Recommendation: 18G Brad Nailer and Compressor?

[rjboch]

Hi FOG! I am lost in the world of nailers and compressors and was hoping for a recommendation. Based on your experience, what would you recommend (e.g., brand, model, etc.)  for someone shopping for a 18G brad nailer and compressor (budget

 

[TSO_Products]

[member=70813]rjboch[/member] - you'll get some good information here shortly but I need to ask how you predetermined that you need an 18 Ga brad nailer?

I expect you'll hear more than a few comments about Grex Nailers and pin nailers in particular
Can you describe what your air tool set needs to accomplish? - what are the job related needs you expect these new tools to fulfill.

The more you can be specific about your application the more relevant and useful the responses you can expect.

Hans

 

[rjboch]

Thanks for the quick response! I have had one on my shopping list for a longtime and I have been looking for an excuse to buy one. In this case, I am building about 16 drawer boxes out of 12mm baltic birch and was looking to drive brads at the joints (with glue and dominos). I also figured it would come in handy with other tasks, including trim work, cabinets, etc. It appears that the big box stores have a bunch of combo deals going on for Xmas, but I am getting lost in the online reviews. For example, Metabo vs. Bostitch; quality of Senco has declined; pancake compressors are too loud, etc. Also not sure, in teh long run, if combo deal is better than buying separately...you can pick and choose what is best. I get the whole 23G pin nailer craze, but I figured the 18G is more versatile and I can always grab one later when I may need it for a new project. However, another consideration is that I am just a hobbiest (also quickly realizing its a very expensive hobby) and don't want to spend more than $250.

BTW - I just bought the 'GRS-16PE' and absolutely love it! I wish I bought one when I bought my TS55.

 

[DynaGlide]

What about a senco pc1010n or California air tools compressor? I bought cheap husky nailers on sale and am very satisfied with them. Some day I'll get the Grex or equivalent but I haven't done a lot of pinning to date. I want a 23ga for the same reasons as you're suggesting.

 

[RustE]

I’d say the Makita MAC700 is the quietest small compressor I’ve owned.  Unfortunately you won’t have a budget left for the brad nailer.  Now if you’re just looking to run nailers, then maybe a smaller 1/2-gal compressor from California Air Tools or Rolair would be a better choice.

Lowe’s and Menards will put a 18g Hitachi brad nailer on sale from time to time.  It’s not the most feature-rich tool, but certainly not junk either.  Home Depot has the Makita and Rigid brad nailers.  I’d put these a bit above the Hitachi in terms of features.  Probably good for you to go put hands on a few.

 

[bertv]

I own a Makita AF505 and it is an excellent nailer. It can be had for slightly less than a hundred bucks, I think. As for the compressor: my Schneider in a systainer SYM 150 is out of your budget…

 

[huntdupl]

Sorry to tangent...Pushes you over the budget (unless theres still some deals lingering), but I think cordless nailers have come a long way. I'm thoroughly impressed my Dewalt 18ga. The convenience...oh the convenience. I'm close to pulling the trigger on a 16ga

 

[RussellS]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009NR3R6A/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=AUEUXQQV6YS3R&psc=1
Porter Cable kit
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UHNM60C/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_4?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
Bostitch kit

Are they high end, elitist level tools?  No.  Do they work?  Yes.  And I bet they are equal or better than what the professional trim carpenters used 20 years ago when building my house.  As for the sound complaint, I always use ear muffs or ear plugs when operating any tools except drills or jigsaws or reciprocating saws.  So I could care less how loud or quiet a tool is.  I don't hear it with ear protection.

 

[rjboch]

Thanks for all the feedback! Based on comments above I just picked up the Senco pc1010n at HD. However, I am still undecided on a nailer. I am being pulled towards the Grex Green Buddy based on favorable reviews at trusted magazines (e.g., Fine Woodworking, Popular Woodworking, etc.) and favorable holiday pricing ($175). However I am hesitant about the disproportionate negative reviews for such a well regarded high-end company. I know I set a budget, but I also believe buying the best when possible vs. cheap and needing to replace and being unsatisfied. Not sure what to do and unsure of the legitimacy of the negative reviews (too big of a contrast...either amazing or the most horrible tool ever)...any help out there to nudge me in a direction?

 

[RustE]

I think the Cadex V2/18.50 is better built than the Grex. Now in all fairness that’s out-of-the-box impressions, not a long-term durability test. Also, the Cadex offers the ability to shoot slight-head brads and headless pins.

Do not get a Max NF255FA/18 brad nailer. Tried these twice and neither would cycle correctly.

 

[Tattoo]

I think I have owned almost every brad nailer available in NA... If you get a chance to try out OMER.. they are the best built that I have used. 

 

[ForumMFG]

Surprised grex wasn’t mentioned

 

[Jiggy Joiner]

Grex are very good.

 

[danrush]

I'm a Grex guy, but my 18 went down one day and I picked up the Rigid to finish up a job.  I like it every bit as much as the grex.  It pairs up nicely with the 1010; consistant brad set, no jams. I'd recommend it, especially good your budget and expected use.

With any gun,  don't cheap out on the brads. Whenever I go with off brand nails, I get alot of jams or bent half sets.

 

[Jiggy Joiner]

Forgot to mention, a chap who helps us out occasionally, has a range of Ryobi nailers, he says they’ve never missed a beat. Not brand I’ve ever used or had experience with but, he is very happy with them.

I agree to about which brads are used, I find the more expensive brands jam or bend less.

 

[rjboch]

Thanks to all the comments and recommendations! I ended up pulling the trigger on the Grex 1850GB...and it will be delivered later this week. I'll keep you posted as to my thoughts after I start using it. Cheers and happy holidays!