Craftsman 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Manual

The Craftsman 18 Gauge Brad Nailer is a pneumatic finishing tool designed for precision trim work, cabinetry, and molding. It fires 18-gauge brad nails from 5/8" to 2" in length, features a lightweight composite body, adjustable depth control, tool-free jam clearing, a 360-degree adjustable exhaust, and a no-mar tip. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Setup & Installation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Adjustments 6. Loading Nails 7. Operation 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Storage 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Magazine, Depth adjustment wheel, Trigger, Safety tip, Air inlet, Exhaust port, Jam-clearing mechanism.

Feature	Description
Magazine Capacity	Holds up to 100 18-gauge brad nails
Nail Length Range	5/8 inch to 2 inches
Depth Adjustment Wheel	Controls nail drive depth for flush or countersunk finish
Tool-Free Jam Clearance	Quickly clear jams without tools
360° Adjustable Exhaust	Directs exhaust air away from user and work area
No-Mar Tip	Prevents damage to workpiece surface
Lightweight Composite Body	Reduces user fatigue during extended use
Air Inlet	1/4-inch NPT for air hose connection
Trigger	Sequential or contact actuation mode (if applicable)
Safety Tip	Prevents accidental firing; must be depressed to fire

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection.

Disconnect air supply before loading, clearing jams, or performing maintenance.
Keep hands and body away from the muzzle end. Never point at yourself or others.
Use only compressed air as a power source (max PSI as specified).
Use only 18-gauge brad nails specified for this tool.
Ensure workpiece is free of nails, screws, or other obstructions before firing.

WARNING! Serious injury or death can result from misuse. Do not bypass safety mechanisms. Keep out of reach of children.

Setup & Installation

Prepare the nailer for first use.

Connect air compressor: Use a 1/4-inch air hose with a quick-connect coupler. Ensure compressor is off.
Adjust air pressure: Set compressor regulator to the recommended PSI (typically 70-120 PSI). Start low and adjust based on material and nail depth.
Load nails: Disconnect air, slide magazine latch, insert nail strip, close magazine.
Adjust exhaust: Rotate exhaust port to direct air away from face and workpiece.
Test fire: Connect air, point tool in a safe direction, and test fire into a scrap piece of wood.

CAUTION! Always disconnect air supply before loading nails or clearing jams.

Specifications

Gauge: 18-gauge brad nails.
Nail Length Range: 5/8" to 2".
Magazine Capacity: 100 nails.
Operating Pressure: 70-120 PSI.
Air Inlet: 1/4-inch NPT.
Air Consumption: Approximately 0.3 CFM per cycle.
Tool Weight: Approximately 2.5 lbs.
Dimensions: Varies by model; refer to tool label.
Actuation: Sequential trigger (safety tip must be depressed first).

Controls and Adjustments

Main user controls are located on the body of the nailer.

Depth Adjustment Wheel: Rotate to control how deep the nail is driven. Turn clockwise to drive deeper (countersink), counterclockwise for shallower drive (flush).

Trigger: Fires the nail when safety tip is depressed. Some models offer selective actuation (sequential vs. contact). Refer to specific model instructions.

Safety Tip (Nosepiece): Must be fully depressed against workpiece before trigger will fire.

Magazine Latch/Release: Slide or pivot to open magazine for loading.

Jam-Clearing Mechanism: Typically a sliding or rotating door near the magazine for quick access to driver blade area.

Loading Nails

Use only straight, clean, 18-gauge brad nails designed for pneumatic nailers.

DISCONNECT THE AIR HOSE from the tool.
Locate and slide/push the magazine latch to open the magazine door.
Insert a strip of nails (head-first, points down) into the magazine channel. Ensure nails are aligned correctly.
Close the magazine door until it clicks securely into place.
Reconnect the air hose. The tool is now ready for use.

Tip: Periodically add a drop of pneumatic tool oil to the air inlet before connecting the hose to lubricate internal parts.

Operation

For precise and safe nailing.

Connect to air supply at correct PSI.
Adjust depth setting on a scrap piece to achieve desired result.
Position the no-mar tip firmly against the workpiece. The safety tip must be fully compressed.
Pull the trigger to fire a nail. For rapid fire, maintain pressure on the safety tip and pull the trigger for each nail.
Move along the workpiece, maintaining firm contact.
For angled nailing, hold the tool at the desired angle, ensuring full contact with the safety tip.

WARNING! Do not "bump" or drag fire unless the tool is specifically designed for contact actuation mode. Keep fingers away from the muzzle.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Disconnect air supply before any maintenance.

Daily: Add 2-3 drops of pneumatic tool oil into the air inlet. Cycle the tool a few times to distribute oil.

Weekly/Heavy Use: Wipe exterior clean with a dry cloth. Inspect the O-rings and safety tip for wear.

Clearing a Jam: 1. Disconnect air. 2. Open the jam-clearing access door (refer to your model). 3. Remove any jammed nail or debris using pliers if necessary. Do not use excessive force. 4. Close the access door securely. 5. Reconnect air and test fire into scrap wood.

CAUTION! Use only recommended pneumatic tool oil. Do not use WD-40 or motor oil as a substitute.

Storage

Disconnect air hose. Clean exterior. Store in a dry, cool place, protected from dust and moisture. For long-term storage, add a few drops of oil to the air inlet and fire the tool several times to coat internal components.

CAUTION! Do not store with nails loaded in the magazine under pressure.

Warranty Information

Craftsman hand tools and mechanics tools are warranted against defects in material or workmanship for a lifetime. Pneumatic nailers are typically covered by a limited warranty (e.g., 1 year from date of purchase). Proof of purchase is required. This warranty does not cover damage from misuse, lack of maintenance, or use of non-recommended fasteners. For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Support or visit an authorized service center.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Nailer does not fire	Air disconnected, low pressure, safety tip not engaged	Check air supply & pressure; ensure tip is fully depressed against workpiece.
Nails not driving flush	Incorrect depth setting, low air pressure	Adjust depth wheel; increase air pressure slightly.
Nails jamming frequently	Damaged nails, dirty magazine, worn driver blade	Use new, straight nails; clean magazine; inspect for wear.
Air leaking from exhaust	Worn O-rings or internal seals	Inspect and replace seals; may require professional service.
Weak or incomplete drive	Low air pressure, insufficient lubrication, internal wear	Increase pressure; lubricate tool; check for internal damage.

Service: For repairs not covered in this manual, contact Craftsman Customer Service at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.