Brad and finish nailer guide
DEWALT DWFP12231 18-Gauge 2 in. Pneumatic Brad Nailer Kit
Molding, casing and trim with 5/8 to 2 in. brads, where oil stains are a worry
DEWALT's DWFP12231 is a pneumatic brad nailer for 18-gauge brads from 5/8 to 2 in., with a maintenance-free motor, tool-free depth and jam release, and a rear exhaust. It ships with a fitting and a carrying case. The listing names a sequential trigger; the manual covers a bump trigger too.
Listing checked . Confirm the model, included parts and availability before ordering.
Published specifications
- 18-gauge brads, 5/8 to 2 in.; 100-nail magazine
- 70 to 120 psi; 1/4 in. NPT air inlet
- Sequential trigger per DEWALT; manual also covers a bump trigger
- Tool-free depth with detents; tool-free jam release
- Kit: nailer, fitting, carrying case
- 3-year limited warranty, 1 year free service
Fit and limits
Strengths
- Maintenance-free motor to keep oil off the work, per DEWALT
- Three-year warranty plus a year of free service
- Tool-free depth adjustment and jam release
Caveats
- The listing names a sequential trigger; the manual covers two
- Needs a compressor and hose, not included
- High pressure can drive brads through thin stock, per the manual
What it drives and what is in the kit
DEWALT says the DWFP12231 drives 18-gauge brad nails from 5/8 in. to 2 in. and names decorative molding, casing, kitchen crown and shoe molding as its jobs. DEWALT's product data lists a 100-nail magazine and a 1/4 in. air fitting, and the manual's nail table gives the same 5/8 to 2 in. range with a 1/4 in. NPT air inlet.
DEWALT's includes list names the nailer, a fitting and a carrying case. The Amazon listing's bullets name a carrying case and the owner's manual. No nails, hose or oil are listed. The listing's model field reads DWFP12231.
Triggers: sequential, bump and what the listing says
The Amazon listing and DEWALT's page both describe a sequential style trigger. The manual describes two triggers: a grey sequential trigger for careful single placement, and a black bump action trigger for rapid fastening on flat, stationary surfaces, which can also be used with place actuation.
Neither DEWALT's includes list nor the listing says whether the black bump trigger comes in the box, so if bump firing matters to you, confirm that with DEWALT before buying. The manual warns that in sequential mode a nail is driven each time the trigger is pulled while the contact trip stays pressed.
Air supply limits
The manual says to use air pressure compatible with the tool's nameplate and not to exceed 120 psi, and its figures show a 70 to 120 psi range. It also says not to connect the tool to a compressor rated over 175 psi, and to use a hose rated for at least 150 psi or 150 percent of the system's maximum pressure, whichever is greater.
It asks for clean, dry, regulated air, warning that condensation from a compressor can rust the tool's internals, and it forbids bottled gases. DEWALT's product data lists a recommended pressure of 70 psi. The manual includes a chart of how many tools a compressor can run at different production rates.
Depth, jams and the maintenance-free motor
DEWALT lists a long-life maintenance-free motor that keeps oil from staining the work surface, tool-free depth of drive with detents, a tool-free jam release and a rear exhaust. The manual's depth wheel sits next to the trigger, and it says to disconnect the air supply before adjusting depth.
DEWALT also lists a removable non-marring nose tip that stores on the tool, an adjustable belt hook and a rubber grip. The manual warns that at the high end of the pressure range, nails can be driven completely through thin or very soft material.
Warranty and service
DEWALT's page lists a 3 year limited warranty, 1 year free service and a 90 day satisfaction guarantee. The manual's Three Year Limited Warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship for three years from purchase and excludes normal wear and tool abuse.
The manual's warranty does not apply to accessories or to damage where repairs were attempted by others, and it points to DEWALT's support line at 1-800-433-9258 for warranty repair details.
Common questions
What nails does the DEWALT DWFP12231 take?
18-gauge brad nails from 5/8 in. to 2 in., per DEWALT's page and the manual's nail table.
Is the DWFP12231 sequential or bump fire?
DEWALT's page and the listing describe a sequential style trigger. The manual covers both a grey sequential trigger and a black bump action trigger; check with DEWALT which ships in the box.
Does the DWFP12231 need oil?
DEWALT describes a long-life maintenance-free motor that keeps oil from staining the work surface.
Check the current listing
Main caveat to weigh before ordering: The listing names a sequential trigger; the manual covers two.
Primary sources
- 2 in. 18ga Brad Nailer Kit (DWFP12231) | DEWALT
- DEWALT DWFP12231 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Instruction Manual (9R199596)
Primary sources checked .
Compare with
Side-by-side pages, this model next to: Metabo HPT NT65M2S 16-Gauge 2-1/2 in. Pneumatic Finish Nailer, Metabo HPT NT50AE2 18-Gauge 2 in. Pneumatic Brad Nailer, Metabo HPT NT1850DG 18V Cordless 18-Gauge Brad Nailer Kit (2.0Ah).