A good 18-ga. brad nailer should be able to drive a variety of nail sizes and to place the nail where you want it to go. It should be easy to load and indicate clearly when the nail supply is low. The safety guard should be positioned behind the nose to give a better view of nail placement, and a driver-guide cover that’s easy to remove makes clearing jammed nails a breeze. The depth-of-set adjusters should be easy to read and use, and the exhaust port should be adjustable to direct air away from the user. A one-handed carriage-release lever is convenient.  The heaviest of the bunch, the Hitachi demonstrated good basic performance.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Milwaukee M12 23-Gauge Cordless Pin Nailer

This tool is designed for convenience. The battery and pins are easy to load, and the safety lock operates with the same finger you use to pull the trigger. The depth of set is adjustable, there’s a work light, and there’s a hook for hanging the tool on your toolbelt. A gauge lets you keep track of when you’ll need to recharge.

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Craftsman Random Orbit Sander

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Ridgid EB4424 Oscillating Spindle/Belt Sander

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