Small DIY wood projects can transform the ambience in your home, making it more attractive. The tools you work with make a big difference in the quality of work you can do. One must-have tool for any woodwork enthusiast is a Craftsman brad nailer. Before you buy one of these products, it’s good to know how they work and review their specifications so that you can pick the best option for your needs. Here is a detailed guide to get you started.
Craftsman Cordless Brand Nailer Review: Battery or Pneumatic
Craftsman CMCN618B 20V 18GA Cordless Brad Nailer
Craftsman CMCN618B 20V 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Description and Specifications
The Craftsman CMCN618B nailer is a powerful tool with plenty of features that any DIYer or pro woodworker would appreciate. It simply makes the job easier and does it better. The impeccable nailing control makes the craftsman cordless brad nailer stand out from other brands. The nailer can drive up to 420 nails per charge and runs on a 20-volt lithium-ion batteries. The nailer holds about 100 nails in its magazine and drives any adhesive collated 18-gauge nail of up to 2 inches in length.
Craftsman has built a reputation for high-quality, durable products. Its nailers have a no-mar pad that keeps the surface from scuffing. The tool-free depth setting helps you modify the brad depth based on the surface hardness, while the jam clearance feature helps you easily clear a jammed brad. Although this nailer doesn’t have a clear magazine, various transparent sections let you see when you are almost running out of brads. Check out more Craftsman CMCN618B nailer features and specifications.
Performance
The Craftsman CMCN618B nailer has enough power to drive a 2-inch brad into a 4×4 oak surface. The delay after pulling the trigger is barely unnoticeable.
Safety
The nailer has an on-and-off switch at the front part of the handle that lets you disengage the tool when not in use for safety. The timeout feature adds safety and saves energy. Once you depress the tip, the nailer won’t fire for 20 seconds unless you pull the trigger.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Depth Control | Tool free |
| Jam Clearing | Tool free |
| Housing Material | Plastic |
| Maximum Staple Length (in.) | 2″ |
| Magazine Capacity | 100 |
| Weight (pounds) | 5.3 lbs. |
| Extra Features | DDED Comfort |
| Warranty | 3-years |
Why the Craftsman CMCN618B 20V 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer Is Great
If you are new to cordless brad nailers, then the craftsman CMCN618B is ideal to start with. It’s a versatile option that you can use in your garage and for jobsite projects from floor trimming to baseboard remodeling. The lightweight design and balanced center of gravity make using the Craftsman CMCN618B nailer easy, even in narrow spaces. Since it has substantial power, you can use it to fasten finish trims, molding, and hardwood finish. The brand also offers a three-year limited warranty for malfunctions caused by faulty materials. Some consumers have noted that the battery lasts longer for reasonably heavy use. Others find reloading pretty manageable.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Very accurate
- Reasonably priced
- Powerful battery
Cons
- A bit heavy
- Battery charges slowly
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Craftsman CMPBN18K 18GA Pneumatic Brad Nailer
Craftsman CMPBN18K 20V 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Description and Specifications
The Craftsman CMPBN18K is another incredible nailer with tons of specs. It has an oil-free motor, so it doesn’t require constant maintenance. It operates on the sequential drive mechanism, meaning that the user should first depress the tip on the working surface and then pull the trigger to drive the nail. The tool-free depth setting enables you to correctly set the brad head for accurate placement. The Craftsman CMPBN18K nailer has a jam release mechanism for easy jam clearing. The nailer can drive 5/8-inch to 2-inch fasteners. It also has a carrying case and a rafter hook.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Depth Control | Tool free |
| Staple Crown Size | 1/2-in. |
| Jam Clearing | Tool free |
| Maximum Staple Length (in.) | 1″ |
| Maximum PSI | 70-120 PSI |
| Magazine Capacity | 100 |
| Weight (pounds) | 2.7 lbs. |
| Extra Features | Maintenance Free |
| Warranty | 3-years |
Why the Craftsman CMPBN18K 20V 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer Is Great
The Craftsman CMPBN18K nailer suits both beginners and professionals. It’s lightweight, has a comfortable grip, and is perfect for baseboards, shoe molding, and crown molding. Some users find the nailer easy to set up, load, and unload. This nailer is well built, and although it has a plastic casing, it’s sturdy and solid.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Quickly clears jammed nail
- Works with various nail lengths
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Keeps jamming
- Only nails one nail at a time
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How to Choose Which Craftsman Cordless Brad Nailer Is Best for You
Your choice of brad nailer will depend on your preferences and requirements. If portability is the primary concern, opt for a cordless nailer. But if you already have an air compressor and wouldn’t mind using a hose at the jobsite, you can consider the pneumatic nailer. Check out the difference between the battery and pneumatic nailer.
Cordless vs. Corded Power Tools: A Beginner’s Guide
Whether you decide on a cordless or pneumatic nailer, choose a lightweight model. A big, heavy tool will strain your shoulders and may not fit in narrow spaces like those you find under cabinets. Also, consider the nailer’s nose design. A narrow tip gives you a better view and allows precise nail placement. Opt for a nailer with built-in lighting for improved visibility in dark areas.
Check the tool’s efficiency, and choose a nailer with minimal firing delay. Opt for a unit with extra features like jam release and depth adjustment. Check if the nailer has an anti-dry fire mechanism to prevent it from firing if there are no nails in the magazine.
When you invest in a Craftsman Cordless Brad Nailer, you want it to last a long time, so check the unit’s body and motor before purchasing. Select a tool with a brushless motor since it has more outstanding internal durability and requires less maintenance. A rubberized or hardened finish also means that the unit can withstand tremendous pressure under heavy use. Choose a nailer with an ergonomically designed handle to prevent slipping and bruises. Opt for a nailer with a high-powered battery with longer life.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Craftsman CMCN618B Cordless Brad Nailer?
- It’s highly portable: The craftsman CMCN618B is more lightweight than other cordless brad nailers of the same class.
- It delivers consistent results: This brad nailer delivers consistent power in different weather conditions and materials.
- It’s comfortable to use: The over-molded handle prevents fatigue and improves accuracy.
How Do Craftsman Cordless Brad Nailers Differ From Others?
- The Craftsman CMCN618B 20V 18 Gauge Brad Nailer is 1.44 pounds heavier than the Freeman 18 Volt 2-in-1 18 Gauge Cordless Nailer.
- The Craftsman cordless brad nailer is 1.7″ x 0.4″ x 0.36″ bigger than the Freeman cordless nailer.
- The Craftsman cordless brad nailer runs on one lithium-ion battery, while the Freeman cordless nailer uses two of these batteries.
- The Craftsman cordless brad nailer requires 2V more than the Freeman cordless nailer.
- The Craftsman cordless brad nailer has a three-year warranty, while the Freeman cordless nailer’s warranty runs for only one year.
FAQs
Push the small button near the trigger to turn on the tool, place the nailer’s tip against the surface you want to nail, and push the trigger down.
Wipe off the dust from the nailer after use to prevent jamming. You can also lubricate the tool periodically according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Depress the cartage release, slide out the magazine, then insert the brads in the relevant slots. Slide the magazine closed till it clicks.
Press the nail pusher latch, pull down the magazine, and tilt the tool until all the nails slide out. Open the clear jam door to ensure that you don’t leave any nails behind.
It uses 5/8″ to 2″ 18-Gauge stainless-steel brad nails.