Brad nailers are specifically designed to drive 18 gauge thin brad nails and are mostly used in the delicate wood trim. It's not a very expensive tool and is very common in the market, but with too many choices. So, it can be a bit difficult to determine which one is the best and most reliable brad nailer behind the sales pitch. However, Makita AF505N is one of the top-rated and popular 18 gauge brad nailers on the market. Precision, convenience, and accuracy make it stand apart from its counterparts.
Makita AF505N has been discontinued and replaced with its updated model AF506. Read the detailed Makita AF506 review.
Makita AF505N Pneumatic Brad Nailer, 2-Inch
Key Features and Specifications
4.7 / 5
Makita AF505N Overview
Makita has already earned quite a reputation for its top-quality products. So, if you have never used any Makita power tool before, Makita AF505N Brad nailer is an excellent opportunity for you to check the Makita product quality. It has all the features to be an ideal brad nailer. It's even one of the most popular brad nailer in the market, with an average user rating of 4.7 out of 5.
Makita AF505N is a perfect brad nailer for DIY home improvement projects but not suitable for heavy-duty works where required strong bindings. In that case, you can check 15 or 16 gauge finish nailers such as NuMax SFN64 or Freeman P4FRFNCB Combo Kit. However, Makita AF505N is designed to drive 18 gauge brad nails from 5/8” to 2-inch. It requires 60 - 115 PSI operating air pressure, and the magazine can hold up to 100 nails.
Its narrow nose design allows easy access to confined spaces. Moreover, no-mar nose tip and rubber bumper protect the work surface from any scratch or damage. It also has a selective activation on the trigger that will enable you to drive nails in sequence or contract mode. Besides, Makita AF505N features a tool-free depth adjustment dial for various finish applications and a tool-free jam release mechanism to easily and quickly clean the jammed nails. Its tool hook can be rotated 180-degree, which keeps the nailer close but out of your way. Its multi-directional 360-degree exhaust allows users to direct expelled air away from the face, and its dual reload indicator window lets you know whether you're running out of nails or not to avoid blank fire. Also, its ergonomic anti-slip soft rubber grip handle ensures comfort and a secure hold during work.
Why You Buy Makita AF505N
There are many reasons behind the popularity of Makita AF505N. First of all, its ergonomic and lightweight design. The overall dimensions are 10.25 x 2.5 x 9.38 inches, and weight is only 2.2 lbs. Its body is made with metal that makes it durable and features an anti-slip rubberized soft grip to ensure maximum comfort. So, its lightweight and comfortable rubber grip will allow you to work with this nailer for an extended period of time without feeling fatigued. After all, you can undoubtedly rely on the quality of this brad nailer. However, let's go through some other reasons to discover why this brad nailer has become popular among users.
Performance
Makita AF505N is comparably a powerful brad nailer designed to fire 18-gauge brad nails from 5/8 inch to 2-inch. Its advanced trigger design offers a quick response and incredible driver power. The selectable trigger system will also enable you to switch between sequence or contract firing mode but lack bump fire mode. Hence, this nailer can drive nails effortlessly and with minimal manual effort, even into the toughest materials. Its narrow nose design allows it to reach in tight spots, and no-mar nose tip protects work surface from dents or stains. The rubberized anti-slip grip handle confirms optimum comfortability and a secure hold during work. It also features an adjustable depth dial to adjust the depth of the nail drive for various applications. Moreover, the tool-free jam release process allows the user to clean the jammed nails easily and quickly.
Tool Free Operation
Nail jam is undoubtedly the most annoying part when working on your project. Clearing nail jam is indeed painful sometimes and can slow down the progress of your project. Makita AF505N is really a relief in that case. It features a "tool-less" easy jam clearing mechanism for quick removal of jammed nails, efficiently designed to reduce downtime. It also comes with a handy "tool-less" depth adjustment dial for various finish applications. This feature increases its effectiveness as a finishing tool with a specific depth with each shot. Overall, those "tool-less" features make this brad nail gun super-efficient and convenient.
High Capacity Magazine
Makita AF505N comes with a high capacity nail magazine. You can load up to 100 nails and don't need to reload too often like a low capacity nailer magazine. It features a dual reload indicator window to warn you before the nails run out. So, you can avoid blank fire, which can damage your work surface and even your tool. The magazine is very well designed, which allows you to load nails quickly.
Warranty
Makita AF505N comes with a 3-year limited manufacturer warranty and 30 days money-back guarantee. In addition, the nailer package will include two non-marring nose tips, an oil supply, one safety goggles, and a carry case.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Final Thought
Overall, Makita AF505N is an excellent brad nailer with all the essential features. It's ergonomic, lightweight, and durable but a little more expensive than another popular brad nailer WEN 61721. You will need an air compressor to operate this nailer, and if you do not already have one, you will need to purchase one separately. However, If you want more mobility and don't want to drag a bulky air compressor, you can consider cordless battery-powered brad nailers such as PORTER-CABLE PCC790LA or Ryobi One+ P320.