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Last updated on March 4, 2021
Use a finishing nailer that runs only on a battery without the need for replacing gas. Finishing nailers will quickly fasten trim and timber panels with a 15g or 16g panel pin using a micro nose for accurate pin placement.
Finishing nailers like what’s made by Makita Bostitch and Dewalt leave behind only a small penetration hole that can be hidden with wood filler.
If you need portability pick an angled cordless finishing nailer. For installing ceiling or wall panels an air-powered straight shooter can be faster. Read more on why below:
Best cordless finishing nailer
#1 Strongest holding cordless finishing nailer
Dewalt DCN650B angled finishing nailer 15ga
- Micro-nose design ensures more accurate nail placement.
- Has multi-functional LED lights that illuminate the workplace and help in tool diagnosis.
- Has a selectable trigger for switching between sequential and contact actuation modes.
- 15 gauge tool is stronger holding than other finishing tools.
- None.
#2 Best Makita finishing nailer
Makita XNB02Z 18v straight finishing nailer kit, 16 gauge
- Compact center height design allows a better viewing angle when working in tight spots.
- Has an anti-dry fire mechanism that prevents workpiece damage from driving blanks.
- Depth adjustment control allows for precise flushing and countersinking.
- An angled gun is better for tight corners.
#3 Best 16 gauge Dewalt finishing nailer
Dewalt DCN660D1 cordless angled finishing nailer kit 16 gauge
- Has a tool-free jam release control for quick clearing of jams.
- Has a stall release lever that resets the driver quickly if the driving pins stalls.
- Brushless motor for maximum efficiency and longer runtime.
- Might want the bigger pin capability with the Dewalt model above.
#4 The Bostitch finishing nailer
Bostitch BCN662D1 straight finishing nailer kit, 16 gauge
- Has a tool-free depth adjustment and mode select switch.
- Multi-function LED light illuminates the workplace and aids in tool diagnosis.
- A bit heavy.
- The follower that provides nail tension can be tricky to use.
#5 The Milwaukee finishing tool
Milwaukee 2742-21CT brushless cordless angled finish nailer kit, 16 gauge
- Brushless motor provides longer runtime and longer life.
- Powerful enough to drive nails into solid oak.
- Redlink plus intelligent electronic system prevents overloading and overheating.
- The tip is a bit too big for some applications.
#6 A DIY finishing nailer
Craftsman CMCN616C1 cordless finish nailer kit, 16 gauge
- Consistent performance with a wide variety of materials and conditions.
- Tool-free depth adjustment and jam clearing and stall correction settings.
- Contoured handle for comfortable usage.
- Only comes with a 2.0 AH battery
- More for DIY.
- Not much cheaper than a pro brand DeWalt or Makita.
#7 Best Value DIY finishing nailer
Ryobi P330 angled finishing nailer, 15 gauge
- Half the price as a pro brand so good for DIY.
- Fast setup and easy maneuverability.
- Airstrike Technology combines power and efficiency in a convenient and portable unit.
- Comes with a convenient belt clip.
- A bit difficult to adjust settings.
- More for DIY.
#8 Another Ryobi finishing nail gun
Ryobi P325 straight battery powered cordless finishing nailer, 16 gauge
- Has a low nail indicator that prevents dry firing.
- Useful LED light lets you see the workplace.
- Easy air pressure adjustment control.
- Long nails sometimes don’t penetrate the workpiece fully.
- A bit big and heavy.
Best air finishing nailer
#1 Best straight air finishing nailer
Dewalt D51257K straight air finishing nailer, 16 gauge
- The dual design allows for use as an oil-free tool or an oil-lubricated unit.
- Has a no-mar pad that prevents damage to the workpiece.
- Has a sequential action trigger.
- Has a trigger lock control.
Has a pressure range of 70 to 120 PSI. - Needs assistance when driving 2.5” nails.
#2 An angled air finishing nailer
Dewalt D51276K compressed air angled finishing nailer 15 gauge
- Also works as an oil-free or oil-lubricated nailer.
- Has tool-free controls for depth. adjustment and jam clearing.
- Provides 70 to 120 PSI operating pressure.
- None.
#3 The Paslode air finishing gun
Paslode 500910 T250A pneumatic angled finish nailer,16-gauge
- Weighs only 3.8 pounds.
- Works with a variety of nail sizes ranging from 1 ¼” to 2 ½”.
- Has an angled magazine that lets you drive nails into tight spots.
- Nails may not shoot out on occasion and when you get to the end part of the gas.
Best gas-driven finishing nailer
#1 Best angled gas finishing gun
Paslode 902400 angled fuel-powered finish nailer 16 gauge
- Has a steeper angled magazine that allows for precise nail placement even in tight spots.
- Has a no-mar tip that prevents damage to the work surface.
- Drives up to 12,000 nails per battery charge.
- Finish nails tend to jam occasionally.
#2 The straight-shooting Paslode finisher
Paslode 916000 straight fuel-powered finish nailer 16 gauge
- Powerful and precise operation.
- Fuel supply lasts a full day.
- Works with battery power, driving up to 12,000 nails per charge.
- Jams occasionally (A problem with gas tools in general).
Introduction
Finish nailers are nail guns that are intended specifically for nailing moldings and attaching trim boards to assemblies like joinery units. They use relatively thin nails that are driven through trim boards that are in turn attached to hardwoods, softwoods, or plywood.
The nails used with finishing nailers are so thin that they leave only small holes that can easily be filled with putty or wood filler before the finish is applied. They are also small enough to prevent splitting or breaking of the trim board, unlike other types of nails or wood screws. As thin as they are, finish nails provide an instant hold that can also be backed up with the use of appropriate adhesives.
Finish nailers are much faster to work with than hammers and nails. With a good finishing nailer, an experienced or beginner woodworker will be able to get a lot more work done during the day. Many models are small enough to hold with a single hand, which leaves your other hand free to hold your trim or molding in the correct position.
Nowadays, finishing nailers come in a variety of sizes and designs, from pneumatic and gas-driven models to cordless models powered by rechargeable batteries. But most of them work pretty much the same as the earliest models.
The parts on a finishing nailer
- Trigger switch. This should ideally be a nose-tip pressure release lock to prevent accidental triggering.
- Magazine. Would preferably have a visible low nail indicator and a pusher release.
- Contact tip. The tip should have a narrow point for working in tight spots and a no-mar pad to prevent damage to the workpiece.
- Latch. Clears up jammed nails.
- Exhaust valve. Emits pressurized air when the nailer is in use.
- Belt hook. It allows you to carry the tool hands-free.
Before you buy a finishing nailer…
Check the durability.
Finishing work isn’t as demanding on the tools as other nailing jobs, so durability isn’t as important. Even so, a finishing nailer should be durable enough to withstand long hours of use when there is a lot of finishing work to be done.
Research the brand.
Some of the best brands for finishing nailers are DeWalt and Makita. Paslode also makes a superb line of nailers that deliver excellent performance with an affordable price tag. With these brands, you can expect a high-quality tool that delivers consistently reliable performance and long tool life.
Decide on a nail gauge.
Most finishing nailers use nails gauged from 15g to 18g. These nail sizes provide a secure enough hold for most applications without splitting or breaking fragile trim or molding.
Pick a power source.
Finishing nailers can be powered by mains electricity, gas, battery, or air pressure. Each of these designs has its advantages and disadvantages, so your decision often comes down to your particular preference.
Consider your price range.
Most finishing nailers aren’t that expensive. You could get a pretty reliable and durable tool that has all the features that you need for not a lot of money.
”As with all power tools, I always recommend getting the best tool you can afford at the price you are willing to pay.
Finishing nailer vs. A brad nailer
A finishing nailer and a brad nailer is so much alike that many woodworkers tend to confuse them and use them for the same purposes. But although the two types of tools serve many of the same functions, each is really best suited for different jobs.
Finishing nailers generally provide a stronger hold than brad nailers due to the higher gauge nails used. The nails used in bradders or brad nailers are extremely thin and are better suited for light trim and molding.
There are reasons to go with a brad nailer instead of a finishing nailer. The much smaller nails leave very tiny holes that less noticeable, you might still cover them up with wood putty afterward. But if you need a stronger hold for house trim, then a finishing nailer is the better option, and they still do leave relatively small holes.
Follow this for more information on a brad nailer vs finishing nailer.
What’s better an angled or straight mag
Finishing nailers, unlike bradders, are available in 2 major design types. A straight magazine or an angled-shaped nail holder.
Both designs are great but, I prefer the angled tool as it has more flexibility with working in tight corners and shooting at slight angles. A straight shooter is good for easy access jobs with a more comfortable balance but has more limited use in tight spots.
Gas finishing nailers vs. Cordless finishing guns
Gas-powered nailers are pretty popular among professional woodworkers due to their increased power and longer runtimes. They are also a lot more convenient than pneumatic nailers because you don’t need to drag an air compressor or lengths of hose with you.
But cordless or battery-powered might be even better options than gas-driven models. They are just as portable and easy to move around as gas-powered nailers because they aren’t reliant on air compressors and air hoses either.
Furthermore, cordless finishing guns don’t emit unpleasant gas fumes and you never have to worry about running out of gas or your gas canisters expiring. Battery-operated nailers are also generally quieter than gas-driven models, which could be beneficial when working at home.
Air finisher vs. Cordless finisher
As I mentioned previously, I believe cordless finishers are better options than air finishers for many reasons, not the least of which are their portability and convenience. However, there are situations wherein an air finisher might be the better choice. They are better suited for big jobs where you need fast repetitive consistent shooting power, such as when working on cedar panel ceilings.
But for general finishing work such as architraves and trims, I would always opt for a good cordless model instead. When the job requires me to move around a lot, I just don’t want to have to bother lugging around a big, bulky compressor.
15 gauge vs. 16 gauge finisher
When choosing a finishing nailer for specific jobs, the choice often comes down between a 15-gauge and a 16-gauge model. Both have some overlap in terms of uses, but 15-gauge nailers are usually better suited for working on larger ¾” baseboards and trims. They are especially useful for demanding applications such as nailing doorjambs and stair treads. Their large pistons and bulky form also make them better suited for heavy-duty jobs.
16-gauge nailers, on the other hand, are better suited for working with thick trim. They are also generally smaller and lighter than 15-gauge nailers. Most 16-gauge nailers are designed to drive nails up to 2 ½” in length which is still plenty for most trim finishing jobs.
There are quite a few quality finishing nailers out there, but these models stand out for their performance, reliability, and excellent results.
Choosing a finishing nailer
#1 15-gauge finishing nailer
The DeWalt DCN650B is a battery-powered unit that offers power, convenience, and versatility in a compact package. It has a useful micro-nose design that helps improve your line of sight and ensures total accuracy when driving panel pin nails.
There is also an onboard LED light that illuminates your workpiece and provides diagnostic information on the status of your tool. Two modes are provided–sequential and contact actuation–and there is a tool-free trigger that lets you switch quickly between the two.
In use, the DeWalt DCN650B fires quickly with no lags or hiccups. The tool even stands securely on the battery pack which helps keep your work table better organized.
#1 Straight shooting finishing nailer
The Makita XNB02Z packs more than enough power to handle even the most heavy-duty jobs. It accommodates 16-gauge nails with lengths ranging from 1” To 2 ½”, so you can do almost any type of finishing the job with a single tool. The Makita XNB02Z has a compact center height design that gives you an unobstructed view of the nose tip, so you can drive nails accurately even in tight spots.
And to prevent damage to delicate trim and molding, there is an anti-dry fire mechanism onboard that prevents the nailer from shooting blanks. Other features include an LED light, a depth adjustment control, and a two-mode selector switch.
#1 Air-driven finishing nailer
The DeWalt D51257K is an air-driven nailer that is ideally suited for big jobs that require a no-nonsense straight nailer. This particular model boasts of a sealed-lube dual tech motor that works as an oil-free design or as an oil-lubricated unit. This results in a versatile tool that conforms to your way of working and delivers consistently reliable results every time.
Other useful features include an adjustable belt hook, a nail depth adjustment control, and a jam clearing mechanism that reduces downtime. There is also a 360° exhaust vent that you can set according to your preferences. The DeWalt D51257K even comes with a no-mar pad that protects your work surface.
#1 Best gas-powered finishing nailer
The Paslode 902400 is a powerful and versatile finishing nailer that lets you drive nails precisely even in the tightest spots. Primarily a fuel-driven model, it also requires a 7-volt Lithium-ion battery to run the electronics.
While running off fuel, you could expect the Paslode 902400 to keep driving nails all day. A single battery charge will assist you and you’re finishing nailer to drive up to 12,000 nails before you need to recharge.
The Paslode 902400 is an amazingly lightweight device weighing in at only 4.5 pounds. Easy to maneuver and carry around, it is a great choice for finishing jobs that require you to climb ladders and work in tight corners.
Jobs that are best done with a finishing gun
Finishing guns are the best choice when you need to do any kind of precision nailing work. When hammers and nails, and screws just seem to be too heavy-handed, a finishing gun is perfect for the job. They are ideally suited for building trim, attaching crown molding, and attaching baseboards. They are even useful for building fine furniture, especially delicate work when a hammer and nails Straight-out won’t do.
Finishing nailers have more holding power than brad nailers. Although they are often used for the same purposes, finishing nailers are the better options when you need to combine holding power and more subtle touch.
Should I choose a brad nailer instead?
There are some situations for which a finishing nailer might be the better option and vice versa. Finishing nailers are usually preferable when you need more decent holding power and you don’t mind leaving slightly bigger nail holes in your trim or molding jobs. This is often the case and you will be using wood putty to fill in the holes anyway to hide them from being noticed.
Holes left by brads and finishing guns are much smaller than screws, and panel pins that are driven and nail punched by hand.
On the other hand, brad nailers are better suited for situations where you want to leave the smallest possible hole on a natural wood finish.
Keep in mind that bradders work best when driving nails straight. Finishing guns, on the other hand, can drive holes straight as well as at an angle, so they are better suited for working in tight corners.
Tips for using finishing nailer
Most finishing nailers have safety noses that you will have to push in before the trigger can be engaged. Make sure that this is functioning properly before you use your nailer. It is also a good idea to slip the rubberized anti-marring tip onto the nose of the tool to prevent damage to fragile trim or molding.
When you are ready to start driving nails in, position the tip of the tool on the spot on the trim where you want the nail to enter. If necessary, adjust the nailer’s position to ensure that the nail punctures the workpiece properly. You will probably want the tool’s cylinder and tip to line up to the face of the board in a perpendicular position.
In some cases, it may be necessary to position the tool at an angle to penetrate the proper amount of wood behind the trim. After adjusting the nailer’s angle appropriately, push the tool gently toward the surface of the workpiece while depressing the safety nose. Once you have the tool positioned properly, you can pull the trigger and drive the nail in.
You will generally want finish nails to be sunk into the trim to allow filling with wood putty. If your nails aren’t going in deep enough, check to make sure that your air compressor is providing enough pressure and that your depth adjustment control is set to the right setting.
The history of nail guns
While the principle behind nail guns has been in practice for hundreds of years, the precursors to modern nail guns were developed in the early 1950s During this post-war period of frenzied construction in the United States, there arose a need for a more efficient alternative to the hammers and nails used in constructing houses and buildings. Drawing inspiration from the machine guns used in WWII, inventors developed pneumatic staplers.
Companies such as Paslode, Bostitch, and Senco then adopted the technology and used it to develop the first pneumatic nailers in the 1970s. Since then, the market has seen the development of even more powerful and more efficient models, many of which are still widely used today.
Comparing your options
| DeWalt DCN650B
| Makita XNB02Z
| DeWalt D51257K
| Paslode 902400
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verdict | 15g (Stronger pin) | |||
| Gauge: | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Weight: | 6.62 lbs | 7.5 lbs | 7.6 lbs. | 4.5 lbs. |
Conclusion
Among the models covered here, the best options are the DeWalt DCN650B, the Makita XNB02Z, the DeWalt D51257K, and the Paslode 902400. The DeWalt DCN650B packs enough power for all applications in a convenient and portable form.
The Makita XNB02Z is equally powerful and includes features that make it perfectly suited for working in tight spots with a slightly narrower pin, a good balance between the Dewalt DCN650B, and a bradder.
The DeWalt D51257K is a great choice also for heavy-duty jobs, with a smaller 16g nail where a straight nailer is more effective. It is a consistently reliable unit that delivers flawless performance. Finally, the Paslode 902400 is a precision tool that works especially well in corners, driving up to 12,000 nails per charge.
And if you need to shoot even smaller pins make sure to check out a brad nailers click to see my other review now.
Dewalt DCN650B review
Pros:
- Stronger than other finishing nailers because it uses wider 15 gauge pins.
- Gets in tight corners due to the angled nail feed.
Cons:
- None.
#1 Strongest holding finishing nailer
More information:
- Nail gun, past, and future, can be read at, https://www.nailgundepot.com/blog/nail-guns-past-to-present-blog.html
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