The 7 Best Brad Nailers Tested for Your Trim, Molding, or Cabinet Project
Brad nailers helped spur the DIY movement by making quality trim projects achievable for DIYers and pros alike. These efficient tools fire 18-gauge nails, which are less likely to split fine wood moldings since they’re thinner than the 16-gauge versions used by a finish nailer.
Like many woodworkers, we’re big fans of high-quality brad nailers for installing molding and completing woodworking projects, so we put several models through extensive hands-on testing to find the top options. We fired thousands of nails, using each tool in the same ways finish carpenters and cabinetmakers use them, and we took careful note of each model’s strengths and weaknesses. We also reached out to a few other tool experts to get their insight on specific features shoppers should look out for.
Choosing the right brad nailer could mean the difference between a professional-looking job and an amateurish mess. Ahead, learn what to look for when shopping for the best brad nailer, and find out how the following models earned their spot on our lineup.
- BEST OVERALL: Bostitch BTFP12233 Smart Point Brad Nailer Kit
- RUNNER-UP: Metabo HPT NT50AE2M 18-Gauge 2-Inch Brad Nailer
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Wen 61721 18-Gauge Pneumatic Brad Nailer
- UPGRADE PICK: Craftsman CMCN618C1 V20 Cordless Brad Nailer Kit
- BEST PNEUMATIC: Ridgid R213BNF 18-Gauge 2⅛-Inch Brad Nailer
- BEST CORDED: DeWalt DWHT75021 Electric 5-in-1 Multi-Tacker
- BEST CORDLESS: DeWalt DCN680D1 20V MAX Cordless Brad Nailer Kit
How We Tested the Best Brad Nailers
Brad nailers are professional-grade precision power tools and DIY favorites, so we took a multipronged approach when deciding which models to test.
Before getting our hands on them, though, we interviewed Ben Illig, a general contractor with decades of experience and owner of Illig Properties in Pennsylvania. He says that “it is very important for a Brad nailer to be small and compact so that it can fit in spaces where other nail guns may not.” He also stressed that “it’s important to have a good No Mar rubber tip so that the nail gun leaves as little blemish as possible on the wood or other surface.” We made sure to take these expert tips into consideration when selecting our lineup for testing.
We first chose top-rated options from brands we know and trust. Bostitch and DeWalt have great reputations for making quality brad nailers, so we included their top picks. We also chose models that rate high with home woodworkers and are more budget-friendly. We selected corded, cordless, and pneumatic brad nailers within these categories.
We then performed extensive testing in our woodshop—using the brad nailers on hardwoods, including oak and ash, and softer pine boards, since painted pine is a common choice for trim. We noted how easy it was to adjust the brad’s depth and looked for user-friendly features, such as tool-free jam releases. We tested the longest and shortest brads the tools would accommodate and tried all their features, such as single-shot and multishot modes.
We looked for top performance from the brad nailers we tested—no one wants to stop and clear repeated jams or use a nail set to countersink brads that don’t do so upon firing.
We made notes of all pros and cons of each tool and awarded points based on a rubric. The better a brad nailer performed a test, the higher the points it received. After testing, we tallied the scores and determined the best categories for each tool.
Our Top Picks
This list of picks for the best brad nailers represents the top-performing models in our woodshop tests. They represent a range of uses—including models that withstand heavy-duty use, light-duty brad nailers that also offer staple benefits, and budget-friendly picks that excel in shooting brads without splitting wood.
All models fire 18-gauge brads, which is a requirement for brad nailers. Each earned its spot on this lineup, and one is sure to be a top pick for your DIY projects.
Best Overall
Bostitch BTFP12233 Smart Point Brad Nailer Kit
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Product Specs
- Type: Pneumatic
- Tool-free clearing: Yes
- Modes: Single and bump
What We Like
- The Bostitch Smart Point brad nailer’s compact nose fits into tight spots
- Offers tool-free jam release for removing brads that jam in the tool
- Features single- and bump-firing modes that accommodate precision placement or quick-fire shooting
What We Don’t Like
- Depth-adjustment dial is on the small side and is slightly difficult to see and turn
- Pneumatic connection nipple does not swivel, so the air compressor hose sticks out
Anyone looking for an overall top-quality brad nailer may want to check out the Bostitch Smart Point. This brad nailer fires nails between ⅝ inch and 2⅛ inches long, and it performed well with the longest and shortest nail lengths as well as those in between. Fortunately, we didn’t have any brad jams (the shooting mechanism is well tuned), but the Bostitch comes with a tool-free jam release in the event a jam occurs.
We fired more than 200 brads through the Bostitch, using single-shot and multishot (or “bump”) modes. We toggled between modes by turning a small switch near the trigger. In bump mode, the Bostitch shot a brad every time we pressed the nose of the nailer against the wood. We’re not big fans of bump modes on brad nailers; with trim nailers, it’s best to align each brad precisely before firing. But for those who want bump-firing mode, the Bostitch performs quite well.
We connected the Bostitch to our air compressor via a hose (not included), and we noted a slight downside: The nipple on the back of the nailer does not swivel. This is a minor inconvenience, but without a swivel nipple, the air compressor hose stuck straight up when we used the belt hook to carry the tool on our tool belt. The other downside is the size of the depth-adjustment dial. It’s located on the inner frame below the trigger, which is handy, but at about the size of a dime, it’s relatively small, so adjusting it is inconvenient.
On the plus side, this brad nailer comes with a carrying case, three no-mar tips that keep the nailer from indenting softwood, and a built-in pencil sharpener on the back of the belt hook. In terms of performance, the Bostitch fired brads of all lengths into oak, ash, and pine boards without splitting any.
Read our full review: Bostitch BTFP12233 Smart Point Brad Nailer Kit
Get the Bostitch brad nailer at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Acme Tools, or Walmart.
Runner-Up
Metabo HPT NT50AE2M 18-Gauge 2-Inch Brad Nailer
Product Specs
- Type: Pneumatic
- Tool-free clearing: Yes
- Modes: Single and bump
What We Like
- Adjustable exhaust port on the top of the tool allows users to redirect the poof of air that comes out with every shot
- Reload indicator that alerts when low on brads so user can add more to keep from running out
- Angled hose nipple helps keep the hose up and out of the user’s way
What We Don’t Like
- This brad nailer didn’t come with a belt hook or extra no-mar nose tips
The pneumatic brad nailer from Metabo HPT is worth a look for those wanting a high-quality nailer powered by air compression. This 18-gauge nailer can fire brads between ⅝ inch and 2 inches, which is an ample range for most remodeling and trim projects.
This Metabo brad nailer is a no-nonsense model that doesn’t come with many bells and whistles, but it drives brads quickly and cleanly with single-shot mode or bump mode. Both modes worked well, and we had just two brads jam when using the bump mode. Those jams were simple to remove using the tool-free jam release on the Metabo’s nose.
The depth dial was easy to adjust using a thumb or finger, and the nailer had a handy reload indicator in the sliding magazine that showed when we ran low on nails.
This pneumatic nailer has a lot of power and shoots brads easily into hardwoods and pine without splitting the wood. We found it ergonomic and comfortable, which goes a long way when working on a sizable trim project. It doesn’t have a swivel air nipple, but the nipple is angled upward, which helps keep the hose out of the way.
One of our favorite features on this model was the adjustable exhaust port on the top of the nailer. Turning it redirected the poof of compressed air released by the pneumatic tool, which meant we could prevent air from blowing in our faces or blowing sawdust across the room, no matter how we held the tool. The nailer came with a hard case and a pair of safety glasses, but it didn’t come with a belt hook, which would have been handy.
Get the Metabo brad nailer at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Target, Walmart, or Acme Tools.
Best Bang for the Buck
Wen 61721 18-Gauge Pneumatic Brad Nailer
Product Specs
- Type: Pneumatic
- Tool-free clearing: Yes
- Modes: Single mode only
What We Like
- Value-minded price point is a boon for those looking to install trim projects without spending a lot
- Tool-free adjustments and jam clearing keep the project’s process moving along
- Exhaust port turns in any direction to direct the poof of air away from faces or dusty surfaces
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t feature bump-firing mode, but that’s only a minor downside
When it comes to low-price tools that pack a lot of value, Wen leads the way. This precision brad nailer fires ⅜-inch to 2-inch-long brads, making it more versatile than some higher-priced nailers. It features a spring-loaded magazine, an adjustable depth drive, and a tool-free jam release.
In our tests, the Wen shot long and short brads equally well into both hard and soft wood, and adjusting the brad depth was simple with the easily accessible dial near the trigger. The tool’s exhaust port is adjustable, which allowed us to direct it away from our faces and dusty surfaces when firing brads. The air-hose nipple doesn’t swivel, but we didn’t expect it to at this price point.
This brad nailer doesn’t feature an automatic bump setting or come with a belt hook, but it gets the job done, and we had only one jam while firing more than 200 brads. That jam was easy to remove via the tool-free jam release located on the nose of the nailer. This affordable model is well suited to DIYers who are just starting to build their power tool collections, and it’s a bargain for a good-quality nailer.
Get the Wen brad nailer at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Upgrade Pick
Craftsman CMCN618C1 V20 Cordless Brad Nailer Kit
Product Specs
- Type: Cordless electric
- Tool-free clearing? Yes
- Modes: Single mode only
What We Like
- Ability to use the tool in remote areas without access to electricity; perfect for DIYers as well as professionals
- Features a tool-free stall release in addition to a tool-free jam release for excellent user-friendliness
- Comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and battery charger
What We Don’t Like
- Runs a couple of pounds heavier than most pneumatic brad nailers
Cordless power tools of all types are trending, and for good reason—they offer users the ability to take the devices anywhere, even to woodworking projects in remote areas without access to electricity.
We’re huge fans of cordless tools now that lithium-ion batteries seem to grow more powerful by the year, and Craftsman’s cordless brad nailer is no exception. It handles a range of brad lengths, from ⅝ inch to 2 inches long, and we like the idea of not having a cord or an air hose to drag around or trip over.
The Craftsman V20 comes with a 2 amp-hour (Ah) rechargeable battery and a charger. We plugged in the battery overnight to ensure it was fully charged before testing. After firing more than 200 brads through the tool, we still had plenty of power left.
This electric brad nailer is as powerful as a pneumatic nailer, and it fires both long and short brads with ease into hardwood and pine. The depth adjustment is a handy dial on the nose of the tool. It also has an LED guide light that illuminates the workpiece in dim lighting. It doesn’t come with a bump mode, but it does come with a tool-free jam release and a stall release.
Stall releases are almost exclusively found on cordless nailers, and they’re slightly different from jam releases. If the tool doesn’t set a nail deep enough, the top of the nail can become lodged in the nose while the tip of the nail is in the wood. The user could open the jam release and pull the nail out using a pair of pliers, but a stall release lever dislodges the brad from the tool without the user having to open the jam release. Stalls are prone to happen when the battery runs low and doesn’t have the power to set the nail completely. We didn’t experience any stalls during testing, but we did have one jam that we removed quickly via the tool-free jam release.
The downside for some will be the added weight of the Craftsman brad nailer; its battery increases the weight by about 2 to 3 pounds over that of most pneumatic brad nailers. Still, the ability to work without dragging a hose or a cord around outweighs the added couple of pounds.
Get the Craftsman brad nailer at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, or Craftsman.
Best Pneumatic
Ridgid R213BNF 18-Gauge 2⅛-Inch Brad Nailer
