Anyone Use A Dewalt 18V Brad Nailer (DC608) Instead Of Traditional Air Nailer?

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Hmmm.... So I spent a couple hours yesterday doing a bit of research on compressors. Being that this is just going to be for shop use maybe you guys are right about having a lighter air nailer as opposed to a heavier cordless one. And then I found the DeWalt kit (LINK) with a 2.6CFM 6gal compressor, hose and 18AWG brad nailer, all parts with good reviews, for the same price as the 18V DeWalt 18AWG cordless. Hmmm...

I bought that Dewalt 18 gauge kit with 6 gal compressor, hose and nailer earlier this summer. While doing the finishing carpentry in our newly remodeled kitchen, it has worked well. I had a smaller PC 18 gauge nailer given to my by a former manager prior to my retirement. It is limited to 1 3/8" length brads IIRC. I keep it loaded with 1" brads and load the Dewalt with 2" brads. It's a quick switch for shorter nails or longer nails. That kit compressor also has 2 output connections so you can have 2 different guns connected simultaneously. For the price, it's turned out to be good value IMO.

[Denis Kenzior]

I'll be contrarian and mention that I love the electric cordless. I have the DeWalt 608K. Never had a misfire, and the only times the nails failed to set were my own fault (e.g. not holding the gun firm enough). Beats dragging a compressor around. First time you get on a ladder to drive a few nails, you'll be glad you have a cordless.

Only downside is that the gun is on the large / heavy side. Hard to position in really tight spots.

[Ben Rivel]

I bought that Dewalt 18 gauge kit with 6 gal compressor, hose and nailer earlier this summer. While doing the finishing carpentry in our newly remodeled kitchen, it has worked well. I had a smaller PC 18 gauge nailer given to my by a former manager prior to my retirement. It is limited to 1 3/8" length brads IIRC. I keep it loaded with 1" brads and load the Dewalt with 2" brads. It's a quick switch for shorter nails or longer nails. That kit compressor also has 2 output connections so you can have 2 different guns connected simultaneously. For the price, it's turned out to be good value IMO.

Ken, glad to read some real user experience. Thanks!

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Ben....one thing....that compressor is LOUD! It's startled my wife a couple times.

[Wade Lippman]

I have a DC614, a 12v 16gauge. Works fine.

[Ben Rivel]

Ben....one thing....that compressor is LOUD! It's startled my wife a couple times.

Really? The listed 75.7dB made it seem like it should be fairly quiet. Either way it shouldnt be too much of an issue for me as I am pretty anal about wearing hearing protection when working. But good to consider.

[Jim Dwight]

I too have and use a Ryobi 18 gauge cordless brad nailer. I installed the base and casing in around 800 ft2 of our house mostly with it. But I also have a 16 gauge pneumatic, 23 gauge pinner, 18 gauge brad nailer, couple staplers, a nailer for 3/4 flooring and a stapler for thinner flooring and my wife has a framing nailer I get to use.

I wouldn't get a cordless as my first nailer. You will want several and it's much cheaper to go pneumatic. I have Bostitch, Porter Cable, and HF nailers. The HF are not as nice but they generally work fine. My 18 gauge stapler is a little weak - won't drive 1.5 inch staples like it's supposed to - but works with 3/4 and all the others work fine.

Nothing wrong with going cordless other than price plus the fact that not everything is available cordless - yet.

[Michael Zerance]

I was at Lowes today and saw a deeply discounted Stanley Bostitch compressor kit that included three guns and the hose for $199.00.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_691030-355-B...1&Ntt=bostitch

[Rich Engelhardt]

Tyler Tools has that (reconditioned) kit for $139.00.
I bought a reconditioned roofing nailer from them a few years ago & the thing looked like it had never been used.