Grex brad nailer can be your ‘buddy’

In effort to help trim carpenters and other woodworking professionals master precise detail work, Grex Power Tools has redesigned its 18-gauge brad nailer and named it "Green Buddy."

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The pneumatic tool, which can shoot nails up to 2" in length, has added features that hone in on precision, accuracy, performance and control, though safety was the first order of business, according to product manager Raymond Wong.

"We went back to the drawing board and developed a different type of safety design. One important aspect of that is we were able to maintain a very narrow nose, which is helpful to the finish and trim carpenter who's working with very small pieces. A user also has the ability to put on a no-mar tip to protect any of their work surfaces," says Wong.

"But most importantly, you can initiate that safety at any almost angle you're working in. Certain competitive models restrict the user's ability to initiate the safety at certain angles and drive the pin."

The Green Buddy also features an all-metal body, an extruded aluminum magazine and a one-piece steel driver.

Grex has also added a positive-lock nose cover. "While a quick-release nose cover is designed to prevent jamming, it can defeat its own purpose because it is not always held securely to the tool, Wong says.

The Green Buddy will be available for purchase in February, retailing for about $250. The price includes a plastic carrying case, two no-mar tips, Allen wrench set and safety goggles.

Contact: Grex Power Tools, 705 S. Electric Ave., Alhambra, CA 91803. Tel: 626-289-7618. www.grexusa.com

This article originally appeared in the January 2011 issue.