Cadex / Grex Brand Nailers (18 Gauge) Worth It?

[ben_r_]

So I need to pick up a brad nailer. Got some crown and baseboard in the house that needs to be put up and Id like to use it for things like attaching backer board to cabinets and bookshelves and the such. From my research it seemed 18 gauge would be a good size for these tasks so I began looking around to see what was available.

Well it seemed that Cadex and Grex were at the top end price wise and I loved that the Cadex nailers from in Systainers, but I have read quite a few reviews complaining about having a lot of issues with both of these brands specifically in the 18 gauge versions. That is a shame because I have held a Grex in my local Rockler and thought it felt nicer than any other nailer I have ever felt. I was looking specifically at this Grex (LINK), and this Cadex (LINK).

So my question is have any of you owned either of these two and did you have any issues with them?

 

[TLittle]

I have the grex green budy 18ga and it's fine, but just fine.  I doubt I'd buy it again though. I have a dewalt as well that is just as reliable and comfortable in hand.  Nothing wrong with the grex but at double the cost hard to justify to me

 

[ben_r_]

I have the grex green budy 18ga and it's fine, but just fine.  I doubt I'd buy it again though. I have a dewalt as well that is just as reliable and comfortable in hand.  Nothing wrong with the grex but at double the cost hard to justify to me

It really is looking like there is no "perfect" brad nailer and most people like and do just fine with one of the most popular ones like the Hitachi, DeWalt or Bostich. I may end up going cheap and just picking up one of those.

 

[rljatl]

+1 for Hitachi

Check out bigskytool.com for reconditioned Hitachi tools.

Big Sky Tool

 

[ben_r_]

+1 for Hitachi

Check out bigskytool.com for reconditioned Hitachi tools.

Thanks, but if I decide to go that route I can get the Hitachi NT50AE2 for $52 out the door from my local Lowes brand new. No need to go refurbed.

 

[live4ever]

I think for 18g there isn't a huge reason to step up to the expense of the Grex/Cadex models, this coming from someone who's very happy to step up when it seems justified.  I have the Hitachi NT50AE2 and it was great for the price and got me through many projects around the house, but I ended up replacing it with a Bostitch with "Smartpoint" tip.  The size of the tip and visibility started mattering to me more as my skills improved.  The Bostitch was around $90. 

Where I'd gladly spend the $300 is for the 23g Cadex pinner.  It shoots up to 2-3/16" pins, (compared to around 1-3/8" for the sub $100 pinners e.g. Hitachi) and also can do slight-headed pins in addition to standard headless pins when you want just a wee-bit of holding power.  I've been eyeing that for a while now, but still can't justify it because I do have a 21g and cheap 23g so the need factor is low.  But I want it.

 

[mopo]

So I need to pick up a brad nailer.

In addition to the other brands mentioned you might wish to check out Omer. I've been looking into the Omer 2" to replace my older porter cable. I'm looking for something with less recoil that leaves a smaller hole, and the Omer seems to be top rated in those two criteria.

 

[RKA]

I have an older Milwaukee 18 ga (when they tried their hand at peddling air tools), a Grex 1850GB and a newer Milwaukee M18 18 ga. nailer.  Of the three, the Grex leaves the cleanest holes in the surface, so it's my first choice.  The head is also slightly narrower which is nice when I'm in a corner.  But the price isn't justified when there are other solid options at 1/2 the cost. 

The cordless Milwaukee is a horror show.  The first one was swapped because it was even worse.  I can't sink nails consistently, leaves divets the size of a 16 ga nailer, needs frequent union breaks (and I don't even bump fire my nailers).  This one is going to Milwaukee service when I get a chance.  These nailers should have been beta products not production releases. 

 

[Rip Van Winkle]

I don't own one so I can't personally verify quality, but when I looked into brad nailers, the only brand I didn't see negative reviews for was Omer.

 

[ben_r_]

I think for 18g there isn't a huge reason to step up to the expense of the Grex/Cadex models, this coming from someone who's very happy to step up when it seems justified.  I have the Hitachi NT50AE2 and it was great for the price and got me through many projects around the house, but I ended up replacing it with a Bostitch with "Smartpoint" tip.  The size of the tip and visibility started mattering to me more as my skills improved.  The Bostitch was around $90. 

Where I'd gladly spend the $300 is for the 23g Cadex pinner.  It shoots up to 2-3/16" pins, (compared to around 1-3/8" for the sub $100 pinners e.g. Hitachi) and also can do slight-headed pins in addition to standard headless pins when you want just a wee-bit of holding power.  I've been eyeing that for a while now, but still can't justify it because I do have a 21g and cheap 23g so the need factor is low.  But I want it.

You're right, the 23 gauge Grex (LINK) does seem to have very good reviews. What is such a small pin typically used for though? I have never used anything other than 16 and 18 gauge.

I don't own one so I can't personally verify quality, but when I looked into brad nailers, the only brand I didn't see negative reviews for was Omer.

Interesting. Made in Italy too. Ugly color but the reviews look good. Though there arent many. (LINK) Ill look more into Omer's stuff.

 

[live4ever]

You're right, the 23 gauge Grex (LINK) does seem to have very good reviews. What is such a small pin typically used for though? I have never used anything other than 16 and 18 gauge.

Usually small/applied moldings where the pin is providing alignment and a [very] small amount of holding power while the glue dries, and where you don't want a hole to fill.  23g pins don't leave a noticeable hole - if you look very close you might see the shiny cross-section of the pin but that's about it. 

Two recent projects I used my pinner on:  Refurbing our deck and added small ~1" moldings under the post caps to give them a bit more flair.  I could definitely have used 18g there but it would leave divots and I wasn't counting on the nails to hold anything.

Had an old IKEA dresser that we wanted to spiff up for our son's nursery ('cause we're fancy like that).  In addition to getting painted, the slab drawer fronts received an applied molding (maybe 1/4" x 1/2") glued on...18g would have had to be filled, and the 18g nailer's action would be a bit too violent for delicate work (workpieces shifting).

 

[ben_r_]

You're right, the 23 gauge Grex (LINK) does seem to have very good reviews. What is such a small pin typically used for though? I have never used anything other than 16 and 18 gauge.

Usually small/applied moldings where the pin is providing alignment and a [very] small amount of holding power while the glue dries, and where you don't want a hole to fill.  23g pins don't leave a noticeable hole - if you look very close you might see the shiny cross-section of the pin but that's about it. 

Two recent projects I used my pinner on:  Refurbing our deck and added small ~1" moldings under the post caps to give them a bit more flair.  I could definitely have used 18g there but it would leave divots and I wasn't counting on the nails to hold anything.

Had an old IKEA dresser that we wanted to spiff up for our son's nursery ('cause we're fancy like that).  In addition to getting painted, the slab drawer fronts received an applied molding (maybe 1/4" x 1/2") glued on...18g would have had to be filled, and the 18g nailer's action would be a bit too violent for delicate work (workpieces shifting).

Got it. Makes sense. Thanks!

 

[ben_r_]

Looking into the Omer 12.50 and while it does look like a good option its seems less available in the US market and goes for $250+.

I ran across the MAX USA-NF255FA/18 (LINK LINK). Its made in Japan (confusing though, some say MAX is in Japan but this gun is made in Thailand), sells for less than $100 and is available at one of my favorite resellers (AcmeTools).

Anyone got any insight into the MAX?

And also, does Omer still offer a lifetime warranty?

 

[semenza]

I recently got the Bostitch Smart Point. I really like it. In fact I bought a second one. Haven't put a lot through it yet but no problems so far.  The nose is great! Small size and no need to press down makes it easy to position and see exactly where the nail will go. Fits into some pretty tight corners too. Oh, it has rear exhaust and oil free too.  [thumbs up]

Seth

 

[ben_r_]

Just placed an order for an Omer 12.50 from ANCO Fastener Sales based out of Eugene, OR. Total shipped came to $235. (LINK) Cheapest I could find it anywhere and it's coming from authorized reseller so they say. Planning to confirm with Omer USA tomorrow. We'll see how it goes. Still waiting for my California Air Tools 4610AC to get here, so hopefully they'll both arrive next week and I can put them both to use that following weekend.

Now, anyone got a recommendation on good 18 gauge brad nails to use? Or do any old nails work just fine. On Amazon it looks like the Porter Cable nails are very popular (LINK), as well as the Senco (LINK).

 

[Brandon]

I owned a Grex 23ga, worst pinned I've ever had. I currently have a Cadex 23 and 21ga, both of which are unimpressive. I don't think either brand is worth the money from my experience. I use my guns pretty much every day.
In my opinion Senco seems to make the most dependable guns available and I've tried most brands. 23ga I've had for 3-4 years, zero issues. The higher priced 18ga FinishPro 25xp's are great, I have a couple. Had a cheap one too but that died after 2 years is so.

 

[wptski]

I own a Grex in both 18GB and 23G both work for my needs no jams yet but I will say that I like the edge guide option which I have on both and I don't think anyone else offers that option.

 

[Tyler Ernsberger]

For crown and base unless it's on a cabinet I use a 16ga or 15ga nailer depending on the material. 

 

[rizzoa13]

15 or 16 ga for trims? You better have lots of filler for those holes . I got myself an Omer 18ga and it's a hell of a machine. You can feel the difference in the way it's built and it's heft. Haven't had one problem with it and everything is easy to work on if you ever need to.

 

[Tyler Ernsberger]

15 or 16 ga for trims? You better have lots of filler for those holes . I got myself an Omer 18ga and it's a heck of a machine. You can feel the difference in the way it's built and it's heft. Haven't had one problem with it and everything is easy to work on if you ever need to.

[member=20320]rizzoa13[/member] we normally use a 1x6 base with a cap.  The 15 ga works great for holding power with the 1x6.  I usually use 16 ga for crown,  18 ga for casing and base cap.  By the way make sure your painter uses oil primer to cover up the smoke damage on the trim from your Kapex.  [big grin]