We had some random projects to wrap up around Clint’s house and received a reason to get them done in the form of the new Senco FinishPro 18BMg Brad Nailer. It came along with Senco’s new Hybrid Hose and some swivel couplings to try out as well. Paired with the PC1010N 1 gallon compressor from Senco, we set to work with a lightweight “grab and go” finish system.
Senco FinishPro 18BMg 18-gauge Nailer Features
The Senco FinishPro 18BMg weighs in at just 2.8 pounds. Much of this can be attributed to the use of magnesium in the material choices. Magnesium offers high strength like steel but at a much lower weight. They also went with composite construction on the magazine.
As the model number indicates, this finish nailer is an 18 gauge model. It can handle nail lengths from 5/8″ to 2-1/2″. The composite magazine will hold up to 100 nails. Common applications for this model include external trim, chair rails, baseboards, ornamental, case backs, cabinetry, furniture repair, small trim, and craft assembly.
The motor is oil free and requires very little maintenance, making you more productive. The exhaust port is capable of being pointed in 360 degrees with no tools needed to keep exhaust away from you and the work surface. A swiveling belt hook makes climbing applications much more convenient.
While most finish work has an element of precision, some require less than others. You can change between bump and sequential fire modes with a simple flip of the switch. Push the spring loaded button on the right side of the trigger and turn to make the change.
Room for Improvement
For those precision applications, a nose light helps you see the placement. While there isn’t a dry fire lockout, there is a low magazine indicator to help reduce dry fire incidents. A standard thumb wheel depth of drive adjustment and no-mar tip round out the major features.
You’ll need to provide the inlet plug since one doesn’t come packaged with the nailer. We’d recommend one of Senco’s new swiveling plugs to help reduce stress around the connection point and work in tighter areas.
Senco FinishPro 18BMg Pneumatic Finish Nailer Specifications
- Model: 18BMg
- Power Source: Air compressor
- Operating Pressure: 70 – 120 PSI
- Consumption: 1.6 SCFM @ 60 cycles per minute
- Air Inlet: 1/4″
- Weight: 2.8 pounds
- Nail Gauge: 18
- Magazine Capacity: 100 nails
- Fastener Range: 5/8″ – 2-1/2″
- Warranty: 5 years
- Street Price: $95
Senco FinishPro 18BMg Performance
With the innovations provided by cordless nailers, it’s wonder why you’d want to reach for a traditional pneumatic model when running a punch list or doing renovation work. The thing is, however, we ran into two situations where the small form factor of the Senco FinishPro 18BMg Brad Nailer was necessary to getting the job done.
The first situation involved placing quarter round molding underneath an existing bathroom vanity. The vanity was a 60-inch wide antique, claw foot model, and it had been installed before the shoe molding was in place. As a result, the molding needed to be inserted and nailed into place—preferably without removing the entire sink assembly and vanity. The vanity was also nestled into an alcove, so you had a scant 4-1/2 inches of clearance on the bottom and 4-inches on the sides.
That’s far too narrow for any battery-powered finish nailers.
We were able to get the Senco FinishPro 18BMg both underneath the vanity to nail the central portion of the rear quarter round in place and also along the sides to secure the left and right ends. Then, we turned the tool sideways and nailed in the side pieces. It was a job that required a narrow tool, and the Senco FinishPro 18BMg had the right clearance.
The next job that required the use of a more space-conscious pneumatic nailer was a similar application involving the installation of quarter-round trim beside and behind an existing toilet. The Senco FinishPro 18BMg was able to clear the width and help us nail in the trim perfectly while our cordless models were simply too lengthy from tip to rear. In an ideal situation the toilet would never be in place while you’re installing trim like this, but—as we’re all aware—some situations are never quite ideal.
Parting Shots
There’s really not much to complain about on the Senco FinishPro 18BMg – it’s lightweight, ergonomic, and has performed flawlessly for us so far. The only thing I’d like to see added is a dry fire lockout. There are less expensive brad nailers on the market, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find one that is as comfortable in your hands. This model easily finds a home with Pro remodelers, finish carpenters, and in woodworking shops.
