Find 10 Best Finish Nailers For A Smooth And Professional Finish

Are you tired of nails ruining your delicate trim moldings? You’re not alone. It’s a common frustration among DIY enthusiasts and professional carpenters alike. But fear not! There’s a solution that promises to elevate your woodworking game to new heights.

Introducing the finish nailer – the ultimate tool for achieving flawless trim and crown molding work. Whether you’re embarking on a home renovation project or crafting custom furniture pieces, a quality finish nailer is your ticket to professional-grade results.

But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Join us as we unveil the top 10 finish nailers, meticulously curated to meet your performance, durability, and versatility needs. Say goodbye to unsightly nail holes and hello to seamless finishes.

Let’s nail this!

Is a Finish Nailer Required for Do-It-Yourself Woodworkers?

As a DIY woodworker, you might be wondering if a finish nailer is truly necessary for your projects. The answer ultimately depends on the scale and complexity of your woodworking endeavors. If you’re primarily working on small-scale projects or occasional home repairs, you may find that traditional hand nailing methods suffice.

However, if you aspire to achieve professional-grade results and tackle more intricate trim work or furniture building, investing in a finish nailer can greatly enhance your efficiency and the quality of your craftsmanship.

With its ability to securely and neatly drive nails into delicate trim moldings without causing damage, a finish nailer can be a game-changer for DIY enthusiasts looking to elevate their woodworking skills. While not an absolute necessity, a finish nailer can certainly be a valuable addition to your toolkit, empowering you to tackle a wider range of projects with confidence and precision.

Pneumatic Vs Cordless Finish Nailer: Which One Is The Best?

When you’ve opted to acquire a finish nailer, the next thing to consider is whether it’ll be pneumatic or cordless.

Finish nailers, like other nail guns on the market, are available in pneumatic and cordless options. Pneumatic or air-powered finish nailers are the most popular and commonly utilized version between the two. They’re lighter and less expensive, and they can help you by providing a strong drive and a long duration.

However, you’ll need to buy an air compressor to power them, and you’ll have to carry that big guy and the hoses around with you whenever you need to drive a nail.

Cordless finish nailers, on the other hand, are a bit more expensive and heavier than pneumatic finish nailers. However, if you don’t want to tote hoses or spend extra money on an air compressor, they may be the best option. Working in difficult-to-reach and off-the-grid areas, such as roofs or high walls, or in forests, is often possible using cordless nailers.

As there isn’t a clear winner, choosing between a pneumatic and a cordless finish nailer entirely depends on your personal preference.

It’s perfectly acceptable to go with a pneumatic finish nailer if you already have an air compressor in your workshop. Otherwise, you can choose a cordless solution, as modern models can match pneumatic performance.

The 10 Best Finish Nailers

We’ve carefully curated a list of the top 10 finish nailers based on their usability and performance. Take a look below to gauge the power and effectiveness of these nailing machines.

1. Best Budget Friendly Finish Nailer: NuMax SFN64 Straight 16Ga

Numax SFN64 16 gauge finish nailer is the product for you if you want to experience all of the benefits of the best finish nail gun without spending a lot of money. Its jaw-dropping features will leave you speechless when charging a decent amount.

Unlike most finishing nailers on the market, this one has an aluminum body that is lightweight and robust, as well as an ergonomic comfort grip handle. As a result, you’ll have a firm grip and anti-vibration comfort for long periods of time.

The Numax SFN64 nail gun is ideal for a variety of small and delicate woodworking projects. You will never need to think about different tools for different tasks if you have one of these 16 gauge pneumatic nailers at home. It’s capable of handling all of your little and medium-scale jobs such as installing trim or crown molding, shoe, and chair rails, baseboards, furniture, photo frames, and more.

You never consider the potential of this Numax finish nailer when completing any of the above jobs because it is a powerful but gentle finishing nailer. It allows you to drive nails up to 2-and-a-half inches for a variety of applications precisely. However, you’ll need to purchase an air compressor to operate it at 70 to 120 PSI pressure.

The Numax 16ga finish nailer also has various tool-free features, such as finger control depth adjustment and a rapid jam release mechanism, to make it more user-friendly. It has a non-marring tip that won’t scratch or dent the surface, as well as a 360-degree swivel exhaust that protects you from expelled air disturbances.

The spring-loaded magazine allows you to hold the nail strips in place tightly. All these features make this 16 ga nailer a super cool pick for any DIY homeowners or professionals.

Benefits:

• It is a lightweight but durable tool, thanks to its die-cast aluminum construction.
• The finger control depth change lever allows you to set the proper driving depth easily.
• It supplies both the sequential and bump mode trigger to speed up or precision nailing.
• It has a well-designed jam removal lock to clear the jam quickly.
• Its spring-loaded magazine makes loading and removing nails a breeze.
• It’s an excellent tool for DIYers and experts alike for small carpentry projects.
• It’s a practical but inexpensive instrument that provides good value for money.

Limitations:

• It has no belt hook to hang on your waist belt or on the rafter.

Recommended Or Not, Why?

The price may confuse you, but once you touch it, you feel the power. Decorative trim or furniture assembly never seemed so easy other than using the Numax SFN64. And the best part is that to run it you’ll no need any mastery. So, like hundreds of people, we’re also recommending this device as the best 16 gauge finish nailer.

2. Best Overall – Metabo HPT NT65MA4 15Ga Angled Finish Nailer

When compared to our previous item, the Numax finish nailer, the Metabo HPT has an angled magazine that allows for simple access to tight spots. It is designed to drive 15 gauge finish nails, allowing you to comfortably complete heavy-duty carpentry tasks such as crown and base moldings, window and door casings, and so on. It can also be used for delicate carpentry tasks such as installing chair rails, cabinets, exterior trim, and staircases.

Metabo is Hitachi’s new brand name, and Hitachi is known for producing high-quality items. It’s been nominated as the pro-preferred nailer for the past 8 years and counting, which speaks volumes about its excellence.

When nailing, a clean work area might help you see better. Metabo recognizes this and has included an air duster with the NT65MA4 to assist you in cleaning the environment before nailing or gluing.

With a weight of about 4.2 pounds, this Metabo 15 gauge finish nailer is tiny and lightweight equipment that allows you to work for long periods of time in normal situations or over the head without experiencing hand fatigue. To maintain a secure grip, the handle is covered in elastomer plastic.

It has some fantastic tool-free features, such as a flip switch for switching from bump to sequential trigger mode, which was missing from the Numax finishing nailer. It also incorporates a dial depth changing lever for setting the drive depth on the fly, as well as a tool-free nail extraction system for fast clearing the jam.

It includes almost every function you’d expect from a high-end finish nailer. As a result, we named it the best overall finish nailer on our list. However, while comparing prices, we discovered that it is twice as expensive as the Numax SFN64.

You can explore further information about the Metabo HPT 15ga finish nailer by following this link.

Benefits:

• This compact and lightweight design ensures ease of use and maneuverability.
• It has a built-in air duster that helps keep the work surface clean.
• By just turning a switch, you may switch between sequential and bump fire.
• It boasts a 360-degree completely adjustable exhaust port, so no more expelled air on your face.
• It comes with a no-mar tip to protect the surface from possible damage.
• It has no jams, is easy to operate, and requires minimal upkeep.
• Compatible with 15 gauge nails that are strong enough to finish practically any project.

Limitations:

• It costs somewhat more than the Numax finish nailer.
• It doesn’t have a dry-fire lockout device in place to safeguard the work surface from damage.

Recommended Or Not, Why?

Right out of the box, it worked like magic. It’s small, quick, and dependable to meet all of your finishing requirements. In addition, the Metabo HPT NT65MA4 comes with a five-year warranty. Overall, this is the best 15ga finish nailer for do-it-yourselfers and expert woodworkers.

3. Best Pneumatic Finish Nailer – BOSTITCH N62FNK-2

Do you have a thing for angled finish nailers? I’m in the same boat as you. As a result, we’ve chosen another top nailer brand, Bostitch, for our next evaluation. Bostitch’s N62FNK-2 is one of the best angled finish nailers available, and it’s created entirely in the United States.

The Bostitch 15 Gauge Finish Nailer is the first in the world to include an ultra-quiet back exhaust system that keeps exhausted air away from the user’s lungs. Not only that, but like the Metabo 15 gauge angled finish nailer, it has an integrated air blower that helps you clean dirt from your work surfaces so you can see clearly.

The BOSTITCH N62FNK-2 is a job-site nailer that is less expensive than other high-end nailers. This finish nailer, unlike the Metabo NT65MA4, can handle nails of various lengths. Simultaneously, the adjustable angled magazine ensures precise application in all areas, including tighter locations and corners.

The Bostitch finish nailer is built of magnesium for job-site durability and is lightweight. It weighs 4.15 pounds, somewhat more than the Metabo HPT, our best overall finish nailer. It is also easy to handle and has a rear trip design that allows for a clear line of sight. As a result, you may use it to precisely drive nails for overhead tasks like crown molding or hanging shutters without tiring your hands.

The Bostitch N62FNK-2 is a powerful finish nailer with a driving force of 400 inch-pounds, making it strong enough to drive 15-gauge finishing nails into even the toughest hardwoods. It works best when the pressure is between 70 and 120 PSI.

You won’t have to stop working if you’re nailing all day since the Bostitch finish nailer has adjustable nail depth settings that let you quickly and easily dial in the perfect depth for your project. With its oil-free setup, you’ll need less cleaning and maintenance, and you won’t have to worry about oil stains on your workpiece.

Benefits:

• This nailer is lightweight, durable, and of professional quality, making it suitable for all trim work.
• The switchable trigger lets you swiftly switch between single and multiple fire modes.
• Unintentional nail firing is prevented by the safety lockout feature.
• Its configurable depth-of-drive options make it simple to set the depth of the drive.
• If there is a jam, it can be cleared quickly thanks to the removable magazine.
• An oil-free operation makes it easy to clean and protects the work surface from being stained.
• The product comes with a 7-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Limitations:

• It is a little choosy about the fastener and works best with the Bostitch FN style finish nails.

Recommended Or Not, Why?

Working with the Bostitch N62FNK-2 finishing nailer is very convenient and reliable. It matches your needs perfectly and provides complete control over the trimmings. As a result, both professional and DIY woodworkers can use it to complete their finishing projects, no matter how big or small.

4. Best Cordless Finish Nailer – DEWALT DCN660B 20V Max

Are you fed up with yanking on cords? Are you on the lookout for anything really handy? The Dewalt 20v finish nailer is a great option if you need something for delicate and trim construction.

Hi, fellas! You’ll be astonished to hear that Dewalt makes the best cordless finish nailer on the market, one that runs entirely on batteries. As a result, the barrier between you and your work will have vanished.

Moreover, its DCN660 model features a brushless motor that is powered by a 20V lithium-Ion battery. As a result, it is capable of providing the full strength required to fire a wide range of fasteners from 1-1/4 to 2-1/2 inches into any pine and poplar trim or crown moldings, door casings, and baseboards.

A brushless motor is also liable for frictionless running, which means less recoil and faster nailing. With the Dewalt DCN660B 20v cordless finish nailer, you can drive 2 to 3 nails per second without the hassle of using costly gas cartridges or a hefty air compressor. Therefore, you can enjoy the flexibility of the cordless finish nailers while getting the same strength of pneumatic devices to handle any big and small finish carpentry work.

You have the option to choose the battery power from 2Ah up to 9Ah for your Dewalt DCN660B. The less the amperage, the more compact it will be and more amperage will give you great power. With a fully charged 2Ah battery, you can drive up to 800 nails, which is the industry’s highest. This means you can fasten a lot of trims or moldings in one go. You won’t experience any jams during this time.

You will find the Dewalt 16 gauge angled finish nailer suitable to work in tight spots, while the built-in LED will enhance the visibility of the dark spaces. In addition to lightening the working areas, the multifunctional LED lights often give an audible warning if it is stuck.

For the user’s convenience, it also comes with tool-free adjustments and an adjustable hook so that you hang it securely on your belt or pocket when you need both hands free.

Benefits:

• The brushless motor is more reliable and has a longer runtime.
• It is 100% battery-operated, so you won’t have to buy any compressors or canisters.
• The Dewalt battery provides the highest initial battery voltage, allowing for full power nail driving.
• Kickback is minimal, allowing for smooth nailing akin to that of a pneumatic nailer.
• Its tool-free button enables rapid switching from single to multiple shoots.
• Its inline magazine fits into a variety of spaces, including tight corners.
• It has a three-year warranty.

Limitations:

• To prevent misfires, it would be preferable if it included a dry-fire lockout system.
• When compared to pneumatic tools, it is a little heavier.

Recommended Or Not, Why?

What else needs to be said about Dewalt? On any moldings or baseboards, it can shoot 2-1/2 inch 16 gauge finishing nails, and they all went in nicely. It’s tough and convenient, and its 2Ah battery can blast up to 800 nails, which is incredible. It isn’t the lightest tool, but it’s not so heavy that it’ll ruin the deal. As a result, it’s an ideal tool for both professionals and DIYers.

Read Also: How To Maintain Your Pneumatic Tools In The Winter

5. Best Gas Powered Finish Nailer – Paslode 902400 16Ga Angled

If the Dewalt DCN660 cordless finish nailer is too heavy for you, Paslode 902400 is a good alternative. It is lighter in weight and acts like a pneumatic tool with its gas cartridge and battery combinations, despite being cordless.

Paslode has made several substantial changes to its 902400 models in order to make them more user-friendly. Its grip quality has recently improved, becoming less steep and more rubberized to provide greater comfort than previously.

It also has a broad thumb wheel for altering the depth of drive, which makes it more ergonomic. When the depth control wheel on the previous edition was a little tight to manipulate with your finger while wearing gloves, this version will give you more room.

The Paslode cordless angled finish nailer’s tip is designed to provide you with a clear line of sight while nailing, allowing you to avoid impediments. You can clearly see the tooltip and choose the exact nail location even after adding the no-mar pad because the tip of the 902400 bends a little inside the tool.

Another significant shift we noticed was in the battery kinds. Paslode previously used Ni-Cd batteries in its 900600 version or earlier but now it uses lithium-ion batteries. It can now supply more power without adding weight thanks to its 7.4v lithium-ion battery. It can fire 12,000 nails on a single charge, compared to 4,000 nails with the previous generation of the battery.

Its battery, on the other hand, just assists in the ignition of compressed gas for burning. The fuel cells are the primary source of propulsion. And its universal trim fuel cell is built to deliver the power needed to accurately countersink the nails. A cartridge can drive up to 1,200 nails, which is enough to finish a medium-duty project like building a deck without any downtime.

It is only 4.5 pounds in weight, making it equivalent to pneumatic finish nailers. It’s because of the lithium-ion battery’s small weight. It’s also more compact and easier to handle. As a result, it will provide you with the necessary versatility to flush the nail anyplace you want, such as on the ceiling, while climbing a ladder, or when you’re on your knees.

Benefits:

• Its weight is comparable to that of any pneumatic finish nailer.
• It will allow you to precisely position the nail for outstanding results.
• It’s ergonomically designed, simple to operate, and small enough to fit in tight situations.
• Long battery and fuel cell life allow for uninterrupted work throughout the day.
• With only 2 minutes of charging time, you can drive 200 nails.
• Because of the two-position on/off battery lock, the battery lasts a long time once charged.

Limitations:

• After every 1200 nails are shot, you must acquire fuel cartridges, which may increase your operational costs.
• It’s not suitable for use at high elevations, such as above 8000 feet.

Recommended Or Not, Why?

The Paslode 902400 is an excellent cordless finishing nailer that does not require hoses or compressors. Furthermore, it is ergonomically designed and is exceedingly lightweight and simple to operate. It also comes with the best battery and fuel cartridges, allowing it to run for an extended period of time. Overall, it is the best gas finish nailer that any DIYer or professional may use.

6. Best Electric Finish Nailer – Porter-Cable PCC792LA 16Ga Straight

Cordless nailers are becoming increasingly popular due to their portability, which prompted us to include another cordless finishing nailer. The Porter Cable 16-gauge finish nailer will be our next choice, and for good reason. Because of its unique characteristics and attractive style, it has become extremely popular.

True, battery and fuel-cell powered finish nailers can provide greater power, but for some, purchasing such cans is a hassle. That’s why, unlike the Dewalt 20v finish nailer, Porter Cable’s nailer doesn’t require the use of a hose, compressor, or even a fuel cartridge.

However, unlike the Dewalt, the Porter-Cable PCC792LA’s motor is not brushless. Still, it’s built to deliver dependable firepower that countersinks nails like a pro in a range of materials and works in a variety of climates.

The tool-free depth-of-drive dial lets you get the right depth while flushing nails from 1 to 2-1/2 inches long, much like other classic finish nailers. But it has a window right behind the tip that shows you what level of depth you’re at, which is a unique feature that you won’t find in other nailers.

It also has a number of tool-free options, such as jam removal and stall releasing. It has an ideal center of gravity and a pleasant grip for maximum user comfort.

It has LEDs that not only illuminate the working area but also alert when something is wrong. Furthermore, its dual-LED effectively casts the shadow of the nailer’s tip, which a single light cannot.

However, when it comes to shooting mode, this is one step behind the competition. Porter Cable PCC792LA only has one firing mode, which is sequential actuation. However, we have some more great news to share with you. It has minimal recoil, allowing you to easily fire 3 to 4 nails in a second. That’s quite appealing. Ha!

Benefits:

• Fully battery-powered, with no hoses, compressors, or even fuel cells to transport.
• It is prepared to provide constant firing power in a variety of weather circumstances.
• It’s straightforward to use thanks to a number of tool-free settings.
• For user safety, it has a lockout switch situated directly beneath the trigger.
• It can fire up to 1000 nails per charge with a 4Ah Porter-Cable 20v battery.
• During nailing, the ergonomic rubber over-mold handle gives a secure grip.

Limitations:

• It’s heavier than the Paslode and even the Dewalt cordless finish nailer, making it a little more difficult for weak folks to use all day.

Recommended Or Not, Why?

Except for the weight, we found all of the other features of this nail gun to be highly suited for any DIY homeowner or professional finish carpenter. It’s well-designed and straightforward to operate. It also has the advantage of not requiring a fuel cartridge to function. As a result, you should definitely give it a shot for your next trim or finish carpentry project.

7. Best Finish Nailer For DIY – Makita XNB02Z 18V LXT

The Makita XNB02Z is another DIY-friendly cordless finish nail gun with an ergonomic design, durability, precise depth adjustment, and a long list of other useful features. The Makita finish nailer is crucial for ease of use and maximum productivity.

In the Makita XNB02Z, we found the optimal balance of mass and durability. You will sense the power within you if you touch it. Its engine is powerful enough to drive 16 gauge 1 to 2-1/2 inch nails into any type of wood, including solid oak.

It also comes with a unique 18v LXT battery that allows you to go beyond the corded experience. The battery also charges quickly, giving you more time to work while requiring less charging time. You may drive up to 1000 nails on a single charge with the 18v 5.0A battery. As a result, you can work nonstop for an entire day.

The Makita 18v finish nailer, on the other hand, is a little heavier than other finish nailers, at 8.4 pounds with a battery. It’s due to the fact that the magazine is made of metal rather than plastic. It does, however, add to its lifespan, and the smooth slider motion makes reloading a breeze.

We also find some innovative design improvements in the Makita XNB02Z 16 gauge finish nailer, which is rare to others.

For example, Makita Finish Nailers has included Star Protection Computer Controls in its tools, allowing it to transmit information between the device and battery in real-time and track conditions while in use to prevent overloading or overheating. It is also powered by Makita 18V LXT and Compact Lithium-Ion batteries with the star symbol for increased visibility.

Its compacted center height help to maximize the visibility around the tip of the nose. As a result, you can do your finished carpentry precisely and get excess to the confined locations without hassle.

Benefits:

• Having superb balance ensures that your nails are flushed correctly every time.
• The device’s ergonomic design offers maximum convenience and ease of usage.
• The nose design is easy to access for easy jam clearance.
• It includes a rapid charger, resulting in less downtime and increased productivity.
• The minimal recoil and dual-mode selector switch are ideal for increasing work pace.
• Prevent dry fires to extend the equipment’s life.

Limitations:

• It costs a little more than the Paslode or Dewalt.
• It’s a little big and heavy, which may make you tired after a long day of crown molding work.

Recommended Or Not, Why?

We found the Makita XNB02Z to be a well-balanced, long-lasting finish nailer with a slew of user-friendly and innovative features. However, if you want to reap the benefits, you have to prepare for pulling some extra weight. Nothing can stop you from using this Makita XNB02Z 18v LXT straight finish nailer if you prefer heavy-duty performance.

8. Best For Professionals – Senco 4G0001N FinishPro 42XP

Do you want to get your hands on the best pneumatic finish nailer on the market? One of the top 15 gauge finish nailers on the market is the Senco 4G0001N FinishPro 42xp. Its outstanding performance will undoubtedly impress you. You won’t easily find a product with such a unique combination of features at such a low price as Senco FinishPro.

Senco has been working to simplify the difficult job since 1935 in order to make our lives easier. They know well which technologies are most suited to stand out in demanding work conditions. As a result, they bring significant improvements to their devices on a regular basis. Transformation of Senco Finishpro 41xp finish nailer to Senco Finishpro 42xp finish nailer is evidence of that.

Senco’s 15 gauge finish nailer is designed to meet professional needs. You may drive up to two and a half inches of 15 gauge finish nails into even the most substantial wood, such as white oak, at a working pressure of 70-120 psi. As a result, it’s ideal for crown molding, base molding, door and window casings, furniture, chair rails, millwork, caskets, and hard and softwood flooring and paneling on both the interior and exterior.

Because of its lightweight magnesium body, you will never get fatigued executing finished carpentry job. You’ll also get perfect nail flushing every time thanks to its dial-in depth gauge and variable thumbwheel. It always helps you to adjust the depth of drive and guarantees precise drives.

The Senco finish nailer has an EZ-Clear latch that prevents jams and allows you to nail without interruption. We didn’t have any misfires or duplicate firings either.

“Never Lube” technology, is another exciting feature of SENCO 4G0001N FinishPro 42XP. Because of that, you can save yourself from the hassle of lubricating the tools every day. It also protects your working surface from mess up caused by oil spills. It supplies no-mar pads for added security.

Benefits:

• It’s jam-packed with the innovative features you’ll need to handle any job site circumstance.
• It is a great choice for professionals due to its fighting fit structure, ergonomics, and lightweight design.
• The depth-of-drive thumbwheel can be adjusted to ensure precise nailing every time.
• With the EZ-clear latch, you can clear jams quickly.
• Exhaust that can be adjusted 360 degrees to drive air away from the user.
• For convenient and comfortable transportation, an advanced belt hook is included.
• It has better trigger ergonomics for quick access to the trigger.

Limitations:

• Despite the lightweight, you have to drag the hoses and compressor anywhere you wish to go.

Recommended Or Not, Why?

Senco is credited with several nail gun innovations, and the Senco 4G0001N Finishpro 42xp 15-gauge is no exception. It’s a practical, dependable nail gun with a 5-year warranty. As a result, you can rest assured that this is the ideal 15 gauge finish nailer for your light to medium-duty carpentry projects.

Read Also: How To Install Quarter Round Molding

9. Best Finish Nailer For Trim – DeWalt DWFP71917 Precision Point

When it comes to top finish nailers, the Dewalt DWFP71917 Precision Point finish nailer is a must-have. This heavy-duty 16 gauge finish nailer is the finest choice for builders who want to taste accuracy and adaptability at an affordable price.

First and foremost, its incredible strength and Precision Point Technology will enchant you. Do you have any tough trim carpentry projects? No problem, this Dewalt finish nailer will handle even the toughest finishing woodwork.

We discovered some unique features in the Dewalt DWFP71917 that set it apart from the competition. Precision Point Technology is one of them, as it allows you to precisely set the nail thanks to its small nose footprint. Furthermore, unlike other nail guns, you do not need to compress the contact tip during fastening, which saves you effort and reduces the risk of damaging the work surfaces.

If you go with the Dewalt 16 gauge finish nailer, you won’t have to worry about putting oil in the air hose connector. Its oil-free engine not only eliminates the inconvenience of pouring oil but also keeps the work area from becoming sticky.

The Dewalt finish nail gun’s powerful maintenance-free motor allows you to accurately and efficiently drive 16ga straight nails from 1-1/4 to 2-1/2 inches into any engineered lumber. When its swivel air fitting allows you to use it as a cordless nail gun in tight spaces. As a result, you won’t have to fight the hose as much and you’ll be able to complete your finished carpentry job more efficiently.

Benefits:

• Patented precision point technology for better nail placement and eyesight.
• The design is lightweight, compact, and ergonomic.
• There will be no more discoloration of the work surfaces since there will be no more oiling.
• With the thumbwheel depth of drive adjustment, you may set the nail flush and countersink to perfection.
• To keep expelled air away from the users, there is a rear exhaust port.

Limitations:

• There is no cap to protect the tool from getting dust in the port.

Recommended Or Not, Why?

The Dewalt DWFP71917 16 gauge finish nailer is one of the best pneumatic trim nailers on the market, featuring all of the necessary features at a reasonable price. There is nothing that compares to Dewalt in terms of brand value too. As a result, you may rely on it for medium to light-duty finish carpentry.

10. Best For Crown Molding – Milwaukee Electric Tool 2741-21CT

The Milwaukee M18 fuel finish nailer will pleasantly surprise trim carpenters who still use pneumatic nail guns because they assume cordless nailers can’t deliver enough speed and force. Its 2741 21CT electric tool features dozens of advancements that make it durable and efficient enough to handle any jobsite challenge. As a consequence, we think the Milwaukee electric tool 2741 21CT is the best cordless finish nailer for professionals and home improvement enthusiasts.

The unique POWERSTATE brushless motor and the ready-to-fire cylinder are two examples of its jam-packed innovative technology. Milwaukee 2741 21CT has this function, which allows it to give unrivaled driving power, speed, and efficiency. As a result, you can countersink nails up to 2-1/2 inches into any engineered wood, such as solid oak, with no ramp-up time.

The REDLITHIUM battery is another revolutionary innovation of the Milwaukee finish nailer. It will give you unbeatable energy and runtime, reducing the chaos and cost of gas cartridges.

It also includes advanced REDLINK PLUS electronic intelligence. Like the Makita XNB02Z, Milwaukee 2741 21CT also established synchronization between the battery and the device to prevent damage to the nailer by preventing the battery from overloading and catching fire.

It weighs around two pounds less than other cordless finish nail guns. However, the bump fire mode falls short, and the nose tip is a little too big (1 x 1 inch). We also noticed a kickback issue, which necessitated pressing the tip hard against the wood. However, if you only need a nail gun for DIY projects, these limitations will not be a deal-breaker.

Benefits:

• Brushless motor is designed to provide more power and runtime.
• It required no initial setup and need very minimal maintenance.
• You will get optimum productivity with Zero Ramp-Up Time.
• Red Lithium battery helps to actuate 700 nails per charge.
• It comes with a thumbwheel depth adjustment for precise nailing every time.
• Ergonomically designed handle and doesn’t have a forward tilt.

Limitations:

• The nose tip is somewhat broad which gets stuck during nailing in corner edges.
• It is frequently jammed when set for a bump or rapid firing mode.

Recommended Or Not, Why?

The Milwaukee 2741-21ct finish nailer 16 gauge ensures cordless comfort with pneumatic strength. The zero ramp-up time can also easily beat the efficiency of the gas nailers. However, it has some small drawbacks too. As a result, it’s a good tool for DIY woodworks like installing trim or crown molding and so on.

What To Look For When Deciding On The Best Finish Nailer?

Now that you know how crucial it is to utilize a finish nailer, it’s time to choose the best one. In order to achieve so, consider a few factors that will make nailing a breeze.

Let’s go down below and look for them.

Power Source

There are two sorts of finishing nailers available on the market when it comes to power sources: pneumatic and cordless. Pneumatic finish nailers use compressed air, while cordless finish nailers use either battery power or a combination of battery and gas power. We went over them in depth earlier.

In summary, depending on the project, you can use a pneumatic finish nailer or a cordless finish nailer. If you’re a homeowner searching for a finish nailer for DIY projects or to use in off-grid or hard-to-reach regions, a cordless finish nailer is a good option. A competent carpenter, on the other hand, may employ any approach depending on the situation.

Magazine Angle: Angled Vs Straight Finish Nailer

After you’ve decided between pneumatic and cordless, you’ll be confronted with yet another perplexing factor. It’s the magazine’s position in relation to the nail gun’s body. Straight and angled magazines are the two types of magazines available on the market.

Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of each and decide which is best for your forthcoming tasks.

Angled Finish Nailer

When you put the tool’s tip at 90 degrees perpendicular, the magazine of the angled finish nailer creates an angle between the magazine and the working surface. This magazine design saves room, allowing you to work in tight spaces like corners.

They can usually retain more nails and drive larger nails, such as 15 gauge, due to their angled form. As a result, you can use an angled finish nailer to secure thick boards and crown moldings for cabinet or furniture construction. However, you will have to pay a little more for an angled finish nailer because they are more expensive than straight finish nailers.

Straight Finish Nailer

When you set the tip of the nail gun perpendicular to the surface, the magazine of the straight finish nailer does not generate any angle with the working surface. It has a square appearance and provides additional support so that nails may be driven perpendicularly into the board without sagging.

Because straight finish nailers are designed to drive little 16 gauge nails, the head is less apparent on the lumber and difficult to trace after fire. It can exactly push your nails, and it’s also extremely easy to find on the market. As a result, straight finish nailers can be used for modest carpentry chores such as nailing thin boards, home repairs, and other little construction projects.

Straight finish nailers are less expensive than angled finish nailers. However, they can only carry a limited number of nails, and driving nails in tight corners with them is difficult.

Pro Tips: If you’re a professional carpenter, you might want to consider accumulating both types. If you only have the option of choosing one, the angled finish nailer is the superior choice. Because you can do everything a straight finish nailer can do, plus you can reach tight corners that a straight nailer can’t.

Fastener: 15 Vs 16 gauge Finish Nailer

Finish nailers have many choices compared to other nail guns. You’ll discover that some are built to drive 15 gauge, and others are for 16 gauge, just as angled vs straight finish nailers. Let’s see which combination will provide you with the most benefits.

The gauge refers to the thickness of the wire used to make nails. The greater the number, the more frail they are. As a result, 15 gauge finish nails are thicker than 16 gauge.

When fastening larger or thicker pieces of wood or baseboard, such as when installing door trim, hanging doors, or creating casings, 15 gauge finish nails are preferred. A 16 gauge finish nailer, on the other hand, is capable of handling most minor carpentry projects such as trim, base molding, and back bands.

It’s likely that if you use 15 gauge finish nails to do delicate carpentry work or drive through a thin board, they’ll split it. However, if you use 16 gauge finish nails to fasten door trim or casing, it may collapse over time. As a result, choosing the right finish nailer gauge is crucial.

Nail Gun Size And Weight

The size and weight of a finishing nail gun is also an important feature that you should check carefully before making a buying decision. Generally, professional carpenters like lightweight and compact-sized nailers for their projects as they are more comfortable and do not create any fatigue.

Depth Of Drive

Because of the job nature, you may have to sink nails into the different densities and sizes of wood. Consequently, you have to flush nails in a variety of depths to get precise fastening. So, your nailer must have a mechanism that allows you to change the depth of drive on the go quickly and conveniently.

While there are several types of depth adjustment systems available on the market, contemporary nailers are typically supplied with tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment. And most of the professional and seasoned woodwork like it best.

Jam Clearing System

Getting a jam in the middle of shooting nails may ruin your day. However, if your device comes with a fast and simple jam release mechanism, there’s nothing more to think about.

Like depth adjustment, you can also find a variety of jam release mechanisms on the market. Again, the tool-free jam release system is most expected. So, check whether or not your finish nailer has that kind of system.

Dry-Fire Lockout

First instance: you press the nail gun trigger intentionally or unintentionally when there are no nails in the box.

Second instance: you set up bump firing mode and continuously act on your nails. In the meantime, your magazine has gone empty.

In all cases, there is a risk that you will damage the inside of the nail gun or ruin the working surface. A dry-fire lockout system will, therefore, save you from both the instance and the gun. So, it is preferable to choose a finish nail gun that has a dry-fire lockout system.

No-Mar Tip

You’re using the finish nailer means you’re doing some delicate work that needs special care. A non-marring tip literally ensures that you don’t dent or crack your workpiece when you put the tip of the gun against it. So, let’s test this feature before you buy a nailer.

Exhaust Port

It’s critical to examine whether your pneumatic finish nail gun has an adjustable exhaust port if you go with a pneumatic finish nail gun. Most pneumatic nail guns have a 360-degree rotatable exhaust that directs the ejected air away from the user, allowing for undisturbed nailing.

Rafter Hook

A rafter hook in the finish nail gun isn’t absolutely necessary because it’s usually used for modest carpentry. However, having a belt hook will provide you with additional benefits while climbing up to install crown molding or other items. So, let’s see if yours has this capability or not.

Safety

Having safety features like a trigger lock system or dry-fire lockout is a plus. It can save you from unwanted incidents like the accidental firing of nails into an object other than the desired or damage to the working surface. So, you should check those beforehand.

Warranty

The warranty is the safeguard of your investment. In case you have encountered some manufacturing defect after a few days of use, the warranty will cover you. So, it’s a worthy idea to check the warranty policy before buying it.

Besides the above features, finish nailers also contain some optional attributes too. These are the LED lights, swivel air connector, air duster, adjustable exhaust, reversible rafter hook, and protective carry case.

As a consequence, it will be wise to make a checklist of what features you want to see and what is not in your finishing nail gun before heading out for purchasing one.

How To Use A Finish Nailer?

There is nothing unusual in the operating system of a finish nailer. If you know how to use a nail gun, you can also drive nails with a finishing nail gun too. However, if you are purely new to this line, you can follow the following steps.

• First, make sure your nail gun is in good working order. You can, for example, double-check that the nail gun’s driveway is clear and that no nails are lodged there.
• After you’ve double-checked that everything is in order, fill the magazine with the recommended and preferred nail strips. To do so, pull the magazine pusher all the way to the end, insert the strip, and then release the pusher.
• After inserting the appropriate nails, connect the air hose (if using a pneumatic finish nailer) or the battery or fuel cartridge (in the case of a cordless finish nailer).
• After connecting the power source, test the nail gun by driving one or two nails into scrap wood to see how deep the drive is and how well it works.
• If everything looks good, it’s time to start hammering nails into the final working surface.
• During tests or final work, always wear safety equipment such as goggles, earplugs, and hand gloves.

Read Also: How To Use A Brad Nailer: Step By Step Guide

FAQs: Best Finish Nailers For Professional Finish

What size air compressor do I need for a finish nailer?

You must examine three factors when choosing an air compressor for your pneumatic finish nailer: PSI, CFM, and Gallon. CFM (cubic feet per minute) is the most important of these three qualities since it reflects how quickly the air compressor feeds air to your equipment.

A finish nailer typically requires 70 to 120 pressure and 0.3 to 0.5 CFM to operate. Any little air compressor on the market can supply as much pressure and volume. As a result, any portable pancake-style air compressor with a high CFM rating and low amp can be used.

You can check PORTER-CABLE C2002 Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor for your finish nailer. This 6-gallon compressor will give you 2.6 SCFM at 90 psi for quick recovery time.

Read Also: How To Toenail With A Framing Nailer

What gauge finish nailer for the quarter round?

To bridge the gap between the baseboard molding and the floor, we usually use quarter-round moldings. It is usually 3/4 x 3/4 inches in size.

Because quarter-round molding is more delicate and prone to splitting, 18 gauge brads are recommended. If you don’t have a brad nailer, you can use 16 gauge finish nails instead, which have a smaller head and are thinner than 15 gauge. Again, a 16 gauge angled finish nailer is preferable because it has a longer reach to the corners.

What gauge finish nailer to buy?

It’s not easy to say that you’ll use a 15 or 16 gauge finish nailer. You can, however, execute practically a wide range of finish carpentry work with a 15 gauge finish nailer, including cabinet and furniture assembly, window and door casing installation, trim or crown molding fastening, and so on. In addition, 15 gauge nails have stronger holding power than 16 gauge nails. If you only have the option of choosing one, you might choose to go with the 15 gauge finish nailer.

What’s the difference between finish nailer and brad nailer?

Finish nailers are slightly bulkier than brad nailers and drive a little higher diameter or gauge nails. You may, therefore, use a finish nailer to fasten thicker wood or baseboards to render heavy-duty furniture that a brad nailer can’t do. On the other hand, a brad nailer is better suited for thin or delicate trim work. You can read our Brad Nailer vs. Finish Nailer blogs for more detail.

Read Also: Nail Gun Not Shooting Nails: What you should do next?

Can I use a finish nailer for framing into masonry walls?

Firstly, it does not seem possible to drive nails into a 2×4 frame with a finish nailer. Because, you can drive a maximum of 2-1/2 inches long nails, 15 or 16 gauge measures that are not strong enough like a framing nailer. Furthermore, framing masonry walls is always a tough task, and most framing nailers can’t do it properly. So, I don’t think it’s possible to push nails to fasten a wood frame with the masonry floors or walls by using a finish nailer.

If you really need a tool to sink nails through the masonry walls, you can try a powder-actuated nailer or masonry nail gun, also known as the 22 concrete nailers.

You can check, therefore, the Ramset Powder Fastening Systems COBIII Cobra Tool Kit to serve your purpose.

Can you use a finish nailer for hardwood floors?

A flooring nailer is a specialist nail gun used to install hardwood flooring. As a result, you may install hardwood floors with a flooring nail gun. However, if you already have a finish nailer and don’t want to spend more money on a floor nail gun, you can use that instead.

Can you use a finish nailer for siding?

Siding nails have a little larger head than finish nails and a ring-type shank for enhanced gripping power and reaction to expansion and contraction of siding materials. As a result, if you use finish nails for siding, the siding will most likely collapse after a few uses. As a result, it is preferable to utilize a siding nailer for outside siding.

Read Also: 7 Benefits Of Using A Nail Gun

Can you use a finish nailer for framing?

We now have a good understanding of the finish nailer and its nail sizes. Finish nails are 15 to 16 gauge and range in length from 1 to 2-1/2 inches. Framing nails, on the other hand, are 10 to 12 gauge and 2 to 3-1/2 inches long. As a result, framing nails can be used to build 2×4 or larger frame sizes for housing and other woodworking tasks. This is impossible to achieve with finish nails. As a result, we won’t be able to use finish nailers for framing works.

You may read more details on finish nailer vs framing nailer by clicking here.

What should I use for baseboards, a brad nailer, or a finish nailer?

Both brad and finish nailers are ideal for baseboard installation. You can use your 18 gauge brad nailer to mount the baseboard. But you have to use 1-1/2 inch bards in that case to get the best result. Nonetheless, if you want to fasten a thicker or heavier baseboard, the 15 gauge finish nailer will be the better choice.

Final Thoughts

I hope you see that a finishing nailer is such a useful tool that your carpentry finishing work would be incomplete without it.

I also hope that our reviews of the best finish nailers will meet your needs. I’m sure you’ll find all the nailers on our list, which makes it difficult to come to a conclusion. But believe me when I say that each of them is the finest on the market.

To make it easier for you to make a selection, we’ve summarized our preferences below:

If you’re looking for a low-cost finish nailer, the Numax SFN64 16 gauge finish nailer is a good choice. The Metabo HPT 15Ga Angled Finish Nailer is a wonderful alternative if you prefer a finish nailer that is good for all-around use.

On the other hand, if you want to be cordless, you should opt for the Dewalt DCN660 cordless finish nailer.

So, MAN, it’s all up to you. HAPPY CARPENTRY!

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