Bostitch Brad Nailer BT200K - TYPE 2 (2006)

The Bostitch BT200K-2 is an 18-gauge, oil free, magnesium, pneumatic brad nailer used for finish carpentry applications. The "K" after the "BT200" denotes a kit, and the kit includes the nailer (BT200), a hard case, brads (nails), and an Allen wrench to perform adjustments (more about the "-2" later). The nailer (BT200) was released in the early 2000s, and while there is no public record of when it was discontinued, it is believed to have been discontinued in 2014 because the replacement nailer, the Bostitch BT1855-E was released in 2014. The BT1855-E has the added features of a selectable trigger that can be locked, anti-slip bumpers on the sides, and a redesigned handle for added comfort and grip.

As it pertains to recalls go, none were identified. Common problems appear to be seals going bad, a spring weakening in the carriage feeder, and possible trigger issues. These issues were gleaned by reading various chat forums. A link to a repair guide for the nailer is below. Some of the photos are out of focus, but it is helpful to read through if repairing is an option for your nailer.

No official source was located that provided the original price for the kit, but multiple forums reference buying the nailer for $100. Prices for parts can be found in some of the links below.

The BT200K-2 kit includes the nailer (BT200), a black, hard plastic case that reads "Bostitch", brads (nails), a 3mm hex key to perform adjustments, and the operations and maintenance manual.

The nailer body is made of magnesium, making it lightweight and durable. The nailer has a yellowish/orangish, magnesium body with a rubber handle that discharges brads perpendicular to the handle. On both sides of the nailer, along the top, it reads "Bostitch". One side of the nailer reads "Magnesium". If it is still attached, a black sticker with the model number "BT200" can be found on the top of the nailer body near the back of the nailer.

The BT200 is the base nailer that has three trigger options. The trigger options are denoted with either a 1, 2, or 3 after the BT200 or the BT200-K. The BT200-2 or BT200K-2 nailer is equipped with what Bostitch refers to as "Sequential Trip", which is denoted by a grey trigger. The BT200-1 and the BT200-3 have black triggers, so you will want to refer to the BT200 Operations and Maintenance Manual, on Page 5, to identify the trigger type (see the attachments below for the manual). The Sequential Trip is a safety feature that requires the user to press the nailer up against the wood then pull the trigger before a brad will be inserted into the material.

The nailer is unique because the air exhaust port is at the bottom of the nailer near the air coupler. This is nice because other nailers exhaust air out the back of the nailer that can blow air and particles into the face of the user.

The carriage is constructed of black plastic material, and is attached to the nailer body at the head of the nailer and the bottom of the handle. It holds 18-guage brads in lengths that vary from 5/8" to 2". Nails can be loaded into the carriage by pressing the trigger release at the bottom of the handle, allowing the the spring-loaded port to slide open toward the bottom of the carriage. At the top of the port, is a site that has a red flag alerting the user to when brads are low inside the carriage. On the opposite side of the carriage is is a holder for the hex key.

On top of the nailer is a depth adjustment wheel that can be rotated to set the depth the brad is inserted into the material. Some nailers have a belt hook and some do not.

All specifications below are provided from the owner's manual.

Length: 10-1/8” (257.1mm)

Height: 9-5/8” (244.0 mm)

Width: 2-5/16” (59.7 mm)

Weight: 2.2 lbs (1.0 kg)

BT1300 Brad Series

Wire Size: 0.050”X0.040” (1.27mmX1.04mm)

Length: 5/8”-2” (15mm-38mm)

1/4” National Pipe Thread (NPT) male free-flow connector plug with an inside diameter of 0.200” (5mm) or larger.

The air supplied by the air compressor should be between 70 to 120 psig (4.8 to 8.3 kg/cm2) for the best performance. It should not exceed 120 psig.

When operating at 80 psig, the BT200 will need 3.1 cubic feet per minute (.09 cubic meters) of free air to be able to discharge 100 brads per minute.

A quick note about pressure: psig means "pounds per square inch gauge", which is the pressure in the nailer relative to the ambient pressure (the air pressure outside the nailer). In this instance, 120 psig would be the pressure being delivered into the nailer. It is very common to find the pressure on a regulator pressure gauge attached to the compressor to read the pressure being delivered to the nailer. If you are uncertain which is the air compressor's tank pressure gauge and which is the regulated pressure being delivered nailer, consult your air compressor's owner's manual for more information.

Tool Service Site for the Bostitch BT200K-2

eReplacement Parts Site for BT200 Parts

Bostitch's Ireland Site for the BT200K-2

Fine Working's Review of the Bostitch BT200K-2

Repair Guide for Parts of the BT200