Brad Nailer

Brad nailer/stapler
The SB-2IN1 is a versatile nailer that drives both 18-gauge brads and narrow crown finish staples for a wide variety of practical uses. Its adjustable depth guide sets nails to the desired depths quickly and conveniently, and its tool-free adjustable exhaust directs exhaust away from you and your workpiece.

This powerful nailer has a magazine capacity of 100 brads or 100 staples; it accepts brads from 5/8-inch to 1-5/8-inches, and it takes 18-gauge staples from 1/2-inch to 1-1/2-inch. It operates at 70-100 psi, with a thread fitting type of 1/4-inch NPT. The kit comes complete with a 1/4-inch air fitting, 1,000 2-inch brad nails, 1,000 1-inch staples, hex wrench, an extra no-mar tip, oil, and a carrying case. This nailer is covered by a 7-year limited warranty.

Air compressor
The CAP60P-OF has a high-efficiency motor with a 2 horsepower peak output (1.5 hp running) and a 6-gallon tank capacity. It boasts a no-maintenance, oil-free pump and it produces 135 psi (max) -- 3.4 cfm at 40 psi, 2.1 cfm at 90 psi. The air compressor comes with a 16-piece accessory kit which includes a 25-foot coil hose with fittings, blow gun, safety tip, inflator nozzle, sports ball inflation needles, dual tire chuck, tire pressure gauge, and thread sealant tape. The compressor is covered by a one-year limited warranty. -- Cherie Priest

Applications
Use this helpful combination kit to tackle interior and exterior finish and trim, furniture, cabinet work, staircases, paneling, and an assortment of craft projects.

What's in the box
Bostich 2-in-1 brad nailer/narrow crown stapler with 1/4-inch air fitting, 1,000 2-inch brad nails, 1,000 1-inch staples, hex wrench, an extra no-mar tip, oil, and a carrying case; air compressor with a 25-foot coil hose with fittings, blow gun, safety tip, inflator nozzle, sports ball inflation needles, dual tire chuck, tire pressure gauge, and thread sealant tape.

Choosing a Pneumatic Nailer
For small household jobs, an old-fashioned hammer is the perfect stand-by. But if you've got a bigger project on your to-do list, then a pneumatic power nailer could be your new best friend. Pneumatic nailers are a great alternative to traditionally powered nailers, because they're capable of providing more power -- and they operate with fewer moving parts, so a pneumatic nailer can take more abuse than its corded or battery-run cousins.

A Word on Air Compressors
All pneumatic tools require a steady supply of controlled, compressed air in order to work properly, and nailers are no exception. Bigger compressors with hardy motors and large tanks generate higher PSI levels and maintain them longer, so you'll probably want a piston-type, two-stage compressor to power your nailer. Smaller or single-stage models are fine for little projects, but if you need a pneumatic nailer, the odds are good that you're looking for some intense PSI and CFM ratings. Sometimes, a pneumatic nailer will come with its own compressor -- or it can be purchased as part of an air tool set.

How Pneumatic Nailers Work
Pneumatic nailers use compressed air power to cock and release the hammer. In order to fire a fastener, a valve opens to let air fill a cylinder -- which has a piston that's driven down hard and fast. This forces the nail out of the gun and into your workpiece. Then the piston recoils, and another nail is loaded.

Important Points to Consider
Check manufacturer's guidelines to find out what pressure (PSI) and volume (CFM) of air will give your pneumatic nailer the best results. Also, keep in mind that any restrictions on the air hose will diminish the tool's performance. Hoses that are very long, contain too much moisture, or are incorrectly sized will reduce air flow. This can prematurely wear out your tool and cause it to perform poorly.

General Features
Most models will feature a rubber nosepiece to prevent scuffing and marring of your workpieces, plus an exhaust system (rear or adjustable) to keep sawdust and debris out of your face and away from your project. Pneumatic nailers usually have an adjustable depth of drive, and depending on the model, they can accommodate nails up to 2-1/2 inches long, in a variety of different gauge sizes. With a powerful enough compressor behind them, they can shoot thousands of nails a day.