brad nailer

[John Sipsas]

What is a good inexpensive brad/finish nailer.  I've looked at the Stanley TRE550 nail gun and the ryobi nailer/stapler.  Really don't have the money to buy an air compressor and a pneumatic nailer.

[Adam Adolph]

I have Campbell Hausfeld and have not had any trouble.  I have a 18 ga brad nailer and a crown stapler.  My compressor is a 2 Gallon campbell as well.  However, I also have a 25 Gallon Craftsman compressor for bigger work and when I need a Impact or cutoff tool or painting eq. 

[Antoine boyd]

Harbor Freight has a pancake compressor for $40.  Just like the Porter Cable that sell for over $70.  I use both the Porter Cable 15ga, 18ga nailer and stapler.  I have never had any breakdown with these tools.  They are moderately priced if you shop around at your local home builders supply stores.  I used my HF pancake to do the trim work in my home.  It will go up to 100psi if you need it, but my nailers, I usually set them to around 70psi.

[John Schaben]

" It will go up to 100psi if you need it, but my nailers, I usually set them to around 70psi."

Therein lies one of my problems with HF and CH compressors. My longer nailers run at about 90 and the framing nailer needs 120 to set a 10d nail.

Antoine boyd said:

Harbor Freight has a pancake compressor for $40.  Just like the Porter Cable that sell for over $70.  I use both the Porter Cable 15ga, 18ga nailer and stapler.  I have never had any breakdown with these tools.  They are moderately priced if you shop around at your local home builders supply stores.  I used my HF pancake to do the trim work in my home.  It will go up to 100psi if you need it, but my nailers, I usually set them to around 70psi.

[NickM]

The Ryobi AirStrike nailers are great! I own the 18G and the stapler. Not having to hook them up to a compressor is convenient. They are a bit pricey when you include the cost of the battery and charger.

I also own a Hitachi pin nailer, 18G and 15G compressor driven nailers -- all reconditioned-- purchased from Big Sky Tools. Check them out. Great prices on a wide variety of reconditioned tools. Check out the brick-and-mortar stores and online for good deals on compressor and nailer bundles. Bell well!