Can the Milwaukee 18g Cordless Brad Nailer Replace Your Air Gun?
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- Опубліковано 21 сер 2024
- I would love to cut the cord when it comes to Nail Guns, but are the cordless alternatives good enough? Here I take a look at the Milwaukee M18 18g Brad Nailer(2746-20)
Thanks for watching:)!
I had the same problem with mine, and went back to Acme Tools and they replaced it with another unit, I’ve owned the new nailer for about 2 years and have had absolutely no issues, no matter the brand of nails I use. I really do think you should have yours replaced and give it another shot!
I have the same tool, and it works perfectly. Never had any issues like you’ve described.
I recently bought this nail gun and you clearly got a lemon, I use galvanised nails all the time, oak and whatever wood i throw at it, absolutely no issues whatsoever. Fantastic nail gun definitely the best battery brad gun on the market.
I truly believe you did get a lemon. I’d trade it out for another. Had mine for 2 years and don’t have the problems you are experiencing. Oak, maple, heart pine haven’t left my nails proud but a handful of times and user error a few of those times. Only 1 jam and once again my fault (loaded 1 3/4 behind 1 1/4). I shoot Metabo galvanized, Dewalt ungalvanized and some short galvanized Porter Cable that I’ve had for over 12 years.
Same here. I no longer use the air nailer after getting this one
Maybe he accidentally bought a 1st gen? I heard those had a lot of problems. I bought the whole line up including the framing nailer and have loved them for what I do.
according to these comments there seems like theres a high chance of getting a lemon, that should probably factor into a purchasing decision. annoying af to go through the return process
@@rackoone No the first Gen looks different and it was horrible. He's got gen2 and they're awesome. His is not working properly
I've got the 16g angled nailed and, beside a few misfires, it hasn't missed a beat. I've used it for shooting skirtings onto native hardwood framing and never had a problem with it not sinking nails. I'm not even a Milwaukee fanboy, so I run mine with a Milwaukee - Makita battery adapter.
I'm not a pro but I've put at least a thousand nails through mine across different brands and sizes and I love it. I haven't touched my pneumatic since I got this. The 23ga is also really nice.
I have the Metabo HPT brad nailer. Never had a nail sitting proud that wasn’t user error and never even had a jam. Love it so much I’ve started buying other Metabo HPT tools.
I have a Ryobi cordless nail gun. I'm completing a project of changing the trims and borders in my house and it has worked fantastic.
My Ryobi 16 gauge straight nailer lasted 7 years and just died a couple days ago. I'm not a pro, but I've used it for many indoor and outdoor projects over the years. I replaced it with the nailer in this video and I'm very happy with it so far.
I’ve been using this gun daily for over a year and I never have any issues with it! I always use hitachi nails from lowes!!
Like others have said, i have the M18 18ga nailer and don’t have these issues. Fantastic nailer. I also have the crown stapler, 16ga, 15ga and their framing nailers. Amazing tools, you must have dud
I've had that gun for about a year & I haven't had any problems at all. None. I think that you got a lemon. I liked it so much that I bought the crown stapler, the 15 gauge angled & the 30 degree framer. I've used that 18gauge to nail 2 1/8" into oak & I just bought whatever brand nails Home Depot had in stock at the time. Take that one back & get a new one. Life without a compressor is so nice.
Bit surprised by this. I rarely fire more then 10-20 brads per use, but I use mine every day on cabinetry and Millwork, and haven’t had any of these issues.
I’m using the cheap ROK brand 2” brads from Summit tools, galvanize or coated is not stated so I don’t even know. I’d guess they’re not coated.
But in probably 1000 rounds fired I’ve only once had a jam trying to fire 2” in to solid White Maple.
And the holes are as clean as my pneumatic Bostich smart point, so no complaints there.
I’ve actually fired right in to finish grade furniture kick a few times and it was clean enough to carefully fill the hole with no slag or chips.
I’d definitely give another unit a shot before switching brands. This is actually the first review I’ve seen on this thing that didn’t say it was clearly the best offering out there.
My m12 23g is hands down the best of the Milwaukee, Metabo, Makita offerings. Not even a close race there.
I know other reviews are quite positive. I’ll see what they say at KMS, I might just stick with air.
@@TheFunnyCarpenter the double pin firing seems like an extreme malfunction. Something isn’t right there.
As far as brads go, I’ve only used these cheap summit tools ROK so I can’t speak for other brands, but I’ve never had an issue with them in that gun.
One tip a guy gave me on Brad nailer issues was that apparently the brad clips have a top and bottom that’s indicated by a tiny notch on the btm side of each brad head. And that you can have issues if you place that facing up. Not sure if that makes sense.
I too own the Milwaukee 18 gauge nailer. I have not had the issues you describe. I do use the Bostich nails (they are easy to find around my area). All in all I find the biggest drawback is the weight, when I am in awkward position for that odd trim piece. The convenience of not having to also set up my compressor, and pull out my hose is worth that one complaint though.
I just bought one of these recently. I tested it using a 5.0XC battery with 2" DeWalt brads, nailing 1/2" pine and 3/8" oak into the edge of a 2x4. I started with the lowest depth setting (the wheel rolled all the way up). With this setting, the head was protruding out of the board about 1/8". I then set it all the way down (25 clicks) and it was buried in the wood. I set it back 12 clicks and the head was just about flush. I found the sweet spot to be about 18 clicks starting from fully scrolled up. This consistently set the heads just below the surface with enough room for wood filler or caulk in both the pine and oak. In bump fire mode, I did notice that I really needed to pause and let the nail go all the way in before lifting the tool for the next shot. When I did that the results were very good. If I rushed a little bit, the brad stood out just a bit or wasn't sunk far enough. In single shot mode, it does sink the brad ever so slightly more than the bump fire in the same setting. Again, 18 clicks gave good results in both modes. Overall I'm very happy with this brad nailer.
I haven't used the 18, but I have the 15 and it has worked flawlessly for the 8 months I've had it. I've used dewalt and metabo nails in it and both work perfect.
I think you have a defective gun. I've watched some reviews on these guns on YT and everyone seems to love them. Richard over at the Finish Carpentry TY channel uses the whole line of Milwaukee cordless guns and I've never heard him complain about them.
UA-cam video watcher here....lol....just bought this gun after checking out a number of videos on that and the Milwaukee 16 gauge gun which I also bought. Haven't heard any complaints about the nails in those videos and the setting dial has to be used to properly set the nails to desired depth. Does sound like you had a bad unit . I'd call Milwaukee and discuss with their customer service. Just to verify that the nails that I purchased with the gun that I have do work I just went downstairs and shot three of them into a piece of 3/4" plywood. These are Freeman 18 gauge one and a half inch brad nails I purchased them through Home Depot along with the gun. These are galvanized too and they shot through just fine I had to make some dial adjustments to get the gun to drive them flush with the wood surface but that was it. I love this gun!
Another happy owner of this same nailer. Finishing up my second major home renovation project with it. HOWEVER, I have one box of DeWalt nails that jam every time. Just those ones, and none of the other lengths or brands.
Use this almost daily - have the pin nailer as well. - I have noticed that if the battery is getting low i will get a misfire. I always swap batteries at 50% (2 bar). Im running Magnum brads from KMS - SKU MI-BG2325. No issues, love it. I NEVER use rambo mode. and always press into the surface, limp wristing is not an option. Have found it bulky when doing corner crown and 1/4 round.
I bought one of these guns as well, it was the first generation one. The first generation guns for the 18 gauge nailers are awful for Milwaukee. I took mine to the Milwaukee service factory and got a free 2nd generation gun. Been using it for 1.5-2 years without any issues now. Might be worth checking which Generation your gun is.
I had the same issue as yours. Was sooooooo disappointed but now I use strickly Bostich brads. Once you use them its almost like day and night. I havent had one issue in one year. I got my gun last year as an Christmas present to myself. Now I dont haul my compressor anywhere. I just got and container for my gun and strickly Bostitch brads and Ive never been happier!!
I have the 18ga & 16ga nailer from Milwaukee. They work just fine. It might be a defect. We mostly use them for cabinetry/ small jobs since bringing in that compressor and hose is a pain aside from the noise
Interesting, I appreciate your experience. Lots of other people say this is the best cordless 18g Brad. I have had my DeWalt cordless brad nailer for a year now and so far so good. I used different brands of nails and no issues. It is heavier and has that fly wheel mechanism but it works and beats turning on my loud air compressor just to sink a few nails in.
Hey Funny Man. Used your very helpful tip on making returns for baseboard by cutting on the flat. It’s a miracle how smooth and SAFE. THANKS again from the States.
I'm amazed at your findings. I have the same model and it is flawless. I'm a trim carpenter and use it daily rather than pneumatic. I'd say you have a lemon (I actually had a 2nd generation 15ga nailer that was bad out of the box). Unfortunately, it happens sometimes.
I own the 15, 18 and 23 gauge nailers as well as a framer and they all perform perfectly. Zero complaints.
Ive got the dewalt 18 ga brad nailer, and the milwukee 18 ga brad nailer, as well as several older pnematics. I loved my milwaukee so much that i went out and got the crown stapler, and 16 ga finish nailer as well. So i got nothing but good things to say about the fuel nailers.
You have a bad nailer. Same thing happened to me. Swapped it out for another nailer and a year later and thousands of nails it still working flawlessly.
I've heard this from a few sources. I might have to check out the gun again in the future.
I’ve been using a Ryobi AirStrike 18g for 4 years now, all types of hard wood soft, mdf, pvc, zero issues, worth every penny, $180Kit never need an air compressor
I'd love to see a review of the new M12 18G nailer. On the face of it M12 should be an excellent platform for this use case, bringing down the size and weight closer to air powered options.
I use Dewalt nails and I don’t think I have had one miss fire . I think you got a lemon. I would definitely try a different one. Easy to adjust the depth and I’ve had mine for over a year.
Another awesome objective video thank you! That's why I'm Subcribed. For me in cabinet making in my shop or at a jobsite I just don't get the GIANT HEAVY portable nailers for cabinets when I can use a small very lightweigh air nailer with a 1/4 inch hose and a quiet compressor. I have used them, but they don't really fit in small places and just moving them around to shoot nails is cumbersome. It's also hard to nail with precision when you have the weight of that battery flinging me past the shooting point. I love my Dewalt Brad and Pin nailers, they fit everywhere, in any configuration, and I can shoot fast and accurate. I do have battery nailers for jobs where I have to climb ladders, or that shoot large nails where the guns are pretty much the same size and weight.
Yes it’s hard to beat the feel of an air nailer.
Clearly you don't understand the point of them.
I've got two words for you. Portability. (FJB joke if you don't get those either)
They're meant to ditch the air hose moving around a house room to room, not for a guy standing in one spot building cabinets where an air hose isn't inhibiting movement.
Lemon. I have used mine on all sorts of wood, various nails, no problems over a few thousand nails so far.
My ryobi battery powered brad nailer is fantastic.
I have the same nailer and have had many people convert to the Milwaukee because it shoots very well once tuned to the board you are using. The fan on the dewalt drives me nuts when in the same room with a dewalt guy
I have the Ryobi nailers and have never had a problem
I dont work in the industry but I've had 0 issues with mine installing prehung doors, casing, baseboards, etc in every room of my home so far. I've let others borrow it too with 0 complaints. Maybe read the manual 🤷🏻
I have so many 18ga nailers. Pneumatic and cordless.
The Milwaukee is pretty consistent, as long as you use the proper nails. I found paslode is the best brand for it.
I don’t do trim full time any more, only use an 18ga a few times a day now.
It’s been a great nailer. Better than the Dewalt and the Senco.
Definitely not as good as even a cheap crispair pneumatic.
It shouldn’t work as poorly as the one you were demonstrating though. My guess is the nails.
This! bostitch nails have given me a lot of jams unfortunately.
I agree. I've owned 4 cuz I'm committed to Milwaukee batteries/ chargers at this point. Each time, the 1st one I buy is garbage and needs to be returned. I grab another off the shelf and it works fine. It's like hit or miss with Milwaukee nailers. The worst is when it fires 2 nails at once and makes a terrible grinding noise.
You just had a lemon. Mine is perfect. Best ever.
I swear by air. I have the Festool WCR1000 workcenter, mounted on a Rolair Airstak compressor. I don't wear a tool belt because I don't want to ding anything, so I just drag my cart around with me as I trim houses. I have a coil hose, to a Dewalt airhub and then coil hoses to my 2 Senco guns (XP42 15g, MG18 18g). Those 2 guns probably have 100,000 nails each through them with less than a handful of misfires in their lifetimes. That being said, I also have a Metabo HTC 15g and 18g cordless set, for when I'm not fully unpacking, and I love them. They are not AS reliable as my air guns, but they are pretty freakin reliable. They function and have all the same features (externally) as the Milwaukee you just demonstrated, but they actually work. I'm not one of those "platform" guys. I believe in buying the best tool you can get even if that means having 20 different battery types. These guns are the only things I have from HTC, but I highly recommend them.
I've always considered the cordless nailers as smaller job guns. With the exception of the paslode framing nailer. I have the same milwaukee you're using and haven't had any problems. I think they're too big and expensive to use for larger jobs , but can augment my pneumatic nailers.
1500 sq ft and up. Milwaukee framing cordless no problem. Stuff the cords, compressor/ generator.
You must have got a lemon. I picked one of those guns up a couple of years ago and it's been consistently good at driving in Tacwise galvanised nails in a variety of thicknesses from 20mm to 50mm. The only time it failed me was when I decided to clad a reinforced composite door with shiplap to match the rest of the garage but I can forgive it for that. Hell, this nail gun has been so good I recently bought the narrow crown stapler to go with it. My only gripe with it (and the stapler) is weight. Unless you're built like Drax the Destroyer it takes a toll after a while. Take yours back and get another to test. 😊
I am a big fan of pneumatic nailers, but I have to say that I did get the M12 23-gauge nailer for some quick and dirty small finishes and it does really great. I was looking at the M18, but I guess I'll pass for now...
It looks like I just had a bad gun, seems like a lot of people had better luck with the gun. Either way I’m still sticking with air for now.
I would say your gun is a lemon I have had mine for a couple of years and have never had a problem but I value and appreciate your reviews
Great video. I've been unhappy with the charger of my Milwaukee tools.
I’ve had no problem sinking the 18 gauge 50mm nails through softwood architrave into hardwood through plasterboard
The m12 18 ga 1 1/2" brad nailer is gonna be real compact. Hopefully it is an improvement. I've never had any issues with mine. Must be an odd one
Mine is awesome as well, the only thing its heavier and bulkier then a air gun but you dont need to haul the compressor 😊
I wanted to buy that exact gun because it was a revised model from Milwaukee but my tool supplier told me to stay away from it and buy a dewalt instead. I have the dewalt 2 years now and it hasn’t misfired once
i have the older m18 18 gun , never had issues with it except for not setting well. anyway biggest upgrade is the completely forget the 18 gauge , get a dewalt 15 guage and the m12 23 gauge. you got to putty up 18s anyways so putty up 15s , BUT the 23 is small enough to not need putty - just paint right over.
I use mine like everyday. I absolutely love it! U might have a bad unit.
Really! You’ve had good success with nails setting? What type are you using?
@@TheFunnyCarpenter I also love mine. I've been using non-coated interior DeWalt nails from Home Depot. At the time, those were the only 18GA available so I just stuck with it.
Interesting experience. I had similar issues with my Milwaukee 15ga angled nailer. I never completed a single job without having to pull nails and patch damage. I returned it, and have gone back to either my ancient 16ga deWalt, or my simply gorgeous Senco 15ga pneumatic. I now think carrying a portable compressor is a fair trade off for using the Senco. Mikita 1gal compressor is on order…
I believe u got a lemon truly. I have that gun and the Milwaukee pin nailer. Love both of them and have been beasts. I use Porter cable and bostich nails with no issues. The only ones it seemed to not like was just the Dewalt 2 in Brad nails
I have never had that problem own mines for almost two years..did you adjust the depth??I agree you have a lemon..
I would be surprised if Milwaukee put out a a poorly operating tool therefore it must be a defect but they should also not be putting out defects. 8 months ago I needed to rebuild a rental unit so I purchased the Ryobi 18 gauge Brad nailer and the stapler. I think they have a cheaper version this was the best they offered and both of them worked perfectly.
Enjoyed this immensely.
I am a custom home builder, everything is cordless and Milwaukee. Only way to fly. Exception siding nailer (air) Had to go Dewalt on the roof shingle tool.
It is absolutely your nails. I have tbe same nailer and definitively it don’t like some nails like the dewalt one. Give him another chance you will be surprise
Sorry to hear that. I’ve had great success with my Gen 2 18 gauge nailer, are you sure you didn’t test the Gen 1 version which was total junk?
I got this gun and have no issues
never had a problem with mine like your having, hopefully yours is just defective. love mine & used over 5 boxes of nails with mine so far. sorry to hear man
Love the Milwaukee 23ga pin nailer and all my Metabo hpt 18v nailers never had any issues with those
Heh, good thing you never tried the gen 1 version! I used the gen 2 version that you have to trim out my basement and I spent so much time following up with a nail set. I recently sold all my Milwaukee tools so it came time to trim out the upstairs I used the old DeWalt flywheel 18ga. It was much more harsh to use but I hardly ever had to set any nails by hand. Now, I don't advise you to get the DeWalt - I am hoping they come out with a revision soon which uses the same tech as they have in their new 23ga pin nailer.
Yes. I love mine. Works flawlessly. Maybe something is wrong with yours. I've never even had a jam.
You definitely have a lemon. You should not let this be your impression of that gun. It worked flawlessly for me and a lot of friends/co-workers.
What pins are you using? Is it porter cable?
I bought this nail gun as we were planning to renew all the fencing in our back garden. As this involved 19 double slatted fence panels, 10 of which needed to be cut down in size, we knew there would be a need for a great ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxHQsUrwNr5GQrnx9V4xDdUr56qxwuiBHt deal of re-stapling the wooden slats to the wooden framework. Each alteration required the re-stapling of 62 wooden slats with double staples. Prior to starting the work we ordered sufficient additional staples as per the instructions with the gun.The gun performed fantastically throughout the entire project with no jams of misfires. The adjustable power was excellent allowing the staples to be fired into the 8mm slats to the correct depth. For the price paid this was a bargain and it proved itself to be so reliable and versatile making an arduous task much quicker and professional. I cannot recommend this product highly enough and it will be used on many other projects in the future.
You probably got a lemon. I hated the first gen. I've been on metabo/hpt ever since. Got all their guns and they all work great. I recently got the second gen 18 gauge. Wow. Love it
Perhaps It is worth comparing it to the Mikita which outperformed the Milwaukee in a Project Farm test.
Think you got a lemon, bro. That and I’m surprised you didn’t try paslode nails. I love my Milwaukee, had to set maybe 3 nails using this for 1” thick poplar trim for a week straight.
Bummer! I just do hoppy stuff and love mine, haven't had your experiences yet but will definitely keep an eye out.
That said its not acceptable for the amount of lemons that seem to exist and it deserves your review for that, even if its not all models
Lemon. Iv had mine for 2 years without any issues. Sinks nails consistently
Just picked one up few weeks ago no issues with 5/8", 1.5" or 2". I'm auto tech by trade so I dont use it a ton but putting trim up in my daughters room and never had to set a nail by hand. Think I'm shooting porter cable and metabo hpt braids.
Think you need to exchange it.
It's funny, I have that gun and use it with the dewalt nails. Never had an issue haha.
Probably the 1st bad review I've seen on this model! Definitely take it back for a replacement and see how that goes. 👍🏼🤞🏼😉
im surprised, the 16 gauge and the pin nailer are my absolute favorite tools i've purchased.
I love my other Milwaukee nailers/staplers, but the 18G is frequently misfiring and jamming. Had better results with Bostich nails, but still frustrating.
I have the Porter Cable 18 gauge cordless nailer and have zero complaints about it. Think I got it refurbished at CPO for very little money.
TTI must be getting sloppy. And physically having to turn it on every time? Incredibly annoying.
Funny, I bought the galvanized nails from harbor freight and it works fine
I have the same gun and it works amazing do not have any of these issues.....
Great video. I agree 100%. Brad nailers should be air-fed and petite. Especially when working with shoe-molding
It’s hard to beat the solid feel of an air nailer firing nails.
Nope don’t like it either! One of the guys I sometimes work with has one. It’s less hassle to bring my compressor and air nailers for me. I personally also just don’t like the bulkiness of battery nailers in general. The pneumatic ones are much more nimble and get into tight spaces easier
I agree
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the gun here, just purely user error. If I found the need to fire mine like that I would likely yield the same results.
anyone who knows how to run a Brad nailer has never shot one like he is here, why would any real carpenter feel the need to rapidly bump fire a trim gun? It’s a FINISHING gun that needs to be used in a consistent manner to expect consistent results.
if you watch him slam the nails in he pulls the nose off the wood before it finishes firing, of course your not going to get consistent nail depth shooting like a maniac.
I have this gun and absolutely love it other that the size and weight, but it’s a trade off I’ll take when im doing a small job and don’t want to drag out the pneumatic setup.
While I do think you got a lemon, I too prefer my pneumatic nailers to these cordless nailers. I have the m18 brad nailer and it does on occasion leave the heads proud. It's also hard to get into corners and the safety doesn't always actuate so that makes it not want to fire. A smart point style tip would have been much better. I also feel the nail hole it leaves is far too big maybe I need to file the driver blade..haven't done that to nailers in awhile. The good think about pneumatic is you can switch easily from 18ga to 21ga to 16ga or 15ga all on 1 line or run several hoses point is the options for nail size are endless and the guns are cheap. You could get almost 3 of the nailers mentioned above for the cost of 1 cordless gun. And with a lightweight compressor it isn't that much work to be tethered to an air line. All things considered, pneumatic is better.
Are you talking gen 1 or 2?
@@JC-eu8rg gen 2
I have had mine over a year and I have never had any of these problems take that gun back and get a new one
I think it's a lemon man. I use those P cable nails all the time always a nice drive and finish
Never had an issue I'm using galvanised nails and haven't had even close to an issue
Did you adjust the depth on front? I just bought this model a week ago and right out of the box - with longer nails and on harder material - it did not flush them. But after adjusting it deeper - it did. I have used it on some projects since then - and not a single misfire or jam ( a couple hundred cheap no name 18g nails). Either you have not adjusted the depth - or you got a lemon.
As of this writing, a year has passed. I'll look to see if you reviewed either a DeWalt DCN680 (20V, 18ga brad nailer) or DCN660(angled)/DCN662(straight) (20V, 16ga finish nailer)
I have one just like it and a other senco fusion both worked just fine, I shoot 1 1/4 brads max, if I want to shoot 1 1/2. I use 15 gauge gun
The gen 1 had large issues with misfiring. The gen 2 is great.That must have been a lemon. I've never had any issues with mine other then user error. I had some scrap oak and was sinking a whole clip of 2inch nails fully into it when I first got it. Only time it leaves a slightly large hole is when you tip it forward while nailing. Ironically, the dewalt nails I use havent jammed and I've used..maybe half of a box(cant remember if its 2000 or 2500 in a box) . The Grip Rite brand nails my boss had didnt seem to work at all. Might have been galvanized but I've never had a nail break.
I think you got a bad one. Ive had mine a year and a half of everyday use and while it has been in for maintenance once for a new drive pin (under warranty) ive had zero issues with its performance in the field
You mentioned that you use 1.5" nails for base and casing. I always thought 2" was the go to length for 1/2" base+ drywall.
Why do you use 1.5" nails vs 2"?
My Ryobi nail gun electric nail gun has been great for me
first bad review I've ever seen of this gun. I myself have used it and I quite like it.
The first m18 nailer I purchased worked like a dream with galvanized nails for one year. Then one day it wouldn't drive any nail more than an ⅛". I sent it in under warranty and got a replacement. That one did the same thing one month later. I'm on my third nailer, and all is good so far. So, my guess is you got one of the lemons like I did.
Wow you're the first person I've heard that doesn't like the gen 2 Brad nailer😎🛠️😎🛠️😎
if you could get the Senco cordless narrow crown stapler and do a review on that, that would be great and do a speed run on a box of 5,000 simulating installing underlayment that be great.
Mine is great and have shot thousands of nails with it and no issues. Yeah, do get the issue of proud or jam once in while when not cleaned or nails bent when loaded and so on….
Otherwise is great gun and gen 1 was horrid, gen 2 is awesome and you’ve got a lemon b/c it should be awesome!
I'll say the same thing everyone else is, its probably a lemon. I got one 2 years ago and it would ocaisionally just not shoot the nail, I tried several brands but the nail would get stuck right before the firing pin. I exchanged it and its worked great I shoot griprite nails usually cause they are cheap I can't tell a difference.
We demand a redo. You got a lemon
Try the M12 Pinner sometime, those things are dope!