Read on to learn about the best cordless finish nail guns available on the market to compare and meet your requirements.
Nobody wants to bring out the hose and compressor for minor nailing work, especially when a project nears completion.
Smaller, cordless finish types of nail gun have become quite common and are easily available.
There was a time when these types of nail gun lacked the battery capacity to be of much use. As battery technology has improved, these portable types of nail gun have gradually become more efficient.
They can now do most of the simple nailing work, but they won’t completely replace the inconvenient hose and compressor.
Cordless finish types of nail gun are not all the same. Some of them are fantastic. Others may not be so.
Best Cordless Finish Nail Guns In 2024
1. CRAFTSMAN Cordless Finish Nail Gun – Most Affordable Nailer
2. PORTER-CABLE Cordless Lithium Finish Nailer – Best All-Around Finish Nailer
3. DEWALT DCN660B Cordless Nail Gun – Premium Option
4. Metabo HPT NT65GAQR Angled Finish Nailer
5. BOSTITCH BCN650D1 Angled Finish Nailer
6. Ryobi Cordless Finish Nail Gun P325 One+
7. Paslode Cordless Finish Nail Gun
8. Makita Cordless Finish Nail Gun XNB02Z LXT
Best Cordless Finish Nail Guns Comparison
1. CRAFTSMAN Cordless Finish Nail Gun – Most Affordable Nailer
CRAFTSMAN’s cordless system includes this cordless finish nail gun type kit. It is powered by a 20V battery that is compatible with the CRAFTSMAN line. If you already own other CRAFTSMAN V20 equipment, there’s an even stronger case to be made for this finish nail gun type.
This little nail gun type is quite efficient, despite the fact that it runs entirely on battery power. It has enough power to complete most smaller tasks. It can drive up to 375 nails on a single charge, which should be sufficient for the average DIYer.
Furthermore, since it is compatible with other CRAFTSMAN batteries, you might already have an extra battery lying around.
This gun comes with some unique features. It has a tool-free setting for depth, so you can get started easily. The tip is intended to keep your work from scratching, which is the last thing you want at the end of the job.
The stall settings and tool-free jam make the nail gun type much simpler to use and increase your work productivity, helping you to finish your project quickly.
This nail gun type offers great value for money and is one of the best cordless finish nail guns available on the market.
Benefits
- Cost-effective
- It’s light
- Tool-free adjustment for depth
- Each charge can drive up to 375 nails
Drawbacks
- Includes a small battery
2. PORTER-CABLE Cordless Lithium Finish Nailer – Best All-Around Finish Nailer
For the majority of part-time carpenters and DIY homeowners, PORTER-CABLE Cordless Lithium Finish Nailer has what you need to finish your projects without breaking the bank.
It runs entirely on battery, so there’s no need for a hose or compressor. It’s fairly priced, and you won’t have to buy gas cartridges, so you’ll save costs in the long run.
This small nail gun type has a variety of settings that can all be adjusted without the use of tools. This allows you to set up the finish nailer quickly and easily, increasing the overall efficiency.
Furthermore, this nail gun type was designed to operate in a variety of climatic conditions and has consistent firing capacity in many materials. This finish nailer can function wherever you are or what you are working on.
Its magazine can carry about 100 nails, which is a decent amount. This is about average, so you won’t have to pause quite often to refill the gun.
The best thing about this nail gun type is that the 4 Ah lithium battery will be able to do up to 1,000 nails per charge. This is more compared to the competitors. You might be able to finish your whole project with just one battery using this nailer.
Benefits
- Each magazine can hold 100 nails.
- Each charge can do up to 1,000 nails
- Weighs 6.5 lbs.
- Multiple settings for tool-free use
Drawbacks
- Not well shaped for confined spaces
3. DEWALT DCN660B Cordless Nail Gun – Premium Option
DEWALT is a well-known tool manufacturer and with good reason. All their products are high quality, and the DEWALT DCN660B Finish Nailer is no exception. This nail gun type is among the best available and should meet the needs of the vast majority of users.
It has an integrated LED lighting system that makes it easier to see in dark and crowded spaces.
The nailer runs entirely on batteries, so you won’t have to waste time fiddling with a hose and compressor. It runs on a 20V battery, which is quite efficient for most applications. Another advantage is that this battery is compatible with other DEWALT 20V tools.
This tool’s lightweight design is especially appealing. It’s just 6 pounds in total and can be operated with one hand. This keeps you from getting tired and gives you more options.
The magazine holding capacity is also generous. It has a capacity of 110 nails, which is higher than most other finish types of nail gun available on the market.
Benefits
- 20-volt battery
- LED lighting
- The magazine can hold up to 100 nails
- 20-degree angle
Drawbacks
- Higher priced
4. Metabo HPT NT65GAQR Angled Finish Nailer
This Metabo HPT NT65GAQR Angled Finish Nailer might be just what you are looking for to get the job done. It does not operate entirely on a battery. Instead, a Lithium-Ion battery and a gas fuel rod power it.
This makes it a little more powerful than some other choices, but there isn’t much of a difference. Since these fuel rods can be replenished quickly, you won’t have to wait as long as you would using a compressor. However, it doesn’t come with this gun and costs extra.
If your nose gets jammed, it’s simple to fix it, which will help you work more efficiently.
There’s a low-battery warning light to let you know when your battery is about to run out of charge. This handheld finish nail gun type weighs just 3.21 ounces, which is significantly less than the majority of the competition.
Despite these benefits, the gas and battery combination may not be that appealing. We didn’t think the additional gas rod was necessary because batteries are now strong enough for finish types of nail gun. It’s yet another aspect you’ll have to take into consideration.
Benefits
- Nose clearing is easy.
- It’s light, weighing just 3.21 ounces
Drawbacks
- Nose jams
- Makes use of a battery and gas rod
5. BOSTITCH BCN650D1 Angled Finish Nailer
While the BOSTITCH 20V BCN650D1 Finish Nailer is quite impressive, it’s a higher-priced nailer. Many DIYers at home and even experienced carpenters will be able to use it. However, at about the same cost, you might be able to find an alternative.
Like the rest of the items on this list, it is powered solely by batteries. It works without the use of gas, a compressor, or something else. The brushless motor is efficient enough to drive 1.25 to 2.5-angled finish nails, making it ideal for a wide range of applications.
Since the tip is narrow, it can help with precise application. You’ll be able to get a better line of sight, which isn’t always the case for other versions.
LED lights are included with this finish nailer to help you illuminate dark workplaces. We liked the fact that these lights can also be used for troubleshooting.
Nothing is more aggravating than not being able to find out why your tool isn’t working! This is where these lights come in handy.
Benefits
- Brushless, powerful motor
- LED lighting
- Jam release
Drawbacks
- Sporadic jams
- Higher priced
6. Ryobi Cordless Finish Nail Gun P325 One+
The Ryobi Cordless Finish Nail Gun may not be for everybody. It does have a few good features that we found appealing.
The nailer has a decent LED light when heated, which can be initiated by a second trigger. It also has a low nail indication function to prevent dry firing and causing damage to the workstation.
Some of these functions are not necessary. Although the low nail indication is useful, many of the types of nail gun we tested have built-in systems that prevent them from dry firing.
The LED lighting is not up to par with some of the other nail guns. A number of nailers we looked at earlier have better overall lighting.
We also discovered that this finish nailer was less effective than some of the other choices that we reviewed earlier. Hardwoods are difficult to work with, limiting their use.
Overall, while this nailer isn’t our favorite, it’s a decent choice. There are other alternatives that are less expensive.
Benefits
- Low nail indication
Drawbacks
- Deteriorates easily
- Low power
- Inferior LED lighting
7. Paslode Cordless Finish Nail Gun
There are a lot of things we like about the Paslode Cordless Finish Nail Gun, but there were also a few drawbacks.
The angled magazine allows you to hit tight spaces while also improving your accuracy. This angled magazine is ideal for reaching into the baseboard and trim corners, framing, etc. which can be difficult using other finish types of nail gun.
The nailer is just 4.5 pounds without the battery. It’s light enough that you can comfortably work using one hand. With a single charge, the powerful battery can drive around 12,000 nails.
This is significantly more than those available on the market (and also higher than what most people require). This nailer, however, needs fuel cells to work, so it isn’t entirely battery-powered. These fuel cells are simple to replace, but they come at a price.
This gun is also priced higher compared to the others. The features are useful, but some people may feel that it is not worth the extra cost.
You must also consider the cost of fuel cells, which can quickly add up. Overall, this is a valuable tool for pros, but for most homeowners, it’s a little much.
Benefits
- Magazine is angled
- 12,000 nails with a single charge
Drawbacks
- Higher Priced
- Fuel cells are needed.
8. Makita Cordless Finish Nail Gun XNB02Z LXT
The Makita Cordless Finish Nail Gun isn’t perfect, despite its low price. From 1 to 2.5 inches, it can drive regular 16 gauge straight finish nails. It can work up to 1,000 nails per charge with the right battery.
The battery, however, is not included and must be purchased separately. Since it works on a 5 Ah battery, it would be big and will most likely be more expensive. This increases the total cost of the unit even further.
The height at the center is reduced, allowing you to see what you’re doing a little better. This increases precision and reduces the amount of rework you’ll have to do.
A nice touch is the anti-dry firing system. It keeps you from unintentionally adding blanks to the work surface, which can cause harm.
If the nailer gets jammed, the nose design makes it relatively simple to clear it. There will be no need for additional tools, which is quite efficient.
Even the best nailers jam from time to time. A button for the trigger lock is also included, which is a safety function. Most types of nail gun, however, have this function.
Benefits
- Anti-dry firing system
- Compact centered design
Drawbacks
- Higher price
- Battery needs to be purchased separately
How To Pick The Right Nailer
These small nailers can get expensive. It doesn’t take long once you get started to know there are so many different choices and styles to choose from. It can be difficult to determine which finish nailer suits you the best.
We’ve put together this comprehensive buyer’s guide to assist you. It contains all of the necessary details about cordless nailers.
Finish Nailers: Cordless vs. Pneumatic
Cordless
Cordless finish nailers are becoming quite common these days.
These nailers comprise models that don’t need a hose, compressor, or wall outlet. These are usually battery-operated. However, there are also gas options.
Typically, gas solutions include the purchase of a rod or canister, which must be replaced on a regular basis. You don’t just fill them up with gas like a chainsaw.
Options that are battery or gas-powered function in various ways. A cordless finish nailer can sometimes use both gas and batteries. This is done to extend the life of both the gas and battery.
Although this is useful in several ways, it also means you’ll have to deal with two separate power sources at the same time. You’ll have to remember to buy new gas canisters and charge the battery.
If you’re just a DIYer who uses a finish nailer once in a while, a cordless alternative could be worth the extra cost.
Pneumatic
For a long time, the majority of people used pneumatic nailers. These are less expensive and are powered by a compressor. They usually have more power than the cordless versions.
When using them, however, you must fiddle with a hose and compressor. You’ll also need to buy a hose and compressor, which will increase the cost.
Until recently, most of the finish nailers used to be pneumatic, and everybody had to work around the limitations. Cordless finish nailers, on the other hand, are becoming more common as batteries improve.
Despite technological advances, most professionals will still use a pneumatic nailer because of the lack of time for recharging batteries in between their workdays. Furthermore, pneumatic nailers are less expensive, making it easier to buy a new one if required.
Straight or Angled Finish Nailers
There is no major difference between a straight and an angled finish nailer besides the appearance. Overall, they both perform the same function. Angled guns are easier to use in confined spaces and work best around the corners.
Apart from that minor consideration, both are viable options. We suggest making your decision based on other considerations rather than appearance.
Brad vs Finish Nailers
The distinction between brad nailers and finish nailers is sometimes misunderstood. These tools, however, are quite different, despite the fact that they perform similar tasks.
Finish nail guns use finish nails, while brad nailers uses brad nails. These nails are not interchangeable. It can jam or break the gun if you use the wrong nail.
Steel wire of gauge size 18, is used to make brad nails. The gauge of a nail is a measurement of its thickness. The thicker the nail, the lower the number.
Brad nails can be fragile as indicated by the higher number. They’re commonly used on lighter materials to prevent cracking them because of their size. They blend in nicely and their appearance allows many DIYers and professionals to use them for woodworking jobs.
Brad nails are also ideal for use with thin surfaces, such as plywood. It’s possible that they won’t be able to get through the thicker material.
In most cases, finish nails are made with 16-gauge size wire, while 15-gauge steel wire is also used. The majority of the finish nailers are limited to using 16 gauge nails.
The diameter of these nails is more than that of brad nails. They’re great for heavy-duty jobs like installing baseboards and trims, framing, or putting cabinets together.
They normally leave a hole behind because of their size. To cover these gaps and make the work look clean and tidy, you’ll need to use a filler in most cases.
Other Factors To Consider When Selecting A Finish Nailer
When selecting a finish nailer, there are a few factors to consider. After you’ve decided whether or not you need a cordless nailer, keep an eye out for these items while you’re out shopping:
- Finish nailers are safe to use. You don’t want them to be any riskier than they need to be. To prevent accidental damage and injury, most nailers have a number of safety features. However, before making a purchase, you can double-check these functionalities.
- The cost of the nailer would be an important consideration for most users. You’re probably on a budget. As a result, your choices will be limited. You should also consider the price. Spend more only if you get more features or better value in return.
- Using a finish nailer does not have to be uneasy. You can choose a lightweight alternative that will be more comfortable.
Final Thoughts
If you’re building cabinets, working with baseboards, or doing something else that needs 16 gauge size nails, finish nailers are a fantastic tool to have on hand.
We hope that this article was helpful in breaking down the factors that go into selecting the best cordless finish nail guns for your job.
PORTER-CABLE Cordless Lithium Finish Nailer is the best choice for the majority of people. It is reasonably priced and provides sufficient power for most tasks. It can do around 1,000 nails on a single charge, which is more than enough for most people.
If you’re on a tight budget, the CRAFTSMAN Cordless Finish Nail Gun Kit is a good alternative. It’s a little less expensive, but it still has all the features you’ll need to get the project done.