component and feature of it and compared it with other known models in the industry. We know DEWALT is a famous company but it was not our aim to review this product under the brand name umbrella.

If you are a DEWALT fan and your eyes are fixed on this product, there is one thing you need to comprehend - the o-ring on its cylinder isn't great.

Many consumers complain that it can break after a few months. It is not as strong as it is in other models. For that reason, you must ensure that you have a warranty in hands in case you also deal with the same issue. Luckily, as far as have researched, the manufacturers replace the product in case you find some issue in it.

But still, it can a headache for some people.

Please, remember, this doesn't mean everyone will face this issue. This is the issue which we have noticed about it. Otherwise, it is a great nailer. It works precisely due to its clever design and doesn't jam either time and again like many other popular models.

When it comes to its overall design and construction, it is faultless. The built quality and the finish is exceptional, make it look like a super expensive product. Besides, weight and balance are also quite good. You can work for hours without feeling the strain on your shoulders and arms. Plus, the moving parts are also solid and of high quality.

Product Highlights (DEWALT DWFP12231) :

• You will need a compressor and air hose to make it work.
• The balance and weight of this product are quite great, just right for professionals.
• Its kit includes 500 nails of 1-1/4".
• You will also have an instruction manual which is packed with all the details.
• It has a magnesium body that makes it well-built.

Best for Furniture Making: Metabo HPT Pneumatic Brad Nailer (NT50AE2)

Looking for a tool for occasional use? Get Hitachi NT50AE2. Hitachi NT50AE2 is now Metabo HPT 18 Gauge Pneumatic Brad Nailer (NT50AE2).

This brad nailer is light and excellent for almost all kinds of purposes. It operates exactly as it is supposed to. The price can flood some people with bafflement but it works perfectly. You will be immensely happy with the purchase. Even the fans of DWALT and other companies are praising this Hitachi model and think that it works better than the most brands in the market and its ability to use different nail sizes is also a huge plus.

We know some brad nailers are overly bulky and it makes it difficult to perform tough jobs through them, but this isn't the issue with this model. The size is compact and it can fit into awkward places. Therefore, you can use this to install interior trim work too.

Some people ask whether it is good for building big structures or furniture.

We won't recommend buying this brad nailer for building any kind of heavy structure. It is developed to hold finishing trip and stuff which is not structural. We don't think so the quality and length of the nail can be used for holding big structures.

Similarly, building a deck or patio won't be a clever decision. For all these kind of structures, you need a powerful nailer. This is our assumption after canvassing its features in details. If you are still on the verge of making the decision and want to know about this specific aspect, it is better to contact the manufacturers. They can reveal the power of their tool in detail and explain what specific kinds of work it can perform better.

Product Highlights (Hitachi NT50AE2) :

• If you are planning to build big structures or furniture, avoid it.
• It is designed for holding finishing trip or that stuff which is not based on a structure.
• It has a lightweight aluminum body.
• Yes, it is possible to adjust the depth of the drive for accuracy.
• It has a great, high capacity magazine for reduced downtime.

Best for Toughest Materials: Makita AF505N Brad Nailer, 2-Inch

With most brad nailer, it is extremely tough to work on hardwoods like oak. They don't work well or their efficiency is not up to the mark.

That's why man woodworkers who especially work on oak count on the framing nailers. It becomes a need for them to complete their projects in an indirect way and with a tool that is not exactly created for their exact needs.

Many experts have tested Makita AF505N Brad Nailer on the oak. They checked its effectiveness through scraps of oak base and case molding and find out that it works nothing less than a powerful framing nailer. It can work as a professional nailer on 3/4" thick oak planting, without any trouble.

If you are thinking the country of manufacture is China and it won't last long even with the immense strength, it will be a big, big misunderstanding.

It has been proved time and time again that it can withstand the test of time.

And, it will be your best friend in all the difficult projects for years.

The Makita AF505N also has a narrow nose design. In a way, it means you will have access to confined areas and you will be able to work in corners rather comfortably. Other than that, this type of nose design is suitable for precise contact.

Product Highlights (Makita AF505N) :

• It is great for trim work and crown board molding installation.
• You can avoid blank drives with the help of a reload indicator.
• Because of depth adjustment, you can use it for a wide variety of finish applications.
• It has a narrow nose design for precise contact.
• It comes with safety goggles and tool case.

Best for Flooring: Ryobi P320 Cordless Brad Nailer

This is an awesome and easy nailer.

If you have Ryobi P320, all you have to need is to load in the brads, pop the battery in, and begin your work. It is immensely easy to use and assist you in completing projects quickly.

People who have used DEWALT, they will find this model a bit smaller. It is because DEWALT nailers are big. It is tough for many experts to work with them on intricate projects that demand precision and focused work. Furthermore, you can't squeeze the DEWALT in small corners easily. But with Ryobi, you are in luck. 

One can use this Best Brad Nailer even in the tightest of spaces all the time, or at least much better compared to many other nailers in the market.

Due to its size, some people assume it is a complex machine or needs some specific kinds of nails to work. However, in reality, there isn't anything special you need to ponder. Even the brand of nails doesn't matter at all.

As far as we know, any straight 5/8" to 2" nail work. There isn't anything special you need to care about. If you still have some questions regarding its nail size or capacity, you can contact their customers' support. They are always available.

Can it work well on the hardwood like oak or maple?

This is another question that revolves around the mind of many beginners who is interested in buying this Ryobi brad nailer, and the reason behind is the same, smaller size. The answer is it performs rather well on solid hardwood like oak and maple. If you are a person who deals with hardwood can rely on this model, but building a big structure, it won't perform well.

Product Highlights (Ryobi P320) :

• You can use it for all finishing works like crown molding.
• It has comparable power to some gas-powered nailers.
• There is a belt that makes handy in tough condition.
• It has the ability to fire up to 700 nails up to 50 millimeters long.
• There is built-in LED lighting that makes it convenient to see what you are working on.

Best for Crown Molding: PORTER-CABLE PCC790LA Cordless Brad Nailer

This cordless brad nailer doesn't disappoint.

It is great for all small and medium sized jobs. If you are planning to remodel the entire living room, it can assist you in that. But the thing you would love the most in it is the battery. Even after countless brads, we don't think so you need to replace the battery within the 48-hour period. Therefore, we'd recommend this PORTER-CABLE nailer to experts also who work in the industry and need to use a brad nailer consistently.

A lot of people have already tested this product and flooded the pages with their reviews. After assessing almost all of them, we realized that there is hardly any complain regarding the jamming issue. If it is jamming in rare cases, it is often because the battery is dying.

Otherwise, it is an utterly exceptional product. It should be high on your must-have list if you need tools for your projects.

Please, remember, no matter what kind of power it provides through battery or nails, you shouldn't use it for repairing fences or building sheds or building any kind of structure.

It is not developed to do tough jobs like many other brad nailers in the market. But, on the whole, it can work greatly on complex trimming projects.

Product Highlights (Porter-Cable PCC790LA) :

• It has a sequential firing mode with the trigger lock system.
• 100% battery powered! There is no need to use the compressor.
• The powerful and special motor gives it enough power to work on different materials.
• It is lightweight and helps you work in different positions.
• It is not suitable for building large structures.

If you're still thirsty, you can quench your thirst reading our Finish Nailer guide or you can swim to our Framing Nailer guide. 

Best Inexpensive: WEN 61721 18-Gauge Brad Nailer

People who are looking for an inexpensive best brad nailer in the market with all the great features, they are in luck! WEN 61721 18-Gauge Brad Nailer is not only economical but also has everything that makes it just enough for every job.

The coolest thing about WEN 61721 is it comes with the nails.

This saves your money even more. You don't have to waste your money on the nails and you can indeed test its performance on your first project before shopping for your first nail pack. The nail uses to go in neatly and make beginners look like professionals.

These days, no matter what nailer you buy, almost 9 out of 10 consumers complain about jamming issues. Some nailer deals with jams immediately while others take some months.

On the whole, jamming issues are in almost every product. Therefore, we comprehended that reviewing an inexpensive can compel many people to think that it can perform the worst in tough jobs and deal with jamming concerns a lot.

Fortunately, it is not like this.

For an amount of nailing a professional is likely do, this tool has the ability to stay in top condition and last for many years. For a casual user also, we didn't find anything that can go incorrect. In fact, you will find a lot less jamming issues in it compared to other nailers.

Product Highlights (WEN 61721) :

• It is an economical product and great for all professional and personal use.
• It comes with a set of nails.
• Wen's this model has the capability to easily nail through 3/4 hardwood.
• Its quick release design makes jam clearing a breeze.
• Hassle-free Nose Latch makes cleaning jammed nails quick and easy.
• The magazine holds up to 106 brad nails ranging from 3/8" to 2" in size.
• It has a lightweight 3-pound aluminum body.

Two Important Features: Buying Guide

If you want to assess which nailer is good for you and has the capability to assist you in your projects, always look for two important features.

Both of these features matter. Without pondering about them, it can be tough for you to choose the best model for your exact needs.

Usually, there are two main firing modes in almost all models - Single Firing Mode & Sequential Firing Mode. In the single firing mode, which is good for intricate and delicate projects, it is important to release the trigger between shots.

This is mode is a tad safer than the sequential firing model.

In sequential firing mode, you just have to press the nose of your nailer against the workpiece and it will start driving nails on its own. This is also known as 'bump firing'.

Apart from this, when it comes to maximum, you have to make sure that your nailer can drive the nails in the hardwood like solid oak.

If it can drive 1-1/12 inch brads through 3/4 inch oak, it is good.

You can count on it.

Concluding Thoughts

All these above brad nailers are available online.

Before buying any one of them, it is significant to keep in mind the type of project you will be using it for. This will resolve 99% of your concerns and help you in buying the best one. Besides, once you know what exactly you are looking for in a brad nailer, for your specific kind of projects, you will be able to look into more details like depth of the nail and nail size.

Most of them are inexpensive, but the best thing is they all are from the world-renowned manufacturers. You will indeed find them in the tool arsenal of most industry's experts.