Need recommendations for 18 and 15 gauge nailers

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Yesterday, my 18 gauge brad nailer crapped out and now I need to replace it, along with a new 15 gauge nailer.  I'm reading favorable reviews on the Max.  Some reviews say that the Hitachi is loud.  I love my quiet-sure-fire Grex P635 and am looking for something similar in quality to it. Reviews on the Grex 18 and 15 are so-so. Please help. Thanks.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I have had my 18ga Grex green buddy for a couple years, great gun.

My 15ga is still my old reliable bostitch I have had for a decade. 

 

[Sparktrician]

You might want to look at the P-C BN-125A.  Mine is quiet, although nowhere near as much as the Grex P635. 

 

[tiralie]

I have a Senco 25xp and a Paslode lite line...I bought the Paslode when my new out of the box Senco wouldn't work. It was cheap and has worked well.
Tim

 

[leakyroof]

I have an 18ga Porter-Cable that's done really well for me, doesn't jam, fairly quiet, and was not expensive.
Sets the brads at the right depth and is easy to load. I think it shoots up to a 2" nail, but I don't have it in front of me so I can't be sure.
Can't help with a 15ga nailer, my Senco from the 90's is still going strong, so I've never updated it....

 

[dltflt]

I have the PC 15 and 18 ga nailers and have been pleased with them. Now I don't use them every day but when I do they always work.

 

[WoodWhisperer]

I've been using Senco for yrs. now.  They don't make them as strong as they use to but still the best out there for a good price.  The nose on the brad gun is small so it will fit in tight spaces. 
SLP20XP is a great brad nailer. 42XP is a hard hitting finish gun.

Sean

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

I've been using Senco for yrs. now.  They don't make them as strong as they use to but still the best out there for a good price.  The nose on the brad gun is small so it will fit in tight spaces. 
SLP20XP is a great brad nailer. 42XP is a hard hitting finish gun.

Sean

Thanks,
The 25xp looks good,also. I like that the Grex Green buddy leaves a tight hole. Premium price tag, though. Does anyone know which is quieter? More powerful?

 

[h.gil]

If you want top-tier nailers look for a MAX NF255-ST/18, they were made in Japan and are one of the best nailers I have used. Price tag around $500 new, they have been discontinued but I hear they pop up on ebay now and then.

The runner up (IMO), and the one I own, is the OMER 12.50 made in Italy. Quiet and solid build, good size hole too.

If I was shopping for a nailer myself, I would consider a Grex, but would probably end up getting a Cadex or their blue colored clone (I forget the brand).

 

[w802h]

Mostly I use a 16 gauge Paslode Angled gun (gas).  This is a good, reliable tool and means no compressor for small jobs. 

I like my Ridgid 18 gauge.  I also have a Hitachi.  It is OK, but it doesn't have a dry fire lock out and I prefer the way the Ridgid sets brads and is quieter.  I will not buy another Bostich nailer after the BT200.  I can't say enough bad things about it.  It has been nothing but trouble out of the box.  A local store tells me they are sending back a lot of newer Bostich for repair, just not the same tool quality that they once were. 

I own a Hitachi 15 gauge that I like, but use infrequently.  For a nail this big I often prefer to predrill and hand drive.  It depends on the project.