The 9 Best Cordless Brad Nailers
This wiki has been updated 19 times since it was first published in January of 2019. If you need to place lots of nails where sunken holes or large heads would be an eyesore, you should turn to one of the cordless brad nailers on our list. They're powerful enough to get the job done without marring your wood, and many boast convenient features, like tool-free depth adjustment and jam release, as well as brushless motors capable of firing hundreds of brads with minimal maintenance. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Paslode 918000
2. DeWalt DCN680B 20-Volt
3. Makita XNB01Z
Editor's Notes
September 10, 2020:
Removed the DeWalt DC608K because it has been discontinued. Added the Paslode 918000 and the Makita XNB01Z.
The fine 18 gauge wire used for brad nails is useful for woodworkers and carpenters since finishing work (as opposed to rough work) requires taking care not to increase the amount of work you need to do by damaging work pieces. Brad nails create very small holes that usually require minimal touch-ups with wood filler. However, given their small head and shaft diameters, they have relatively little holding power so it's important to only use them in light decorative and non-structural pieces. For tasks that require holding heavier loads, consider a finish or framing nailer.
Paslode is known for producing excellent nail guns and the 918000 is one of their great battery-powered models. It is extremely lightweight so it reduces arm fatigue that can be problematic when working overhead or on ladders, while driving nails consistently. The Paslode, the Makita XNB01Z, and the Dewalt DCN680B 20-Volt all use proven battery platforms that perform reliably over the years thanks to attention to detail when it comes to selecting cells, monitoring systems, and contact and case materials. You can't really go wrong with any of them.
Nail guns are dangerous and should be used with caution to avoid serious injury. Never disable the safety mechanism on any nail gun.
February 06, 2019:
The added bulk of a battery can make a lot of these tools difficult to get into tight spaces, so weight and size were big determining factors in the makeup of this list, as was the effectiveness of certain features like depth adjustments and battery performance. The Porter-Cable 790, coming it at under six pounds, is among the best with regards to bulk, and is all-around pretty reliable.
4. Hitachi NT1850DE
5. Craftsman 618C1
6. Porter-Cable 18GA Max
7. VonHaus 91001
8. Ryobi P320 Airstrike
9. Bostitch BCN680D1
Rafael Perez is a doctoral candidate in philosophy at the University of Rochester. His primary focus is the metaphysics of time and the philosophy of mind, with a particular interest in artificial intelligence and antirepresentational models of the mind. He has extensive experience as a mechanic, a construction worker, and a general repairman. This has allowed him to gather a wealth of knowledge on automobile repair, auto parts, carpentry, masonry, welding, and the tools used in those trades. In his spare time, he enjoys playing guitar, woodworking, and fishing.