Last Updated on February 18, 2023
Improving your home is not an easy deed. And if you don’t have the right tools, then it gets even worse.
Luckily, there are always products that can get any DIY project to become a reality. Among these tools, you can find the best cordless brad nailer.
This is a powerful tool that can help you piece together all kinds of materials with nails. From wood to plastics and sometimes even thin metals – you can do a lot with one of these.
But there’s a lot to know about them. Here, we’re going over all the different details that separate an excellent brad nailer from a regular or useless one.
And we’re also reviewing some of the highest-quality models out there – so you can go and pick the one that best matches your needs.
So, are you ready to learn more about brad nailers and everything they offer? Then read up!
Best Cordless Brad Nail Gun – Comparison
Importance of Having a Cordless Brad Nailer for DIY Projects and Professional Work
A brad nailer is a device that is mostly used for framing, trimming, and paneling; has two variants pneumatic and battery-powered lets you nail conveniently. As it tends to finish up your project fast and securely.
But is this a must-have tool? Or what is the importance of using the best cordless brad nailer for woodworking? Well, scroll down to get more!
- Let’s you nail it very fast
- Let’s you nail in different angles
- Doesn’t consume much power
- Ensures smooth and intangible framing and paneling operations
- Let’s you nail without stinging your hand
- Depth adjustment feature for accurate finishing
- Ensures a wireless operation so that you can move the workpiece according to your needs
- Has motion firing mechanism that preserves the air
- Includes a large magazine tank, store up specific sizes nails at the highest capacity
So, all of these make cordless brad nailers a must-have tool for your DIY & Professional projects. From our cordless nail gun review, you can pick up your brad nailer whether it is an 18-brad nailer or a 15-gauge.
5 Best Cordless Brad Nailer Reviews
Getting a brad nailer that’s totally worth the money is not easy. That’s why our reviews will focus on explaining both their advantages and disadvantages so you can learn more about each. Here are 5 reviews of the best brad nailers out there – so you can decide which one is better:
1. Porter-Cable PCC790LA Cordless Brad Nailer
Key Features
- No Compressor, Hose needed
- Consistent driving depth nail 18 gauge
- Depth adjustment wheel make your life easier
- Included 1.5 Ah 20volt max lithium ion battery
- 3 years warranty
When it comes to quality brands, few match the awesomeness of Porter-Cable. And sure enough, the PCC790LA is a perfect example of why. It is the best battery brad nailer you can get for the cost.
The nailer offers a 20-volt MAX lithium battery capable of providing several hours of nailing. But the real advantage comes from the lack of compressor. You won’t have to connect the nailer to any other machine, which allows you to enjoy a free and more versatile operation.
Yet, this tool is still decently powerful with its 18-gauge nail capacity. You can nail into almost any material, including softwoods, hardwoods, plastics, and even thin metals. And with the multiple-tool settings, it increases your overall nailing time and safety when doing so.
The tool is also super light, which allows secure handling every time. Whether you’re in a difficult place or working on a tough job, this nailer makes it possible to get everything done in a breeze and without much effort.
Apart from that, you get LED lights along with the potency and practicality. And with the 5/8-inches and 2-inches nail compatibility, and its magazine that can handle up to 100 nails – you get one of the most convenient models out there.
There’s simply nothing to hate about this machine. Even more so, when you add the tool-free release lever, depth adjustment wheel, and practical cordless design – this machine is fantastic.
- Ultra-durable 20-volt battery for extended operations
- Potent nailer works on almost any material
- Practical LED lights and light design for difficult places
- Offers up to 100-nail capacity of different sizes
- It has a small delay when firing which can be annoying
- May start jamming after several months of use
2. Makita 18V LXT Cordless Brad Nail Gun
Key Features
- With an 18-volt LXT battery at 3.0 Ah
- Easy to use “tool-less” depth adjustment dial for a wide variety of finish applications
- Get an LED light that illuminates everything around
The nailer comes with an 18-volt LXT battery at 3.0 Ah – that’s enough to get nails securely into the wood and still enjoy several minutes of work.
Another exciting part is the 5/8-inches to 2-inches capacity, so you can pair it up with 18-gauge nails without problems. And what’s even better, the magazine can handle up to 110 pins – so you can fit enough inside for an entire day of nailing.
It also comes with a convenient 2-mode selector. This way, you can make it work as a sequential nailer or a contact nailer. And whatever mode you pick, you can still enjoy a super light tool at only 7.7 pounds of net weight.
As for adjustments, you get a tool-less mechanism with a dial. Adjusting the machine for different applications will be a piece of cake.
And it doesn’t leave safety behind. You actually get an anti-dry feature that prevents the machine from firing if there aren’t nails inside. This will prevent any damage to the project, especially if you’re working on something delicate.
Lastly, you get an LED light that illuminates everything around, especially in hard-to-reach dark places. And with the rubber bumpers, you won’t have any problem if the gun falls or hits objects, as it will be protected.
Overall, there’s no limit in amazingness in this tool. It takes reliability and results to another level – which is something you shouldn’t overlook.
- Fantastic long-lasting battery for high-power nailing
- Highly convenient LED light and rubber bumpers
- The ultra-safe anti-dry feature prevents blank firing
- Smooth operation with light design and tool-less adjustments
- Grip design and the trigger can be a little uncomfortable
- May produce misfiring issues over time
3. Craftsman C3 SpeedShot Cordless Brad Nailer
Key Features
- Ultra-light and easy-to-handle design
- Excellent 19.2-volt of power for fast nailing
- Unique bump-fire nailing for accuracy and safety
The cordless capacity takes its performance to another level thanks to a 19.2-volt capacity. Also, thanks to its superb battery, it can get almost any job done without having to use a compressor or any other similar accessory.
Another advantage is the size and lightness. When compared to competitors, this one only weighs around 6 pounds, which makes it super easy to handle. And with its small size, it won’t be a problem to get into the tightest places.
To make it even better, it is compatible with 5/8-inches and 2-inches nails, while still offering bump-fire and accurate nailing. You won’t have to worry about any damage to your wood pieces, especially when you can choose between a single sequential or contact mode.
And if that weren’t enough, you will still get 2 LED lights for extra illumination in dark areas. Furthermore, the low-nail indicator will tell you when it’s time to reload more nails into the magazine.
You will still enjoy a tool-less adjustment system and a fast-reload process for an extra convenient operation.
In short, it offers almost everything you could expect a quality brad nailer to deliver. And that will easily provide a fantastic experience from the first time you use it until the last.
- Excellent 19.2-volt of power for fast and effective nailing
- Ultra-light and easy-to-handle design at 6 pounds
- Practical LED lights with tool-less adjustment
- Unique bump-fire nailing for accuracy and safety
- Won’t push nails all the way inside wood pieces
- The battery doesn’t last as much as expected
4. Ryobi P320 Airstrike Cordless Brad Nailer Kit
Key Features
- Drive 18-Gauge nails between 5/8 and 2 inches long
- Handling with Ryobi’s One+ family of tools
- Practical LED lights for operation in dark areas
Let’s start with the handling. You will get an over-mold grip, which allows smooth operation with tons of comfort. And you can attach it to your clothing with the belt clip.
You will also get a dual-firing mode. It allows you to choose accurate driving or rapid fire. Each one offers its own set of advantages, depending on the result you’re looking for.
It can still handle up to 60 nails and fire them all up in under a minute. And you can make it work for up to 1,000 pins continuously thanks to the 4Ah battery.
This is the P102 battery, a superb model that takes performance to another level, offering 18-volt of power so you can nail effectively every time. And sure enough, it provides a fast-charging capacity, which makes it ready to work within just 30 minutes after hooking it up to the P117 charger.
Then, you get the LED lights on the nailer. They allow easy use in dark areas so you won’t have to be nailing without visuals.
And sure enough, it comes with the Airstrike mechanism for efficient nailing and practical air pressure adjustability. This pairs up well with the 5/8-inches and 2-inches nail compatibility.
Overall, it leaves nothing behind. If you want the most convenient nailer out there, this one wins the contest.
- High-quality fast-charging P117 charger and long-lasting P102 battery
- Potent capacity at 19.2-volts for effective nailing
- Practical LED lights for operation in dark areas
- Unbeatable Airstrike mechanism with a dual-mode capacity
- The nose is a little big which can be difficult to use in tight spaces
- Slightly more expensive than similar models
5. DEWALT DCN680B 20V Max XR Brad Nailer
Key Features
- Compatible with DEWALT 20V MAX batteries
- Tool-free selectable trigger for sequential
- Highly convenient LED diagnostics
This is a brad nailer kit that comes with every single piece you need for a fantastic experience. Attaching pieces of wood together has never been as easy as it is with this excellent 20-volt MAX XR nailer.
It works amazingly well with 18-gauge nails, going from 5/8-inches up to 2-1/8-inches models. You can use it for almost any type of woodwork, and it will stand the work for a long time thanks to the reliable MAX XR battery.
The 20-volt capacity makes it super effective, especially with the brushless motor. It goes through any type of wood without problems, delivering clean and effective results.
Apart from that, it offers easy adjustments with the tool-less design. And with the LED diagnostic indicator, you can make it work for a long time without fearing sudden discharge.
On top of that, it shuts off automatically, so you won’t have to worry about discharging itself if you’re not using it.
To make it even better, it is super easy to handle with a uniquely small yet comfy grip. Despite being somewhat hefty, it is not a problem to move around and work in difficult areas.
A cordless brad nailer has never been as reliable and easy-to-use as the DCN680B. If you want something that takes convenience and effectiveness to another level – this is the perfect nailer for you.
- High-quality battery for long operation
- Excellent power for easy and neat results
- Effortless operation with a comfy grip and unique design
- Highly convenient LED diagnostics
- Heavy design can be a little uncomfortable to use
- It doesn’t hold as many nails as its competitors
What to Look for Before Buying a Cordless Brad Nailer?
After going through our best cordless brad nailer reviews, you’re probably wondering about which model is the ideal option. Well, don’t worry – it is a matter of learning what to look for. Here are the different factors we think are essential in every brad nailer:
Power
The first thing you need to think about is how powerful the brad nailer can be. This is important because it will tell you how well the machine will work when trying to piece things together. And to measure this, you need to know the number of volts you get with the nailer.
See More: Electric Brad Nail Gun
Usually, cordless models offer between 14 and 24 volts of power. Anything between 18 and 20 volts is ideal for an excellent experience with almost any type of wood. With more than that quantity, you may end up with an overly powerful machine, and with less than that, it may not provide enough power.
Battery Capacity
Apart from power, you also need to look for the battery capacity it offers. Of course, most batteries in cordless models come individually, apart from the tool itself.
That’s why we recommend getting batteries that offer at least 3Ah of total capacity. But if you can go for models that provide more than that, then you’ll get several hours of nailing without problems. Otherwise, the nailer will probably fail to meet your needs.
Adjustments
If there’s something that you should never forget when buying a nailer, it is the adjustment system.
Here, we heavily recommend models with tool-free adjustments. They are much more convenient and ensure a more reliable experience when working.
This adjustment is mostly for the depth, so you can ensure that the tool will push nails into the right amount of depth to prevent disasters.
Some models come with dials; others come with adjustment wheels, and so on. The focus should be on something tool-free, which most cordless nailers offer. If one doesn’t, then that’s a model to dismiss.
Safety Features
There’s nothing more important when working with a brad nailer than safety. That’s why we heavily recommend models with anti-dry fire, automatic shut-off, and any other feature that may prevent accidents.
The anti-dry function prevents the machine from firing when there’s no nail inside. That prevents damage to the wood or to other things around.
And with the automatic shut-off, the tool will turn itself off in case there’s no one using it. That will prevent the battery from draining but also prevent any misfire.
Nailing Modes
Some brad nailers come with nailing modes. They help to work with wood depending on your needs.
For example, a bump mode or also called contact mode refers to the process of speeding up the nailing operation. In contrast, the sequential or safety mode is slower but makes sure you can work safely following a few steps to make the tool fire.
The ideal nailer will come with both of these modes, so you can decide which one to choose depending on your demands.
Ergonomics and Weight
Finally, you need to consider how comfortable and easy-to-use the tool is.
First, you need to consider whether it comes with a comfortable grip. The right handle will help you work safely and comfortably with the tool.
Second, consider rubberized models. These are even safer and often more grippy.
Lastly, look for light designs. Even though they may have less power and features, lightness often helps to control the brad nailer more easily.
Benefits of Cordless Brad Nailer
The primary purpose of a brad nailer is to help people piece things together in a breeze. But they also offer a wide array of benefits, going from their versatility to their potency. Here’s what you get with a brad nailer that other tools won’t provide:
- Helps to install baseboards, casings, panels, frames, and trim work. They work for almost anything related to woodworking that demands delicate but reliable nailing.
- They leave only a small nail-head on holes. That means that wherever you use a brad nailer, it won’t leave much of a mark, which can be super convenient.
- A brad nailer doesn’t produce any damage on wood, even in the most delicate ones. If you need to work on fragile pieces, then a brad nailer is your best bet.
- Most brad nailers are super light and easy to handle. You won’t have any problem using them in difficult areas and/or for complicated projects.
As you see, there are tons of benefits from getting one of these. Let’s go and learn more about the different models available out there.
Frequently Asked Questions
We couldn’t finish this article without going through some important questions first. Here are some things we think are essential to know before you make the last choice:
Q: Is the nose of a brad nailer important?
A: Yes, the nose is the part that holds the nails before they’re fired. It needs to have the proper capacity as well as an ideal design. The capacity will tell you how many pins you can fit inside. And the size will tell you how practical it will be to use in awkward places.
Q: What are the best brad nailer brands?
A: For us, the best brands are Porter-Cable, Ryobi, DeWalt, Craftsman, and Makita. They are all worth having for their quality and decent costs.
Q: How long does a brad nailer last?
A: They can last a lifetime without problems. For that, make sure you’re always using them appropriately and safely. Otherwise, you may end up damaging them or lowering their lifespan.
Q: Are brad nailers and finish nailers the same?
A: No, brad nailers are smaller and often less powerful, using 18-gauge nails – ideal for delicate jobs. Finish nailers are more potent, which makes them ideal for larger operations, using 14 and 16 gauge nails.
Q: How easy are brad nailers to use?
A: They are super effortless to use. You should just make sure to practice before using them on real projects. We recommend using thin pieces of wood at first to get good enough. Then you can head-on to any project you may have.
Q: What is the most versatile brad nailer?
A: The most versatile brad nailer is the PCC790LA from Porter-Cable, contains a substantial 20-volt MAX lithium battery that is compatible with 18-gauge nails. And it can nail into any kind of material without any bother.
Q: Do battery-operated brad nailers work?
A: Per multiple test results it can be said fairly that battery-powered nailers work very well. With proper maintenance, you can get an optimal jam-free operation and better longevity.
Q: What is the best size brad nailer?
A: The size of the brad nailer depends on your preferences as there are 15-gauge, 16-gauge, 18-gauge, and 23-gauge brad nailers available. A large gauge number means the nailer is compatible with small sizes of nails.
Q: What’s more useful brad nailer or a finish nailer?
A: Both nails are used for different purposes and are useful in their effectiveness. As brad nailers are used for thin woods where big nailing doesn’t require and finish nailers use for nailing large nails to thick workpieces.
So, What Should You Buy
Getting the best cordless brad nailer won’t be easy. With the quality of the brad nailers in this list, you’ll have to know exactly what to look for if you want to get the right one.
To make it easy for you to pick, we’ll recommend the Ryobi P320 18V One+ Airstrike Brad Nailer Kit as the most practical. It will make it easy to piece things together.
Otherwise, you can always go for the DEWALT DCN680B 20V Max XR Brad Nailer. It is the second-best nailer in the list – and it comes with everything you need and more to nail things in wood.
All the nailers on this article are worth having. If you want to take your woodworking experience to another level – then get one of these now. You won’t be disappointed.
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