Woodworking projects require various materials, but framing nail guns is one tool DIYers can’t exclude from their shopping list. Whether you’re doing some finish carpentry or prefer using a battery-operated tool, not all models will suit your needs. If you don’t want substandard options to ruin your project, check out these best cordless finish nailers our team tested below.
Reviews of the Top Cordless Nail Guns
1. DEWALT DCN680D1 Cordless Brad Nailer
Framing nails was never an easy task to tackle, but DEWALT DCN680D1 proved to our testers that it’s superior to other tools with its Lithium-Ion battery. There’s no need for an air compressor or air hose because this cordless model can assist in installing trim for windows and doors or fastening crown molding hassle-free.
Equipped with a brushless engine, framing guns under this brand has proven and tested durability. This tool fires accurate nail placement even in tight corners thanks to its micro nose feature. On top of that, it has a tool-less jam release that can clear jammed nails swiftly.
What We Like
- Long runtime and exceptional durability
- Best cordless framing nail gun for moldings
- Suitable for small to large-scale projects
- Drives nails accurately even in tight corners
What We Don’t Like
- Other tool accessories may incur additional costs
- Refund and warranties may vary per purchase conditions
2. MILWAUKEE Cordless Framing Nail Gun
The best cordless nail guns aren’t always cheap, so it’s no surprise that our testers included this MILWAUKEE cordless nail gun in this roundup.
It doesn’t matter if you’re working on solid oak or any hardwood—this framing nailer can sink nails with a depth of 2.5 inches. Users can save money in the long run as this battery-powered product eliminates the need for gas cartridges.
Among all its premium features, what we liked the most from this option is its Red Link plus technology that enabled balance between the tool and the battery. As a result, its performance is always smooth without the fear of overheating or overloading.
What We Like
- Suitable cordless nailers for hardwood
- Has long runtime and smooth performance
- Includes nail gun accessories upon purchase
- Protected from overloading and overheating
What We Don’t Like
- Heavier construction that may not fit thinner materials
- Product availability may vary per location
3. NEU MASTER NTC0023 Cordless Framing Nailer
If you want to stay within a certain budget, NEU MASTER NTC0023 cordless brad nailer can save the day. With a fully charged battery, our testers found out that this finish nail machine can deliver up to 1100 shots.
Specifically designed for heavy-duty installation, expect this 18-gauge brad nailer to handle time-consuming tasks. And did we already tell you that the purchase includes free nails and staples? You read that right!
Adding to our delight is the unit’s spiral-drive technology, making this battery-powered framing nail gun comparable to the performance and power of corded tools.
What We Like
- More affordable than other cordless nail guns
- Includes free nails and staples upon purchase
- Long-lasting and high-performing tool
- Comfortable to use and user-friendly
What We Don’t Like
- Product availability may vary
- Made of plastic material
4. Paslode 905600 Cordless XP Framing Nailer
Everyone knows that the best cordless nail gun should be light to carry, which is why we took the chance to test Paslode 905600. With its compact feature, our testers had no problem using this unit in overhead tasks.
Although a bit higher in price than other cordless nail guns, its cost is justified with its well-engineered system that provides 15% more power than a typical nailer. If your personal preference includes working with hardwood, its heavy-duty drive performance will blow you away.
In addition, this tool offers extensive runtime with a battery that can carry on up to 9000 nails per fully charged session.
What We Like
- Suitable nail gun for extensive woodworking tasks
- Comfortable and easy to use in tight spaces
- Has compact and durable construction
What We Don’t Like
- Need a separate fuel cartridge
- Framing nails sold separately
5. KIMO 20V Cordless Brad Nailer
When dealing with home improvement tasks, it’s crucial to have a tool that can give you easy access to stapling and nailing—and that’s what this KIMO 20V cordless nail gun gave us. During the tests, our testers were left in awe of its consistent power without the need for an air hose or fuel cartridges.
We highly recommend this cordless nail gun to beginners because it includes an error light indicator that troubleshoots jammed nails or overheating engines. It’s not so heavy as well, giving us great balance when working on crown moldings or any overhead tasks.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly cordless nail gun
- Can shoot 90 nails and staples per minute
- Consistent power and very user-friendly
What We Don’t Like
- Nails and staples sold separately
- Must be kept out of children’s reach
6. CRAFTSMAN CMCN618C1 Cordless Brad Nailer Kit
Among the nail guns we tried, CRAFTSMAN CMCN618C1 is one of the quickest to set up, thanks to its tool-free depth configurations. Through this feature, this model was able to deliver consistent output.
And because it has a lightweight design, newbies will find absolute ease when using this tool. It may not be the best cordless brad nailer out there, but this nail gun sure earns its spot in the top list for its enhanced efficiency owed to its tool-less jam and stall features.
Unlike generic nail guns, it has a contoured handle for added user comfort and belt hooks for utmost convenience.
What We Like
- Beginner-friendly and convenient controls
- Consistent power and output throughout the runtime
- Suits different climate and material conditions
- Doesn’t need compressed air or fuel to operate
What We Don’t Like
- Heavier than air-powered nail guns
- Additional costs for extra brad nails
7. PORTER-CABLE PCC790LA Cordless Brad Nailer Kit
Another affordable option you may consider when shopping for a cordless nail gun is PORTER-CABLE PCC790LA.
Besides its lower price tag, this 100% battery-operated equipment has an 18 nail gauge motor design that can nail through various hardwood materials in any climate conditions. Operating with a 20V battery system, this PORTER-CABLE nail gun model won’t be needing compressed air at all.
If you’re not familiar with using this tool, rest easy because it has different tool-less settings that’ll keep the performance at a level you can manage. To top it all off, it has LED work lights and an error indicator for easier and safer operations.
Also Read: 18 vs 16 Nail Gauge
What We Like
- Affordable than some nail guns in the market
- Highly suitable for finish nail tasks
- Included dual LED light for safe operations
- Comes with a three-year product warranty
What We Don’t Like
- Purchase only comes with the bare tool and battery
- Additional fees for brad nails
8. Ryobi P325 Cordless Nail Gun
Besides being distinct in color, Ryobi P325 cordless nail gun stood out for us in this roundup because of its air pressure adjustment settings. By turning the switch at the back of the tool, users can add depth while driving nail unto the material without any hassle. If you’re having trouble with nail jams, all you need to do is flip its front-end.
Delightfully, these nail guns are widely available in the market. So if you encounter problems with its batteries, buying a new one won’t be a problem. Having a low nail indicator is a huge plus as well, as this would prevent you from damaging your nails.
What We Like
- Includes nail indicator and LED lightings
- Easy battery replacement when damaged
- Multiple adjustment settings for easy nailing
- More affordable than other nail gun options
What We Don’t Like
- Nail gun battery sold separately
- Finish nails not included in the package
Cordless Nail Guns Buyer’s Guide
Cordless Nail Gun Type
The best cordless nail gun depends on what kind of nailing equipment your project requires. If you’re working with heavy-duty tasks like constructing decks and framing houses, the best tool category we can recommend is framing nail guns. The nails that this type of equipment ejects are heavy and broad, fitting for a high-density material.
On the other hand, brad nailers are specifically loaded with nail heads that are barely visible to the eye. If you ask our resident woodworkers, these are best for decorative trimming or molding. There are also finishing nail guns for intricate detail works like installing sophisticated lumber storage rack. Although its nails are thicker than brad nail guns, you can use this type of nailer for installing trims or crafting furniture as well.
For specialized jobs such as nailing down shingled roofs, roofing nail guns are highly recommended. After all, these tools are specifically made for such tasks. And while you can use framing guns for siding, siding nailers are another option you can consider.
Size and Weight
The ideal size and weight of a hand tool should be manageable for the user to handle with one hand [1]. Unlike corded equipment, these nail guns are relatively lighter and non-restrictive to your movements. With the possibility of doing high tasks like placing an overhead garage storage and jamming nails on top spaces, your tool needs to be less straining for more comfortable and safer usage.
Battery Power and Accuracy
You may not know it, but not all nailing equipment comes with a battery. There are bare tools that can operate with compressed air alone but can also be equipped with battery power. If you decide to go for battery-operated nailers, you should check out how many nails or staples per charge or minute the tool can produce.
The precision of your cordless tools depends on how well they can fire in tight spaces. As previously stated, the tool shouldn’t be heavy, but not too light as well. There must be balanced so that the nails can settle into the material accordingly. Besides that, you can check the nailing depth of your nail gun to see if it can adjust to the material’s thickness.
LED Light
Safety is the number priority when doing woodwork or any home improvement activities. Having a LED work light built into the nail gun keeps you safe and increases the accuracy of your nailing and stapling work. This feature can be seen in most hand tools in the market as well.
Purpose and Benefits of Cordless Nail Guns
There are many perks one can expect for using cordless nail guns over corded ones. For instance, there will be no cord to restrict your movement. We all know that nailing jobs requires firing away in the tightest spaces, and there’s no way you can do that with a cord plugged into an electric outlet. It’s a lot safer to use as well.
And speaking of nailing jobs, some tasks require to reach overhead. How can you do that if your hand tool is heavy? Lucky for us, this cordless equipment doesn’t weigh as much and increases the chances of nailing accurately.
FAQ
Which is better, a brad nail or a finish nailer?
If you’re working on cabinets and baseboards, the better tool to use is a finish nailer. It has larger nails loaded than the brad nailer, so they’re fit to hang heavier materials. In contrast, brad nailers are only suitable for lighter pieces.
What size of nails do I need for my cordless nail gun?
Just to be safe, you can consider 15-gauge to 18-gauge nails. These types of nails are often used in typical nailing jobs. Most projects would require 16-gauge nails because they’re very versatile to use, but 15-gauge nails are more suitable for installing thicker trims.
Our Top Pick For a Cordless Nail Gun:
DEWALT DCN680D1 Cordless Brad Nailer
After conducting several test projects, our resident woodworkers picked DEWALT DCN680D1 Cordless Brad Nailer as the best cordless nail gun in this roundup. Apart from its affordable price tag, this tool proved its superiority over other options with extensive runtime, large-scale project suitability, and multiple tool-free adjustments.
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