Paslode T200 500959 18 Gauge 5/8 to 2-Inch Brad Nailer

We'll get out of the way the only thing we don't like: depth-of-drive isn't tool-free. Aside from that relatively small thing, this is one fantastic nailer. It's the lightest we've ever had in hand, and while that may not seem like such an important thing, it will be if you're working overhead for extended periods.

Probably its most outstanding feature is an unusually streamlined nose architecture that fits neatly into spots the other brands can't reach and guarantees your fastener drives exactly where you want it to.

Of course, this Paslode has all the things you expect from any nailer: a non-marring tip, directional exhaust to keep debris away from your face and a nice fastener length range, from 5/8 to 2-inch brads.

If you've already got a 16-gauge, you may not feel the need for the smaller gun, but we'll just say that its delicate touch is all we'd want when working with cove, shoe, base and quarter-round moldings, stair spindles, outside crown corners, paneling, and any sort of decorative trim.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste

What's in the Box
Nailer, safety glasses, lube oil, allen wrenches, manual, case

Although very light, I found the paslode just as powerful as its heavier brothers. I had no trouble driving 2 inch brads into some 1 inch thick oak face frames I was working with recently.

The paslode's nose geometry is also great. Even with its rubber tip attached, it will fit into tight spots a bit easier than the porter cable or the central pneumatic. This nailer (like the PC & CP)has its safety guard located behind the nose. This is actually the feature I always check first when looking at finish nailers. A few common models have their guard in front of the nose. The first finish nailer I ever used (borrowed) was set up with the guard in front, and it found it much harder to position the nose for toe nailing and other tight space tasks.

I would guess I have driven 2500-3000 nails with the paslode, and thus far it has yet to jam. I am sure it will eventually, and was happy to see that it uses a spring loaded latch (just like the PC) to remove jams. This is much easier to use than the series of hex screws that must be removed to clear jams on many finish nailers.

The depth of drive adjustment on the paslode is similiar to most nailers that offer this option. It's a thumbwheel located behind the trigger, and works well.

The exhaust port direction is also easy to adjust, although I have found that I generally just leave the port pointing towards the front surface of the nailer.

My only complaints about this nailer are the kick back and its lack of a belt hook. Of course the kick back is the drawback that comes with the paslode's lack of weight. Overall, I'll take the lightweight nailer and make sure my wrist is firm before firing.

I would actually rate this nailer at 4.5 stars. I always hesitate to use the 5 star rating(as few tools are truely perfect). I think the Paslode stands up well against any commonly available finish nailer, regardless of price.