Metabo HPT (was Hitachi Power Tools) 2-in 18-Gauge Pneumatic Brad Nailer $49.97

Have the hitachi version, got on here with the compressor and line.

Haven't had any jams or issues and have redone baseboards in our entire house.

Quote from Type X : Have the hitachi version, got on here with the compressor and line. Haven't had any jams or issues and have redone baseboards in our entire house.

Sometimes the kits with compressor, hose and tools (especially Bostitch) have been real deals.... often found in the store. Hitachi has always been in the top reviews for air nailers and presume Metabo will continue for professionals that still use every day in trim work. "Still" because professionals are slowly moving to battery operated guns that don't require hoses, compressors and maybe most important, oil lubrication... that if it spits on trim that you are staining, can cause a lot of issues. Sure, you can buy 'oiless' air tools, but that Teflon coating has a limited life, just like oiless compressors. As users transition to battery, expect air nailers to continue dropping in price, or at least not rise as quickly by currency devaluation because of less demand.

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Now, if you, as in generic you have not transitioned to battery from air and as an option.... for the average homeowner and for $5 to $35, I would consider the dual purpose 18gauge brad nailer and narrow crown stapler air gun from HF. There are plenty of reviews, such as this one. [youtube.com] The only issue with a dual use brad nailer/crown stapler in most any brand, is the indent if too much air pressure when using brads because the strike piston is wider to also drive the narrow crown staples. That also means you are probably going to still need a nail set [thespruce.com] if you want the brad nail below surface. But, you only need one gun to shoot brads AND narrow crown staples that from the reviews and feedback, appears to be very reliable... and if you have a HF that is reasonably close.

Yes, some of us are a bit of tool snobs, but besides pin nailers that require precision mechanisms, I have found most air nailers and staplers work well enough for the average homeowner. And I really like SS narrow crown staples for a lot of outside projects such as lattice, soffits, etc., because they simply hold better than a brad nail and as good or better as a soffit nail with no accidental hammer dents. I also like narrow crown staples for attaching backs of cabinets in a dado groove, but don't use too long of ones because the legs can sometimes go a bit wild when hitting a hard spot and changing direction, may come out where you don't want them to.

Or, just buy a dedicated tool of each type as you need it, such as this Metabo that is a good price.

There's always a debate over pneumatic versus battery powered nailers - and there are pros and cons to each.

Despite the negatives posted above, I personally stick with air powered nailers because they are much smaller, lighter, cheaper (once you own a compressor anyways), and they fire immediately without the annoying lag of battery powered nailers.

Picked one of these up this past weekend at this price to install some wood moldings, after my dad gave me his pancake compressor recently. Probably overkill given how often I'll use it, but the nail gun worked great - not a single misfire in about 50 nails (mix of 1.5 inch and 2 inch), much of which was simply testing it out on wood scraps. I'm planning to make a light duty workbench for the garage next.

I bought this for the same price from Amazon a couple of years ago. Overall good nailer, no major jams or issues. Have put in about 500' of base and maybe 30 door's worth of trim with it, though now mostly use a Milwaukee Fuel 18 gauge trim nailer. Good investment for home DIYer

Quote from ToolDeals : Sometimes the kits with compressor, hose and tools (especially Bostitch) have been real deals.... often found in the store. Hitachi has always been in the top reviews for air nailers and presume Metabo will continue for professionals that still use every day in trim work. "Still" because professionals are slowly moving to battery operated guns that don't require hoses, compressors and maybe most important, oil lubrication... that if it spits on trim that you are staining, can cause a lot of issues. Sure, you can buy 'oiless' air tools, but that Teflon coating has a limited life, just like oiless compressors. As users transition to battery, expect air nailers to continue dropping in price, or at least not rise as quickly by currency devaluation because of less demand. ================ Now, if you, as in generic you have not transitioned to battery from air and as an option.... for the average homeowner and for $5 to $35, I would consider the dual purpose 18gauge brad nailer and narrow crown stapler air gun from HF. There are plenty of reviews, such as this one. [youtube.com] The only issue with a dual use brad nailer/crown stapler in most any brand, is the indent if too much air pressure when using brads because the strike piston is wider to also drive the narrow crown staples. That also means you are probably going to still need a nail set [thespruce.com] if you want the brad nail below surface. But, you only need one gun to shoot brads AND narrow crown staples that from the reviews and feedback, appears to be very reliable... and if you have a HF that is reasonably close. Yes, some of us are a bit of tool snobs, but besides pin nailers that require precision mechanisms, I have found most air nailers and staplers work well enough for the average homeowner. And I really like SS narrow crown staples for a lot of outside projects such as lattice, soffits, etc., because they simply hold better than a brad nail and as good or better as a soffit nail with no accidental hammer dents. I also like narrow crown staples for attaching backs of cabinets in a dado groove, but don't use too long of ones because the legs can sometimes go a bit wild when hitting a hard spot and changing direction, may come out where you don't want them to. Or, just buy a dedicated tool of each type as you need it, such as this Metabo that is a good price.

I've got that Harbor Freight brad nailer [harborfreight.com]. Used it several times over the past...3 years? Been flawless. I honestly think the price used to be cheaper too. I could have swore I paid just under $20 after coupon. A friggin steal.

EDIT: The video HF has hosted on the product page says it goes under 20 bucks, and says he got it for FIVE DOLLARS!!!!!

Quote from firebirdude : I've got that Harbor Freight brad nailer [harborfreight.com]. Used it several times over the past...3 years? Been flawless. I honestly think the price used to be cheaper too. I could have swore I paid just under $20 after coupon. A friggin steal. EDIT: The video HF has hosted on the product page says it goes under 20 bucks, and says he got it for FIVE DOLLARS!!!!!

Is it the same video I linked to above? I saw that and then I looked at the date the video was posted to youtube. Several years ago you could find that $5 deal with a $50 purchase, but have not seen it for awhile.

Quote from ToolDeals : Is it the same video I linked to above? I saw that and then I looked at the date the video was posted to youtube. Several years ago you could find that $5 deal with a $50 purchase, but have not seen it for awhile.

Yes. Same video.

Even if the $5 deal is gone, I'm pretty darn sure I paid WELL below the current price of $35. Still, been very solid.

The Harbor Freight tool does crown staples as well. The Metabo does not. How often does one need the staples? Do you use them for anything but crown moulding?

Thanks OP for posting. Picked one up at $49 from Lowe's on Friday, all were marked $69, but at register rang up correct at the $49. Needed to trim out a double window, no jams, no issues, worked real nice. Price back up to $69 now on web...