As more toolmakers grow their lines of cordless devices, some contractors may decide to switch away from traditional pneumatic platforms. Such is the case with 18-gauge finishing nailers and staplers, which don’t require an air compressor to get to work.
Late last year, Towson, Md.-based Porter-Cable sent ENR its new cordless brad nailer, which came with a 20-volt battery, charger and starter package of nails. The 1.5-amp-hour, lithium-ion battery that came with the tester is said to drive up to 450 nails per charge, though a 4.0-amp-hour battery offers around 1,300 rounds per charge.