DEWALT DCN680B 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer vs Makita XNB01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 18 Gauge Brad Nailer

The DEWALT drives the longest brads here and puts the sequential and contact modes on a tool-free switch, so the safer setting is genuinely accessible. The Makita matches it on cordless convenience with the largest magazine and a tool-less depth dial.

DEWALT DCN680B 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer

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The longest nail range here with a tool-free trigger selector, so the safer sequential mode is a switch rather than a service operation.

• A tool-free selectable trigger for sequential or contact actuation, which puts the mode with half the injury rate within reach at any moment.
• Drives 18 gauge brads from 5/8 in. to 2-1/8 in., the longest range in this comparison.
• Brushless motor and no compressor, hose, oil or fittings to buy, maintain or drag around.
• Integrated tool-free stall release lever to reset the driver blade when the tool jams, which on a nailer is a routine event.

• At 5.3 lb it is the heaviest tool here, and a nailer is held at odd angles for long stretches.
• Bare tool, so batteries and a charger are a substantial separate cost.
• Cordless nailers have a noticeable delay between trigger and drive compared with pneumatic, which takes adjusting to.

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Makita XNB01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 18 Gauge Brad Nailer

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The largest magazine here at 110 nails, with the trigger mode on an explicit two-position selector switch.

• A two-mode selector switch for contact or sequential nailing, stated plainly in the specification rather than implied.
• Magazine capacity of up to 110 nails, the largest in this group, which matters on long runs of trim.
• Tool-less depth dial, so nail depth can be corrected on the spot rather than with a wrench.
• Cordless on the LXT platform, so no compressor and no hose across the floor.

• Drives to 2 in. rather than the DEWALT's 2-1/8, which occasionally matters on thicker casing.
• Bare tool, so the platform cost applies unless you already own LXT batteries.
• Brushed motor, so run time per charge is shorter than a brushless equivalent.

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Side by side

The bottom line

Our overall pick is the DEWALT DCN680B 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer - The longest nail range here with a tool-free trigger selector, so the safer sequential mode is a switch rather than a service operation. Choose the Makita XNB01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 18 Gauge Brad Nailer instead if long runs of trim and moulding where reloading interrupts the rhythm and depth needs frequent adjustment.

Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Brad Nailers: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).