CRAFTSMAN V20 2-in 18-Gauge Brad Nailer $179

Not only is this price lower than other brands but it includes a battery, charger and sample nails makes it slick for anyone who does not already own Craftsman batteries.

Quote from PoloM : Not only is this price lower than other brands but it includes a battery, charger and sample nails makes it slick for anyone who does not already own Craftsman batteries.

The ryobi kit is cheaper than this, with a much bigger ecosystem and better tool options. I have a few of the ryobi nailers including this one and it is amazing. I cant speak to the quality of this craftsman, but I can tell you that the ryobi brad nailer works great, very well made. Right now you can get the ryobi kit with battery and charger for 149 from HE, but it goes on sale for 129 from time to time. Alternatively, you can get the tool only from DTO CPO for ~70. If you're going to pay 179 for this, you're better off saving the extra money and getting into a better line.

Quote from TealLeopard348 : The ryobi kit is cheaper than this, with a much bigger ecosystem and better tool options. I have a few of the ryobi nailers including this one and it is amazing. I cant speak to the quality of this craftsman, but I can tell you that the ryobi brad nailer works great, very well made. Right now you can get the ryobi kit with battery and charger for 149 from HE, but it goes on sale for 129 from time to time. Alternatively, you can get the tool only from DTO CPO for ~70. If you're going to pay 179 for this, you're better off saving the extra money and getting into a better line.

I have the Porter Cable version of this and it looks identical without the red. I'm guessing it's a clone with red plastic. The PC nailer has been great for trim and other small jobs I have put it through. It drives the brads deep; I've shot them through plaster behind trim with no issues. One battery lasts a long time.

This Ryobi comment is a good one though. I haven't tried Ryobi's nailers but the price point is much lower. Ryobi just makes a ton more different types of tools and is a great ecosystem to get into. My first tools were all Porter Cable, but I've been starting to migrate to Ryobi due to their offerings and low prices. I haven't really been disappointed yet.

Quote from GreenGalley5124 : I have the Porter Cable version of this and it looks identical without the red. I'm guessing it's a clone with red plastic. The PC nailer has been great for trim and other small jobs I have put it through. It drives the brads deep; I've shot them through plaster behind trim with no issues. One battery lasts a long time. This Ryobi comment is a good one though. I haven't tried Ryobi's nailers but the price point is much lower. Ryobi just makes a ton more different types of tools and is a great ecosystem to get into. My first tools were all Porter Cable, but I've been starting to migrate to Ryobi due to their offerings and low prices. I haven't really been disappointed yet.

I too have the PC version. The only thing different from what I've observed is the way the battery mounts. I'm fairly certain it's otherwise exactly the same. I bought both PC 20v (18 and 16 gauge?) nailers w/ 2 batts and charger NIB from CPO in November 2018 for $170ish, I'm not sure this is a deal unless you're migrating to the Craftsman line and this is the cheapest it has been.

Quote from GreenGalley5124 : I have the Porter Cable version of this and it looks identical without the red. I'm guessing it's a clone with red plastic. The PC nailer has been great for trim and other small jobs I have put it through. It drives the brads deep; I've shot them through plaster behind trim with no issues. One battery lasts a long time. This Ryobi comment is a good one though. I haven't tried Ryobi's nailers but the price point is much lower. Ryobi just makes a ton more different types of tools and is a great ecosystem to get into. My first tools were all Porter Cable, but I've been starting to migrate to Ryobi due to their offerings and low prices. I haven't really been disappointed yet.

Porter cable seems to be dying out? Ryobi has been consistent for 10 years. I am not saying one is better than the other, I am sure the PC and Craftsman nailers are fine, I have no experience with either. It would just make sense to save some money and get into a huge tool line. Ryobi does have their cheap tools, which are adaquate for light use and they also have their brushless line which are pretty good. Im invested in ryobi tools for things just like this (nailers, vacuums, chemical sprayer, etc) and no other line has such a great selection at such value prices.

Quote from TealLeopard348 : The ryobi kit is cheaper than this, with a much bigger ecosystem and better tool options. I have a few of the ryobi nailers including this one and it is amazing. I cant speak to the quality of this craftsman, but I can tell you that the ryobi brad nailer works great, very well made. Right now you can get the ryobi kit with battery and charger for 149 from HE, but it goes on sale for 129 from time to time. Alternatively, you can get the tool only from DTO CPO for ~70. If you're going to pay 179 for this, you're better off saving the extra money and getting into a better line.

This right here. I have CM V20 and Ryobi One tools, including the Ryobi One Air Strike Brad Nailer. More times than not, I prefer the Ryobi. and the brad nailer is solid. Best V20 tool I have is the angle grinder and only grabbed that because I got it for $39, but still impressed.

Quote from TealLeopard348 : The ryobi kit is cheaper than this, with a much bigger ecosystem and better tool options. I have a few of the ryobi nailers including this one and it is amazing. I cant speak to the quality of this craftsman, but I can tell you that the ryobi brad nailer works great, very well made. Right now you can get the ryobi kit with battery and charger for 149 from HE, but it goes on sale for 129 from time to time. Alternatively, you can get the tool only from DTO CPO for ~70. If you're going to pay 179 for this, you're better off saving the extra money and getting into a better line.

I just picked up the 18V Ryobi brad nailer too and it really is a great tool. Especially for someone like me that may use it just a few times per year. Very good value and seems to be well built. Don't know a soul that would get into newer Craftsman branded stuff.