Dewalt 20v Framing Nailer Review – DCN692B Dual Speed

Dewalt 20v framing nailer review

Hey, everybody! Welcome to our DeWALT 20v framing Nailer Review. Do you know that the DeWALT DCN692B 20v Max XR Brushless Dual Speed Nailer design with a brushless motor? Brushless motor is the craze of cordless machines powered by batteries Nowadays.

Although the brushless motor is not a new technology in cordless nailers, it becomes mainstream after Makita, DeWALT, and Milwaukee started to use it. A Brushless motor helps increase the runtime and effectiveness of power tools. Not only that, it doesn’t have any friction or voltage drop like brush one, it means you get longer motor life and better results even you could finish the toughest assignments flawlessly.

Apart from introducing XR brushless motor, DeWALT 20v max also has dual speed, maximum initial battery voltage, and robust design, making it one of the best cordless framing nailers on the market.

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Framing Nailer, Dual Speed, Tool Only (DCN692B)
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Framing Nailer, Dual Speed, Tool Only (DCN692B)
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Framing Nailer, Dual Speed, Tool Only (DCN692B)
Our Score
  • DEWALT cordless framing nailer has dual-speed motor optimized to drive a wide range of fasteners for versatility
  • Framing nailer gun has tool-free selector switch for sequential or bump-fire modes
  • Tool-free depth adjustment for precise nail placement
  • Stall release lever to reset driver blade in the event of a jam
  • Adjustable rafter hook
  • Easy access to the nosepiece for removal of jammed nails
  • Dry fire lock out prevents tool from firing when nails are low
  • 33-degree magazine holds up to 55 paper collated nails
  • Capable of driving 3-1/2-inch fasteners into dense lumber

Specification Of Dewalt 20v Framing Nailer

  • Power Source: Cordless – Lithium-Ion
  • Battery Voltage: 20V
  • Magazine Capacity: 55 pcs
  • Magazine Angle: 30°
  • Fastener Range: 2 – 3½ Inch
  • Fastener Diameter Range: .113 TO .131 Inch
  • Weight: 8.0 lbs.
  • Dimension: 15.2 x 5.9 x 13.2 Inches

Key Features Of Dewalt 20v Framing Nailer

  • Powerful brushless motor and engine to drive 3½ inch nails with ease
  • 100% fuel-cell free battery powered nailer
  • Dual Speed optimized motor for different length of fasteners
  • Support Dual Actuation: Sequential and Bump
  • Drives 30-34 degree Paper Tape, Clipped Head or Offset Full Round Head nails
  • Easy access to the nose piece to clear jam quickly
  • Trigger locking system for operators’ safety

Performance And Technical Issues Of Dewalt 20v Framing Nailer

Let’s check more technological and performance issues of this sleek design DeWALT framing nailer as below.

Extremely Portable – 100% Battery Powered 

If you go through our best framing nailer reviews, you may notice that there we discussed three kinds of nail guns. It is true that, because of its extensive use, pneumatic is the most popular among those. However, if you like to work hassle-free means you want to ditch the hoses, air compressors, and even gas cartridges, then there is nothing better than a battery powered nail gun.

Therefore, in this series, only the DeWALT 20v framing nailer will give you a 100 percent battery powered cordless framing nail gun. Yes! DeWALT framing nailer operated with a 20v max lithium-ion battery that can produce enough energy to effortlessly drive a three-and-a-half-inch nail in any treated lumber or white pine. 

Dual Speed Motor

If you want to distinguish DeWALT DCN692 from other DeWALT nailers then the Dual Speed features will come first in your mind. Yes! DCN692 is fitted with a tiny adjustment knob near the nail rack’s mouth that works as a speed selector. It enables you to adjust the driving force sensitivity so you have sufficient control over how deep the nail will penetrate.

There are two selector switches – “1” and “2” to ensure more flexibility while driving nails. Here, “1” implies less recoil and more shots per charge and can fasten 2″ – 3″ size nails smoothly. On the other hand, you will get more rigorous power by choosing a “2” selector switch, that enables you to fasten 3¼” – 3½” nails in any hardwoods.

However, if you pick the “2” velocity mode, you may have to experience some vibration. Though, that won’t be as significant as distracting you from precision nailing. Please check the recommended speed settings based on your application below.

Application Vs. Recommended Speed

ApplicationTypical Nail SizeRecommended Speed Setting
Fencing and Decking3 1/4″, 3 1/2″(82 mm, 90 mm)2
General Framing3″ (76 mm)2
Sheathing2 3/8″ (60 mm)2
Fencing2″ (51 mm)1

Powerful Brushless XR Motor

DeWALT DCN692B comes with a brushless motor means it maintain a high power-to-weight ratio that gives you a powerful thrust to sink 3½-inch nails into any engineered lumber with no trouble. Like a brushed motor, there is no commutator (a rotary electric switch), so there is no frictional loss in a brushless motor.

Since there is no frictional loss, no voltage drop, and superior electronic control, all make the DeWALT nail gun is an optimal high-speed tool to turn your nailing job profitable and secure.

Driving Depth Adjustment

Based on surface materials, sometimes it needs to adjust the depth of drive from shallower to more profound. DeWALT DCN692 framing nailer allows you to adjust the driving depth on the go without using any tools or Allen key, which helps to increase your productivity.

Tool Free Selectable Trigger

You can drive nails both in sequential and bump actuation mode with the DeWALT 20v framing nailer just press a button. Yes! It comes with a tool-free selectable trigger button. Here, the sequential mode allows you to drive the longest nails, whereas bump mode enables you to actuation comparably shorter nails on a flat or stationary surface rapidly.

Rafter Hook

Rafter Hook is an essential feature, especially when you need both hands free. However, it is not good if it creates an obstacle while nailing. That’s why DeWALT cordless nail gun designs its rafter hook in such a way that you can fold it away when not using it.

Easy Jam Clearing

Although there are very few incidents found that the tools are getting jam. However, it is straightforward to clear once blocked. You can open the nose piece cover of the DeWALT framing nailer easily by using Allen Key, which allows you to reach the jammed nails and remove it quickly. It will take a few seconds to open three screws to remove the jam and reinstall the device. Furthermore, if you face a stalling problem while nailing in harder wood, you don’t need to worry. The instrument has a Stall Release Lever, rotate it, and the mechanism will release automatically

No-Mar Pad

Dewalt air nailer comes with a No-Mar tip allow you to fasten soft surface like wood cladding. However, you can remove it quickly when you need toe-nailing.

Dry Fire Lockout

The Dewalt 20v tools are equipped with a dry fire lockout which protects the device from actuation when the magazine is nearly empty and only 5 to 7 nails are left. Once reload the magazine, you can restart fastening. It will save your device and the working surface from possible damage.

LED Lights

One of the most modern additions in this DeWALT DCN692 is LED which displaying errors, especially indicate stall or jam condition. When the device stall/jam, LED will alert you about it, and you can easily remove or clear stall or jam by using a release lever.

Safety Features

Whatever you do, always try to do that securely. DeWALT 692 Nailer comes with a Trigger Lock-off mechanism situated near the trigger knob. It protects the device from shooting a nail by locking the trigger and bypassing the power to the motor. Keep in mind that the trigger lock-off should be in a locked-off position during any adjustment or when the device is idle.

Pros Of Dewalt 20v Framing Nailer

  • Simple design and efficient nailer
  • Ditch the hose or gas cartridge, no oiling, and no hassle
  • Experience very few jams
  • 20v Max batteries allow nailing all day in a single charge
  • Very reliable and convenient
  • Reasonable weight, well balanced
  • Great safety features
  • Save time on projects and worth every dollar

Cons Of Dewalt DCN692B With Solution

Cannot Drive All Branded Nails

Yes! The DeWALT DCN692 framing nailer is a bit of a choice about the nails used to shot by it. It is better to use DeWALT recommended nails only to free from jam – see the specification below. It is advisable that do not use Grip-Rite nails. Instead, you can use Paslode or DeWALT nails for better performance. Please find the recommended nail specification for your DeWALT nailer.

Head TypesClipped or Full Round Head
Nail Lengths2″– 3–1/2″ (50 mm–90 mm)
Shank Diameters.113″–.131″ (2.8 mm–3.3 mm)
Magazine Angles30°– 34°
Shank TypesAllow both smooth and ring

Not As Powerful As Pneumatic One

Indeed, the cordless nailer is not as powerful as the pneumatic framing nailer,  but if you read DeWALT nailer instructions carefully and set the nail height and firing power properly, it will assist you to get the highest performance from it.

Cannot Drive 3″ Spikes In Hard Yellow Pine

If you go back to our features part of this DeWalt 20v framing nailer review, you will see that we are discussing dual-speed functionality. Where we also mention that on its 2nd-speed choice, Dewalt 692 can drive 3″+ nails. So, please put it in 2 and happily drive longer nails.

Comparison With Other Nailers

Dewalt Cordless Framing Nailer vs Paslode

Paslode-905600 is another famous brand in the arena of cordless framing nailers which run by fuel cells and a 7V Li-ion Battery. The Paslode Framing Nailer is light in weight but 15-percent more powerful that can drive nails in LVL and other hardwoods. The 7v Lithium-ion battery gives you 50-percent longer runtime that you can drive 9000 nails per charge. It is also suitable to flush nails in all seasons and can works at a temperature down at 14°F.

However, if you desired to cut down the uses of fuel cells and relied entirely on batteries, then Dewalt will be the best choice. 

Is The Product Worth Your Money?

First, the item comes with a package of incredible qualities, altogether making the nailing job ultra-efficient. On top of that DeWALT DCN692 gives a 3-year limited warranty, 1-year service contract, and 90-day cashback for the consumer’s peace of mind. Like many, I also believe this chunk of metal is worth every penny you spend on it.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

Q-1: Can I Use 60-Volt Battery Instead Of 20-Volt?

Yes! On the 20v machines, you can use the 60v battery. It will also offer you more energy and longer runtime. However, the 60v battery may boost the weight of the device massively, keep it in mind also.

Q-2: Is it a heavyweight nail gun?

Dewalt 692 weighs 8.0 pounds which is similar to many other pneumatic nail guns. However, if you use it, you would not need to pull the hoses or compressors in your job sites. So, it is not a considerably heavy-weight framing nailer at all.

Q-3. What is the difference between the Dewalt 690 and 692 models?

Dewalt 690 comes with a single-speed and 692 dual-speed – this is the only difference between them, other specifications are almost the same.

Q-4: Is there any case or bag supplied by Dewalt for this tool?

Nope. It is a bare tool, and even it is not supplied a battery with it.

Q-5: What is the cost of a Battery?

If you yet not purchase you may also check the package – DEWALT 20V MAX Brushless Nailer with 5Ah Battery & Charger Kit (DCN692B & DCB205CK) on Amazon or if you want to buy only the battery as a single pack, you can choose – De-Walt DCB207 20V 20 Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Battery Pack from Amazon too.

Let’s enjoy a video on Dewalt 20v framing nailer review to get some visual effect.

Final Thoughts On Dewalt 20v Framing Nailer

Thank you for your endurance to read our DeWALT 20v framing Nailer Review. From the above evaluation, we can say that this power tool is very versatile, implausibly useful, making it an appealing choice for most professional woodworkers as well as DIYers to do their projects or building homes reliably and conveniently.

The only thing I want to notice about it is its expensive nature. The good stuff, however, always costs more. Moreover, if you look at the features and compare those with other cordless nail guns on the market, it might not seem like that much.

Overall, Dewalt is a beautiful illustration of balancing power and control over accurate nailing, making it an outstanding instrument to choose from.

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Tools Mirror

Toolsmirror is a group of co-fighters led by Engr. Tushar is dedicated to gathering information, analyzing & test various items, and releasing reviews on various woodwork and outdoor tools. Our mission is to provide our readers with the most up-to-date ideas and approaches, as well as reveal the genuine features that will assist them in selecting the best items for their professions and DIY projects.

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