The compressor gives your great power with incredibly low noise (about 70 decibels as opposed to most oil-free models, which hover around 90 decibels and above), oil-free (thus worry-free) maintenance and a low amp draw of 2.6 that should keep your breaker box happy. The gauges are all up-front, where we like them, and the unit itself is really light and comfortable to tote. It’s just a one-gallon tank, so you’ll be cycling, but for the kind of jobs this is made for, that shouldn’t be a problem. Finally, we always prefer a ball valve like this one on the tank drain over a petcock, and our knuckles agree.

Light as a feather and mean as a junkyard dog, DeWALT's 18-gauge brad nailer is a heck of a tool. We like the fit and feel of it, and DeWALT wins points from us for putting low-nail indicators on the side and the top of the magazine. The sliding depth adjustment is fantastic: just unlock it with your index finger, slide the adjustment with your other hand, and you're ready to fire. Like DeWALT's other nail guns, this model has a nice plus in the 360-degree swivel exhaust cap that directs the flow away from you. Great pad, too--it didn't mar anything to which we introduced it. You can’t beat this combo.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste

What’s in the Box
Compressor, nailer, hose, fittings