Hikoki 18g: The Best Finish Nailer?

Hikoki, Hitachi? Metabo?
Here in New Zealand, the Hikoki 18g bradder is my go-to finish nailer.
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These videos are intended to provide information and inspiration only. If you choose to imitate, duplicate or copy anything you may have observed in these videos, you do so at your own risk. Scott Brown Carpentry Ltd does not take any responsibility for any action taken as a result of the information or advice on this KZbin channel and shall not have any liability in respect of any injury or damage that may result.
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[@johnvillalovos]

Seems like a mistake in the subtitles. It said "Can you please be quiet?" but I don't think that is what he actually said 😂

[@robertunderwood6788]

John Villalovos He said shut the front door.

[@lac1681]

Yeah nah nah yeah nah

[@liamsvideos2147]

when in the video

[@myfinalheaven9590]

It was. Scott just translated it to english.

[@simonfairall5122]

@@myfinalheaven9590 from builder to English? 😝

[@AaronHuslage]

I have binge watched your show over the last week. I can't seem to get enough. My father was an architect before he retired. I have always had a fascination and huge respect for the work of carpenters. Thanks for sharing what you do.

[@w.w.8823]

4:09 I'm thinking; "I wish he would have shown us how to mark & cut the scribers" 6:30 Shows us how to mark & cut scribers. You are a thoughtful craftsman Scott. Great stuff.

[@wisdumb3050]

I died when he said "Can you please be quiet" 😂😂

[@andrewmacdonald9166]

Literally!!!

[@craigly182]

Haha I only just noticed what he actually said 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️😂

[@apexclaimadjusters5816]

Metabo here in the States. All my DeWilt stuff was dying and switched to Metabo as a replacement platform. Always had a good vibe with Hitachi and it's the same stuff. Everyone that has used it (Dewilt and Makita users mostly) has been impressed. My dad was carpenter in NZ and he took to Hitachi after I got a 6.5" skilly in the 80s. I'm sold, they're dammed hard to beat and the 36v are excellent.

[@active4delta]

I actually just used this nailer to re-secure the trim in my RV after a long trip caused some of it to come loose. It is a fantastic tool. I have the Metabo HPT since I’m in the US.

[@orremm]

Yes! I bought it from your experience, and I am not disappointed. Its a beast of a gun

[@MindFlowMovement]

Is it me or does everyone need a Scott Brown in there life.

[@frameriteairdrie578]

Done. 35 years ago my mother got remarried to a Brown. He has 2 kids (grown now). The boy is named "Scott".

[@michaeloconnor8631]

You would love the new Milwaukee 18gauge nailer. I think it has solved those small issues you have with the hitatchi, the battery doesn't go into stand by and it had spare tips on the side with are firmly secured and easy to change. Also it is quite light and the battery lasts forever. Works every time! Regards Michael

[@zagan1]

He has one to try out

[@michaeloconnor8631]

@@zagan1 think the only have the framing Milwaukee gun

[@DingohEdits]

Old boss had one and I used it and was not impressed at all. it misfired or wouldnt fire a couple times the one time I used it, and it was under a year old.

[@alangioro]

Most of all, this specific model is not sold in New Zealand.

[@xTHEROOSTERSHOWx]

@@DingohEdits might’ve been the Gen 1 version, which had some flaws. The Gen 2 that’s out now has solved so many of the problems on the Gen 1.

[@samsboringchannel]

The above the table saw shot whilst doing the scribers really did it for me. Cheers mate

[@KurtMGibbs]

I used Plasti-Dip on my nail gun tips and it's holding up very well.

[@Clark-Mills]

Good tip, I've got a couple of tins of liquid insulation that will do the job too if you have it.

[@davidhull1610]

I have found a bead of hot melt glue also works if you have nothing else to hand

[@evangrace192]

@@davidhull1610 I might try hot glue tomorrow, I've been using CA glue on mine.. holds pretty decently

[@nicleslie9662]

i have the new milwaukee gen 2, i know the gen 1 was garbage but the gen 2 is great! it sinks nails and is relativley light for what it is, not as light as air gun but really handy! air tools definitley have there place but when i run my cordless and everyone around site is routing lines and im firing nails, it feels good!! great videos by the way ive been watching you since i got into trades a year ago! your actually the reason i got into carpentry! very inspirational! thanks, cheers from muskoka canada

[@johnfitzpatrick2469]

G, day Scott and team, the job is progressing quickly now: I believe your finishing is an impressive standard. Outstanding overhead camera work of the table saw ( angle cutting scribed).🛌🍟👣🤼

[@joemadrid8331]

The DeWalt 18g brad nailer is my favorite. Thanks for the video Scott!

[@Jason-uz8hj]

Jie Madrid, Have you used both? I have dewalt 18ga and dewalt 15ga cordless nailers. Love the 15ga, but i am having problems with the driver skipping off of the brads in my 18ga. I used a hitachi 18ga on a couple jobs. I borrowed it. It worked great, but I'm not a fan of the contact element. The contact/tip on the dewalt 18ga is far better than the hitachi

[@joemadrid8331]

@@Jason-uz8hj I sprayed dry PTFE where the driver slides and hits the nail. I've been using it for over a year now with no issues. Works as new. Dewalt says not to lube the tool but dry PTFE can't hurt. I actually felt the difference after I sprayed it on. It requires less pressure to fire the pin so no markings left on material. I have tried the hikoki counterpart and I have to say Dewalt is where it's at. I also have the Milwaukee 18g second Gen. Love that thing also but I keep gravitating back to Dewalt. The ergonomic feel is noticeable. Cheers!

[@Jason-uz8hj]

@@joemadrid8331 I will try that! Had mine for almost 2 years. Dont use it every day, but i want it to be at it's best when i do. Thanks!

[@zackfishle1009]

Sweet info. Thanks for sharing. I was debating getting the Hitachi or Senco over the Dewalt. I primarily use Dewalt tools, but got a Sengo 15g and Hitachi 16g for cheap. I need a cordless 18g. I have hauling a compressor for a few pieces of trim.

[@joemadrid8331]

@@zackfishle1009 The Dewalt 18g has the best tip and ergonomics, along with Milwaukee's second gen nailer. But the latter is a bit over priced. I can recommend the Dewalt gun no problem.

[@michaelfairchild]

Voice: RAW language Subtitles: PG13 and KZbin-friendly.

[@pattojumpship]

Makita gas 2nd fix rubber tip fits a treat on the 16g and is a better nose cone in general. More grippy, less obtrusive and looks better

[@recyclespinning9839]

I bought one years ago on the advice of the store owner. Have not regretted the purchase. .

[@stefmin1357]

Hey Scott, those offcut wedges are awesome for packing out door jambs or window reveals, I keep a bucket full in the trailer, better and cheaper than buying plastic packers.

[@terrytopliss9506]

Always good to watch Scott,really professional.👍👍👍

[@askerdanny8]

Just ordered this yesterday. I’ve got the 1st fix and love it. My Dewalt firing pin snapped yesterday after 8 months 🤬

[@77chuckles]

Hey Scott, have a bucket next to your table saw, drop the off cuts straight off the side and you don't have to pick them up later, Also far easier, tidier and efficient in my experience to use a spray primer - the argument would be coverage.

[@calcon6]

So I purchased the hitchi 15g , 18g and the pin nailer , I like the big hook to hang on my ladder. I had the paslode, then went to Hitchi has a gas nailer very light ! All great guns. My friend has the dewalt nail I feel there heavier, but are always on.

[@simonthompson2107]

I use the Makita 18 and 16 Gauge nail guns. As long as you use their nails!

[@mattlawson226]

I mark the front and back point of the bottom of each board and connect them to get the underside line of the boards. Another great video mate.

[@gabrielprior2248]

Hi Scott really good demo on the tube and explanation on how you scribe in the sides of the window trim. Really good channel man

[@Ray2001ify]

12 years scott... 12 years.... U said i was your favorite nailer

[@johnnyv8172]

Great video. Almost cut my finger off with a table saw today 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@osh2023]

Thank you for sharing. Good information and nice working example.

[@royalvarez6436]

Excellent episode Scott. Really enjoyed your scriber tutorial.

[@manysaints]

Works very well

[@jameskeys1896]

You can change the rafter hook to a belt loop check out RR buildings channel he had the same problem

[@captbill279]

I was wondering. Do you buy them from Hikoki (Metabo here in the states)? Thanks.

[@rasmusbuus3967]

Always exited for the new episodes.

[@richardwilliamson3624]

Brilliant as ever. Thanks Scott

[@davegordon6943]

Those nailers although heavy as hell are the best on the market. Coming from a DeWalt man

[@james-jq8sk]

That's so good that the head flashing has to inspected, wish our building regulations were so thorough in Australia, great video usual...

[@FeelingLikeThatNow]

Ever tried a 23 gauge nailer? Leaves almost no nail hole, and you can often prime and paint without filling the hole at all.

[@AnatikEbok]

The Milwaukee 18g Gen 2 is on. Be great to see a video from you showcasing the the hikoki vs the Milwaukee

[@wolfgangselle4307]

@AnatikEbok ... I would see this too I just ask him about this ...

[@alangioro]

Unfortunately this specific model is not sold here in New Zealand.

[@AnatikEbok]

Alan Zhang No doubt they'll have it here soon.

[@chrisman3673]

Nice work scott Brown.

[@timsilvester489]

We have a saying where I work "you can't trust a chippie to cut a straight line" nice to see the exception

[@elitetilesetting1909]

J in just picked the 18ga nailer from Lowe’s for $251usd awesome deal 😎

[@lilbigdaddy3042]

I have the milwaukee 18ga nailer and Its my favorite nailer like ever

[@olrenison]

The Hitachi is great. I have the 16g. I also have the Makita 23g pin gun. That thing is dope. So good for putting trim etc up with near invisible pin holes. 👌

[@dancanning6746]

You have the 16ga angled? How is it? I've got the old brad nailer which has been very good especially for the money but now it screams after every nail which is getting too much now so gonna have to replace soon

[@adamandlorraine]

Yeah I've dropped my Hikokitachi 16g nailer off a 3m scaffold and I'm sure it was the darn massive hook that made it flop off my belt. Had to send it off to get 're-aired' as it had lost some of it's power. There's also a new rubber tip for the 16g. It's the same one they use on their pneumatics. Same diameter but much thinner rubber face material.

[@wroteboat]

nice job scott keep it going

[@philhines]

Good advice man that’s just the info I was looking for... shouldn’t be too long before I get a finishing gun

[@edwarddapalmer]

What ever happened to the airbow nailers? They seemed like a cool concept.

[@adamjohnmarsh1071]

Adam Palmer but the compressor was huge. I guess battery/gas is way more convenient

[@edwarddapalmer]

@@adamjohnmarsh1071 yeah fair enough. The noise level and kick back seemed like a pretty good reason to keep them around

[@frameriteairdrie578]

Also I don't know if they have the brad/finishing gun. I know he has the framing gun though.

[@paerau2338]

Good gun, compressor so inconvenient

[@edwarddapalmer]

@@paerau2338 I see, fair enough 😁

[@darrelduke]

i would pull the rafter hook off, and carefully straighten the part of the hook that is bolted to the gun. then, cut and re-bend to shorten the space for the belt...might work.

[@resinc236]

Just waiting for the 16 gauge angled one to release next year

[@Tom-wz2rh]

The hook is smaller, the framing gun has a hook that'll go over a double 4x2. ^ for anyone that might find this helpful

[@michaelburton4521]

I've got the Ryobi 18g batt nailer. Pretty much the same tool from what I see. Beautiful day in Auckland

[@wildtwindad]

Have 3 of these. Tried to kill the first one and it took over 4 yrs.....plus the purchase price is amazing vs it's competion. Their 23g is amazing also

[@thecruseman243]

Love you’re videos 👍🏼🇬🇧

[@AdonneLoggins]

I bought the Milwaukee 18g. Pretty sure it’s the same technology Both are great guns! Great video as always Scott ✌🏽

[@cb2000a]

Milwaukee gen. 2 is awesome.

[@hsdesignstudio]

@@cb2000a The Milwaulkee 18g gen2 was my first foray into Milwaukee tools. Definitely impressed 👍

[@AdonneLoggins]

Yes it has to be the Gen 2. My understanding is the first generation had a good share of problems. I also love the hook on the gen 2. I also just picked up the Milwaukee cordless Framer awesome!

[@loaading7017]

Hey Scott. Do you have any reviews/opinions on the Makitas version of the framing nailers/guns ?

[@ThisTall]

These new cordless pinner’s are great. I’ve been loving my M18 bread nailer, but just picked up the M18 framing nailer and it’s so incredibly heavy I can’t believe they actually made it. It’s got to be 40-50% heavier then the Dewalt.

[@devonwainstein9188]

Both guns weigh the same ......

[@retneprac]

it is heavy but the perks outweigh the weight in my opinion.

[@HectorL360]

Love mine, unfortunatly I dropped mine and the magazine broke, luckily I was able to order the parts and fix it myself.

[@pro-fitkitchensandbathrooms]

The dewalt one 👌🏻👌🏻🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@aRndBelgianGuy]

I guess you need the 23Ga to complete the line up !

[@AjGalloway95]

I Frikin love mine

[@lilbigdaddy3042]

I got the milwaukee m18 18GA nailer and that thing is so fast and so powerful I'll never use an air gun again

[@johnvillalovos]

I had checked earlier today and was thinking, it has been six days since the last video. What is going on?!?!? 😜

[@fuelfumes]

I don't see the web site for the Scott Brown Carpentry T-shirts????

[@chardonian1]

Hey Scott love the channel. For the issue with the tip keep falling off could you just put a few blobs of hot glue to provide a softer tip??just a thought mate

[@pasz6768]

Liquid Rubber dip on the end. Red colour is the best. Just dip it and let it dry

[@NickWhite630]

Just curious: why not put the trim on and then the weather boards so you don't have to scribe the trim?

[@ja60123]

That wouldn't seal out the rain water as well

[@darrylkennedy2125]

Another great video Scott. Wondering why the eaves are not boxed in. No head flashings required then. Probably the look didn't fit the age of the house but with all the work being done it would look good.

[@l00se8]

Use a block with a checkout to scribe the bottom of the boards, then just trim the top to suit. U wont end up with those gaps under the boards 🤙

[@katrinabell7684]

Another good video SBC.😎

[@ianmarsden8568]

Love Paerau's Comment - "They are good when they are new"! Is he feeling 'left out' and in need of new gear?

[@lewiswallace3319]

Most tools are good when they are new it’s after you’ve fired 100k odd nails that you notice quality.

[@zagan1]

@@lewiswallace3319 That's be why he's waited around 1 and half years I think to do this review

[@CLCLTD]

Hi there Scott, have you had to refill the compressed air chamber in that gun yet

[@jeffshackleford3152]

The 23 gauge nailer is awesome

[@dannyoliver1978]

Scott, have an idea for your round rubber tip, maybe notch 4 notches on it, 1 on top, 1 on bottom and 1 each on the sides (90° to each other!)

[@fecnde]

Danny Oliver YOU may consider that. But that’s not a widely held definition. I’m pretty sure my 18 gauge deWalt is sold as a finishing nailer. And my brothers 18 gauge Ryobi is to. And before you scoff at the Green tool, I’m not sure mine is any better. But it is a finishing nailer

[@mattknights274]

I think you need to try the milwaukee 18g gun Scott all the negatives you pointed out with the hitachi (bar the weight) is not an issue on the milwaukee.

[@nbafan1247]

You should try the dewalt finish nailer scott its really good and quite light, it also has a bump trigger feature (rapid fire) im not sure what other people call it around the qorld6

[@spilleradam]

I have a Dewalt 16 gauge second generation, and it suck’s, not very good.

[@konamanstudio2447]

🍻🍺 I guess you Nailed that show

[@myfinalheaven9590]

The irony is Paerau telling Scott to "please be quiet" when he's making all the noise.

[@michaeljones6832]

mate the framing gun hook is ten times the size and designed for left handers only, i also have the angle brad (DA brad gun) and its useless, struggles to do a 50mm nail into hardwood arch with pine stud behind, cannot do 64mm nails at all.... returned for service twice and hikok say its fine and up to standard... just a note for anyone looking to buy. i also have paslode gas brad and frame and basically every gun available in pnuematic, would not but hikok again ever, would even consider dewalt.... and thats saying something

[@jed6rar]

looking at the belt hook you could undo the fixings and put something else one there.

[@grizdeluxe]

I loved nine until it fell 2 feet off my platform and shattered the magazine. Now it collects dust. The cordless 23 gauge is pretty solid.

[@zackfishle1009]

They do sell parts. I had to get the spring for the mag. It took a while, but I have $80 into my 16 gauge.

[@KeepTroIlinTrollin]

The hook on my 1st fix is giant

[@mattcoomber3049]

Have you tried a product called Sugru? It moulds like plasticine and sets like high modulus silicone - brilliant stuff.

[@eugenenehring4225]

Much better than the Paslode in my opinion. The hitachi 23 guage is great too.

[@kevindijkshoorn2154]

Hey Scott, why dont you try a Senco Fusion f-18 finishing nailer? It is leightweight and it stays on after you turn it on.

[@Etna.]

Can we please forget the nail gun for a second and appreciate your sunglasses? Dang, I want some! What are those? Regards, Etna.

[@420sesamestreet3]

Moana Road.

[@Etna.]

Thank you! Regards, Etna.

[@Pistol_Knight]

Cue Hikoki turning up with a new 18G nailgun and 10 rubber tips :):) I notice you use the jigsaw from underneath do you not have 'downcut' blades in NZ?

[@everettdarlington7390]

Yes down cut blades are available here in New Zealand. But not that common at the big supply stores.

[@BigWillieFPV]

Be great to compare other brands too I’m over my straight paslode seems every box of nails it needs a service

[@matthewson1000]

Here in the US, the 18g is considered a" brad nailer" and 15-16g is considered a "finish nailer" .

[@normandhalv]

Hi, Mr don't know here. How and when do you use a Brad nailer,? It is confusing for me. Finish nailer is for indoor molding and so on? Best regards stupid

[@michaelbrandrick9594]

No difference in how to use them. I’m certain 18g is more akin to a finish nailer. 18g (gauge) refers to the thickness. So you’d use the 16ga for the weather boards because it is a sturdier fixing and the 18g for the scribes as it’s merely keeping it in position until the glue goes off. Don’t ask me why 18g is a higher number but a slimmer nail.

[@MrSteviegall]

did you consider using a self adhesive grip tape for a nose, cut off the width of the flat part of the nose(that sits against the timber) off the end of the tape and roll it on, a roll should last a long while

[@flagnesium7912]

I know I'm late to the party but 1 find the magazine mechanism splits racks in the pneumatic 18ga hikoki nailer, and causes double feeding issues (and probably 5/6 jams per rack). Noting the magazine looks the same, do you ( or any other owners) get the same problem?

[@thelockdowncompany2960]

Hello from Ireland 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@wolfgangselle4307]

@Scott ... have you a comparison between the Hitachi 18ga and the new 2nd gen Milwaukee 18ga? Until now I have the Milwaukee framing gun and the 18ga crown stapler and I’m considering to get a 18ga finishing gun too but I like both each get good reviews. But it would be interesting to know what your experience is ... greetings from 🇨🇦

[@loadsamonkeys]

I don't really understand the scribers. Is it not much easier and neater to box the frame into the wall with a flat vertical piece and butt the weatherboard up to it?

[@wimbrys]

Hi Scott, I just ordered the Hikoki 18ga brad nailer and the Hikoki construction (50-90) tacker. What kind of brads and nails are you using? Stainless steel or Galvanized? (for example when building deck construction, weather boards, internal walls,...) Is galvanized good enough for outside use? thnx for the info and keep the videos coming ;-)

[@jonybooth]

Have you refilled the cylinder yet if so can you do it yourself or does it have to go in for a service center

[@dale7711]

Hey Scott, if you could only have one finishing gun (and a framer) to do it all, what gauge would you choose? 15, 16, 18?

[@maxmarcus6074]

This is a bit late mate, but if I had to choose one fixing gun and one framer I'd take the 16g 😊

[@RunarMagnussen]

Being an audio engineer who likes to make stuff in my spare time, this is a typical tool that I want but can't justify due to having a compressor and an air nailer. But man does it look good to not have to deal with that hose 😂 BTW do you ever get kickback on the table saw when cutting scribers without the miter gauge? I know I would, but my carpentry skills aren't the best either 🙂

[@RunarMagnussen]

Oh, and thanks for the guide! I've got quite a few scribers on my own house that could use replacing and your making method seems to work better than using the old scriber to mark it, which I've been doing. This usually causes me to transfer previous mistakes and imperfections.

[@cabbyhubby]

Ive used an 18 ga pin nailer without the "safety" for 35 years, can the safety be removed?

[@bishop9598]

Every Hitachi tool that i ever had failed log before it should have. I have Hilti tools that are over 30y.o. and still functioning perfectly and I can still get parts if something fails (after 30 yrs). Hitachi? maybe a year or two before they start falling apart in my experience. I'll stick with my Milwaukee nail gun.

[@ridgmont61]

When describing the Hitachi nailer at the start I thought you were going to fire one through the window.

[@stephenmurray4916]

I have the 16g and the framer. Thinking about getting the 18g. You should see the rafter hook that came on my framer, it swings out to 4" wide. How is life without bump fire? It is one of the best features of the hikoki guns

[@StormyITO]

How do you think it compares to the Milwaukee 18G brad nailer? I have been using one for a while now and love it.

[@mjmslim84]

I have 1.its brilliant