In this review, I estimate the most popular finish nailers and award the best models according to two categories: cordless finish nailers and pneumatic (or air-powered) tools that are network-powered.
I tested a variety of nail guns and examined the main advantages of each equipment. I tried them for the particular tasks: door framing, trimming or concrete plates’ nailing. I was looking through the technical features (weight, power, comfort) and supportive ones (warranty, return possibility, etc).
The top-rated finishing nailer review
All of the nail guns operate well and have received several excellent cordless nailer reviews. Yet each has its own tricks making it the best pneumatic and cordless finish nailers.
The best pneumatic finish nailer Hitachi NT65MA4 with Air Duster got all the votes for its handy enhancements that make it a pleasure to operate.
The best cordless finish nailer is DEWALT DC618K which definitely is the best value for its price. Take caution, this thing is really FAST!
Cordless vs Pneumatic Finish Nailer: Comfort vs Durability
With finish nailers, you can also choose the working power. The air-powered finish nailers need a good compressor. Such a tool has fewer parts than the battery finish nailer so it requires maintenance less often. They usually weigh less. And, of course, no battery equals less wiring and lower costs.
Pros
- I can do long-term important work.
- Do not need frequent repairs or maintenance.
- Their small weight enables quick operation.
- I have to pay less.
Cons
- I am limited by the hose.
- A compressor is required as a power source.
The cordless finish nailers are handier as the worker does not depend on the length of the hose. But it depends on the capacity of the battery/fuel can.More regular maintenance is required for cordless finish nailers (purifying, oiling the details, recharging the fuel). They are substantially more expensive.
Pros
- No limitation by the hose.
- I can reach any place I need.
Cons
- I pay more.
- More regular maintenance is required.
- Not suitable for continuous work.
The Best Pneumatic Finish Nailers Reviews
The pneumatic finish nailers hold on firmly to the top of the purchases. Check the eight awesome tools and pick your best finish nailer!
Freeman P4FRFNCB – best cordless nail gun
The Freeman P4FRFNCB is an offer of the year! Get four perfect quality tools for the price of one top-brand instrument that will drive all the nails you have in your storage – from 1 1/4 to 3 and a quarter inches. This professional set will keep your work safe! The Freeman company has made a competitors-beating trick and offered a 4-tool kit at the price of one-and-a-half branded finish nailer. What you obtain is capable of meeting the requirements of even the most adventurous undertaking, as mine has. I used nails and staples, chose the appropriate degree and gauge for adjusting the blades and fastening the main slates, and adjusted the décor. I worked with any surface without effort as the kit features the tips for all the tools. With the finish nailer, adjusting the panels at the edges is a piece of cake! Pay attention that the rubber bumper is black and can leave the marks on the surface. I suppose that can be solved by applying something on it, such as a tape.
Pros
- I performed multiple-task DIY – contains four different tools.
- Four gadgets for the price of two.
Cons
- Large and heavy but there are four of them!
Valu-Air T64C — best 16 gauge finish nailer cordless
This aluminum-coated tool of the medium size is what you need if you plan to realize some long-lasting project. I began changing the inner panels of a wooden home, and it really helped! It puts up with the nails as short as 7/8 inches and can let you go as far as 2 and a half inches. For the small price, I also got the extra nails and an oil pot. The producer has taken care to steady this model firmly so that when operating nothing moves sideways. I was not impressed with the variety of options of this air-powered finish nailer, yet it has definitely made my day. Keep in mind that the tensioner in the loading cup may not always function smoothly. Pay attention to the dark rubber tip that might be leaving traces on the surface. Get the professional’s choice as it allows operating the nails of different size and can be fully relied on.
Pros
- I can work with the different sizes of nails.
- Steady operation and fixed positioning.
- It is simple to remove the clogged nails.
- Good price.
Cons
- Does not provide many options, tips, etc.
- I experienced issues with loading.
Makita AF635 – best 15 gauge cordless finish nailer
Another strong instrument from Makita that prompts pros to make a purchase, making it potentially the best cordless 15 gauge finish nailer. It was marked for its high-quality performance that amazes even experienced carpenters! The magnesium body and aluminum cylinder allow making this finish nailer one of the most lightweight in its class and yet a very powerful and durable tool. I took it for the regular siding jobs and also changed the floor moldings all over my house within one day! Its speed and precision for sure fit the task. Still, I suggest lubricating the contact area and the nails before beginning to work. The Makita guys have fulfilled the dream of many of the finish workers and enhanced this air-powered finish nailer with the mechanism that does not allow the tool dry-fire. No nails – no job, that is. Both the tool and the working surface are so protected.
Pros
- I’m delighted with its power and durability.
- Secure – I enjoyed the dry-fire prevention mechanism.
- I enjoyed the light weight and size when carrying and working.
- The reliability of Makita tools.
Cons
- Too expensive.
DEWALT D51257K — best cordless finish nail gun
This finish nailer proves the ever-high quality of Dewalt tools. It is a carpenter’s gold mine. This finish nailer will continue to operate even if the oil runs out. It has many features to make your finish work as simple as pie but you’ve got to pay for it. Its size and weight allow using it with one hand and driving nails into the places where there is no extra room (for example, window sills, chair railings, cabinet inside repairs). This gun is quite powerful so I quickly ran out of nails. This gun, like several other finish nailers, has a loading tensioner problem. While the tool puts up well with 1 inch and 2 inches nails, it gets naughty when offered 2,5-inch nails. Because of the ergonomic grip and the trigger Lock-Off system, it is a safe and easy tool for completing any level of DIY tasks. Professional workers will particularly appreciate the high power and ability to operate in oil-free motor mode.
Pros
- Powerful work with solid materials.
- Comfort – I liked the ergonomic hand, medium size, and weight.
- Switching between modes is simple.
Cons
- When the magazine was nearly empty, I had problems.
- High price.
This hose-bound finish nailer is a standard good finish nailer peculiar for the magnesium housing that allows packing the tool with many tricks yet not make it heavier. It employs a number of technologies in order to provide greater performance. Yet as the end user I can say that the previous models of the tool were more reliable. The present Senco gun for finish nails does not need lubrication that is a great feature. Yet, sometimes a misfire or a jam can spoil the effect. When this occurred, I was able to simply remove the clog by grabbing a particular latch and opening the nose. This gun was designed for a comfortable use on the occasional projects so do not make it fire nails at the concrete or fiber cement. The important detail is that this finish nailer operates the 34-degree nails only so that pay attention while replenishing your nail stores. Though the finish nailer is not heavy, its size makes dealing with siding in corners a challenge.
Pros
- Quiet and non-hurrying projects – it worked steadily.
- Low maintenance – no lubrication required.
- Good price.
Cons
- I struggled with the tiny places due to its large size.
- Reliability issue – misfires and jams can occur during constant operation.
BOSTITCH N62FNK-2 – all you need in a finish nailer
Choose this tool if you want a dependable, strong finish nailer that will drive your nails in seconds. This sturdy heavy tool is made for solid jobs – and it performs impeccably. Almost every operational parameter of this fantastic instrument may be changed. You can use the relatively small nails (1 and a quarter inches), chose between the four types of the rubber tips that allow doing the job in the most inconvenient places. Make your home corner siding seem sophisticated, as if it had always been that way! Watch the pressure, though. The power is high and it can drive the nail too deep. The 7-year warranty ensures the purchase. Tuning the tool might take some time, as the depth adjusting mechanism is a bit tricky.
Pros
- I enjoyed the continuous work – high quality of operation.
- Very powerful – nails easily at firm materials.
- Different nose tips helped me to reach tight areas as well.
Cons
- Large and heavy.
- It took some time to properly set up the gadget.
WEN 61720 — a professional tool for the delicate job
This gun can be named the kid among the finish nailers due to its size and weight. It offers the best no-jam operation at the lowest cost. Indeed, it has a bit more than 5 pounds – some ladies’ makeup kits weigh more! However, it fits greatly with the delicate trimming – like making the wood installation with tiny details. It works well at the extremes (even using the biggest 2 inches nails) and allows selecting the needed force of pushing the brad. My panel and a piece of carved wood ornamentation were securely fastened, but no one would notice the nail. I could operate it with one hand only – sometimes, this feature can be decisive. Being the cheapest on the nominees’ list, this small guy definitely deserves its place among the best pneumatic finish nailers.
Pros
- I could perform delicate works – small size, using brads.
- Operates various sizes of brads.
- Perfect price/quality proportion.
Cons
- I tried it hard but could not find any.
Hitachi NT65MA4 — for those who love innovation and value the quality
Even if you like flat finish nailers, this gun will convince you to reconsider! It’s got so much to make your work comfortable! Nail any type of material – wood, plastic, concrete – and have it all fast as quick as you can move the gun. Although this tool has a better jam removing technique, you won’t use it much. It has more for protection of the job site – the no-mar tip, the air duster for clearing the surface kept my site clean and I could see well the surface and notice any deficiency before firing a nail in it. The maneuvering capacity is the mark of this finish nailer! The corner trimming, the exquisite doorframe with moldings can be done within seconds.
Pros
- I’ve dealt with a variety of materials, and this tool is strong!
- Quick adjustment – allowed me to deal fast with the operating modes.
- Quality is high. I had no misfires and jams, no traces on the surface.
Cons
- Price above average.
- Just wishing there was a way to fasten it to the belt.
The Best Cordless Finish Nailer Reviews
The cordless devices continue getting the popularity in spite of some drawbacks related to the autonomic power supply. Here go the quality cordless nail gun reviews.
DEWALT DCN660B — best flexible operation
It is a king of the portable finish nailers. It can do any kind of job and will save you the trouble looking for the long hose or the power socket. Given that it is completely compatible with my other Dewalt equipment, this finish nailer has been a useful addition. For instance, if a battery goes low in one of them, I can easily exchange it with another one. As any cordless device, this finish nailer is not intended for the production use yet can ensure the smooth and successful performance even with the biggest size of the nails (2.5 inches). It has an easy mechanism of changing between the modes of operation – I just pull the switch into the mode I prefer and go on working. It is precise and flexible as it works well even in the hardest places – around the corners, close to cuts, etc. I worked for two hours nonstop until one of the nails became stuck. What was good news, it could be easily cleared by just opening the cap.
Pros
- It was proficient with a variety of materials and application styles.
- Gets to the diversity of places – thanks to the ergonomic shape and a fitting nose.
- Different operation modes – switching smoothly.
- Fast and reliable operation.
Cons
- Nailing at the solid materials might lead to a jam.
Paslode 902400 — always ready for work
The Paslode finish nailer is noticeable for its weight – it has just 4.5 pounds while being quite as large as some heavy guns. Besides, it works very fast. Even though this equipment is designed to be used in a variety of settings, operating at a height may not be ideal. However, the big size is recompensed by the ergonomic design that allowed me to hold the nailer firmly and operate it easily even on top of the electric pillar. This model has an improved li-ion battery that lasts more than the previous versions and provides for seamless operation. Its hefty price is its sole flaw, and the guarantee is only valid for a year.
Pros
- Size and weight proportion – light and easy.
- I performed various works with different materials thanks to easy depth control.
- Ergonomic design.
Cons
- High price.
- There can be issues while working at the height.
DEWALT DC618K XRP — finish nailing like clockwork
This adorable cordless finish nailer has supreme engine characteristics that allow it to work in the rate you define for yourself. Simple device gliding with the bump mode trigger pushed beforehand will result in a smooth string of nails. For the maintenance, I simply pulled and took off the removable top cap. If, by chance, the nail got jammed (this did not happen during all day of my DIY-ing in the garden gazebo) you can easily take it out with your hands. Safety is considered in every feature of this awesome finish nailer. It includes a Lock-Off mechanism that prevents the tool from firing while I’m merely carrying it around by disabling the trigger. The finish nailer is particularly well at handling the difficult joints. For the optimal performance, it is better to use original nails. And these are expensive!
Pros
- I tried all types of finish work – reliable, fast, powerful.
- Diversity of options – could set my best fitting mode.
- Easy maintenance – the removable cap, fast clearing of jams.
- The list’s lowest pricing.
Cons
- Considerable size and weight – I had my two hands in operation.
- High cost of the original nails.
Buyers Guide — What to Look at While Buying the Best Finish Nailer
A brief FAQ is provided below that will undoubtedly assist you in selecting the finish nailer that is appropriate for you.
What kind of finish nailer do I need?
Let’s see what kinds there are. For the source of the driving power the nailers can be:
- Pneumatic — using the air power.
- Cordless — using the electrical battery or fuel.
By the types of nails. Nails can vary in length (1/2 inches to 2.5 inches) and gauge (15,16, 18 gauge). Just think how deep your nails should be driven and what would be the impact on the material. Some nailers also use the staples.
Multi-operational or single-operation tools. It means that they either can fire the nails one by one or also have the option of doing it in series.
Straight or angled. This is important for choosing the right type of nails used.
They can have different noses and tips. The more tips there are the larger is the area of the nailer’s use.
Different power. Professional tasks need considerable power, but home demands may be met by equipment with lower power.
Is the Angled Finish Nailer More Convenient?
Saving the space (and your time), I’ll just say – yes. The angled finish nailers provide better flexibility, they fit more of the tiny spaces and they are more convenient to hold.
They are usually smaller in size and weight. The angled nailer makes it simple to complete the majority of in-house jobs.
Still, the angled nailers have a more complex mechanism so they are inevitably more expensive.
What’s the Gauge?
With regard to the nail, it is the thickness and length. The latter can vary. For example, the 15 gauge nails can have the length of 2,5 inches or 2 inches. The most popular gauge types for finish nails are:
15 gauge – these are the thickest nails up to 2.5 inches long. They are good for thick woodwork and more solid materials as metal, concrete and so on.
16 gauge – are a bit thinner than 15 gauge. Can be used for panel works, trimming, inside door installations.
18 gauge – are much lighter. These nails are perfect for occasional in-house repairs, toys making, trimming. The length ranges between 1 and 1/4 and 2 inches. Most of the cordless finish nailers handle this type of nail gauge.
23 gauge – is the smallest nail gauge available at finish nailers. The length of the nails does not exceed 1 inch.
What to Buy a Finish Nailer For?
With finish nailers, you don’t need to measure or try many times; you just spin the adjustment wheel on your finish nailer. For making a straight line of the nails hold the panel firmly, switch the nailer into the relevant mode and glide it along the surface. You can build and decorate, adjust and fix nicely, in straight (or angled) lines. And all that does not require some extra skills or power.
Selecting Your Best Finish Nailer – What Features to Consider?
Cord vs. No cord. It is a question of the convenience. Cordless portable finish nailers are more handy and ergonomic but more expensive. They are good for occasional jobs and projects. The cord-applied variants, on the other hand, are more robust and suitable for daily site work.
Power type. Choose the most accessible and convenient source of power. Sometimes, charging the electric battery is better than buying a compressor and an additional cable hose for the pneumatic tool.
The magazine organization. There are two types of the finish nailers’ magazines:
- stick magazine – the nails are set in a row or a “stick” and come one by one detached from the stick that contains 40 nails in average;
- coil type – the nail sticks are wrapped in a coil that is put into the magazine and unwrapped during the operation. The average capacity of the stick is 200 nails.
Operation mode. The finish nailer can fire the nails one at a time or make a series of fires. These modes serve the different goals and are called bump and sequential modes respectively.
Gauge type. In order to select the needed gauge type, think of the general volume of the work you are going to perform. Remember that the gauge defines the length of the nail as well.
Depth of drive. The depth adjustment is a handy mechanism allowing controlling the power applied to the nail and the depth it is driven in.
Finish nailer orientation. The angled finish nailer is more compact and fits more different location types. Meanwhile, the straight models are less expensive and more powerful.
Clearing of jammed nails. Getting a nail jammed is a regular issue with the finish nailer. Prefer the model that does not require a special tool for opening the cap.
The Tips for Making the Final Choice for the Best Finish Nail Guns
At the end of this overview, I’d like to make a short summary and remind of the features of the awesome devices I tried.
The best pneumatic finish nailer Hitachi NT65MA4 is definitely the best value for its price. It is an air-powered finish nailer that is adopted for a strong performance on the solid materials and certainly is the best finish nailer for the money. Its various improvements, including the integrated air duster and the tunable adjustment of the driving depth, let you to complete your paneling and woodwork just as you intended.
The best cordless finish nailer is Hitachi NT65MA4. Be careful, this thing is fast and full of handy tricks! It is ergonomic, easy cleared, conveniently changing the modes. For the best performance, use the Dewalt nails for replenishment.