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DEWALT DWFP12231 Pneumatic 18 Gauge Brad Nailer 

 August 20, 2020

By  NailGunPro

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An ergonomic brad nailer is the most requisite nailer when it comes to small wood trims or carpentry projects. We have done our research and found the DeWALT DWFP12231 at the top of the line pneumatic brad nailers, which might be the best choice for your next woodworking projects. You can do any types of brad nailing tasks with DeWALT DWFP12231 pneumatic brad nailer. It’s a perfect brad nailer for fastening decorative molding, crown molding, delicate lite wood trim, photo frame assembling, paneling, and any other small household repairing or carpentry projects. Whether you have experience in handling various nailers or is fully amateur, you will undoubtedly be amazed by its simplicity and efficiency when using it for the first time. However, we will discuss all the aspects of DeWALT DWFP12231 in our review to give you a more clear picture. Let’s get started,

DEWALT DWFP12231 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Kit

Key Features and Specifications

4.7 / 5

  • Pneumatic (Air-powered)
  • Long-life maintenance-free motor
  • 1/4 inch air intel
  • Adjustable Depth-of-Drive
  • Magazine capacity: 100 nails
  • Collation type: Adhesive
  • Sequential style trigger
  • NPT fitting
  • Tool-free jam clearing
  • Oil-free operation
  • Magazine angle and loading style: Straight and side loading
  • Fastener length: 5/8 inch to 2-inch
  • Operating pressure 70-120 PSI
  • Removable non-marring nose tip
  • Integrated rubber grip
  • 3-year limited warranty

An Overview of DeWALT DWFP12231

The DeWALT DWFP12231 is shipped with an ordinary black hard case. The first thing you will notice when open the box is its magnesium body. As a result, it’s become lightweight and robust at the same time. Also, you will realize almost instantly why we recommend this nailer and marked it as one of the best brad nailers available in the market. The compact design and dimensions of this nailer make it easy to hold by one hand. Hence, without any further hesitation, you can start using DeWALT DWFP12231 pneumatic 18 gauge brad nailer kit right away.

The DeWALT has equipped the DWFP12231 18-gauge brad nailer kit with a life long maintenance-free motor. Also, it’s rear exhaust prevents the nail kit from damaging the work surface and keeps any external contaminants away from your work area. It makes DeWALT DWFP12231 a very convenient and safe brad nailer to use. In addition, this nailer doesn’t require any lubrication like most of its counterparts, commonly known as “Oil-Free Operation”. The DWFP12231 also comes with a removable no-mar nose tip and one additional storage on the tool. Moreover, DeWALT integrated rubber grip to give the maximum user comfort and added an adjustable belt hook to keep the nailer close to users.

Same as other brad nailers, DWFP12231 is designed to fire 18 gauge brad nails. It can drive 18GA brad nails ranging from 5/8 inch to 2-inch in length, and its magazine can load up to 100 nails. The tool-free jam release mechanism allows easy and quick jam clearing without any extra tools.

Performance and Features

Performance is the first priority before buying any tools for any purpose. So, in terms of performance, DeWALT DWFP12231 18-gauge brad nailer has placed itself at the top among most of its competitors. However, as you already know from our earlier conversation that it can fire brad nails from 5/8 inch to 2-inch in length, which extended its area of application and makes it ideal for fastening cabinetry top, crown molding, door & window casings, picture frame assembling, interior & exterior trim, window beading, paneling, and cap & shoe molding. The sequential style trigger of this nailer needs 70-120 PSI operating pressure to drive nails precisely. Also, its high capacity magazine can accommodate up to 100 nails that come with a low nail indicator window. The tool-free adjustable depth of drive with detents feature lets you set up the nail heads correctly and drive nails precisely. Nail jam may happen when a nailer is in use and the tool-free jam release mechanism lets you clear jam easily and quickly.

DWFP12231 brad nailer consolidates DeWALT quality philosophy to a great extent, which you can easily identify from its impressive features associated with brad nailing.

  • Heavy-Duty Design

The most impressive feature of DWFP12231 is its lightweight magnesium body. The magnesium body makes this nailer durable, and the lightweight allows you to use it for a long time without feeling tired. Also, its integrated comfortable and anti-slip rubber grip provides greater control over the nailer. The high capacity side loading magazine design to load up to 100 nails. In addition, a tool-free jam release mechanism (latch system) eliminates the use of external tools like Allan or Hex wrench to clear jammed nails.

  • Oil-Free Operation

If you don’t have any prior experience using the pneumatic nail guns, it will be difficult for you to understand how important the oil-free operation is for experienced users. Cheap and ordinary pneumatic brad nailers require regular oiling before and after use to keep them running and functional. The DeWALT DWFP1223 is free from oiling and requires less maintenance. Also, it features a maintenance-free motor that ensures a long life.

  • Lightweight and Portable

The DeWALT DWFP12231 is a lightweight pneumatic brad nailer, and the weight is only 4.8 lbs. So, this ultra-light nailer allows you to work all day long without fatigue and gives super portability at the same time.

  • Other Great Features

DeWALT combines a few more great features with the features already discussed. The rear exhaust is one of them that keeps dust and external contamination away from your workpiece. The no-mar nose tip defends your work surface from any type of dent or stain. An adjustable belt hook has been added with the package to keep the nailer close to you. Moreover, the hard carrying case allows you to store your nailer and other accessories safely.

Returns Best Value of Your Money

Low-cost brad nailer doesn’t always mean the best value for money. In fact, the nailer price is not the only thing to measure value. To get the best value for your money, you should consider the whole package you are going to receive. However, the DeWALT DWFP12231 is a mid-priced 18 gauge brad nailer that really offers the best value for your money for many reasons. First, you will get a 3-year limited warranty with 1-year free servicing and 90 days money-back guarantee. Second, the nailer comes with a hard carry case, which is really impressive compared to other models that only provide bare tools. So, you can safely store your nailer and organize other accessories in such a way that they don’t get lost. The package also includes 1/4 inch fitting and user manuals.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Easy nail jam clearing mechanism, no tool required
  • Ani slip rubber grip provides maximum comfort and control
  • Super portable with a hard carrying case (included with the package)
  • Rear exhaust to keep dust & contamination away

Cons

  • Lack of dry fire lockout
  • Unavailability of spare parts
  • Difficult to drive nails into the hard spot for its straight-angled magazine
  • Some users complain that it stops working for no reason

Final Thought

DeWALT DWFP12231 is overall an excellent brad nailer available in the market. While this nailer seems to be built and configured to satisfy DIYers and home users, but professionals may require a more powerful performer. However, if you consider lightweight magnesium body, maintenance-free motor, tool-less jam clearing mechanism that is not offered by any basic pneumatic brad nailer at a mid-range price, then DeWALT DWFP12231 is a great option for you. If you want to know about the best alternates of this nailer, read our other brad nailer reviews. Also, you can do your own research to find the best brad nailer for your needs following our brad nailer buying guides.

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