Best Finish Nailers (Cordless + Pneumatic) of 2022 | Reviews & Top Picks

Finish nailers outperform every other tool when it comes to carpentry and woodworking projects. Finish nailers make the work faster, efficient, and safer. They are always a go-to tool for building furniture, doing small jobs, or working on heavy-duty assignments.

We know there are so many options available in the market, and selecting the best of them can be overwhelming. So we have reviewed the top finish nailers and developed an interactive buying guide to make your buying decision hassle-free.

Best Finish Nailers

1. DEWALT DCN660B 20V Cordless Finish Nailer

Dewalt, backed by Stanley and Decker, is manufacturing durable and high performing tools since 1924. Currently, Dewalt is producing more than 180 products and selling them all over the world.

Dewalt DCN660B finish nailer drives the 16 gauge nails ranging from 1-1/4 inch to 2-1/2 inches. The magazine can hold up to 110 nails, so you don’t need to reload the magazine with nails every 10 minutes.

Unfortunately, this finish nailer does not have anti-dry fire features to lock the trigger when you run out of nails, but the transparent magazine keeps you up to date with the numbers, but I think the nailer should have an anti-dry fire feature.

It has a tool-free jam release to remove the jammed nail within a few seconds without any additional tool, but you won’t face this problem every single day. The tool-free depth adjustment feature lets you adjust the depth by rotating the wheel.

The nailer is an excellent choice for baseboards, crown molding, doors, etc. The best part is that this finish nailer is capable of any 20V Lithium-Ion battery, and on a 2Ah battery, the nailer can shoot 900 nails before it runs out of power. Like other nailers, these also come with the single fire mode and bump mode.

The no-mar tip is another nice feature to protect the work surface from getting damaged. The LED light is bright and will allow you to work in poor lighting conditions. The LED light also alerts you when your battery is about to die.

The over-mold rubber material on the tool protects the nailer from getting damaged and comfortably fits into your hand. It has an adjustable belt hook for your convenience. The nailer weighs 6 pounds with a 2-amps battery. The Dewalt finish nailer comes with a 3-years limited warranty, 1-year free service, and 90 days money-back guarantee.

2. PORTER-CABLE PCC792LA 16GA Cordless Finish Nailer

For over 100 years, the Porter-Cable is manufacturing and providing high-quality tools to professionals. PCC792LA is one of the great products by Porter-cable.

This cordless finish nailer can drive up to 16 gauge 1000 nails from 1 inch to 2.5-inch on a single charge of 4 amp battery. The magazine is capable of holding 100 nails. The motor can tackle heavy work easily.

If you face the issue of a jammed nail, then the tool-free jam release attribute will remove it quickly without any additional tool. You need to reset the motor using the tool-free stall release lever when this happens. The lockout switch is present below the trigger.

Depth adjustment is possible through the wheel, and the depth adjustment window is located before the tip to give you a rough estimate. This window feature is great, but it only comes in a few selected tools.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t have the anti-dry fire feature that forces you to check the magazine after every few minutes. The tool only has a single-shot feature, but this feature is quite capable of delivering the same speed as bump mode offers.

The multi-functional dual LED light operates when you push the tip and not a trigger, that’s a different kind of thinking, but the light’s brightness is excellent. The no-mar tip is another nice feature to protect the work surface from getting damaged.

The ergonomic design and the lightweight at about 6 pounds ensure the long haul of work without feeling tiresome. It comes with a 3 years warranty, 1year of free service and 90 days money-back guarantee.

3. Makita AF635 15 Gauge 2-1/2-inch Angled Finish Nailer

Makita was founded in 1915, and since, then they are committed to providing high-performance and durable power tools. As a global leader, they are selling power tools in more than 40 countries.

Makita AF635 is a powerful 15 gauge pneumatic finish nailer available in the market. The body is made of magnesium material, and the magazine case made of aluminum adds strength and durability to the product.

The anti-dry firing feature locks the trigger when all 100 nails of the magazine get used, and the transparent magazine lets you check the numbers of the nail. The magazine can hold nails of different sizes between 1-1/4 inches and 2-1/2 inches.

Tool-less depth adjustment gives your desired depth for nailing. Tool-free nail remover removes the stuck nail from the nose in a few seconds. A multi-directional exhaust port allows you to choose the air direction and the built-in duster that is something new provides the convenient airflow to clear the work surface.

The ergonomically designed handle is easy to hold and comfortable to work for a long time. It weighs only 4 pounds thanks to the magnesium material. The housing bumpers keep the tool safe in a rough area, and the tool also comes with a reversible belt hook.

There is a 2 mode selector switch for controlling between the single fire mode and the bump mode. No-mars tip is attached to the tip of the nose to protect the surface from getting a dent. The manufacturer provides extra no-mar tips for future use.

The product comes with a 3-years warranty. The box includes a finish nailer, no-mar tip, tool case, safety glasses, and air fitting.

4. BOSTITCH BTFP72156 15GA FN Style Finish Nailer Kit

Bostitch was founded in 1896 as a wire stitch company and then entered into the manufacturing of power tools with the mission of producing durable and high-quality equipment for professionals and DIYers.

Bostitch BTFP72156 air-powered Finish Nailer can hold 130 nails of 15 gauge in the magazine. The magazine can hold the 15GA nailer sizes from 1-1/4 inches to 2-1/2 inches, and the motor doesn’t require oil filling.

The tool-free jam mechanism removes the stuck nail only in 2 simple steps. The depth adjustment feature allows you to decide the depth of the nail.

You can use this pneumatic finish nailer to measure the length of the target surface up to 16 inches. Flip out the on-center gauge to measure the 16 inches from the nose. I found this feature very useful during the wall trim and the sharpener attached to the hook to sharpen the pencil.

The selectable trigger system is to choose between the single shot and continuous shot. The dimensions of the nailer are 14.3 L x 3.8 W x 12.1 H inches.

The attached no-mar pad to the nose saves the work surface from getting damaged. The tool operates on a pressure range between 70-120 PSI. It has an integrated air blower to clear the dust from the work surface. Air exhaust is attached to the rear end of the tool.

In my opinion, this one is the best pneumatic finish nailer with all the features and some unique features. It is lightweight as it weighs only 4.3 pounds. The tool comes with a massive 7-years warranty.

5. Metabo HPT NT65MA4 15 Gauge Pneumatic Finish Nailer

As a power tool enthusiastic, you must be thinking about what is Metabo? Well, Metabo is the brand of Hitachi power tools.

Metabo HPT NT65MA4 is a 15 gauge powerful pneumatic finish nailer that weighs only 4.2 pounds, and a rubber grip makes your hand less fatigue and provides a comfortable grip.

The nailer accepts the 15 gauge nails ranging from 1-1/4 inches to 2-1/2 inches long. The body of the nail is made of aluminum, and that explains everything why this nailer is suitable for heavy-duty work in a rough area. This finish nailer is competent in doing more demanding jobs like crown moldings, nailing door jams, stairs, cabinets, etc.

The nailer does not have an anti-dry shoot feature, but the transparent magazine allows you to check the remaining nails. It would be great if it comes with a lock feature. The magazine has a capacity of holding 100 nails.

The tool-less depth of drive feature lets you adjust the depth every time you drive the nail inside the wood. You can change the mode between a single-shot mode and the bump mode with a flip of a switch.

It has a 360-degree air outlet portal, so you can easily redirect the direction of the exhaust air. Air duster is attached in the rear that operates with the press of a button, and it releases the air with high pressure to clean the workspace.

The tool-free jam clearing with an easy to open latch helps you to remove the jammed nail rapidly. The attached no-mar tips are there to protect the work surface from getting a dent.

The product comes with safety glasses, a no-mar tip, 1/4″ NPT male plug, and a carrying case. The finish nailer comes with 5 years limited warranty.

6. NuMax SFN64 16-Gauge Pneumatic Straight Finish Nailer

If you are a hobbyist or a professional, choosing a reliable tool is important. The nail guns from big brands are reliable and durable, but they are expensive. The Numax is known among DIYers for its reliability, and it costs you less money than the brands like Makita, Dewalt, Bostitch, etc.

Numax SFN64 is a 16 gauge pneumatic finish nailer that is used by many professional workers. The product is lightweight as it weighs only 4 pounds.

This multi-purpose tool is suitable for working on rail molding, crown molding, window casing, decorative trim, door installation, baseboards, chair rails, etc.

This magazine has a capacity of 100 nails, and it can perfectly fit straight finish nails ranging between 1 inch to 2.5 inches. The combination of the aluminum material, one-piece drive blade, and rubber O-ring elements increase the durability of the finish nailer.

The quick jam release feature helps you to remove the jammed nail without opening the whole nailer. The nailer has the only sequential mode that can affect the buying decision of the consumer. In my opinion, Numax should have added the bump mode.

The firing depth adjustment gives you the maximum accuracy in all shots. Detachable no-mar tip prevents the tool from causing any kind of dent on the surface, and the anti-dust cap at the airflow outlet keeps the internal parts of the tool clean.

The 360⁰ air exhaust gives you the freedom to remove the air in any direction you want. Except for the bump mode, this affordable finish nailer offers everything that a premium nailer can offer. The nailer comes with a year warranty and a 1-month warranty on other parts.

7. DEWALT DWFP71917 16GA Pneumatic Finish Nailer

DWFP71917 is another Dewalt finish nailer in our review. The one feature that separates this nailer from others is Precision Point Technology. The nailer comes with a smaller nose compared to other nailers that give you precision work. Also, this technology reduces the chances of damaging the work surface by eliminating the need to push.

Like other pneumatic finish nailers, this nailer doesn’t require any maintenance. The Dial-a-Depth control feature makes sure you get the ideal depth every time you drive the nail from 1-1/4 inches to 2-1/2 inches.

The tool-free jam release removes the jammed nail in a fraction of seconds, so you spend more time working and less time playing with a jammed nail. The exhaust is placed in the rear to keep the contaminants away, but it would have been great if it comes with an adjustable exhaust.

The nailer offers both a single shot and the bump mode with the capacity of holding 100 nails at a time. The dimensions of the finish nailer are LxWxH 12.5x 3.3x 11.3 inches.

The adjustable belt hook comes with the pencil sharpener so you can sharpen the pencil at the workplace, and I like this feature because you need the pencil to mark on the wood before nailing.

Sadly, this does not come with the trigger lock-off feature, so you need to be careful when connected to the air pressure. The nailer also does not have a dry fire lockout, so you need to keep an eye on nails.

The over-mold grip on the tool fits in your hand comfortably and makes your hand less fatigue during a long haul of work. It works on the operating pressure of 70-120 PSI.

The product only weighs 4.2 pounds. The nailer has many limitations, but the warranty period will make you tempted to buy this finish nailer. It comes with a 7-years limited warranty, 1-year free service, and 90 days money-back guarantee.

The kit includes one nailer, fitting, carrying case, and extra no-mar tips.

8. Metabo HPT NT65M2S 16-Gauge Pneumatic Finish Nailer

Metabo HPT is another name of Hitachi, and the company is known for reliability. Hitachi has always delivered high-quality and durable products to the consumer in all segments, and this 16 gauge finish nailer is one of them.
The aluminum made 16 gauge finish nailer makes it lightweight and durable as it weighs only 3.7 pounds. The aluminum magazine body can hold 100 nails ranging from 1 inch to 2.5 inches.

Like, 15 gauge model that we reviewed, this one does not have a transparent magazine, but it has an anti-dry firing feature. The model has 2 shooting modes: sequential mode for single shooting and bump mode for continuous shooting.

The tool-less depth feature allows you to get the desired depth simply by rotating the wheel. The tool-free jam releases the jammed nail within a few seconds without any additional tool.

The rotating air exhaust releases the air in any directed direction. One good feature about the nailer we like is the integrated air duster located in the rear releases the air with high pressure, so you can clean the work surface any time you want.

The nailer has a hook that can be attached to either side. Ergonomic non-slip rubber grip helps to maintain the tight grip and makes your hand less fatigue during long work. The nailer is ideal for installing molding, chair rail, etc.

It has a detachable no-mar tip that prevents the work surface from getting damaged, and you can remove it if you wish to. The dimensions of the product are 11-5/8 x 2-27/32 x 10-7/8 inches.

The product comes with a 5 years warranty. The box includes a finish nailer, multiple no-mar tips, safety glasses, a 1/4 inch NPT male plug, and the superior quality carrying case.

What is a finish nailer? What are its uses?

A finish nailer is a nail gun that shoots the nails of 15 gauge and 16 gauge. These nails are thicker and stronger than the 18 gauge brad nails, but they are smaller than the framing nails.

The finish nailers are both angled and straight, and they have different types of nails for that. A 15 gauge nailer won’t accept the 16 gauge nails and vice-versa. The finish nailer can accommodate 1 inch to 2.5 inches in length of nails.

The finish nailers are used in woodworking, building furniture, baseboards, crown molding, etc.

Difference between brad nailers and finish nailers?

The main difference between the brad nailer and finish nailer is size. Brad nailer is 18 gauge, whereas the finish nailer is 15 gauge and 16 gauge in size.

The small 18 gauge nails are used for attaching the delicate items. The finish nailers are thicker and stronger, so the finish nailers can’t be used for joining fragile items. The finish nailer is much suitable for large and heavy trims like baseboards, crown molding, etc.

As brads are smaller in size, you don’t need to use the wall putty to hide the holes, but finish nailers are thicker and leave bigger visible holes, so you need to use wall putty on them.

The finish nailers are more versatile than brad nailers. Finish nailers are flexible enough to do multiple tasks compared to brad nailers.

Brad nailers are found with the length of 5/8 inch to 2 inches, whereas the finish nailers are between 1 inch and 2.5 inches.

The finish nailers are more suitable to work with MDF woods, plywood, hardwood, and softwood. The brad nailers are capable of working on non-MDF woods, softwood, and thin wood.

Different types of nailers

There are two types of finish nailers available in the market: Pneumatic and battery-operated or cordless nailers. Electric corded nailers were available in the market, but as technology advanced, pneumatic and cordless nailers became more powerful than electric corded nailers.

Pneumatic finish nailer:

The pneumatic finish nailer works on the air compressor, and they are attached to the compressor via an air hose. The pneumatic finish nailer can easily handle heavy-duty and large projects. The problem with pneumatic finish nailer is they are limited to the length of the hose.

Starting a pneumatic nailer is time-consuming. You need to connect one side of the hose to the compressor and the second one to the nailer, then you need to set the air pressure, and after that, your nailer will start working. Pneumatic nailers also require regular oiling and maintenance.

The limitation of a pneumatic nailer is, you need to carry a portable air compressor, long air hose, and the finish nailer wherever you go.

Cordless finish nailer:

They work on the Lithium-Ion battery. Unlike the corded finish nailers, the cordless ones are easy to carry everywhere. Today, cordless finish nailers are becoming more powerful, and some expensive ones are even capable of doing heavy-duty jobs.

The battery-operated nailers don’t need oiling and require less maintenance. With no hose to connect to anywhere, you can start working in a minute or two. As there is nothing connected except the battery, you don’t need to pull the hose, no need to worry about the hose length and the compressor.

Cordless nailers are more suitable for small and medium works. The quick charger charges the battery rapidly, and technology has increased the run time on a single charge. With the attached battery, the cordless is a little heavier, but there is very little difference.

Buying Guide for the best finish nailers

A finish nailer is the same as a brad nailer, but they are different in terms of performance, weight, and output. It would be best if you kept a few things in mind before making a payment. We have developed an in-depth guide for your ease.

Things to consider before buying

15 gauge or 16 gauge

The finish nailer comes in a 15 gauge and 16 gauge nail size. You can’t use 15 gauge nails in a 16 gauge nailer and vice-versa. So it is important to choose the best suitable gun. 15 gauge nails are thicker and stronger, whereas the 16 gauge is overgrown by 18 gauge.

Both types are useful depending upon the work. As mentioned, 15 gauge are thicker and stronger are made for tougher jobs like hanging doors, door trim, thick baseboard, stairs, etc. The 16 gauge nailer is useful for delicate items where 15 gauge nails can cause damage, and 18 gauge brad nails are not powerful enough. 16 gauge nailer is useful for trims, smaller moldings, backbends, panel mods, etc.

16 gauge nails are more versatile than 15 gauge because they are a little thinner than 15 gauge and thicker than 18 gauge. Professionals prefer both guns, but as a hobbyist purchasing, both will be a waste of money. So first, evaluate the approximate use, and then decide which is more useful to you.

Weight

Whether you are looking for professional use or a hobby, weight is something you need to compare. The pneumatic finish nailers are less heavier than the cordless nailers. The corded nailer starts from 3.5 pounds, whereas the cordless starts from around 5.7 pounds.

The pneumatic nailer needs an uninterrupted air supply to work, and you are limited to the length of the hose connected to the compressor. The battery-operated nailer works on battery, and it doesn’t need to stay connected like the pneumatic one.

Cordless nailers are heavy, but they are easy to carry everywhere. On the other hand, pneumatic is lightweight, but you need to carry a finish nailer, hose, and air compressor wherever you go.
Unless not planning to work for a longer period, then weight should not be a problem.

Ergonomic design

The ergonomically designed handles are specifically designed to reduce fatigue during the long hour of operation. The grip fits in all sizes of a hand and gives a comfortable operation.

This design not only gives you comfort but protects the tool from getting damaged if, accidentally falls or is being used in a rough area. From small manufacturers to global leaders, they make the nailer with ergonomic grip. This feature is not only for the nailers but for all power tools out in the market.

Dual-mode shooting

Just like the brad nailer, the finish nailer also comes with the sequential shooting mode and the bump shooting mode. The sequential shooting mode is also known as a single shooting mode. It is useful when precision is important and not speed.

The bump mode is also known as a continuous shot mode. In this feature, the finish nailer shoots the nailer continuously with the same power. This is useful when you have to finish the work quickly, and accuracy is not important.

Magazine capacity

The finish nailer holds the nails in the magazine. The magazine holds nails of different sizes and 100 nails in a single time. Some nailers can even hold more than 100 nails at a time.

Some manufacturers also provide a transparent magazine so you can check the numbers of remaining nails. It is not important to have a transparent magazine if the nailer has an anti-dry firing feature.

Detachable no-mar tip

The no-mar tip attached at the tip of the nailer is to protect the work surface from getting a dent. The no-mar tip is detachable so you can change the tip after some use. Some manufacturers also provide multiple no-mar tips when you purchase the finish nailer.

The smaller tip provides a clear vision of the surface during nailing. Another benefit of having a smaller tip is you can even work in tighter areas easily.

Trigger-lock feature

The trigger-lock feature is for your own safety purpose. This safety feature prevents the gun from firing. When you are removing the jammed nail or reloading the nails in a magazine or the nailer is simply laying on the table or ground, the locked trigger can save you from hurting or someone else. Many manufacturers don’t bother to add this feature so, check specifically for the trigger-lock feature.

Anti-dry firing feature

The objective of the anti-dry firing feature is to lock the trigger automatically when the magazine is empty. If this feature is absent, then the piston will keep releasing the same power, and you wouldn’t know when the magazine got empty.

We know the importance of a transparent magazine, but what if your finish nailer does not have a transparent magazine and the anti-dry firing feature?

Go for the finish nailer that comes with the anti-dry firing feature or with any kind of indicator that informs you about an empty magazine or when you are low on nails.

360⁰ exhaust valve

This feature is only applicable if you are planning to purchase the pneumatic finish nailer. The exhaust valve releases unwanted air when the nailer is in use. If the exhaust is located in the rear, then the air will blow up directly in your face. Some manufacturers include air exhaust in the side instead of the rear.

The nailer with a 360⁰ exhaust valve allows you to choose the direction of the released air. The main advantage is that you can change the direction of the air depending upon the situation.

Adjustable depth gauge

The depth gauge feature adjusts the depth of the nail. You can select the depth manually by rotating the wheel or any other way added by the manufacturer. A nailer can hold nails of different sizes, and all nails require a different depth. Depending upon your purpose, you may also need to dip the nail more or less. This is an important feature you need to look out for when purchasing the finish nailer.

Tool-free jam release

With the tool-free jam release feature, you can remove the jammed or stuck nail in a few minutes. The lever is located near the tip so, whenever the nail gets jammed, simply flip the lever and remove the jammed nail.

Without this feature, you will waste hours removing the jammed nail with the wrench. Make sure to buy the nailer that has a tool-free jam release feature.

Warranty

Lastly, always purchase the nailer that comes with a good warranty. There are companies like Bosstich and Metabo (formerly known as Hitachi) that offer 7 years and 5 years warranty respectively on their finish nailers. Global leaders like Makita and Dewalt provide 3 years warranty with 90 days money-back guarantee.

Some brands give a warranty of only one year. The nailers are cheaper than the brand that comes with a high warranty.

FAQ

Q. Which one should I choose, 15 gauge or 16 gauge nailer gun?

The selection between a 15 gauge nail gun and a 16 gauge nail gun for the hobbyist is possible only after knowing your desired usage. For professionals, it is advisable to keep both the nail gun because they both have advantages and disadvantages.
To learn more about this, visit the 1st point of our buying guide.

Q. Can I use a finish nailer for framing?

No, you can’t use the finish nailer for framing because framing requires a nail that is 3.5 inches long, and the finish nailer can only shoot the nails of 2.5 inches.

Q. How to use a finish nailer?

To use the finish nailer, first load the nails in the magazine. Set the depth using the depth gauge feature according to your need. If you are using a pneumatic nailer, then connect it with the air compressor via a hose. For cordless, turn on the switch, and you are ready to use it.

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