Top 5 Best Cordless Finish Nailer [2021 Reviews]

Best Cordless Finish Nailer

A big salute to you if you’re still planning to use a hose and compressor for finish-nailing. Very few people would have the patience and time to use such obsolete tools to thin trim or crown molding nowadays. But if you’re smart enough to adopt the latest techniques, it’s time you switched to the best cordless finish nailer.

It takes only two words to describe a cordless nailer – convenient and wireless. Free yourself from the shackles of long hose and wire, and enter the era of convenience and smooth finishing.

So does that mean you randomly pick one from the market and start nailing? Hell no! While the tools stores are thronged with buck-wasting nailers, we have listed down the top 5 tools that truly work!

Keep reading till the end to find out where to spend your bucks!

5 Picks Cordless Finish Nailer – Comparison

Best Cordless Finish Nailer Reviews

If you are wondering which nailer should suit your job, allow us to present to you the shortlist we have prepared here. Go through the reviews and the pros & cons to get a better picture of each product.

1. PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Finish Nailer

No matter how excelled you are in your tasks— a pro or just a novice working on your DIY projects, Porter-Cable 20V nailer should definitely top your To-Get list.

This lightweight, wireless nail gun comes with a convenient design that fits perfectly in your hands while you’re working on low-end areas. Tilt your hands to whichever direction you need; it still gives you the required flexibility to shoot through narrow spaces.

First thing’s first, it takes you out of the obligation of using a long hose and cable. Take this gun with you in hard to reach places and claim the most attractive finish that you’ve only dreamt of before.

Being battery-powered, it doesn’t need to be connected to a DC source while you’re using it. Charge it once, and you’re up for shooting 1000 nails one after another. Yes, you’ve read it right!

The magazine capacity is also pretty impressive in this machine. Load as many as 100 nails in the magazine to shoot through your project.

What you get for free with such a device is the headache of jamming. Once in a while, it’s definitely going to jam inside. What makes the Porter-Cable 20V standout from the rest is its tool-free jam releasing technique. It takes no tool at all to release the jam instantly and conveniently!

Having a useful depth adjustment window is a blessing in this machine. You can see through the depth measurement while you alter the depth for different nailing jobs.

The tool comes with a built-in multifunctional LED light to illuminate your way to nailing. Even if you’re working in darker places, simply turn the light on to get things done perfectly!

Pros

  • Lightweight cordless nailer weighs only 6.5 pounds
  • Comes with a tool-free jam release system
  • Built-in LED light
  • Useful depth adjustment window for easy depth-setting
  • 1000 nailing in one single charge

Cons

  • Despite a tool-free jam release system, it gets jammed quite frequently

2. CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Finish Nailer

CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Finish Nailer Kit, 16GA (CMCN616C1)

If you don’t mind handling a slightly heavier nail gun, then Craftsman V20 should look appealing to you, as well. Although the shot per single charge may not seem quite attractive compared to the Porter-Cable 20V, its impressive list of functions should help you overlook it.

Talking about total nail shot per single charge, it’s not quite bad, either. We are talking about 375 nailings at a stretch at a single full-charge on this device. As this is a rechargeable cordless machine, you can always charge it up for another round in no time.

Controlling the depth of the shot is what most newbies seem to suffer in. To tell the truth, proper depth places a huge role in defining the strength of construction. To ease it up for you, the Craftsman V20 comes with an easy depth adjustment option.

Just turning a roller up and down will adjust the depth of nails in seconds. This no-tool depth setting is a blessing for those who have had first-hand experience with such a machine.

Nails got jammed inside? No worries! You don’t need to use any repairing tool to crack open the gun and take it out. Simply unfold the area that lets you clean up the jammed section inside. Open up, take it out, and close it down — three simple steps to remove jammed nails!

It’s tough to use finish nailers when the area isn’t lit enough. Instead of using a third-party light source, simply turn the dual LED light on the tool. It will show you the nailing path as clear as daylight!

Once you’re done, simply hang the machine from your waist-belt using the belt hook of the tool. Suspend the machine from the belt to carry it around without hurting your hands!

Pros

  • Comes with an easy depth adjustment system
  • Tool-free jam and stall release solution
  • Bright built-in dual LED light
  • Belt hook for suspending and carrying the device hands-free
  • Optimal center of gravity allows easy handling

Cons

  • Bit large to fit into a narrow space

3. Paslode Cordless Finish Nailer 902400

Paslode, Cordless Finish Nailer, 902400, 16 Gauge Angled, Battery and Fuel Cell Powered, No Compressor Needed

Have you wished for a nailer that can conveniently reach tighter corners? Well, your wish has been granted! Introducing the all-new Paslode Finish Nailer 902400:

The magazine of this powerful machine is slightly tilted and angled. It makes it quite convenient for it to sneak into tighter and narrower places of the corners.

Apart from the fact that it can reach the unreachables, we were taken by surprise by its battery-power. Thanks to the 7V lithium-ion battery, the device can continuously shoot throughout the day with a single charge!

That’s right; the Paslode 902400 comes with a powerful rechargeable cell inside that will allow you to shoot as much as 12000 nails with one single full-charge! Even if you fall short of power, a quick charge for 2 minutes can add another 200 shots, too!

If you are a regular DIY user, this should work enough for a day, at least. Build your projects, finish those cupboards, and fix that furniture — the Paslode 902400 is there for you!

It’s always a challenging task to nail the higher places, especially if you need to raise your hand for it. This causes fatigue and pain in the wrists. But this device is here with a solution. Its ergonomic design powered by its 4.5-pound lightweight character makes it a great choice to avoid fatigue.

Carrying it around is pretty simple and smart. It comes with a convenient belt hook that can be attached to your belt. You just suspend it from the belt area and move around. It won’t fall and won’t cause pressure on the waist area.

Pros

  • Lightweight gun weighs 4.5 pounds
  • Ergonomic design to reach narrow spaces
  • Supports quick charging
  • Can shoot 12000 nails in a single charge
  • Comes with a belt hook to carry it around

Cons

  • Need to use fuel cell

4. DEWALT 20V MAX Finish Nailer

DEWALT 20V MAX Finish Nailer, Angled, 16GA, Tool Only (DCN660B)

When we’re talking about tools, there’s got to be the name Dewalt. Leading the tool industry for decades, Dewalt has been synonymous with trust and reliance.

That goes for the 20V MAX Finish Nailer they came up with. If you’re looking for power and reliability for your nailing jobs, switch to Dewalt right now! Loaded with 110 nails at a time in the magazine, the Dewalt MAX is the ultimate solution to your fixing tasks.

Although it’s a perfect fit for heavy-duty tasks, the device itself comes from a lightweight side. Weighing just around 6 pounds, it causes no pain or fatigue to your hands. Hold on to the machine for as long as you want; it’s going to be a fun ride!

The sad part is, the package doesn’t come with a built-in battery. You got to get the batteries separately. However, there are ample choices when you’re going for a cell. The device supports batteries from 1.5 AH to 9 AH.

It means, the smaller the battery, the more compact it is. On the other hand, the larger it is, the more back-up you’re going to have. So, it actually depends on what task you’re going to perform.

Having a micro-nose on the front is a blessing for most users. You can tell it where you’re pushing the nails in. Plus, it goes gentle on the wooden surface, as well. It leaves less mark and dent on it.

Designed by a 20-degree angle format, you can easily fit the machine into tight and narrow places. A bit of twisting of your hand can make this device reach narrower spaces!

Pros

  • Great loading magazine holds 110 nails
  • Battery power ranges from 1.5 AH to 9 AH.
  • Comes with LED light
  • Includes a micro-nose for perfect placing
  • Can nail at 20-degree angle for reaching narrow places

Cons

  • Package comes without battery and charger

5. Ryobi P325 One+ 18V Lithium Ion Battery

Ryobi P325 One+ 18V Lithium Ion Battery Powered Cordless 16 Gauge Finish Nailer (Battery Not Included, Power Tool Only)

We pull down the shutter with Ryobi P325 Cordless Finish Nailer. Based on Ryobi’s patented Airstrike technology, this nailer is one of the most reliable devices in this segment.

You get to adjust the depth of the nails with its innovative air pressure adjustment system.. A convenient switch at the back of the device makes it quite simple and easy to set the required depth nails.

That’s not all. The Ryobi P325 comes with a genuine jam-cleaning technique. It asks for no tool at all to clear the jammed area inside the device. All you need to do is just flip out the front end of the machine and clear the nails jammed inside. Once done, flip the front back, and you’re ready to shoot again!

One of the most innovative features of this machine is its low-nail indicator. Whenever you’re short of nails inside the gun, it will automatically show you that you need to reload. This prevents you from shooting blank shots and wasting battery life.

But at the same time, it wasn’t that necessary. They could have just prevented the device from blank shooting — as most other guns do.

Illuminate your way while you nail. Use the default LED light set at the front of the device to eliminate any risk of wrongly shooting nails. Although this light is not the brightest of what we have seen to date, it works anyway.

Pros

  • Comes with Airstrike technique for smooth shooting
  • Tool-free depth adjustment
  • Easy to clear jammed nails
  • Low-nail indicator prevents blank shots
  • Compatible with other Ryobi 18V batteries

Cons

  • LED is not bright enough

Points You Need to Know Before Buying a Cordless Finish Nailer 

Pumped up for a Cordless Finish Nailer? Well, before you hit the ‘add to cart’ button for any of the guns we have reviewed here, you better read this segment. Find out these pro-tips to locate the best nailer in town!

Nail Size 

A Finish Nailer usually runs with a 16 gauge nail. It’s a bit thicker than 18 gauge ones and needs a good amount of pressure to run into the hardwood. If you’re looking for a nail gun for Finish nailing, the size capacity is pretty crucial.

Make sure it supports the usual 16 gauge nails to shoot. Otherwise, it may end up being a useless gun left alone around in the corner.

Easy Depth Adjustment

Being precise on the depth of the nail can make a huge difference in your construction. While it depends on what level of strength you want, you can always alter the depth with your nailer. But if the adjustment process doesn’t seem to be quite user-friendly, it’s of no use.

See if the gun you choose comes with an easy-to-use depth adjustment technique. Some modern devices have simple triggers or buttons to set the right depth with a few twists. It’s better to cling to these models for convenience. If you don’t know how to set the right depth, you can check it here.

Material and Durability

This goes beyond description. A nailer is something you don’t buy every other day. So it should be durable and strong enough to withstand for a decent number of years.

Check out if the materials used are robust and durable enough to handle tough jobs. You don’t want the machine to break down in the middle of your nailing task, do you?

Size and Weight

If you’ve ever used a nailer, you would probably know how painful it is if it’s heavy. Most of the time, you’ll have to use it with your one hand. Plus, you need to raise your hand to a higher position when you’re working with nailing at the roof corners.

If the gun is not ergonomically designed, it will cause fatigue on your hand for sure. Use it for half an hour, and you can feel the pain. Ensure the device is handy in size and weighs around 5 o 6 pounds for a better and painless experience.

Straight and Angled

Finish nailers can be found in two different setups — straight and angled. What’s the difference? Well, straight nailers are usually designed for flat and open surfaces. You can easily access these surfaces and just straight away nail down.

On the other hand, angled nailers can reach narrower and tighter places. You can tilt the device a bit and get a nice and firm space to fit in. Before you go for one of these, evaluate your own task. Where do you want to nail in? Once you decide on your job, select the most suitable one for it.

Jam Cleaning

Unjamming your nailing gun can give you a hard time. S Often the nails get jammed inside due to technical difficulties. But what’s more frustrating is the clearing process. For some older models, you need to wide open the device to clean it up. Using different tools in this process is necessary, too.

But for the best cordless finish nailer, you can clean it up without any tools. These tool-free jam cleaning can make your nailing task even smoother. Search for such a feature, and you’ll never regret it.

LED Light

Depending on a light source while nailing in a darker place can’t get worse. Shooting by one hand and holding a light bulb on the other doesn’t sound like a good idea. Make sure the machine you get comes with a default LED light attached. It will brighten up the entire work area for precise nailing in a dark environment.

Shooting Per Charge

Recharging the device multiple times in a day is a bad idea. It ruins the workflow and mood, as well. It’s better if you can manage a gun that can shoot as many nails as possible by a single full charge.

Recent models that surged the market usually shoot 400 to 1000 nails per charge. If you can manage one of those, it’s going to reduce a lot of useless charging breaks.

Magazine Capacity

Who’s got time to reload the magazine every time after a few nail shots? Nobody. So, the more nails a magazine can hold, the better it is for you. See if the magazine can load as many as 100 nails at a time – you’re going to be a winner.

Read more: Finding the Perfect Cordless Framing Nailer

Cordless vs. Pneumatic Finish nailers 

Until recently, we only got to see the pneumatic nailers in the market. But with the introduction of cordless ones, the competition between these two types is pretty high right now. Here’s the difference between these two setups.

Pneumatic Finish Nailers

These nailers are operated with air pressure sourced from a compressor. Although these are older models right now, the nailers seem to be more powerful than the cordless devices. It involves a compressor device and a long hose attached to it.

The only downfall to this type of machine is the long hose and heavy compressor you need to deal with. Pulling the compressor and hose to wherever you move is a true hectic job. On the other hand, it’s better than the cordless ones, as it doesn’t need to be recharged.

Cordless Finish Nailers

The cordless ones are those that we have reviewed here today. These models exclude all the hose and compressor things and run completely on batteries. You can carry these wherever you want without being shackled to a hose pipe.

Moreover, the only lacking this type of gun has should be the recharge issue. Once the battery is down and you don’t have any DC power source around, it’s useless until you replace it with a new battery.

Read more: 5 Best Cordless Brad Nailer – You Can Trust

Frequently Asked Questions 

How many nails can a cordless finisher hold?

It depends on the model you are using. Some Finish Nailer comes with a large magazine capacity that can load as many as 100 nails in it. There are a few guns that can load even more. As for the average ones, the number may come down to 50 to 80.

Can I use a Finish Nailer on heavy wood?

By heavy wood, if you mean logs, it would be a difficult task for the device. Usually, carpenters opt for powerful nail guns to put nails through heavy wood like logs and all. But if you’re planning to nail in thick plywood or something similar to that, then it’s going to work anyway.

What size nails to use for framing 2×4?

To frame 2/4, you would need to go for 16d nails. These nails are usually referred to as 16-penny nails in general. Measuring 3 ½ inches, these nails are perfect for a 2X4 nailing job. You can choose between common and sinker nails from the 16-penny nails family according to your needs.

Which is better, straight or angled finish nailer?

It depends on your plan with the nailer. If you are going to nail on straight and open surfaces like open boards, cupboard doors, windows, etc., then using a straight finish nailer can be a good choice.

But if your task involves reaching tight space and narrow areas, an Angled finish nailer may be a better and more suitable choice for you.

Conclusion

Cordless Finish nailers can make your nailing job smoother and faster. If you can figure out the best cordless finish nailer from the market, it’s going to be a hell of a ride for your next nailing tasks.

You can choose any of the five products that we have reviewed here today. In case you need power, you may want to bat your eye on Paslode and Porter-Cable, as these come with great nailing capacity. If you’re going low on your budget, choosing from Ryobi and Craftsman can be an effective choice, too.

But overall, if you’re looking for the most suitable one for all conditions, we would suggest the Porter-Cable 20V for its excellent design and 1000 nailing capacity in one go. If you’re up for more exploring, try keeping our buying guide handy to reach the perfect decision — you will nail it!

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