Inexpensive Brad Nailer

This week, we're featuring the Unicatch UB1832 on our site for just $14.99. It's a simple brad nailer at a great price, but what can you do with an inexpensive brad nailer?

Trim nailing
Trim is one of the most obvious things that a brad nailer can do. Trim around windows or doors can easily be handled by the 1-1/4" brads that this model can handle, but baseboards can't. The reason for that is that doors and windows get 1/2" or 5/8" trim nailed directly to the wood frame while a baseboard gets nailed to studs through the drywall. Add 5/8" drywall and 1/2" baseboard and there isn't much left to hold on to the stud behind the wall.

Picture frame assembly
For creating some simple picture frames, this tool is quick and easy. My wife enjoys making her own frames for and stretching her own canvas, and this tool is perfect for making the frames she uses.

Bird houses
Yes, I said bird houses. Other small craft projects are also perfect candidates for this tool. Doll houses, shadow boxes, shelves and attaching wooden letters to toy boxes can all be handled easily with this one.

Adjustable depth of drive
When you're doing finish work, you'll want to slightly countersink the head of the brad. For most jobs, fairly flush to slightly recessed is what you'll want to dial the depth to. Occasionally, you'll want to drive it pretty deply. A simple thumb adjustment can create whatever finish you'd like. The adjustment is also perfect for adjusting based on the type of material you're using. Oak trim needs much more driving power than pine, for example.

Shorter brads when needed
I purchased a couple of them so I can keep a couple of sizes loaded at all times. This model can handle as short as 3/8" brads up to 1-1/4". For the price, it seemed to make sense just to keep a couple loaded up with the sizes I'll be using.

No-mar tip
On many of the more expensive nailers, the no-mar tip is an optional accessory. For whatever reason, Unicatch decided to include it with this model. That means you don't have to worry about marking up the trim as you're attaching it.

Tool-free jam clearing
Not that it happens too often, but when you do get a jammed brad you don't have to get out any allen wrenches or screwdrivers to clear it. You simply flip a lever and the whole nose assembly will come apart to allow you to clear it.

Adjustable exhaust
When you're working in a corner, you don't want to blow the exhaust up against a wall. It could contain oil, moisture or even grease. By turning the orange cap at the top of the tool, the exhaust can be aimed an any direction - away from what you're working on. After all, who wants to scrub things after you get done assembling them?

A ToolBarn first
As a ToolBarn first, we'll even allow you to purchase this tool with parts on the same order. Normally, we don't allow this due to distinct warehouse locations, but we're making an exception on this one. We're going to work on allowing this more down the road, but this is our first one. Let me know (comments / email) if you like this idea and I'll work on making more and more work this way.