Executing small or decorative wood applications like a pro has never been easier. Thanks to the 18 gauge finish nailers. The best 18 gauge finish nailer has some of the handiest features that help professionals and beginners alike.
For delicate carpentry, where you cannot afford to damage the work surface at any cost, an 18 gauge finish nailer is a must. Some of the best products out there include NuMax SL31, Craftsman 18GA, and so on. If you are going to spend your money behind one, you better get the best 18 gauge nailer in the market.
Best 18 Gauge Finish Nailers Reviewed for You
The market offers you many finish nailers to get started with your project. However, the best ones are those that offer you the services and features you will need. Some of those potential ones are discussed in this section.
1. Numax sl31 Pneumatic 3-in-1 16-Gauge and 18-Gauge 2″ Finish Nailer and Stapler, No-Mar Tip for Finish Nails, Brad Nails, and Staples- Best For Multipurpose Use
NuMax SL31 is a versatile finish nailer that supports three types of nails. The compatibility with 18 gauge staples and brad nails and 16 gauge finish nails make it an attractive choice for whoever is looking for multipurpose use.
Cheap and weakly built nail guns will often damage your work surface and produce poor results. However, NuMax SL31 features a no-mar tip that prevents such damages. It also keeps the work surface clean by utilizing its 360-degree adjustable exhaust.
Another alluring aspect of this pneumatic gun is that its build quality is excellent. Professional services or DIY- this tool has been able to prominently maintain its stature. It is probably the right tool for your job that offers outstanding value and quality.
Similar products in the same price range do not offer you the versatility SL31 offers. The NuMax SFN64 or WEN 61764 allows you to work with one size only. In contrast, SL31 allows you to work with three gauges.
One of the drawbacks it has is the large hole it creates. Also, the nail clearing is not enough to work comfortably, and you don’t get the nails with it.
Pros
- Versatile pneumatic gun.
- Great value for money.
Cons
- Small nail clearance.
2. Craftsman 18ga Finish Nailer (cmpbn18k)- Best For Beginners
The 18GA finish nailer from Craftsman is an excellent tool for DIY or professional use. Whether you are a beginner or not, this pneumatic gun will come in handy if you are looking for hassle-free operation. On top of that, this product costs less than the other accompanying products in the market.
The most fascinating fact about this finish nailer is that it has an oil-free motor. Therefore, the motor does not need regular maintenance. Compared to the contemporary products where you continuously have to deal with grease, Craftsman 18GA is indeed a handy tool you can have.
The jam release mechanism of this pneumatic gun does not require any tool. The same goes for the depth-of-drive adjustment, as you can efficiently and adequately set the nail heads. This eliminates that extra hassle that many have to face dealing with their cheap finish nailers.
Craftsman 18GA is the most reasonable finish nailer you can find in terms of price. The 16GA version from Craftsman costs almost double. However, the 18GA is an overall good choice, especially if you are a beginner. The additional features come in handy even for professionals.
There have been issues regarding misfire and jamming. Also, the mar pad feels cheap, and there is no spare available either.
Pros
- Great for beginners.
- Oil-free motor for hassle-free operation.
Cons
- Cheap mar pad.
3. Dewalt dwfp1838 18 Gauge Finish Stapler- Best For Maneuverability
DEWALT 18 gauge finish stapler creates an appeal among the customers with its lightweight build, ease of operation, and value for money. It is a solid tool that needs little fuss. Beginner or pro, you can get yourself this tool, and surely you won’t regret it.
There are several reasons why you should buy DEWALT 18 gauge finish stapler. The most favorable aspect is its free motor- allowing it to work without staining the work surface. Moreover, you can properly set the staples with the help of depth-of-drive adjustment.
This finish stapler adds to its features to make your projects easier to deal with. You get a selectable trigger that allows you to go for either selection or contact actuation. There is also an alert system that tells you when to reload.
Most likely, what you won’t see in other contemporary finish nailers is the feature to keep contaminants from getting in the way. DEWALT 18 gauge finish stapler has a rear exhaust to do just that. All these features you get in a very affordable price range.
However, the instructions about loading the stapler are not clear. Dewalt compromised the build quality a bit due to the focus on other features.
Pros
- Lightweight finish nailer.
- Great value for money.
Cons
- Ambiguous instruction manual.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How do I know that I need an 18 gauge nailer?
Eighteen gauge nails are the thinnest among its kinds. These nails are suitable for thinner pieces of wood while avoiding splitting. These finish nailers are best used in baseboard shoe moldings or cover moldings.
- How much do 18 gauge finish nailers cost?
Depending on the brand, the price varies between $100 to $440 for a cordless tool only or kit. The price of the pneumatic guns varies from $50 to $390 in general.
Conclusion
There are several finish nailers out there that will offer the services you will need. However, the most important thing is the size you will need. You must know that one size will not fit all carpentry or woodworking applications. If you are unsure, the better choice is to buy a multipurpose tool that covers multiple sizes.
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