
It’s an undisputed fact that nail guns are one of the most versatile and manoeuvrable tools available. This is especially true if you’ve done or seen someone complete a remodelling or DIY crafting project. While all of that is true, how can one determine which is the best nail gun for woodworking? Well, fear not, for we have got your back.
In this post, we discuss our top five contenders for the title of best woodworking nailer. Furthermore, each one comes with an in-depth review to help you decide if it’s worth your hard-earned cash. Thus, let’s jump right in!
Quick Overview
- 1 Our Top 5 Best Nail Gun for Woodworking
- 2 Buying Guide
- 3 A Word From Us
Our Top 5 Best Nail Gun for Woodworking
Bostitch BTFP12233 Brad Nail Gun – Using this nail gun for your DIY projects is going to benefit you in uncountable ways. It’s also great for wood artisans who don’t like to deal with oil-based tools.
CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Brad Nailer Kit’s CMCN618C1 – This is hands down the best nail gun for woodworking, in our opinion. And it’s also an excellent device for trimming.
Paslode 902400 Cordless Finish Nailer – If you’re someone working in a workshop or get handed tasks regarding crown mouldings or baseboards, this is the nailer you should get.
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Brad Nailer Kit’s DCN680D1 – This is ideal for people involved in the framing business. In addition, it’s also great for those who prefer a battery-powered model for framing.
Makita AF635 15 Gauge, 2-1/2″ Angled Finish Nailer – People working in the light-duty sector of the carpentry world have a special place for this nail gun in their hearts. Thus, it’s great for giving a smooth finish to the working surface.
Bostitch BTFP12233 Brad Nail Gun
Top Specs
- Weight: 5.16lbs
- Dimensions: 12.2 x 11.7 x 4.5 inches
- Power Source: Air Powered
- Voltage: 110V
Our Analysis
Bostitch is a well-known and well-known name when it comes to hardware such as nailers and compressors. As a result, none of the company’s products will ever fail to meet the expectations of its customers. Hence, you may anticipate that the BTFP122333 will exceed your expectations. There are several reasons for this, one of which being its capacity to drive 18 gauge nails to a depth of ⅝”-2-⅛”.
When compared to other brad nailers, the BTFP12233’s smaller snout and smart-point technology make it much easier to place nails. The icing on the cake is that the device works even if you don’t press down on the contact spot! That’s just a nice way of saying we have nail guns designed specifically for crafting. Furthermore, the device’s oil-free feature significantly reduces the number of oil stains.
As if these features weren’t enough, Bostitch decided to take things even further! It has a rear exhaust fan that keeps any particles from getting into your eyes. The device’s outstanding Dial-A depth control, on the other hand, enables you to make exact countersinks for the 18 gauge brad nails. In addition, the customisable trigger mechanism allows you to switch between sequential and contact fire mode.
- Lightweight
- Cheap
- Tool-free jam release
- Smart-point technology
- Dial-A depth control
- Requires air compressor
- Depth control may malfunction
CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Brad Nailer Kit’s CMCN618C1
Top Specs
- Weight: 7.64lbs
- Dimensions:13.37 x 4.49 x 11.49 inches
- Power-Source: Battery-Powered
- Voltage: 20V
Our Analysis
To be honest, when we were given a chance to test CRAFTSMAN’s CMCN618C1 brad nailer, we were overjoyed. That’s because we’re well-versed in CRAFTSMAN’s accomplishments and how they’ve shaped the industry over time. Therefore, you’d expect the CMCN18C1 to possess all the features of a brad nailer, but at a higher level. In fact, the idea of it being entirely powered by a battery seemed highly appealing to us.
Furthermore, this incredible piece of equipment can fire up to 420 2″ nails on a single charge! Plus, you won’t have to worry about your nails jamming or your device slowing down. That’s because the anti-stall mechanism and the innovative tool-less jam release have you covered. Apart from that, the CMCN618C1 drives 18 gauge finish nails with ease. Considering everything, this tool has all the traits of being the best battery-powered nail gun for trim.
Perhaps you’ll be relieved to learn that the device’s contoured-over moulded grip provides the most comfort. It’s also easy to stow and access, thanks to the built-in belt hook. You can easily grasp it in your hands because of its lightweight and low centre of gravity as well. However, when you examine the features CMCN618C1 offers in contrast to its pricing, it’s only a matter of time before it becomes a fan favourite nail gun for the money.
- Lightweight
- Belt hook
- Ideal centre of gravity
- Anti-stall mechanism
- Tool-free jam release
- May indicate wrong battery percentage
- Might malfunction
Paslode 902400 Cordless Finish Nailer
Top Specs
- Weight: 4.5lbs
- Dimensions: 11.25 x 12 x 3.5 inches
- Power Source: Battery-Powered
- Voltage: 7.4V
Our Analysis
Although the Paslode 902400 Cordless Finish Nailer’s price tag may overwhelm you, give us a chance to explain why it’s worth the money. For starters, the angled magazine enables you to pin tight and hard-to-locate spots. At the same time, this enables you to place nails precisely. Thus, you’re going to be thanking yourself for getting the 902400 if you deal with tasks involving crown mouldings or baseboards.
If you thought that’s the only unique feature about the Paslode 902400, think again. That’s because we are yet to tell you about its exceptionally good battery backup. Equipped with 7.4V Li-ion, the tool can quickly launch up to 12,000 16 gauge galvanised nails per charge! This massively reduces downtime. On the other hand, a fuel cell also powers this nailer, and thanks to the lower downtime, you’ll have enough fuel to last a full day.
Oh, and it only weighs 4.5lbs! Yes, you heard that right; the 902400 is very comfortable on your fingers, and it’s simple to control. And the crux of the biscuit is that its no-mar tip retains the working surface from inflicting any scratches or markings. However, that’s nothing in comparison to its ability to drive nail flush each time! So there you have it, a highly adaptable nailer worthy of receiving the title of the ‘ideal cordless quarter round nailer.’
- Relatively light
- Great battery backup
- Versatile
- No-mar tip
- Angled magazine
- Nails may jam
- It’s deafening
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Brad Nailer Kit’s DCN680D1
Top Specs
- Weight: 5lbs
- Dimensions: 18.72 x 11.11 x 6.36 inches
- Power Source: Battery-powered
- Voltage: 20V
Our Analysis
In the carpentry sector, DeWalt is a well-known and well-established name. Thus, we were excited to get our hands on the DEWALT DCN680D1 20V MAX Cordless Brad Nailer Kit. And trust us when we say that this cordless framing nail gun exceeds our expectations. This excellent tool can only deliver the highest degree of efficiency and performance thanks to its brushless motor.
Oh, and did you know that the DCN680D1 is completely battery-powered? At the same time, the brushless motor is powered by this Li-ion battery, which increases the electrical nailer’s durability and runtime. However, one feature, in particular, has piqued our interest: the brad nailer’s tiny nose. It is important to the device’s functionality, as amusing as it may appear.
Because of the brad nailer’s tiny snout, it has a better line of vision and precision when driving in nails. Furthermore, the device’s tool-free anti-stall release lever prevents stalling by resetting the activator blade. DeWalt also considered the convenience of their customers and provided an adjustable belt hook! Finally, there’s no reason why the DCN680D1 can’t be the best nail gun in the market.
- Durable
- Tiny nose for precision
- Anti-stall release lever
- Long-lasting
- Changeable belt hook
- Relatively heavy
- Difficult to put in the battery
Makita AF635 15 Gauge, 2-1/2″ Angled Finish Nailer
Top Specs
- Weight: 4lbs
- Dimensions: 5.7 x 15.8 x 15.6 inches
- Power Source: Air-Powered
- Voltage: N/A
Our Analysis
Weighing a little less than 4lbs, the Makita AF635 15 Gauge, 2-1/2″ Angled Finish Nailer’s lightweight design makes it extremely easy to use. And how a huge nail gun of this calibre could be so light still perplexes us. In addition to its amazing manoeuvrability, driving in 15 gauge angled finish nails of 1-¼”-2-½” is a piece of cake for this amazing tool.
Apart from this, the AF635’s magnesium body combined with the aluminium magazine and cylinder intensifies its sturdiness! Amazing. Moreover, you can make accurate countersinks and flushes by utilising its tool-free depth adjustment. Oh, and did we tell you about the gadget’s 2-mode selector switch for altering the nailing process? Well, now you know. If everything goes according to Makita’s plans, you’ll soon know AF635 is the ideal nailer for finishing.
On the other hand, you’d surely be surprised to know that the nailer consists of a dry-fire lock mechanism. This is to protect you(the user) from hurting yourself or damaging the working surface. Additionally, you don’t even have to worry about cleaning the working surface continuously; you’ve got the built-in air duster to do that for you. Lastly, the AF635’s powerful and efficient motor is going to provide you with the performance you deserve!
- Lightweight
- Sturdy
- Magnesium based body
- Dry-fire lock mechanism
- Built-in air duster
- Air may leak through the head
Buying Guide
Since you’ve read up until now, we are assuming that you must consider a nail gun as a desirable tool to have in your arsenal. However, we are aware of the fact that looking for the ideal nail gun can be quite tough. Therefore, we have highlighted some of the main aspects to look into to ease your burden-
Nail Gun Type
The type of nailer you wish to employ is the first and most important consideration. This is due to the architecture of the nail gun, which allows it to execute a certain duty. A roofing nailer- like the name implies- discharges roofing nails with a large force and is easy to use. On the other hand, framing nail guns come into action during serious heavy-duty tasks. That’s because they can drive 2.8mm nails into literally any type of wood.
Then there are the finish nailers, which are dependable kind of nail guns. Despite its lack of ferocity in comparison to its framing counterparts, its qualities make it ideal for smoothing wood surfaces. Apart from that, there are brad nailers, which are a different form of the pneumatic nailer. And they are quite effective when it comes to woodwork.
Source of Power
We know what you’re thinking. How does the power source play a role in what type of nailer you should get? Well, a nail gun can be corded or cordless, depending on the type of work you do. However, there are really two possibilities when you think about it. You can either get a pneumatic model or a battery-powered one.
A battery-operated nail gun is far more effective than a pneumatic nail gun, but it is also much more expensive. With a single charge, they can easily launch a record number of 400-1600 nails. On the other hand, a pneumatic nailer necessitates the use of an air compressor, which limits their mobility. However, as long as you keep it connected and equip it with magazines, it will shoot nails.
Nail Magazine
Now that we’re on the topic of nail magazines let’s see how it influences the purchase of a nail gun. Firstly, there are only two types of magazines for a nail gun: straight and coil. While the straight one’s lightweight nature may seem appealing, the coil ones have a greater housing capacity.
Thus, getting a nail gun with a coiled magazine seems ideal for extensive work. Oh, and please make sure the magazine’s angle is the same as the nailer’s. It’s quite vital to know what type of magazine is applicable to the model you’re buying.
A Word From Us
That’s about everything you need to know from us. We’re hoping you have been enlightened enough to figure out which is the best nail gun for woodworking for you. However, if you still can’t make up your mind, we suggest getting the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Brad Nailer Kit’s CMCN618C1. Firing up to 420 nails on a single charge isn’t usual.
Nonetheless, we genuinely appreciate you for putting in your time and effort into our post to know about the best woodworking nailers. Thus, the next time someone struggles to find a nail gun for woodworking, you’ll know exactly how to help. Thank you, and have a great time wooding!
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