Why use 21 gauge brad nails? This is an extremely valid question. Especially considering for the last 16 plus years we have been heavily advocating the advtanges of using 23 gauge headless pins and continually developing new technologies to enable the use of 23 gauge pins in more and more applications. We have always been strong supporters of replacing the majority of traditioanl 18 gauge brad nail applications with 23 gauge pins. And saving the 18 gauge brad nails for areas where more holding power is necessary. So why would we now introduce a 21 gauge brad nailer? The simple answer is to enable you with more options so that you can find the best solution that you see fit. The H850LX was really born from the request and feedback of customer's like yourself.

The 21 gauge brad nail has a very slight head and the nail itself has a diameter in between that of a 23 gauge pin and an 18 gauge brad nail. The result is a nail that provides holding power closer to that of an 18 gauge brad nail. But it leaves a hole size closer to that of a 23 gauge pin. For those that are already taking the full advantage of using 23 gauge pins in as many applications as possible, they will admit that in certain scenarios, they wished the pin was slightly larger. Grex 23 gauge pins and the tools we designed to drive them give the best results in even the hardest woods with 2" long pins. But depending on the material the pins are being driven into, there can be situations where a long 23 gauge pin doesn't shoot straight. The larger 21 gauge nail will drive straight more consistently than a 23 gauge pin. And when fastening very thin material, the slight head on 21 gauge brad nails will help provide additional holding power. For those that still make the 18 gauge brad nailer their tool of choice, the 21 gauge brad nailer gives them the ability to go with a smaller hole size without a singificant compromise in holding power. Smaller holes means less filling for a quicker better finish.

The 18 gauge brad nailer and 23 gauge headless pinner are necessary tools when going on to a job site. But with each tool you bring along, there's also all the nails and pins you need for each tool as well. What if you could replace both tools with one? This would also mean you'd only need to carry one type of nails. There could be scenarios where the 21 gauge brad nailer can handle all the work you would have done with your 18 and 23 gauge tools. This would allow you to travel a lot lighter making the job easier and more efficient.

For someone looking to invest in their first nailer, we are often asked which tool they should choose. An 18 gauge brad nailer or a 23 gauge headless pinner. If their budget can only allow for one tool, we typically recommend the 18 gauge brad nailer because it can cover a wider range of applications. However, this suggestion is often met with some reluctance as the customer is usually very interested in the capabilities of our 23 gauge headless pinners. But with our new 21 gauge brad nailer, this tool offers the best of both worlds and would be an ideal solution to someone looking for their first nailer.