The Makita XNB04Z 18V LXT Brushless Cordless 2 in. 18-Gauge Brad Nailer is a cordless finish nailer built for trim carpentry, cabinet work, and interior wood fastening where clean placement and jobsite mobility matter. This is a brad nailer designed for finish fastening in hardwood and softwood applications. Model Number: XNB04Z. As a tool-only setup, it is aimed at users already on the Makita 18V LXT platform who want pneumatic-style convenience without dragging around a compressor or air hose.

On the job, the big story is speed and consistency. Makita says the XNB04 delivers up to 2x faster nailing speeds compared to the earlier XNB01Z, and it is built to drive nails sub-flush in both hardwood and softwood. That matters when you are installing base, casing, crown, door trim, or light built-ins and do not want to stop and hand-set proud nails. The tool also supports both sequential and bump fire operation through a 2-mode selector switch, so you can choose deliberate placement for visible finish work or faster cycle speed when the job calls for production pace.

The nose and magazine setup are well thought out for real trim work. The slim nose design helps with access in tighter areas and gives you a clearer line of sight for more accurate nail placement. It drives 18 gauge brad nails from 5/8 in. to 2 in., and the magazine holds up to 110 nails. That range gives it enough flexibility for thinner decorative trim as well as thicker casing and finish assemblies, as long as 18 gauge brads are the right fastener for the material and holding requirement.

Makita also built in the stuff that saves aggravation over a long day. Tool-free depth adjustment lets you dial in flush or countersunk results without hunting for a wrench. The tool-free easy-clear nose speeds up jam removal when a fastener hangs up. There is also an anti-dry fire mechanism to help prevent blank firing when the magazine runs low, which helps protect finished surfaces and reduces wasted cycles.

For maneuverability, this cordless brad nailer keeps the size under control. Makita lists it at 9-11/16 in. long, 3-3/4 in. wide, and 11-7/8 in. high, with a net weight of about 6 lbs. with battery. That compact footprint makes a difference when you are reaching into corners, working off ladders, or moving room to room on punch-out and finish jobs. A built-in LED light helps in dim interior spaces, and the rubberized soft grip plus belt hook make the tool easier to live with throughout the day.

Surface protection is another practical strong point. The non-marring rubber nose and bumpers help protect finished wood from scratches, and Makita includes two removable no-mar tips with on-tool storage. If you are installing painted trim, prefinished material, or visible millwork, that is the kind of feature you appreciate because it reduces touch-up work instead of just sounding good on a spec sheet.

The Makita XNB04Z 18V LXT Brushless Cordless 2 in. 18-Gauge Brad Nailer runs on Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion slide-style batteries and is compatible with Makita 18V batteries that have the Star symbol. It is also equipped with Star Protection Computer Controls, which are designed to monitor for overload, over-discharge, and overheating. If you are already invested in LXT batteries and chargers, this tool fits cleanly into that system. If you are not, remember this is the bare tool, so battery and charger are sold separately.

Who should buy it? Finish carpenters, remodelers, cabinet installers, punch-list crews, and serious DIY users who want cordless freedom without giving up capacity or control. If your work is mostly interior trim and finish fastening and you already own Makita 18V LXT batteries, this is the kind of nailer that makes sense fast. It is not trying to be a framing nailer or an all-purpose fastening tool. It is built to do clean 18 gauge brad nail work efficiently, and the feature set lines up well with that job.

A cordless brad nailer that actually earns its spot in a trim kit

The Makita XNB04Z 18V LXT Brushless Cordless 2 in. 18-Gauge Brad Nailer makes a lot of sense for finish guys who want compressor-free mobility without giving up nail capacity, access, and depth control.

• Who it's for: Trim carpenters, remodelers, cabinet installers, and Makita LXT users doing interior finish fastening.
• Why it stands out: Slim nose access, tool-free depth adjustment, 110-nail magazine capacity, and strong runtime all line up with what matters on real finish jobs.
• Worth knowing: This is a bare tool, so you need your own Makita 18V LXT battery and charger, and it is built specifically for 18 gauge brad nail work, not heavier finish or framing applications.

• What size nails does this nailer use? It uses 18 gauge brad nails from 5/8 in. to 2 in.
• Does it support different firing modes? Yes. It has a 2-mode selector switch for sequential nailing or bump fire operation.
• Is this a bare tool? Yes. Battery and charger are sold separately.
• What battery platform does it use? It is part of the Makita 18V LXT system and is compatible with Makita 18V Lithium-Ion batteries with the Star symbol.
• What is the magazine capacity? The magazine holds up to 110 nails.