AIR BRAD NAILER

Model 46309
ASSEMBLY and OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS

Distributed exclusively by
Harbor Freight Tools.
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011
Visit our Web site at http://www.harborfreight.com

TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY,

READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL WARNINGS
AND INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE.
Copyright 2001 by Harbor Freight Tools. All rights reserved. No portion
of this manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape
or form without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.
For technical questions and replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353

Manual Revised 11h

Specifications
Brad Size
.039-.042 Shank (18 Gauge), 3/8 to 2 long
Magazine Capacity
100
Operating PSI
55-95 PSI
Air Inlet Size
1/4 NPT Male
Safety Feature
Full Sequential Safety Trip Mechanism
Dimensions
9-3/4 L x 8-5/8 H x 2-1/4 W
Accessories
Two Hex Wrenches, Lubricating Oil
Fasteners available from Harbor Freight Tools: SKU 33205-3/4, SKU 33206-1,
SKU 33207-1-3/16, 91221-2.

Save This Manual

You will need the manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly instructions, operating and maintenance procedures, parts list and diagram. Keep your invoice with
this manual. Write the invoice number on the inside of the front cover. Keep the manual and
invoice in a safe and dry place for future reference.

Safety Warnings and Precautions

WARNING: When using tool, basic safety precautions should always be
followed to reduce the risk of personal injury and damage to equipment.
Read all instructions before using this tool!
1.

Keep work area clean. Cluttered areas invite injuries.

2.

Observe work area conditions. Do not use machines or power tools in damp or wet
locations. Do not expose to rain. Keep work area well lit. Do not use electrically powered
tools in the presence of flammable gases or liquids.

3.

Keep children away. Children must never be allowed in the work area. Do not let them
handle machines, tools, extension cords, or air hoses.

4.

Store idle equipment. When not in use, tools must be stored in a dry location to inhibit
rust. Always lock up tools and keep out of reach of children.

5.

Use the right tool for the job. Do not attempt to force a small tool or attachment to
do the work of a larger industrial tool. There are certain applications for which this
tool was designed. It will do the job better and more safely at the rate for which it was
intended. Do not modify this tool and do not use this tool for a purpose for which it was
not intended.

6.

Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry as they can be caught in
moving parts. Protective, electrically nonconductive clothes and nonskid footwear are
recommended when working. Wear restrictive hair covering to contain long hair.

7.

Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Do not reach over or
across running machines or air hoses.

SKU 46309

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

REV 08a

Page 2

8.

Use eye and ear protection. Always wear ANSI approved impact safety
goggles and appropriate hearing protection. Wear a full face shield if you
are producing metal filings or wood chips. Wear an ANSI approved dust mask
or respirator when working around metal, wood, and chemical dusts and
mists. Other people in the work area must also wear ANSI approved impact
safety goggles.

9.

Maintain tools with care. Keep tools clean for better and safer performance. Follow
instructions for lubricating and changing accessories. Inspect tool cords and air hoses
periodically and, if damaged, have them repaired by an authorized technician. The handle
must be kept clean, dry, and free from oil and grease at all times. Do not operate a tool
if any portion of the tools operating controls are inoperable, disconnected, altered or
not working properly.

10. Disconnect Air Hose and release any built-up air pressure. Never service the Nailer,
clear jams, or disassemble with the air hose attached. Always release any built-up air
even after disconnecting hose. Disconnect the Nailer when not in use.
11. Remove adjusting keys and wrenches. Check that keys and adjusting wrenches are
removed from the tool or machine work surface before attaching to an air source.
12. Avoid unintentional starting. Be sure the trigger is in the Off position when not in use
and before plugging in. Do not carry any tool with your finger on the trigger, whether
it is attached to an air source or not. Do not point the tool towards yourself or anyone
whether it contains fasteners or not.
13. Stay alert. Watch what you are doing, use common sense. Do not operate any tool
when you are tired.
14. Check for damaged parts. Before using any tool, any part that appears damaged
should be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its
intended function. Check for alignment and binding of moving parts; any broken parts
or mounting fixtures; and any other condition that may affect proper operation. Any part
that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by a qualified technician. Do
not use the tool if the trigger does not operate properly.
15. Guard against electric shock. Prevent body contact with grounded surfaces such as
pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerator enclosures.
16. Replacement parts and accessories. This product is to be repaired and serviced only
by a qualified technician. When this product is serviced, only identical replacement parts
should be used. Use of any other parts will void the warranty. Only use accessories
intended for use with this tool. Approved accessories are available from Harbor Freight
Tools.
17. Do not operate tool if under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Read warning labels
if taking prescription medicine to determine if your judgement or reflexes are impaired
while taking drugs. If there is any doubt, do not operate the tool.
18. Use proper size and type extension cord. If an extension cord is required, it must
be of the proper size and type to supply the correct current to the compressor without
heating up. Otherwise, the extension cord could melt and catch fire, or cause electrical
damage to the tool. Check your air compressors manual for the appropriate size cord.
SKU 46309

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

Page 3

It is also possible that the use of an extension cord may cause your circuit breaker to
trip or your panel fuse to break. If this happens, either use the compressor without an
extension cord or find a larger amperage circuit to use.
19. Maintenance. The maintenance outlined in the maintenance section should be performed
regularly. For your safety, this product should be serviced or repaired regularly only by
a qualified technician.
20. Compressed air only. Never use combustible gas as a power source.
21.

Do not load nails with the trigger or safety depressed. Unintentional firing
may occur. Do not load nails when the air hose is connected to the tool.
Always assume that the tool contains fasteners.

22. Disconnect air supply before loading Nailer. Before reloading (or making any
adjustments to) the Nailer make sure that the compressed air is disconnected.
23. Fire fasteners into an appropriate work surface only. Do not attempt to fire fasteners
into surfaces too hard to penetrate. Do not drive fasteners on top of other fasteners,
or at too steep of an angle. Fasteners can ricochet causing personal injury. Never fire
the Nailer into the air, or point it toward yourself or another person. Always wear ANSI
approved safety goggles during use, maintenance, and reloading.
24. Do not fire fasteners too close to the edge of a workpiece. They may split the
workpiece and fly free, causing personal injury.
25. Take caution as some woods contain preservatives such as copper chromium
arsenate (CCA) which can be toxic. When stapling or nailing these materials extra
care should be taken to avoid inhalation and minimize skin contact.
WARNING: Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other
construction activities, contain chemicals known [to the State of California] to
cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Some examples of these chemicals are:
Lead from lead-based paints
Crystalline silica from bricks and cement or other masonry products
Arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber
(California Health & Safety Code 25249.5, et seq. )
26. Stay within air pressure capacity. Never operate the Nailer above 95 PSI.
27. Hold tool away from head and body. During operation the Nailer may kick back causing
injury.
28. Transport Nailer safely. Always disconnect air supply when moving the tool in the
workplace. Carry the tool by the handle and avoid contact with the trigger.
Note: Performance of the compressor (if powered by line voltage) may vary depending
on variations in local line voltage. Extension cord usage may also affect tool
performance.
Warning: The warnings, cautions, and instructions discussed in this instruction
manual cannot cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur. It must be
understood by the operator that common sense and caution are factors which cannot
be built into this product, but must be supplied by the operator.
SKU 46309
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 4

Unpacking
When unpacking, check to make sure the parts listed on page 8 are
included. If any parts are missing or broken, please call Harbor Freight Tools at
the number on the cover of this manual as soon as possible.
NOTE: Although a spare Drive Pin (46), Step Pin (45), Piston Head (44), O-ring (43), and
assorted O-rings are included, these parts are for installation by a qualified technician only.

Operation

For best service, you should incorporate an oiler, regulator, and inline filter, as shown in
the diagram below. Hoses, couplers, oilers, regulators, and filters are all available at Harbor
Freight Tools.

Nailer

Note: To connect this tool, we recommend a quick coupler/adapter (not included). Coupler/
adapters are available at Harbor Freight Tools. If an automatic oiler is not used, put
3-5 drops of pneumatic tool oil in the Air Inlet (38) before each use.

Testing the Full Sequential Safety Trip Mechanism

Warning: Even though the nailer should be empty during this procedure, ALWAYS point
the nailer at a piece of scrap wood when testing.
1. Make sure the tool is disconnected from the power supply.
2. Completely empty the magazine of nails.
3. The Nailer should not fire if the nose is not depressed against the workpiece.
4. Check that the Trigger (29) and the Safety (56) move freely, without sticking - see Figure
1, next page.
5. Connect the air supply to the tool at the Air Inlet (38) set at the recommended 55-95
PSI, and not to go over the maximum 95 PSI.
6. Test the tool by depressing the Safety (56) against the workpiece without pulling the
Trigger (29). The tool must not cycle (fire). If it cycles (fires), stop immediately and
take the tool to an authorized service technician.
7. Hold the tool away or off of the workpiece. The Safety (56) of the tool should return to
its original position. Squeeze the Trigger (29). The tool should not cycle (fire). If it
cycles (fires), stop immediately and take the tool to an authorized service technician.
8. Depress the Safety (56) against the workpiece and squeeze the Trigger (29). The
tool must cycle (fire) once only. Release the trigger and squeeze it again. The tool
must not cycle (fire). With the Trigger held, carefully lift the nailer and press it against
the workpiece again. The tool must not cycle (fire). If it fails to act in the manner
described in bold, have it repaired by a qualified service technician.
SKU 46309

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

REV 04/05

Page 5

Operation (continued)
Air Inlet (38)

FIGURE 1

Trigger (29)

Retaining Spring (58)

Safety
Magazine (60)

Loading Brad Nails

ALWAYS WEAR ANSI APPROVED IMPACT SAFETY GOGGLES WHEN
RELOADING OR DOING ANY OTHER MAINTENANCE ON THIS TOOL. Other
people in the work area must also wear ANSI approved impact safety goggles.
Warning! Make sure the Nailer is not attached to the air hose whenever loading the
tool.
1.

Press the Retaining Spring (58) up and slide the Magazine (60) back.

2.

Holding the nailer with the nose pointing slightly down, insert the brad nails into the
Magazine (60), letting the pointed end ride on the rail of the Magazine (60).

3.

After the Nails reach the nose of the tool, close the Magazine (60) making sure the
Retaining Spring (58) clicks shut. See Figure 1.

Operating the Nailer

1.

Attach the Nailer to the air supply at the Air Inlet (38). Start your compressor and check
the pressure making sure it is set at the recommended 55-95 PSI and not to go over the
maximum 95 PSI.

2.

To fire, place the nose of the Nailer on the workpiece. The Nailer should not fire if the
nose is not depressed. Once depressed, gently and briefly squeeze the Trigger (29)
once. Do not fire repeatedly. Nails could bounce off of one another, damaging the
work piece or causing PERSONAL INJURY.

SKU 46309

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

Page 6

Anytime any maintenance or repairs are done (including clearing jams), FIRST:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Disconnect the Nailer from the air hose.

Empty the Magazine (60) completely.
Attempt to fire the Nailer into a piece of scrap wood to ensure that it is disconnected
and is incapable of firing any brads.
Always leave the Magazine (60) open during maintenance. The Magazine is
spring-loaded and may cause parts or a nail to fly out of the Nailer.
FIGURE 2

Clearing Jams
1.

Disconnect tool from air hose, empty the

Magazine (60) of nails, release any built-up
air pressure, and leave the magazine open, as
explained above.

2.

While doing this step and the next, hold the Nailer
pointed away from you and any other people or
fragile objects. Pull the Quick Release Lever
(49) forward to the position shown in Figure 2.
Remove the Driver Guide Cover (51).

3.

Remove the jammed nail. Pliers may be

necessary to remove a stuck nail.

4.

Inspect the Drive Pin (46) for bends or breakage

- see location in Figure 3. If it is damaged, do
not use the tool until it is repaired by a qualified
technician.

5.

Lightly oil the Drive Pin (46). Replace the Driver

Guide Cover (51) and latch the Quick Release
Spring (50) up against both hooks, making sure
it is securely in place and the Quick Release
Lever (49) is pressed down - see Figure 4.

6.

Reload the Nailer.

7.

Reconnect the Nailer to the air hose.

8.

Press the Safety (56) of the Nailer against an

appropriate piece of scrap wood.

9.

Test fire the Nailer several times, checking for

proper operation.

10. Disconnect the Nailer, remove the nails and store

it in a location out of childrens reach.

SKU 46309

Driver Guide
Cover (51)

Quick Release
Lever (49)

FIGURE 3

Drive Pin (46) (inside housing)

FIGURE 4
Driver Guide
Cover (51)

Quick Release
Spring (50)

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

hooks

-part of
Driver Guide (52)

REV 04/05

Page 7

Anytime any maintenance or repairs are done, FIRST:

1.
2.
3.
4.

Disconnect the Nailer from the air hose.

Empty the Magazine (60) completely.
Attempt to fire the Nailer into a piece of scrap wood to ensure that it is disconnected
and is incapable of firing any brads.
Always leave the Magazine (60) open during maintenance. The Magazine is
spring-loaded and may cause parts or a nail to fly out of the Nailer.

Troubleshooting Guide
Stop using the Brad Nailer immediately if any of the following problems occur.
Repairs and part replacements must be done only by a qualified technician.
All procedures in bold on this chart are to be attempted only be a qualified technician.

Problem

Likely Cause

Solution

O-Rings in Trigger Valve housing are

damaged.

Replace O-Rings and check contact

trip operation.

Air leaking between Housing and

Nose.

1. Loose screws in Housing.

1. Tighten screws.

2. Damaged O-Rings/Bumper (17).

2. Replace O-Rings or Bumper (17).

Air leaking at Trigger Valve Stem.

O-Rings or Seals are damaged.

Replace O-Rings or Seals.

Air leaking between Housing and

Cap.

1. Loose screws.

1. Tighten Screws.

2. Damaged Gasket (7).

2. Replace Gasket (7).

1. Insufficient oil.

1. Lubricate as instructed.

2. Broken Spring in Cylinder Cap.

2. Replace Compression Spring (6).

3. Exhaust (1) is blocked.

3. Replace damaged parts.

1. Worn Bumper (17) or damaged

Pusher Spring.

1. Replace Bumper (17) or Pusher

Spring.

2. Dirt in Driver Guide (52).

2. Clean Channels in Driver Guide (52).

Air leaking at Trigger area.

Runs slowly or has power loss.

3. Inadequate airflow to Nailer.

Nailer skips a nail.

4. Worn or dry O-Ring on Piston.

5. Damaged O-Ring on Trigger
Valve.
6. Cap Gasket (7) leaking.
1. Guide on driver is worn.

3. Check hose and compressor fittings.

4. Replace or lubricate O-Rings.
5. Replace O-Rings.
6. Replace Gasket (7).
1. Replace Guide.

2. Nails are wrong size or damaged. 2. Use correct, undamaged nails.

3. Magazine or Nose screws are
loose.

Nails are jammed.

4. Drive Pin (46) is damaged.

Nailer will not drive down tight.

Blade driving nail too deeply.

3. Tighten screws.
4. Replace Drive Pin (46).

1. Rounded Drive Pin (46) slipping

off nail crown.

1. Replace Drive Pin (46).

2. Lack of air pressure.

2. Supply correct pressure (55-95 PSI).

3. Slow cycling and loss of power.

3. Check Compression Spring (6) for

broken coils or reduced length.
Make sure Exhaust (1) is clear.

Worn Bumper (17) and/or Piston

Spacer.

Replace either or both parts.

All procedures in bold on this chart are to be attempted only be a qualified technician.

SKU 46309

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

Page 8

Parts List
Part

Description

Part

Description

Part

Description

Exhaust

24

Trigger Valve Stem

47

Screw

Screw

25

O-Ring

48

Cover II

Washer

26

Valve Guide

49

Quick Release Lever

Cylinder Cap Assembly

27

Releasing Blade

50

Spring

Seal Air

28

E-ring

51

Driver Guide Cover

Compression Spring

29

Trigger

52

Driver Guide

Gasket

30

Spring Pin

53

Screw

O-ring

31

Step Pin

54

Spring Pin

O-ring

32

Frame

55

Spring

10

Head Valve Piston

33

Spring Pin

56

Safety

11

O-Ring

34

Stopper

57

Screw

12

Stopper

35

Filter Net

58

Retaining Spring

13

Collar

36

O-ring

59

Support

14

O-ring

37

Bottom Cap

60

Magazine

15

O-ring

38

Air Inlet

61

Steel Bar

16

Cylinder

39

Screw

62

Magazine Side Cover

17

Bumper

40

Washer

63

Cover

18

Body

41

Pin

64

Spring

19

Nozzle

42

Spring

65

Spring Pin

20

Cover

43

O-ring

66

Pusher Guide

21

Trigger Axle Head

44

Piston Head

67

Pusher

22

Spring

45

Step Pin

68

Screw

23

O-Ring

46

Drive Pin

69

Hex Nut

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY

THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS DIAGRAM AND
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE IN THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE
MANUFACTURER NOR DISTRIBUTOR MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY
KIND TO THE BUYER THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE PRODUCT
OR THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO REPLACE ANY PARTS OF THE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE
MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS
REPLACEMENTS SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND LICENSED TECHNICIANS AND
NOT BY THE BUYER. THE BUYER ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER
REPAIRS TO THE ORIGINAL PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO, OR ARISING OUT OF
HIS OR HER INSTALLATION OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO.

NOTE: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only and are not available
individually as replacement parts.

SKU 46309

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

REV 04/05

Page 9

Assembly Drawing

Maintenance

3.

2.

1.

Inspect your air compressor according to manufacturers instructions.

Periodically lubricate the driving mechanism and magazine with a light oil. Wipe down with a clean cloth. Never use gasoline
or flammable solvents to clean the tool.

Inspect all of the nuts and screws and make sure they are securely fastened.

Page 10

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

SKU 46309

Warning! Always disconnect the tool from the air compressor and then empty the magazine of nails before attempting to inspect
or perform maintenance to the Nailer.

REV 04/05

90 Day Warranty
Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to
assure that its products meet high quality and
durability standards, and warrants to the original
purchaser that this product is free from defects in
materials and workmanship for the period of 90
days from the date of purchase. This warranty does
not apply to damage due directly or indirectly, to
misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or
alterations outside our facilities, criminal activity,
improper installation, normal wear and tear, or
to lack of maintenance. We shall in no event be
liable for death, injuries to persons or property, or
for incidental, contingent, special or consequential
damages arising from the use of our product.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation
of incidental or consequential damages, so the
above limitation of exclusion may not apply to
you. THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU
OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS.

SKU 46309

To take advantage of this warranty, the product

or part must be returned to us with transportation
charges prepaid. Proof of purchase date and an
explanation of the complaint must accompany the
merchandise. If our inspection verifies the defect,
we will either repair or replace the product at our
election or we may elect to refund the purchase
price if we cannot readily and quickly provide
you with a replacement. We will return repaired
products at our expense, but if we determine there
is no defect, or that the defect resulted from causes
not within the scope of our warranty, then you must
bear the cost of returning the product.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and
you may also have other rights which vary from
state to state.

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

Page 11