With a magnesium body and aluminum magazine, it’s tough enough to withstand the rigors of a job site, and its powerful motor can drive 15-gauge nails up to 2.5 inches long. Most battery-powered nailers can drive 16-gauge nails up to 2.5 inches into softwood. Gas nailers require the purchase of disposable fuel cells, which means recurring costs and inconvenient trips to the store mid-project. If you’re still trying to nail down a few concerns before making a purchase, look below for answers to the most common questions about nailers. As I mentioned, all of these nailers are available in pneumatic or cordless configurations. Learn these fast fixes for ice dam removal, long term repair, and prevention tips. But its durability cannot be called into question. Expect to pay $100-$440 for a cordless tool-only or kit, depending upon the brand. You can buy pneumatic combo kits that include a compressor and one, two, or three nailers for $200-$400 depending upon the brand and configuration. However, they do have their downsides. And, of course, the air compressor needs a power source as well. With its angled profile, this nailer can get into tight corners, making it a suitable tool for installing trim and molding. Last but not least, is the 23-gauge pinner. Pneumatic nailers are one of the fastest options and allow you to fire nails rapidly. Check out this 15-gauge nailer by Metabo, available for $319 on Amazon. It’s capable of driving 15-gauge finish nails up to 2.5 inches long into hardwoods. Authorized repair parts for Porter Cable power tools are the best way to extend the life of your tools.. Fixing your Porter Cable power tools is both easy and economical. The best finish nailer can drive 15-gauge nails up to 2.5 inches long into the hardest of woods. They use propane gas, so they do release exhaust with each shot; this can be unpleasant, especially when working indoors. Thanks to Porter-Cable’s lightweight battery, this is one of the lighter battery-powered nailers on the market, with a total weight of 6.5 pounds. If the depth adjustment is too low, the nail’s head will protrude from the wood’s surface. Pneumatics cost around $110-$240 depending upon the brand. A gas nailer, which includes batteries and a fuel cell, can weigh around 4 or 5 pounds. The most powerful finish nailers are only capable of shooting 2.5-inch-long, 15-gauge nails. Runtime on these nailers is excellent and because there’s no air hose or compressor to haul around (and potentially trip over) they are convenient. The steeper the angle, the more space the nailer saves. Most nailers also have a contact safety tip at the head of the nailer that must be compressed against an object for the nailer to fire. Press the safety tip firmly onto the piece you want to nail, and then pull the trigger. It features a magnesium housing designed to handle heavy-duty professional jobs. Power determines what size finish nail a finish nailer can handle. Read on to learn more about each type’s pros and cons to determine which one is right for you. There’s no more lugging around a compressor, fooling with hoses, or running to the store to purchase fuel cells with this battery-powered finish nailer from Porter-Cable. Manufacturers add safety features to these guns to prevent the accidental firing of a nail. The 16-Gauge Nailer … That compressor, in turn, needs a power source to operate. Few power tools can save you time like a finish nailer. Since brads are 18 gauge, finish nailers cannot use brad nails. Watch as This Old House Pro2Pro editor Chris Ermides showcases the differences between the types of finish nailers. The hole is substantial compared to the other options. Many magazines feature open sides, which allow the operator to see how many nails are remaining. This feature prevents you from accidentally firing a nail gun into the air, like you could an actual gun. Finish nailers use 15-gauge or 16-gauge nails. These nailers run on a rechargeable battery and fuel cartridge that creates a small explosion inside a combustion chamber which pushes the driver pin and sets the nail. They don’t split wood and leave a barely noticeable hole that requires minimal to no filling. The difference between them is the gauge nail that they shoot. The difference between a straight and angled nailer is the shape of the nail magazines. They’re powered by compressed air that is delivered to the nailer through a hose from a compressor. Despite its heavy-duty construction, this nailer weighs just 4 pounds. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As they are significantly heavier, due to the battery’s weight, they can be more difficult to handle. In some cases there’s overlap, but more often than not—you’re not going to get the results you want by using one when the other is the better option. If you do some trim work and a fair amount of woodworking, the 18-gauge brad nailer is the one to have. These nailers are available in pneumatic and cordless configurations. 16-gauge nailers shoot nails that are a little thinner than the 15 gauge and have a smaller head. The 5 Best Electric Chainsaws (2021 Review). Depending upon the gauge nailer, they can be heavier than the gas and pneumatic options – but they are very fast and plenty powerful. These nailers are available in pneumatic and cordless configurations. Some carpenters are put-off by the propane-like smell that is emitted with each shot. These nailers are lightweight and reliable, though they can’t be fired rapidly like pneumatics. They have good holding power and are a good general use gun. Cordless gas nailers evolved from pneumatics as carpenters looked for more convenience. With both a battery and a fuel cell, they do require significant upkeep—the battery must be charged periodically, and the fuel cell will need to be replaced about every 1,000 nails. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our experts–straight to your inbox. With an angled nailer, the magazine comes up at an angle from the head of the nailer. Check out this 15-gauge nailer by Metabo, available for $319 on Amazon. This nailer requires no cords or air compressors, and, at just 4.5 pounds, it’s significantly lighter than battery-powered finish nailers. Tool Repair, Parts and Accessories. They have substantial holding power thanks to the heavier head. With a bit of effort, you can eliminate funky smells from your below-grade spaces for good. The pneumatic angled finish nailer features a tool-less adjustable depth of drive that lets you control the nail depth accurately in woods. We now offers you the widest range of collated, and hand drive fasteners on the internet. It also includes plenty of useful additional features, including a tool-free depth adjustment; a nail lock-out mechanism that prevents the nailer from accidentally firing; and a built-in air duster to clean off your work surface. This light weight, combined with its ergonomic grip, means you won’t wear out before you finish the job. Though runtime is good with these nailers, the trade-off is the weight and sometimes balance of the tool depending upon the brand. $369.99 $339.99 Save $30 Limited Qty Online. As its name suggests, finish nailers are designed for finish projects such as attaching trim, molding, and paneling. How to Get Rid of a Musty Smell in Your Basement. An ergonomic grip helps you keep a tight hold, whether nailing from your knees or from a ladder. With the power of compressed air behind it, this nailer fires heavier 15-gauge nails, which create sturdier connections than their smaller 16 gauge counterparts. Icicles may be pretty but they can tear off gutters, loosen shingles, and cause water to back up into your house. The most powerful pneumatic nailers can drive thicker 15-gauge nails up to 2.5 inches into hardwood. This design makes it suitable for trim and baseboards projects, cabinetwork, and other finish carpentry projects. All rights reserved. A convenient switch allows the user to toggle between single shots and rapid contact nailing, for when you want to speed up the job. If it’s set too high, the nail will embed too deeply into the wood. Setting the nail depth too low can also cause a nail gun to jam. Most finish nailers can handle nail sizes between 1.25-inch and 2.25-inch. Paslode, Cordless Finish Nailer, 902400, 16 Gauge, NuMax SFN64 Pneumatic 16-Gauge Straight Finish Nailer, Makita AF635 15 Gauge, 2-1/2” Angled Finish Nailer. The tried-and-true pneumatic uses compressed air to push a driver pin that sets the nail. This nailer is easy to handle, thanks to its lightweight design of just 4.5 pounds. Pneumatic finishing nailers weigh around 4 pounds, while a battery-powered finishing nailer may weigh twice that due to the weight of the battery and on-board compressor. Copyright © 2020 This Old House Ventures, LLC. With its brushless motor powered by a DEWALT 20V MAX Lithium-Ion battery the … The NT65MA4 nailer has a compact body and angled magazine making for easier placement and operation in tight angles. How to Choose a Finish Nailer | This Old House: Live. You cannot use a finish nailer for framing because they do not use large enough nails. Take your pick from some of the best-known names in power tools. Nails for angle nailers are a bit more expensive and tend to have a larger gauge. Convenience is the main difference when it comes to corded and cordless nailers. Keep in mind you’ll want to use a higher setting for thicker material and hardwoods. to 2-1/8 in. As many finish nailers feature a safety that prevents the nailer from firing, make sure the safety is off, which will allow you to engage the trigger. 18-gauge brad nailers shoot a thin nail between 3/8” to 2” depending on the model. With its angled clip and weight of just over 4 pounds, this lightweight nailer is easy to handle and fits into tight spaces. Pneumatic nail guns are the lightest, fastest, and, until recently, the most reliable. These too are available in cordless and pneumatic options. Find thousands of the replacement Nailer Parts & Stapler Parts parts you need at ToolPartsDirect.com Set the depth dial to the desired nail depth. Though the shape of the nailer doesn’t affect the delivery of the nail, the angled position adds versatility by allowing you to fit the nailer into tighter spaces than a straight nailer. They require more maintenance and upkeep cost. Tankless Water Heaters: What You Need to Know Before You Buy. SEN-FP42XP. Carpenters use them for a wide variety of tasks including interior trim, baseboard, and crown. These nailers are available in pneumatic and cordless configurations. We are experienced tool repair professionals providing fast, cost-effective, quality repairs. Read our guide to learn about the five best garage heaters on the market that will warm your garage and make the space usable during the cold winter months. A finish nailer makes the process of installing molding and trim or building cabinetry much easier. Though battery-powered nailers last a long time on a single charge, they are significantly heavier than the smaller pneumatic guns. The This Old House Reviews team evaluated the best portable generators on the market to help you make a smart purchase. The size and weight of nailers varies depending on the type. Tired of running out of hot water? My Milwaukee model costs $279 on Amazon. Free yourself from that burdensome air compressor and keep things lightweight with this gas-powered finish nailer from Paslode. As an added perk, their batteries are often interchangeable with the batteries in other cordless tools from the same manufacturer. It features a 20-volt battery that powers a 16-gauge nailer capable of driving nails up to 2.5 inches long. The higher the number, the thinner the nail and the smaller the hole. This battery also works with Porter-Cable’s collection of battery-powered power tools. Each of these nailers covers a range of applications. Stop moldings, Base shoe, cove moldings—smaller profiles are a good use here, as well as some chair rails, and a variety of woodworking projects. Most finish nailers include a depth adjuster dial. Expect to pay $270-$450 for a cordless tool-only or kit, depending upon the brand. So, do you need them all, and which one should you choose if you can only buy one? Pneumatic nailers are the lightest and fastest option when it comes to finish nailers. BEST PNEUMATIC: Senco 4G0001N FinishPro 42XP Finish Nailer BEST ELECTRIC: PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Finish Nailer, Straight, 16GA BEST GAS: Paslode, Cordless Finish Nailer, 902400, 16 … Expect to pay $200-$400 for a cordless tool-only or kit, depending upon the brand. Expect to pay $130-$400 for a cordless tool-only or kit, depending upon the brand. You should consider various factors when shopping for a finish nail gun, including power, gauge, shape, and weight. Find thousands of the replacement Air Compressor Parts parts you need at ToolPartsDirect.com When the trigger is pressed, that air is released, moving a metal pin that drives the nail from the nailer into the wood. A propane fuel cell and 7-volt lithium ion battery provide enough juice for this nailer to drive up to 12,000 nails before needing a recharge or more fuel. … Car Cleaning Dent Repair Pinstriping Brushes, ... Senco 2-1/2" 15ga Cordless Finish Nailer . This pneumatic air gun requires a compressor and air hose, which are sold separately. A nailer consists of a nail gun that holds a magazine of 100 or more finish nails. Nailers that use 16-gauge nails are a little lighter and smaller than the larger 15-gauge variety. Electric finish nailers are relatively newer than gas and pneumatic nailers. However, since they do not require an air compressor, they are more portable than pneumatic finish nailers. This gun should be relegated to tasks like mitered returns or attaching thin moldings or other details to wood. A dial allows you to quickly make adjustments to nail depth without the need for a tool. The latest cordless nailer technology relies solely on a battery, so there’s no gas cartridge to change out. This pneumatic nailer requires an air compressor and air hose. Angled nailers include 21-degree and 35-degree nailers— the higher the number, the sharper the angle. Pneumatics cost around $100-$200 depending upon the brand. A depth dial allows for quick changes to nail-depth settings. With a capacity of up to 1,000 nails per charge, you don’t have to worry about running out of power. Cordless nailers are much more convenient. 15-gauge nailers shoot a thick nail between 1-1/4” to 2-1/2” long. When it comes to installing trim around windows, doors, baseboards, crown molding, assembling cabinet parts or installing stair treads and risers, as you can see, one nail gun does not fit all. This makes them much easier to handle. Most nailers allow you to take the head apart to remove jammed nails. While larger gauge nails do a better job of holding two pieces of wood tougher, it can be more of a chore to hide the nail head. Compare product specifications side-by-side between all air & pneumatic tools including nailers, staplers, screw systems, cordless and combo kits. This pneumatic nailer from Metabo, formerly Hitachi, offers unprecedented power coupled with some excellent, user features. Expect to pay $270-$450 for a cordless tool-only or kit, depending upon the brand. In addition, since they are powered by an air compressor, they can be noisy. They consist of a handheld nail gun that connects to an air compressor via a high-pressure hose. Craftsman nail guns deliver the power and precision you need to complete projects fast. This formidable finish nailer from Makita features sturdy construction in a mighty pneumatic nailer. If you’re already invested in a battery platform, you will find each of these nailers available as tool-only or in kits that include a battery and charger. Pull the nailer away from the wood to disengage the motor. Framing requires 3.5-inch long, 16D nails, which have a much larger gauge than finish nails. A straight nailer has a magazine that is parallel to the surface you are nailing. Hold on to your hard-earned cash by buying Porter Cable parts for a fraction of the cost of a new power tool.. We supply all available replacement parts for your Porter Cable tools and, to help you with your … A rubberized grip helps you keep a firm hold on this nailer, while an adjustable exhaust allows you to keep the air out of your face. The best finish nailer can handle up to 2.5-inch nails with high capacity magazines. Make sure to line the tip up with the area you wish to nail. Porter Cable sells one for $199 on Amazon. You will need a brad nailer to use brad nails. Cordless nailers run on either a battery and gas cartridge or on just a battery. With four nail gauge sizes to choose from, one size does not fit all carpentry and woodworking applications. Need to know how to pick the right finish nailer? With its durable and lightweight construction, this is an excellent option in a straight finish nailer. They’re also a good option for installing beads and thin stops. They’ve been around for a long time, so the technology has become more reliable over the years. Most finish nailers are about 12 inches long by 12 inches wide. 20-Volt Max Lithium-Ion 18-Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer Kit The DEWALT DCN680 18 Gauge Brad Nailer drives The DEWALT DCN680 18 Gauge Brad Nailer drives 18 Gauge brad nails from 5/8 in. BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. which makes it ideal for fastening decorative molding, casing, kitchen crown, and shoe molding. The three types of finish nail guns use different power sources to drive nails. This limits mobility at the work site, as well as making your finish nailer harder to transport. These nailers use an air compressor, so the gun itself is much lighter than electric or gas guns, which carry their power source with them. Both nailer types use a spring-loaded mechanism that applies pressure to the nails, automatically reloading a nail into the head after being fired. Ahead, these recommendations include powerful nailers of all types. Pneumatics (such as this model by Senco) cost around $170-$200 depending upon the brand. And don’t miss the list of some of the top finish nailers on the market. A framing nailer can fire these larger nails. That’s not a problem with one of these compact, ultra-efficient units that heat water as you need it. Prices vary widely depending upon the brand. This dial allows you to set the amount of force the gun uses when driving the nail into the wood. Shop Air Compressor Parts parts online at Tool Parts Direct by brand, model, and parts. They’re the ideal nailer for attaching casing to window and door jambs because they’re less likely to blow out the connections. Originally established in 1948, SENCO® is renowned for its excellent product quality and diverse product line, which includes pneumatic and cordless nailers and staplers, auto-feed screw systems, compressors, nails, staples, screws and specialty fasteners. Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. The open-magazine design allows you to see just how many nails you have left in the chamber. Most carpenters don’t install pre-hung doors with this gun. Jamming occurs when there is not enough force to drive the nail into the material, causing it to kick back into the nailer’s head. As this is a pneumatic nailer, it does require an air compressor and air hose. The downside to pneumatic nailers is less portability, since they require you to tote an air compressor along with the nailer. Load the nailer with finish nails by sliding the nails into the back of the magazine. They require no maintenance though when they are down, they need to be sent in for service. Depending on the brand, these shoot nails from 3/4” to 2-1/2” inches long. Use the following directions to operate a finish nailer safely and correctly: Finish nailers are only capable of firing 15- or 16-gauge nails. If musty odors are keeping you from using your basement, it’s time for that to change. It features a 16-gauge capacity with enough power to drive nails up to 2.5 inches long. These are a great option if you’re starting from scratch. At 4 pounds and with an angled design, enabling you to fit it into tight places, this nimble nailer is easy to use. Metabo features a model for $152 on Amazon. LED lights help illuminate the work area while letting you know when there is a firing error or if the battery is getting low. Explore our massive inventory of new and reconditioned tools, tool parts, and accessories. Shop Nailer Parts & Stapler Parts parts online at Tool Parts Direct by brand, model, and parts. Craftsman power nailer repair and replacement parts Craftsman brad nailers are manufactured with the top-performing features that you expect from a leading name in power tools. You can do stair risers with them, and they’re a good option to nail down tongue and groove flooring like near a wall or in a closet where a flooring nailer won’t work. Metabo HPT Finish Nailer, 15 Gauge, Pneumatic, Angled, Senco 4G0001N FinishPro 42XP Finish Nailer, PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Finish Nailer, Straight, 16GA. The Best Brad Nailer for Your Trim, Molding or Cabinet Project, The 10 Best Woods for Woodworking (According to a Pro). These nailers are available in pneumatic and cordless configurations. $579.99 $499.97 Save $80 Special Order. Given that finish nailers fire nails into the wood at high speeds, they are inherently dangerous. One of the first things you’ll notice about this pneumatic finish nailer from Senco is its durable construction. This includes a safety switch near the trigger that prevents the trigger from working when the switch is engaged. Senco 2-1/2" 15ga Finish Nailer . They require some maintenance and can be refurbished without sending in for service. Remember nailers feature a contact safety tip on the head that must be pressed down in order to fire the gun. SEN-FUSION15. Pneumatic nailers are less convenient, because they require an air compressor and hoses. Here’s what you need to know about choosing, installing, and living with a tankless water heater. A mechanism inside the gun uses gas, electricity, or compressed air to fire a piston that propels the nail out of the gun and into the wood. These nailers are a great option for large interior and exterior casing when nailing into studs (not the jamb), installing pre-hung doors, stair treads or risers, baseboard, and crown—things that require good holding power in the material that can be filled and painted or stained. Although battery-powered nailers offer the most convenience, they cannot match the power of compressed air. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. For this reason, they use smaller nails than their large framing nailer cousins. It takes angled 16-gauge nails up to 2.5 inches long. Gas nail guns are lightweight and require no cord, making them easy to handle. This Pneumatic finish nailer is extremely lightweight at 3.8lbs thanks to the various high-tech materials it’s built with. If you’re in the market for a finish nail gun, read on to learn more about what features you should look for in these useful tools. If you’re doing a lot of trim work and don’t want to own multiple guns, the 16-gauge is probably the most versatile. Northwest Staple Supply is the LARGEST fastener supplier in the Oregon and south Washington area. With an operating pressure between 70 and 120 PSI, this is one of the more powerful pneumatic nailers you can buy. Senco 2-1/2" 15ga FinishPro Nailer . That said, the large 15-gauge nails will hold better than 16-gauge nails. These nailers are reliable and convenient. With its large-capacity 104-nail magazine, you don’t have to worry about repeatedly stopping for reloads. They leave a smaller hole thanks to their small head and so are less likely to split thinner wood. They’re also more convenient than gas finish nailers, whereas they don’t require you to purchase disposable fuel cells. These handy tools replace the arduous act of driving nails into finished carpentry, which involves the tedious process of manually hammering small finish nails using a nail set to prevent damaging the wood. With these nailers the driver mechanism is different than the other two styles – there’s compressed air or gas housed in the head and a piston that drives the pin down. This will drive the nail into the wood. The most common and readily available types are 15 gauge, 16 gauge, 18 gauge, and 23 gauge. It will drive nails up to 2.5 inches long. Because most of them fire headless pins or very small-headed pins, they’re often used in conjunction with glue and therefore end up typically acting as a temporary clamp. Cordless gas nailers run off of a rechargeable battery and a fuel cell that creates a small explosion inside the combustion chamber in the gun, moving a piston that drives the nail from the nailer into the wood. The NT65MA4 15-Gauge Angled Finish Nailer is the ideal nailer for installing crown and base moldings, window and door casings, chair rails, cabinets, exterior trim and staircases. Metabo also helps you keep your work area clean, thanks to an integrated duster that fires compressed air into the work space to clear away dust and debris from the work surface. Pneumatics cost around $60-$390 depending upon the brand. Pneumatics (such as this model by Senco) cost around $170-$200 depending upon the brand. It also has plenty of excellent, user features, including an adjuster for setting proper nail depth and a high-capacity magazine, which holds up to 100 nails. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. Battery-powered nail guns also allow for rapid fire and little maintenance. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon. They feature an 18-volt battery that powers a small air compressor in the head. Finish carpenters like them because of their weight and maneuverability – they’re not as bulky as cordless nailers and are typically well-balanced.