DEWALT DCN680B Brad Nailer vs Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-Gauge Angled Finish Nailer
These are different tools for different jobs. The DEWALT DCN680B drives 18-gauge brads up to 2-1/8 in, so it suits trim, casing and light molding. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL is a 16-gauge angled finish nailer that drives 1-1/4 to 2-1/2 in nails, so it holds better on baseboards, crown and door casings. As of November 3, 2026, the DEWALT is $309.99 at Amazon and the Milwaukee is $379.00 at The Home Depot.
Today the DEWALT DCN680B Brad Nailer costs $119.00 less at its best price.
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DEWALT DCN680B Brad Nailer
4.5Choose the DEWALT DCN680B if you want a lighter, cheaper 18-gauge brad nailer for small trim, shoe molding and detail work where a small hole matters more than holding power.
- Cheaper by about $69 at the listed prices
- Lighter at 6.2 lb
- Longer runtime per charge, about 1,200 nails
- Selectable sequential or contact trigger
- Micro nose and tool-free depth adjustment help placement
- 18-gauge brads hold less than 16-gauge finish nails
- Battery and charger not included
What separates them
| DEWALT DCN680B Brad Nailer | Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-Gauge Angled Finish Nailer | |
|---|---|---|
| Nail gauge | 18 gauge brads | 16 gauge finish nails |
| Nail length range | 5/8 in to 2-1/8 in | 1-1/4 in to 2-1/2 in |
| Firing modes | Sequential and contact actuation, selectable trigger | Sequential only |
| Drive system | Brushless motor, no gas or compressor | Nitrogen air spring with POWERSTATE brushless motor |
| Weight | 6.2 lb | 6.5 lb |
| Magazine capacity | 110 nails | 110 nails |
| Battery runtime | About 1,200 nails per charge (2 Ah) | About 750 to 800 nails per charge (CP2.0) |
| Price as of November 3, 2026 |
Price history
- DEWALT DCN680B Brad Nailer: lowest $309.99 on Oct 30 at Amazon; $309.99 on Nov 3.
- Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-Gauge Angled Finish Nailer: lowest $379.00 on Nov 2 at The Home Depot; $379.00 on Nov 3.
Prices at every store
DEWALT DCN680B Brad Nailer
- Best BuyNew
In stock
$329.99Free shippingObserved at 8:37 AM - TargetNew
In stock
$335.90Free shippingObserved at 8:37 AM - eBayNew
Availability unknownSold by javier5259 (100% positive, 485 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.
$260.00Free shippingVerified - AmazonNew
Availability unknown
$309.99Free shippingObserved at 8:37 AM
Also available at
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- SupplyHouse.comCheck price at SupplyHouse.com
Specs compared
| Spec | DEWALT DCN680B Brad Nailer | Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-Gauge Angled Finish Nailer |
|---|---|---|
| Fastener Gauge | 18 gauge | 16 gauge |
| Fastener Length | 5/8 in. to 2-1/8 in. | 1-1/4 in - 2-1/2 in |
| Fastener Length Range | 5/8 in. to 2-1/8 in. | 1 1/4 inches to 2 1/2 inches |
| Fastening Type | Brad nails | Finish nails |
| Firing Mode | Sequential, Contact actuation | Sequential |
| Fastener Driving Power | Sinks nails to the same depth, Consistent depth… | Nitrogen air spring drive system |
| Firing Speed | Consistent rate of fire | 3 nails per second |
| Suitable Fastener Types | Brad nails | Finish nails |
| Suitable Materials | Pine, Hardwood | Softwoods, Hardwoods |
Questions and answers
- Which is better for baseboards and crown molding?
- The Milwaukee. Its 16-gauge nails up to 2-1/2 in hold thicker trim securely. The DEWALT's 18-gauge brads are better for small molding and detail work.
- Which is better for shoe molding and small trim?
- The DEWALT. Its 18-gauge brads leave a smaller hole that is easier to fill, and it handles brads down to 5/8 in.
- Is the Milwaukee worth the extra money?
- If you need 16-gauge holding power or already own M18 batteries, yes. If you only do light trim, the DEWALT saves about $69 at the listed prices and runs longer per charge.
- Do either include a battery?
- No. Both are bare tools. The DEWALT needs a 20V MAX battery; the Milwaukee needs an M18 battery.
- Which fires faster?
- Milwaukee lists up to 3 nails per second. DEWALT does not publish a rate but claims a consistent rate of fire. In practice both keep pace for trim work.
- Which is lighter to use overhead?
- The DEWALT at 6.2 lb versus 6.5 lb for the Milwaukee. The difference is small, but the DEWALT is also shorter at 4.5 in tall.
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