In my woodworking projects, I’ve come to realize the importance of having the right tools. A framing nail gun is one I simply can’t leave out of my toolkit. Whether I’m diving into finish carpentry or leaning towards using a battery-operated tool, I’ve learned not every model will fit the bill. To avoid any pitfalls, I personally tested and recommend these cordless finish nailers 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 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 I Like
- The extended runtime is a boon, paired with a durability that outlasts many competitors.
- It reigns as the top cordless framing nail gun, especially when dealing with moldings.
- Its adaptability shines, proving equally effective for minor tasks and expansive projects.
- Even in challenging spots, it consistently nails with precision, never missing those tight corners.
What I Don’t Like
- While the tool itself is priced reasonably, adding essential accessories can quickly increase the overall cost.
- Depending on the specifics of the purchase, the provided refund policies and warranties can sometimes lack consistency.
2. MILWAUKEE Cordless Framing Nail Gun
The best cordless nail guns aren’t always cheap, so it’s no surprise that I included this MILWAUKEE cordless nail gun in this roundup.
When I work on solid oak or any hardwood, I trust this framing nailer to sink nails up to 2.5 inches deep. I’ve found that, in the long run, I save money with this battery-powered tool since there’s no need for gas cartridges.
One of the standout features I truly appreciate is the Red Link plus technology. It creates a balance between the tool and the battery, ensuring I always get a smooth performance without worrying about overheating or overloading.
What I Like
- These are some of the best cordless nailers I've used for hardwood.
- Their long runtime paired with smooth performance stands out in my experience.
- The inclusion of nail gun accessories with the purchase is a welcome bonus.
- The built-in protection against overloading and overheating gives me peace of mind.
What I Don’t Like
- The heftier construction might not be the best fit for more delicate or thinner materials.
- Depending on where you are, product availability can sometimes be inconsistent.
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, I 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 I already tell you that the purchase includes free nails and staples? You read that right!
Adding to my 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 I Like
- It's priced more reasonably compared to many other cordless nail guns I've come across.
- The inclusion of complimentary nails and staples with the purchase is a notable perk.
- In terms of longevity and performance, it truly stands out in my toolkit.
- Its user-friendly nature, combined with comfort during use, enhances my working experience.
What I Don’t Like
- Product availability may varyDepending on where and when you're looking, its availability can be hit or miss.
- The primary construction being plastic gives me some pause.
4. 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 me. When I tested it, I was genuinely impressed by its consistent power, especially since there’s no need for an air hose or fuel cartridges.
I’d personally recommend this cordless nail gun to beginners. The error light indicator is a lifesaver, helping pinpoint issues like jammed nails or overheating engines. Its weight is just right, giving me a perfect balance when I’m working on crown moldings or any overhead tasks.
What I Like
- It's a cost-effective option for a cordless nail gun.
- Its capability to shoot 90 nails and staples per minute is impressive.
- I've always found its power consistent, and it's quite user-friendly to boot.
What I Don’t Like
- A slight downside is that nails and staples need to be purchased separately.
- It's imperative to keep it away from kids, which, while a given, is worth emphasizing.
5. CRAFTSMAN CMCN618C1 Cordless Brad Nailer Kit
Among the nail guns I 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 I Like
- Its controls are both beginner-friendly and convenient, making it easy to get the hang of.
- I've consistently experienced steady power and output from start to finish.
- It's versatile, handling different climates and materials with ease.
- A major plus for me is that it operates without the need for compressed air or fuel.
What I Don’t Like
- It's a tad heavier than the air-powered nail guns I've used in the past.
- Do be prepared for some additional expenses if you're looking to get extra brad nails.
6. PORTER-CABLE PCC790LA Cordless Brad Nailer Kit
Another affordable option you may consider when shopping for a cordless nail gun is PORTER-CABLE PCC790LA.
Beyond its attractive price, I appreciate how this 100% battery-operated equipment boasts an 18 nail gauge motor design, confidently nailing through diverse hardwoods regardless of the climate. Relying on a 20V battery system, this PORTER-CABLE nail gun model frees me from the hassle of compressed air.
If you’re new to this tool, like I once was, you’ll be relieved to know it offers tool-less settings to keep the operation manageable. And a feature I’ve come to value – it’s equipped with LED work lights and an error indicator, making my tasks both easier and safer.
Also Read: 18 vs 16 Nail Gauge
What I Like
- It's more reasonably priced compared to several nail guns I've seen in the market.
- It's particularly well-suited for finish nail tasks, in my experience.
- The integrated dual LED light is a thoughtful touch, enhancing safety during operations.
- The three-year product warranty gives me an added layer of confidence.
What I Don’t Like
- The purchase primarily includes just the bare tool and battery.
- Plan for some additional expenses if you need to stock up on brad nails.
7. Ryobi P325 Cordless Nail Gun
Besides being distinct in color, Ryobi P325 cordless nail gun stood out for me 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 I Like
- The built-in nail indicator and LED lighting are thoughtful features I value.
- Should any issues arise, replacing the battery is straightforward.
- I appreciate the multiple adjustment settings which facilitate effortless nailing.
- When it comes to cost, it's more wallet-friendly than many other nail gun options I've encountered.
What I Don’t Like
- It's important to note the nail gun battery is sold separately.
- Also, the package doesn't include finish nails, so you'll need to source those on your own.
8. Paslode 905600 Cordless XP Framing Nailer
Everyone knows that the best cordless nail gun should be light to carry, which is why I took the chance to test Paslode 905600. With its compact feature, I had no problem using this unit in overhead tasks.
While it’s priced a bit higher than some other cordless nail guns I’ve seen, I believe its cost is completely warranted given its well-engineered system. In fact, it delivers about 15% more power than many typical nailers I’ve used. If, like me, you often work with hardwood, its robust drive performance is bound to impress.
Furthermore, its battery longevity stands out. From my experience, it can drive up to 9000 nails on a full charge, which is quite remarkable.
What I Like
- This nail gun is ideal for extensive woodworking tasks I often undertake.
- Its design is user-friendly, especially when I'm working in tight spaces.
- I'm particularly impressed by its compact yet durable build.
What I Don’t Like
- It requires a separate fuel cartridge, which isn't included.
- You'd have to buy the framing nails separately, as they aren't part of 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 I 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 me, 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.
Interesting Read: What Nails To Use For Wood Soffit
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
From my experience, it’s crucial to understand that not every piece of nailing equipment comes with a battery. I’ve come across tools sold as bare ones, relying either on compressed air or batteries you might already have. If you’re leaning towards a battery-operated nailer like I often do, I’d suggest looking into how many nails or staples it can handle per charge or minute. This insight has always been a reliable way for me to measure a tool’s efficiency and performance before making a choice.
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 clear advantages to using cordless nail guns over their corded counterparts. For starters, there’s no cord to limit my movement. I’ve often found myself needing to nail in the tightest spaces, and that’s nearly impossible with a cord tethered to an outlet. Plus, I’ve always felt that cordless options are significantly safer to work with.
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.
My Top Pick For a Cordless Nail Gun:
DEWALT DCN680D1 Cordless Brad Nailer
After conducting several test projects, I 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.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
