Need suggestions on buying an 18 Gauge brad nailer that is good enough

[GaryLaroff]

I would like suggestions on buying an 18 Gauge brad nailer.  I am a woodworking hobbyist who owns a compressor but doesn't use it very often.  The current project involves building some clamp racks from 3/4 inch and 1 inch Baltic birch plywood that will be glued and nailed or glued and screwed.  For this type of project, I would like to glue and nail it.

I am picky on hand tools and have most of the Festool sanders but will accept pneumatic tools that are good enough but not world class.

For example, my oldest air tool is a Porter Cable PIN 100 23 GA pin nailer that is certainly good enough.  I also have the PC US58 upholstery nailer which is good enough and rarely used.

What is not good enough and scares me is a junky Chinese Harbor Freight combination 18 GA brad nailer/stapler.  I replaced the stapler function by buying the Senco SLS 15 18 GA stapler and am pleased with it.

The question is what 18 GA brad nailer would you suggest?  Do I just go out and buy a low-end Senco or Porter-Cable?

Then again, I could use the Harbor Freight or the default solution: Spax screws installed with the Festool CXS.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Gary

 

[neeleman]

Bostitch GBT1850K bradnailer.
Very low weight (4 lbs) and only a small 3,6V-Li-ion Battery and Fuel Cell.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM367qXaGHs

 

[Frank-Jan]

I have been using this bostitch version, and I'm happy with it. link

Things I like about it: magnesium body, up to 50 mm brads, oilless, exhaust at the bottom away from user, beltclip, fairly compact tip, dry-fire protection, more affordable than the higher end senco and the max.

What I don't like: the single shot/ bumpfire selector switch (a feature I never use) but sometimes I accidentally press the little pin that locks the switch, which activates the safety. (It's only a annoyance and only has me puzzled when I haven't used the gun for some time)

 

[Scott in San Diego]

Paslode T200 500959 18-Gauge 5/8 to 2-Inch Brad Nailer ...Works great, lightweight, small nose and under $100.  Besides the $200 Grex Green Buddy, this is my next favorite.  

 

[zapdafish]

http://www.hartvilletool.com/product/3594/grex-tools

buy it from here with wn15 code ands you get 15% off with free shipping. Luckily I got mine last month, seems like they are out of em now

 

[rvieceli]

I've got the Bostitch linked to earlier and have been pleased with it. It's around $90 usually.

This Hitachi is currently available on Amazon for less than $60. I have basically this same gun but configured as a narrow crown stapler. It has performed well.

http://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-NT50AE2-18-Gauge-8-Inch-2-Inch/dp/B000H399PC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359405555&sr=8-1&keywords=hitachi+18+brad

 

[mastercabman]

good gun not too expensive?

HITACHI!

 

[neeleman]

Bostitch GBT1850K and Hitachi NT50GS are the same machines.
Question who makes them, Bo or Hi?
Bostitch can be found at £183 excl. VAT (Toolsville) while Hitachi is more expensive.

 

[danrush]

I've had good luck with my Rigid from HD as a back up to the Grex.  Has some nice features for a cheapy; dry fire lockout, swivel air chuck, and not a bad"feel" in my hand. I wouldn't want it as a primary for me, but in a dyi situation, might be just right.
Dan

 

[erock]

All my guns are Porter Cable.

Brad, stapler, finish and pin nailer .    I have zero complaints about any of the guns.  But I do have a complaint about the Porter Cable air compressor.

The compressor is loud and the on/off switch is vibrating loose.  So I have to service it soon.

I think with being a hobbyist, you can't go wrong with a Bostitch (I've used them many times).  Hitachi ( I have there framing gun, sweet gun)

or Porter Cable.    Just don't go to Harbor Freight like my friend did.  He bought a brad nailer from H.F and the holes it leave behind one would think

that a framing gun was used.  [scared]

Eric

 

[Wooden Skye]

I have the Bostitch brad, pin and stapler and their compressor.  Happy with all of them. 

 

[Guilliaume woodworks]

As a professional I've ruined just about every cheap brad nailer on the market...mainly drivers break but also seals & o'ring problems. some last longer than others but I'd have to say hitachi(Koki),ridged were decent. I've had more problems with the expensive ones...won't mention any names (Cadex & Grex ). Have to say I rarely if ever oil guns. I am really happy with new higher end senco (can't remember model #).  Wouldn't recommend  harbor freight but about 10 years ago I bought a $15 brad nailer just for one job....it lasted longer than most.

 

[UncleJoe]

I found a bostitch 1855 reconditioned on amazon for $45. Check out this model it had all the features I wanted that I could not find on any other gun except the real expensive ones.

 

[jacko9]

+1 for Paslode

 

[GaryLaroff]

I would like to thank everyone who offered advice and discussed their experience with 18 GA brad nailers. 

I went to one of my favorite local tool stores that caters to the construction crowd and bought a price-reduced Porter Cable BN200B 5/8 inch to 2 inch (50mm) 18 gauge brad nailer.  It is very nice and did the job beautifully with 1 1/4 inch and 2 inch brad nails.

Thank you again for taking the time to assist me.

Gary