Results for the cheap Grizzly #18 nailer
I recently bought the Grizzly 18 gauge nailer that they have on as a summer special for the very low price of $23. Here’s my quick review of this tool, which I used on a recent casework project.
The machine seems well made and I expect it will last far longer than it will take to justify the low price. It drives brads fine for the most part, and worked right out of the box.
The worst problems:
Instructions: pretty much non-existent. The little bit they sent has a parts diagram explosion and warnings not to nail yourself in the head, but that’s about it. There is no description for how to adjust nail depth, and the adjuster is one of those dials with no markings, so you don’t know if you are adjusting it the right way.
Accessibility: the gun has a safety loop that gets in the way of nailing into tight corners. The safety also blocks your view of where you are nailing. The gun came with a foam pad on the safety which REALLY blocked your view. I removed it and haven’t run into any problems with the gun marring the work.
Medium nits:
Nail length: the gun only takes up to 1 1/4″ brads. This is clearly stated, but after using the gun and seeing how useful it can be, I wish it shot longer brads.
Good stuff:
Brad driving: after a few proud nail heads, I adjusted the depth a little and had no problems with 1″ or shorter brads, although making the adjustment was not intuitive, and the manual was silent on how to do it.
Loading, clearing, exhaust: Loading is a snap. The gun hasn’t jammed, so I haven’t taken advantage of the easy clearing system. The exhaust port swivels around on the gun head like most guns.
Overall recommendation: the gun is easily worth the $23 sale price if you don’t have an 18 gauge brad gun. It works OK for all but the finest work. If you need to be precise in placing your brads, or if you need to squeeze into inside corners, avoid this gun. But for everything else, it’s fine and it sure beats paying $100+ for a gun.
Replies
You get what you pay for.. And as you have stated worth every cent!
I love cheap!
I was examining the nailer today after I posted my message, and noticed that there is a diagram on the inside of the nailer showing which way to twist the knob to adjust nail depth. It is very hard to see, but at least now I (and you gentle readers) know that it is there. The "manual", however, still sucks.
I think the nailer is great for trim work, which is why I bought it. I built up and attached a lot of custom molding with it last week.Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005
(and you gentle readers) Paul are you on the correct form?
oops, forgot my lithium today. It's for my schizophrenia. Mine too.Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005
schizophrenia.. I hear ya... I'm a Gemini!
who's nails (brads) does it take. the grizzly or other suppler.
i wonder if the $29.00 would not be a better deal as it will take up 2 inch brad
Takes griz OR other supplier 18 gauge brads, though so far I've only used griz nails. Most nails are the same.
A $29 model that does up to two inch nails would (imo) be better. Doing fine work with the $23 one is tough because of the safety. When I'm driving 2" nails I don't worry as much about nail placement (+/- 3 mm is no problem).Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005
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