As much as I would love to go and buy a combo set of nail guns, I don't have the funds to do so. Looking for something that is under $100, and I know that I will get what I pay for. With that said, what would be the better option for simple hobby work and trim?

I was thinking of getting a 16Ga Finishing Nail gun, but now I'm thinking an 18Ga Brad Nailer. Maybe start off with the Brad nailer, then add a finishing gun later? I have some trimming to put up this coming weekend, and want to use it for smaller projects around the house.

I'm eyeing the Rigid 2 1/8" Brad nailer from Home Depot.

Thoughts and suggestions from those that have experience with nail guns is greatly appreciated.

Personally, all I have is an 18ga brad nailer and a framing nailer and i have yet to find the project I couldn't do with one of the two of those. there have been a couple of things that 16ga would have been ideal but 18 worked fine with just a couple of extra nails. And mine is the bostich one and I love it. It is a little pricey by itself but as a combo with one of their small compressors the price is hard to beat, $150 for a 6 gallon compressor and the nail gun.

Thanks!

I already have a compressor and a hose for my Dremel, so I think I will go with the Brad Nailer and just start tacking things together.

Hitachi 18ga brad (finishing) nailer, $70.00 at Lowe's. Model NT50AE2.

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I'm pretty sure that's the one I bought. No regrets. I also have a rigid framing gun and an inexpensive tiny nailer (more of a tack gun).

Of course we all know the real answer is just up your budget and get a nailer in every size, including powder actuated. Can never have enough tools.

I prefer a 15ga angled finish nailer for painted trim. The larger nailhead than the 16ga gives better holding power. Creates larger holes, though so I probably wouldn't use it for anything I was staining.

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Hitachi 18ga brad (finishing) nailer, $70.00 at Lowe's. Model NT50AE2.

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I think you will be happy with this. The only time I use my 16 gauge is when I need a 2.5 inch nail.

Say hello to your new best friend. I have the recon Senco and really like it so far.

CPO Outlets


Senco brad nailer

I think my husband has them all. Guess they were important during our house remodel

The huge framing nailer plus 3 pack nailer for the smaller nails.

18 ga finish nailer is the most useful. I got a Porter Cable combo pack with 16, 18 and 24 ga.

24 is useless it has no head and curls up in any sort of hardwoods.

My favorite fastener is a Ridgid 1/4" crown stapler, but it's not that practical for trim work though.

Depending on how often you will use it, its hard to beat the $20 Harbor freight brad nailer. I have had one for 5 yrs and it hasn't given me one issue. If it does, I will go back and get another one.

I have a bostitch coil nailer that has been in the shop 3 times and replaced once all under warranty. I use it when building fences. When it is working correctly, its a beast.


For MOST people, it isn't worth paying the extra money just to buy a lower end "name brand" tool that was probably made in the same factory in china as the Harbor freight tools.

Now, for things i depend on, I go with the high quality stuff. But not for a brad nailer.

What about electric nailers?

I am contemplating some trim work in my house. Baseboards and quarter round. Can the $100-ish cordless nailers handle this?

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What about electric nailers?

I am contemplating some trim work in my house. Baseboards and quarter round. Can the $100-ish cordless nailers handle this?

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The trim nails are so tiny I bet that electric would be fine.

We have compressor driven nailers because of the whole house remodel / car stuff.

Harbor Freight. I've been using mine all afternoon making picture frames driving 2" brads. I have run hundreds of 18 gauge staples through it with no problems. I think I got it for $14.99 a few years ago. I got a compressor for $39. My favorite store.

Harbor frieght for the tool and brand name Consumables.

That's my rule for infrequent/specialty tools.

never buy consumables (blades, sand paper, bits, etc) from harbor frieght.

I've got a Senco 18 ga brad nailer, love it. At work, our Carp Shop has 2 framers, and a Brad Nailer, no finish nailer, should help answer your question.

Thanks everyone for the insight and suggestions. Because of timing and the gift cards I had, I went ahead and got the Rigid 2 1/8" Brad nailer from Home Depot.

I'll look at the framing nail guns when I get around to building my shed. I'm always looking for an excuse to buy more tools.