Craftsman Brad Nailer 351 18310 Manual

The Craftsman Brad Nailer 351 18310 is a pneumatic tool designed for precision fastening with 18-gauge brad nails. It features a lightweight aluminum body, adjustable depth control, quick-release nose for easy jam clearing, a 100-nail capacity magazine, and requires an air compressor (operating pressure 60-100 PSI). 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 Parts 6. Operating Instructions 7. Loading Brad Nails 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Aluminum body, adjustable depth wheel, quick-release nose, magazine, air inlet, safety tip, exhaust deflector.

FeatureDescription
Adjustable Depth ControlWheel to set nail depth for flush or countersunk finish
Quick-Release NoseAllows easy clearing of jammed nails without tools
100-Nail MagazineHolds strip of 18-gauge brad nails (5/8" to 2")
Lightweight DesignAluminum construction reduces user fatigue
Safety TipPrevents accidental firing; requires tip to be depressed
Exhaust DeflectorDirects air away from user and work surface
Air Inlet1/4" NPT fitting for air hose connection
Tool-Free Jam ClearanceClear jams by releasing nose mechanism
Sequential & Contact TripMode selector for safety or rapid nailing
Ergonomic HandleComfortable grip with non-slip texture

Safety Information

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

  1. Disconnect air supply before loading, clearing jams, or performing maintenance.
  2. Keep hands and body away from muzzle. Never point at yourself or others.
  3. Use only 18-gauge brad nails specified for this tool.
  4. Ensure workpiece is free of nails, knots, or metal to avoid ricochet.
  5. Do not use in wet or explosive atmospheres.

WARNING! Tool can cause serious injury. Always follow safety procedures. Keep out of reach of children.

Setup & Installation

Prepare tool for first use with air compressor.

  1. Connect air hose: Attach 1/4" air hose to tool inlet; ensure connections are tight.
  2. Set air pressure: Adjust compressor regulator to 60-100 PSI as required for material.
  3. Add a few drops of pneumatic tool oil into air inlet before first use and daily.
  4. Load brad nails: Follow loading instructions in section 8.
  5. Test fire into scrap wood to check depth and operation.

CAUTION! Do not exceed 100 PSI. Use only clean, dry air. Install in-line filter if needed.

Specifications

Controls and Parts

Identify tool components for proper operation.

Main Parts: 1. Air Inlet, 2. Depth Adjustment Wheel, 3. Magazine Release, 4. Quick-Release Nose, 5. Safety Tip, 6. Exhaust Deflector, 7. Mode Selector (Sequential/Contact), 8. Handle, 9. Trigger.

Controls: Depth Wheel: Turn clockwise to drive nails deeper, counterclockwise for shallower. Mode Selector: Slide to choose Sequential (safety) or Contact (bump) firing. Trigger: Activates nailer when safety tip is depressed. Magazine Release: Push to open magazine for loading.

Operating Instructions

Follow steps for safe and effective nailing.

  1. Connect air hose and set pressure (60-100 PSI).
  2. Load nails (see section 8).
  3. Select mode: Sequential for precise placement; Contact for rapid nailing.
  4. Place safety tip firmly against workpiece.
  5. Pull trigger to fire nail (Sequential mode requires tip contact then trigger; Contact mode fires when tip is depressed and trigger held).
  6. Adjust depth wheel as needed for flush or countersunk results.
  7. For continuous operation, keep safety tip depressed and pull trigger for each nail.

Tip: Practice on scrap wood to master depth and alignment before starting project.

Loading Brad Nails

Use only 18-gauge brad nails designed for this nailer.

  1. Disconnect air hose from tool.
  2. Press magazine release to open magazine.
  3. Insert strip of nails with points facing down and toward muzzle.
  4. Slide nails fully into magazine until they click into place.
  5. Close magazine firmly until it latches.
  6. Reconnect air hose and test fire into scrap wood.

WARNING! Always disconnect air supply before loading. Do not force nails; ensure strip is aligned correctly.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures long tool life and safe operation.

  1. Daily: Add 2-3 drops of pneumatic tool oil into air inlet before connecting hose.
  2. Weekly: Clean exterior with dry cloth; inspect for damage.
  3. Monthly: Lubricate moving parts with light oil; check O-rings and seals.
  4. As needed: Clear jams using quick-release nose; clean magazine of debris.
  5. Replace worn parts: Safety tip, O-rings, driver blade as required.

CAUTION! Never use solvents or immerse tool in liquid. Always disconnect air before maintenance.

Storage Guidelines

Store tool properly to prevent damage and corrosion.

  1. Disconnect air hose and drain moisture from hose.
  2. Add a few drops of oil into air inlet and fire tool once to coat internal parts.
  3. Store in dry, cool place, away from children.
  4. Use case or hang on wall to avoid falls.
  5. Do not store with nails loaded in magazine for extended periods.

Tip: Cover tool to keep dust out. Store nails in original packaging to prevent rust.

Warranty Information

Craftsman Brad Nailer 351 18310 is covered by a limited warranty from date of purchase. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. Not covered: misuse, neglect, unauthorized repairs, commercial use. For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Service at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com. Keep receipt as proof of purchase.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Nailer does not fireLow air pressure, safety tip not engaged, empty magazineCheck PSI (60-100); depress tip fully; load nails.
Nails not driving flushIncorrect depth setting, low air pressureAdjust depth wheel; increase pressure within range.
Nails jammingDamaged nails, dirty magazine, incorrect loadingClear jam with quick-release; use undamaged nails; clean magazine.
Air leaking from toolLoose fittings, damaged O-ringsTighten connections; replace O-rings.
Weak driving forceLow air pressure, worn driver blade, lack of lubricationIncrease pressure; lubricate tool; replace blade if worn.

Service: For repairs, contact authorized service center. Do not disassemble beyond user instructions.

Support: 1-888-331-4569; www.craftsman.com

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