Finish Nailers
Finish Nailers Compared: Cordless and Pneumatic
This finish nailer lineup spans Milwaukee, DeWALT, Makita, Grex, Bostitch, and Metabo HPT. Cordless options include the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 15 and 16 gauge angled nailers and M18 straight 16 gauge, DeWALT 20V MAX models such as the DCN650 and DCN662, Makita 18V LXT nailers, and the Metabo HPT 18V MultiVolt. Pneumatic picks include the Makita AF635 and AF601, the DeWALT D51257K, the Grex 1664 and AF64, and Bostitch 15 gauge nailers.
What to Look For
- 15 or 16 gauge. Thicker 15 gauge nails suit door jambs and heavy casing. 16 gauge is the common choice for baseboard and standard trim.
- Magazine style. Angled nailers fit into corners and use angled strips. Match the collation listed for the tool, such as 34-degree or DA style.
- Power source. Cordless saves setup time. Pneumatic tools are lighter in hand if you already run a compressor.
- Platform. Buy tool-only if you already own M18, 20V MAX, or 18V LXT batteries.
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Finish Nailers FAQ
Finish nailer or brad nailer?
A finish nailer drives 15 or 16 gauge nails that hold casing, jambs, and baseboard. An 18 gauge brad nailer leaves a smaller hole and is better for thin trim, cove, and small moldings. Many trim carpenters own both.
Do angled and straight nailers use the same nails?
No. Angled nailers take angled strips, and straight nailers take straight strips. Even within angled nails, the collation angle must match the tool, so check before you buy a box.