Porter Cable PCC790B 20V 18Gauge Brad Nailer Review

PORTER-CABLE PCC790B 20V MAX Lithium 18GA Brad Nailer (Bare Tool Only)

3.5/5

Manufacturer: Porter Cable
Model number: PCC790B
Price: 144.98
Power source: 20V MAX
Motor size: N/A
Weight: 5.1 lbs with 1.5AH Battery

We tested the Porter-Cable PCC790B

Porter Cable Brad Nailer 20v Features

• 100% battery power with no need for a compressor, hose or  gas cartridges
• Motor design provides consistent firing power into various materials and climate conditions
• Tool – free settings
• The nailer is light weight with a optimal center of gravity end result is reduction in fatigue
• Dual LED lights illuminate work area plus provides you with error indication

Specifications

• Fastener lengths  5/8″ to 2″
• 100 brads magazine Capacity
• Magazine loads for the side
• Jam clearing is tool free
• Tool free depth setting with an adjustable wheel
• Integrated belt hook
• Size 10.5″ height x 3.9” width x  12.5 length
• Tool weight 5.1 lbs
• Trigger lock off switch
• Sequential firing mode only

Tool Free Adjustments

Includes

• PCC790B cordless brad nailer
• Owners Manual
• Belt clip
• 2 non-marring tips

~  Side note: Porter Cable sent 2 1.5 ah batteries and a charger for the review.

Fastening with the Porter-Cable PCC790B

We had mix reviews on fastening with the cordless brad nailer.  We were using 2″ 18 Ga stainless steel brads to assemble post pressure treated base trim.  On average 2 nails per a post had to be reset with a nail set.  The Porter Cable brad nailer was maxed out on depth of drive  and was easy to dial the depth in.  Fastening into pressure treated lumber was the only time we were left with proud nails.  When the brad nailer was used on various other projects, depth of drive was not an issue.  The various other projects included PVC cove molding, stain grade pine colonial casing and repairing a Christmas nutcracker.

We did not experience any nail jams with the PCC790B.  The nailer has a jam clearing latch or stall release lever. The Jam clearing latch gives you the perfect view of the magazine were the driver pin depresses the nail.  The stall release lever resets the the tool and allows the driver blade to reset to its ready to drive position.

The PCC790B has 2 non-marring tips that are bright red making them easily seen.  One is already at the the contact tip and the other one is on its holder attached to the back side of the magazine.

Another feature was the belt clip. The belt clip is a great size, screws onto the tool securely and had no problems hanging from my tool belt or step ladder.

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Ergonomics

The over molded grip was comfortable and is  textured  to reduce slippage. Porter Cable added over-mold to the top of the housing for added protection from drops or protecting your work.  Balance, was front heavy toward the nose, were it should .  We did find it to be heavier to the right side of the tool were the motor sticks out.  We would have like to seen more of a stream line housing.

Illumination

The 2 LED (Work Lights) are on a slight angle towards the driver pin.  Unfortunately  we fouhnd more shadowing from the LED’S around the driver pin than assisting you.  Also, the driver pin safety needs to be depressed to trigger the lights on.  The LED lights only stay on for 10 seconds.  The work lights are multi-function, meaning when they flash and shut off indicates low battery.  When they flash continually that means a jammed nail.

Cost

The cost of the 16 gauge nailer is ($203.72 kitted)  and it can be found online here:  PCC792LA 16 Ga Straight Finish Nailer Kit

The cost of the 18 gauge brad nailer is ($169.99 kitted) and it can be found online here: PCC790LA 18 Ga Brad Nailer Kit.

The cost of the 18 gauge narrow stapler is ($130.45 kitted) and it can be found here:   PCC791LA 18 Ga Narrow Crown Stapler kit 

Suggested Improvements

The work lights on these nailers could be better placed, as we mention under Illumination.  Another improvement would be to add LED power indicators on the batteries, instead of having the tool’s LED flash for low battery.

Final Thoughts on Porter Cable PCC790B

Overall the 20V cordless Porter Cable brad nailer was convenient and we were able to get through the day on one battery.  This cordless brad nailer never jammed once and most of the time we were driving 2″ Stainless Steel brads. The PCC790B offers many features and if your on the Porter Cable 20V platform then this would be a great addition to your cordless arsenal.

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