In terms of trimming and molding, alternatives to Makita XNB01Z are scarce. This Makita cordless brad nailer review reveals how this single-charge thousand-nails-shooting nailer competes for its DFN350 counterpart.
It’s some decades ago when brad nailers popped into the nailing world to let you do nailing with slender brad nails. Ages have brought forth many types of brad nailers and cordless ones rule them all. Here’s our pick from Makita, and hence let’s dive in to see if this nail gun is the one you are looking for.
Table of Contents
Makita Cordless Brad Nailer Review
Makita XNB01Z model nailer is ideal for installing narrow trim and molding. Let’s see the other characteristics of this nail gun from this section.
Makita XNB01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 2″ Brad Nailer
Fastener and Magazine
When you are buying a nailer, at first, you need to make sure that it works with your required fastener sizes. This XNB01Z model nail gun can shoot 18 gauge brad nails with lengths varying from 5/8 inch to 2 inches. Also, the magazine of this tool can hold up to 110 pins and is easy to reload.
Battery
Since this brad nailer is battery-powered and cordless, it eliminates the need for air compressors, hoses, or expensive gas cartridges. When using the 18V LXT 3 Ah battery, this tool will drive up to 1000 nails on a single charge.
If you buy the battery from Makita, it will spend less time sitting on the charger and more time working on projects. In addition to the excellent sliding style battery, the brad nailer features a battery gauge that shows the charge level.
Depth Adjustment
Nail guns with a depth controlling mechanism allow you to work with nails of different lengths and to drive nails in different depths in the workpieces. This brad nailer has a tool-less depth adjustment dial to let you work with various finish applications.
Design
A nailer’s design is also critical because it can influence the flow of the work. This cordless brad nailer is designed to be ergonomic and balanced for better maneuverability. Also, the over-molded grip and compact nailer design prevent fatigue and increase workability.
Firing Modes
Not all nailers come with more than one type of firing mode. More firing mode means more convenience and better workability. This nail gun from Makita features two kinds of driving modes, single action or sequential mode and bump or contact mode.
Only one nail will be fired in single-action mode after pulling the trigger, while bump mode requires the nailer head to contract with the work surface for firing. It’s better to use sequential mode for longer nails and bump way for shorter nails to ensure precise nail placement.
Safety Features
Protective features are crucial for the safeguard of you, your tool, and also your workpieces. This nail gun comes with anti dry fire mechanism to prevent driving blanks and damage the work surfaces.
The nailer body is molded with rubber bumpers to protect the tool and the workpieces. There are also built-in LED lights to illuminate tight areas to reduce the misplacement of nails.
Drawbacks
XNB01Z brad nailer is a bit heavier compared to other cordless nailers. There are also no accessories included with the tool body.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 23 gauge pins for baseboards?
No, you can’t. A 23 gauge pin is as thin as a needle. It doesn’t even have any holding power. That’s why bigger and stronger nails such as brad nails are needed for baseboard. Get the best brad nailer for baseboards for the best performance.
What can I do with the brad nailers?
You can use a brad nailer for decorative trim, narrow trim around windows and doors, picture frames, paneling, birdhouses, shoe molding, quarter-round molding, and other thin cuts of the woods and baseboards.
Can a brad nailer shoot staples?
Not all the ordinary brad nailers can shoot staples, and they can only drive nails. Some brad nail guns come with a combo of staple guns. Thus they can thrust out both the nails and staples.
Can I use a nail gun on the carpet?
To attach a carpet with stairs or any floor, many professionals use a nail gun. But you can’t use all types of nails for this job. Usually, finish nailers with 15 or 16 gauge fasteners are used for carpets since they can provide enough holding power.
Parting Words
If you want your bard nailer to last longer than others, make sure to clean and lubricate the tool parts regularly, even if you don’t use the nailer often. Also, if you are not skilled, avoid utilizing the bump firing mode as it is dangerous and more prone to misplacement of nails.
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