If you are a professional builder or into DIY building projects, you must know how incredibly easy it is to get your work done with a good-quality cordless framing nailer. Since the invention of framing nailers, they have become increasingly popular and replaced conventional hammers.
This is because they are powerful tools that require much less effort and reduce the chances of accidents when used correctly.
If this is your first time shopping for or using a framing nailer, there are a few things you need to understand. You should understand what a framing nailer is, how it is used, and the different brands and models available on the market.
Luckily, in this article, we have provided you with enough information to make your search for the best cordless framing nailer less stressful.
The 7 Best Cordless Framing Nailers Are Reviewed Below
Here is a review on the seven best cordless framing nailers available on the market, along with their key features and specification.
1
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Framing Nailer DCN692B
The DEWALT MAX XR Framing Nailer is a cordless framing nailer equipped with a dual-speed motor that has been optimized to drive a wide range of fasteners into any type of wood. It is designed for optimum mobility and versatility. It has a large capacity magazine angle at 33 degrees and can occupy about 55 paper-collated nails.
This nail gun features a tool-free switch that allows you to select between sequential or bump-fire trigger modes. It has a straightforward adjustment dial that allows you to modify the depth of the nail for a more precise ail placement. In case of jams, this framing nailer features a stall-release lever that reset the driver blade.
The nose piece is also easily accessible and makes it much easier to clear jams. It also features an adjustable rafter hook and dry fire lock-out that prevents the nail gun from firing when the nails are low. It works with fasteners of about 3 ½ inches and can drive them into dense lumber with ease.
Key Features:
- Dual speed motor
- Tool-free selector switch
- Sequential or bump fire mode
- Tool-free depth adjustment
- Dry firelock
- 33-degree magazine
- 55 paper collated nails capacity
- 3 ½ inch fasteners
- 3 years warranty
Specification:
- Brand: DEWALT
- Model: DEWALT 20V MAX XR Framing Nailer
- Dimension: 15.25 x 5.88 x 13.25 inches
- Weight: 8 pounds
- Part Number: DCN692B
- Power Source: Battery-powered
- Style: 20V Framing Nailer
Pros
- Works with a powerful dual-speed motor
- Has a straightforward nail depth adjustment control
- Lightweight and well balanced
- Dual trigger mode
Cons
- Battery is a bit difficult to remove
2
Metabo NR1890DRS HPT Cordless Framing Nailer
The Metabo NR1890DRS HPT Cordless Framing Nailer is a high-quality nailer that runs on a 3.0Ah Lithium-ion that produces a pneumatic power of about 18 volts. It is compatible with a round head, and 21-degree plastic strip nails of about 2 to 3 ½ inches.
It features a string Li-ion battery that has enough power to drive 400 nails on a single charge. The efficiency of this nail gun is improved by its tool-less depth drive adjustment that allows you to adjust the depth of each nail for a professional finish.
This nail gun works with an advanced air spring drive technology that produces almost as much driving power as a pneumatic nailer. It can be used for all types of tasks but is best used for punch-out work on a job site. It offers maximum motility and portability s it doesn’t need a hose or tank to work.
Transitioning between sequential and bump fire mode is very straightforward with its easily accessible actuation on the control panel. With this Metabo cordless framing nailer, you’ll enjoy maximum durability, longer run time, and less maintenance.
Key Features:
- 3.0Ah Lithium-ion battery
- 18 volts power
- 21-degree round head nails
- 400 nails per charge
- Air spring drive system
- Easy actuation switch
- Zero ramp-up
- Brushless motor
Specification:
- Brand: Koki Holdings America, Ltd
- Model: Metabo NR1890DRS HPT Cordless Framing Nailer
- Part Number: NR1890DRSM
- Dimension: 13.5 x 5.38 x 13.5 inches
- Weight: 10.1 pounds
- Material: Stainless Steel
Pros
- Offers maximum durability and speed
- Easy switch between sequential and bump-fire trigger
- Battery has a longer run time
Cons
- Reloading the magazine is difficult
3
BOSTITCH Cordless Framing Nailer
The BOSTITCH Cordless Framing Nailer is a high-power 20V framing nailer equipped with a tool-free selector dial that allows you to switch easily between the sequential and contact-actuation modes. It runs on a powerful brushless motor that works just as incredibly as the pneumatic nailer. It features two speeds for improved performance and drives 3 ½-inch fasteners into a different type of lumber.
This framing nailer is most compatible with full roundhead and clipped nails. Its magazine is angled towards 30 – 34 degrees, and it features a stall-release lever that resets the blade in case of jams. It features a tool-less depth of drive adjustment control that allows you to adjust the depth of each nail and a rafter hook. It provides increased versatility, maximum portability and is lightweight.
Key Features:
- Firing mode selector switch
- Brushless motor
- 30 – 34 degree magazine
- 3 ½ full round head and clipped fasteners
- Two speeds
- Stall-release lever
Specification:
- Brand: BOSTITCH
- Model: BOSTITCH Cordless Framing Nailer
- Item model number: BCF30PTB
- Dimension: 14 x 13.4 x 4 inches
- Weight: 8.1 pounds
- Voltage: 20 volts
Pros
- Saves time and money
- Drives up to 1200 nails per charge
- Compatible with both clipped and round head nails
- Features stall-release lever to clear jams easily
Cons
- Not best for larger projects
4
Hitachi NR1890DR 18V Cordless Brushless Framing Nailer
The Hitachi NR1890DR 18V Cordless Framing Nailer is a unique framing nailer designed with a one-of-a-kind air spring drive system that works with compressed air to push each nail into lumber. This air spring system produces increased driving speed and zero ramp-up time when working with the tool.
It is equipped with a brushless motor that provides a longer run-time per charge.
This framing nailer offers you maximum mobility; it is also durable and requires less maintenance. It works with a 3.0Ah Lithium-ion battery that is shorter and much lighter than the conventional battery. This makes the nail gun lightweight and portable.
It features a selective actuation that allows you to transition m between bump-fire and sequential mode to boost your efficiency when working. It features a 21-degree magazine that can handle about 40 collated fasteners of sizes ranging between inches to 3 ½ inches.
This cordless framing nailer has a powerful 3.0Ah that can drive as many as 400 nails on a single charge. The driving depth of each nail can be adjusted with its tool-less adjustment drive. It also features a fire lock-out system that prevents the nail gin from driving when nails are low. This nail gun shuts off after 30 minutes of inactivity and has a side lock preventing it from discharging when it’s inactive.
Key Features:
- 3.0Ah battery
- 21° magazine
- 37 plastic strip fasteners
- Air Spring Drive System
- Selective actuation
- 400 nails per charge
- Depth of drive adjustment
Specification:
- Brand: Koki Holdings America, Ltd
- Model: Hitachi NR1890DR 18V Cordless Brushless Framing Nailer
- Dimension: 13.5 x 5.38 x 13.5 inches
- Weight: 10.1
- Material: Metal
Pros
- Heavy-duty brushless motor
- Has dual actuation modes
- Features a side lock trigger switch for safety
- Nailer shuts off automatically after 30 minutes
Cons
- Magazine can only handle 37 nails
- Battery has a short run time
5
MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL 2745-20 Framing Nailer
The MILWAUKEE 2745-20 Cordless Framing Nailer is a powerful 30-degree framing nailer. It works with a Nitrogen spring system and high-power brushless motor. It offers maximum convenience and portability with a power output similar to pneumatic nailers.
It has enough power to drive full roundhead nails into dense lumbers and works with a tool-free depth adjustment that lets you control the depth of each nail. It can be used for any type of project and also best at working in tight spaces. It saves you time by shooting a maximum of 3 nails per second with no ramp-up time; this means a nail is fired as soon as you pull the trigger.
This cordless framing nailer only works with REDLITHIUM batteries from Milwaukee, and it has to be bought separately. It works with sealed, compressed nitrogen that provides the driving force to push the nails into the building material. It helps to save costs by eliminating the cost of maintenance and gas cartridges. It also has a built-in LED that brightens your work area and makes it easier to work in corners.
Key Features:
- Zero ramp up time
- Tool-free drive depth adjustment
- Sequential and contact firing modes
- Dry fire lock-out
- Rafter hook
Specification:
- Brand: MILWAUKEE’S
- Model: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL 2745-20 Framing Nailer
- Item model number: 2745-20
- Dimension: 15.83 x 13.89 x 7.44 inches
- Weight: 10.12 pounds
Pros
- Delivers same power as a pneumatic nailer
- Zero ramp up time
- Electric switch to for change of firing mode is conveniently positioned
- Features built-in LED
Cons
- Has a plastic build-up
6
DEWALT DCN21PLB 20V MAX Framing Nailer
The DEWALT DCN21PLB Cordless Framing nailer is a high-power framing nailer that runs on a dual-speed motor that has been modified to drive different types of fasteners. It provides the user with increased versatility and freedom of movement. It features a tool-free selector switch that allows you to easily switch between sequential and bump-fire modes.
Its depth adjustment dial helps control the depth of each nail, giving your work a professional finish. Its aluminum magazine is very strong and features an operator pusher latch that is easy to operate. It features a stall-release lever that resets the blade in case of jams and an adjustable rafter hook to improve the tool’s efficiency. Its nose piece is conveniently placed and easily accessible, making it easier to remove jammed nails.
This DEWALT framing nailer has a 21-degree magazine that can hold up to 49 plastic collated nails. It is capable of driving 0.0148-inch nails into dense lumber and has a dry fire lock-out system that stops the tool from firing when the nails are low.
Key Features:
- Dual-speed motor
- Tool-free selector switch
- Depth drive adjustment
- Aluminum magazine
- Operator pusher hook
- 21-degree magazine
- 49 plastic collated nails
- 0.0148-inch nails
- 900 nails per charge
Specification:
- Brand: DEWALT
- Model: DEWALT DCN21PLB 20V MAX Framing Nailer
- Part Number: DCN21PLB
- Dimension: 10.38 pounds
- Weight: 18 x 17.5 x 5.8 inches
Pros
- Has a sturdy magazine that holds up to 49 nails
- East to operate
- Nose piece is easily accessible for clearing jams
- Drives 900 nails per charge
Cons
- Doesn’t work well in cold weather
7
SENCO F-35XP Cordless Framing Nailer
The SENCO F-35XP Cordless Framing Nailer runs on a brushless motor powered by an 18V lithium-ion battery. It produces enough power to drive different types of nails into dense lumber. It works with an integrated fusion system that uses compressed nitrogen to drive nails rather than compressed air or fuel cells.
The compressed air is sealed in the nailer and repeatedly pressurized to produce the force needed to drive each nail into the material.
Its magazine is angled between 30 – 34 degrees and compatible with 2 – 3 ½ inches of paper-tape framing nails. It works with a fusion cordless air-power technology that produces the same performance as a pneumatic nailer with zero ramp-up time.
This nail gun features a pressure relief valve and a refillable airport making it very easy to clean and maintain. It has a tool-free drive depth adjustment dial and a rafter hook for increased versatility.
Key Features:
- 18V lithium-ion battery
- Fusion cordless air-power tech
- 2 – 3 ½ inch nails
- 30 – 34 degree magazine
- Pressure relief valve
- Rafter hook
Specification:
- Brand: SENCO
- Model: SENCO F-35XP Cordless Framing Nailer
- Part number: 10G0001N
- Dimension: 14 x 5.5 x 14.4 inches
- Weight: 19.71 pounds
Pros
- Fusion cordless air-power technology for solid performance
- Easy to clear jams
- Dry fire lock-out system
- Has zero ramp up time
Cons
- Very expensive
Framing Nailer
Framing Nailer, also known as a framing nail gun or framing gun, is a heavy-duty power tool popularly used at building sites. It’s used to handle larger projects that require large-sized nails of about 1 ¼ – 3 ½ inches to be driven into thick or heavy materials. They are mostly used in building projects that include building a house or a room from scratch. There are three types of framing nailers, pneumatic, cordless, and gas-powered framing nailers.
The pneumatic framing nailer is the most common and powerful type of nail gun. It operates with an air compressor that pumps compressed air, creating a heavy driving force to push the nail out of the gun and into the material. It connects to the air compressor via a hose.
The gas-powered framing nailer is not as common as the other two. It works with a built-in gas cartridge that needs to be ignited by an electric jolt to push nails into lumber. They were quite popular before the invention of cordless framing nailers, which are much easier to use.
Cordless framing nailers rely on rechargeable batteries, gas, or both to operate. They are not connected to cords or hose, making them more motile and easy to use. Asides from the extra weight added by the batteries, cordless nailers are very convenient.
What is a Cordless Framing Nailer?
As earlier stated, cordless framing nailers are self-driven power tools that require batteries and/or gas to operate. There are two types of cordless framing nailers; there’s electric-driven and Fuel-driven cordless framing nailers.
Benefits of Using a Cordless Framing Nailer
- Provides you with enough freedom to move and work in tiny spaces without obstructions from wires, hose, or a compressor
- Unlike the pneumatic framing nailer, the cordless framing nailer does not emit disturbing noises because there are no sounds from an air compressor.
- Requires less maintenance; all it needs are fully charged batteries.
- Provides enough equilibrium and stability when working at different angles and heights.
Nail Gun Safety Tips
A nail gun is a powerful tool and can cause severe injuries if misused. To avoid these injuries, the safety precautions below need to be strictly adhered to.
- Read the instruction manual before using the nail gun and follow every instruction proposed by the manufacturer.
- Wear the appropriate protective gear when using the gun to avoid injury. These include eyeglasses or shields, gloves, boots, helmets.
- Ensure your fingers are away from the trigger when you’re not shooting a nail
- Do not attempt to modify or alter a safety feature
- Ensure the gun is disconnected before clearing jams or performing maintenance checks.
Buyer’s Guide – Best Cordless Framing Nailer
Electric-driven Cordless Framing Nailer
Electric-driven cordless framing nailers work with an electric motor that transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy that drives nails from the nail gun into the material. It works with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries capable of shooting up to 700 nails in a single charge and takes less than an hour to be fully charged. The only limitation is the battery charge; however, you can avoid this by purchasing an extra battery, so your work time is not interrupted.
Fuel-driven Cordless Framing Nailer
Fuel-driven cordless framing nailers are the most common of the two and are widely used. Its mode of operation is quite similar to pneumatic nailers. They are powered by fuel that contains propane or butane in conjunction with a small-sized battery.
It has a compressed chamber or canister for gas and a small, powerful battery that ignites the combustion process that helps shoot nails. It is much more powerful than the electric-driven type but a bit expensive to maintain.
Factors to Note Before Buying a Cordless Framing Nailer
Different Types of Trigger Mode
The trigger method explains the mode or method of firing nails into the material. Most framing nailers offer two types of trigger methods; contact and sequential firing methods. Choosing between these two methods of firing depends on the user’s preference and versatility.
Contact or Bump Firing Method
Contact trigger, also known as bump firing, is mostly used in large-scale projects where efficiency and speed are needed rather than precision. To discharge a nail with this type of actuation mode, you need to squeeze the trigger and press or “bump” the safety tip of the nailer against your work surface.
This type of firing is very rapid and is best used on a flat or horizontal surface. However, the nail gun creates a recoil bounce after firing, which makes it fatiguing and unsafe. If you plan to use this triggering method, you should provide enough force to keep the nail gun from bouncing far backward.
Sequential Firing Method
This mode of firing is much slower and safer than the contact firing method. When using this actuation method, you need to press the safety tip against the work surface and then pull the trigger to fire a gun. To discharge another nail, you have to release the trigger and lift the tip from the work surface. This method is much slower but also more precise and safer than the contact firing method.
Magazine Type or Angle
Framing nailers come positioned at different angles; each angle works with a specific type of nail to increase its efficiency and accuracy. Framing nailer magazines are usually angled at 21°, 28°, and 30°; these magazine angles determine the type of nails to load into the nail gun.
21° framing nailers are designed with stick magazines angled between 20° to 22°. These nailers work best with plastic-collated nails and are perfect for working in tight spaces. It has a small capacity of about 60 – 70 nails, so if you are working on a large project, you will need to reload the nail gun very frequently.
28° framing nailers, on the other hand, use smaller-sized nails with clipped heads; some work with oddest or round head fasteners as well. The 30° framing nailers are best used when working in tight corners and spaces. Their magazines are angled between 30° to 34° making them easier to fit into smaller spaces. They have a large capacity magazine making your work much faster.
Design and Ergonomics
When shopping for a cordless framing nailer, the design or build-up of the nailer is an important factor to put into mind. Cordless framing nailers are usually designed to be compact and easy to handle for a long period. Their compact sizes improve their maneuverability, making it easier to work in tight corners as opposed to pneumatic framing nailers. Cordless framing nailers are also easier to transport from one work location to the other. They don’t include wires, hoses, or heavy compressors to function. The only downside to this type of framing nailer is the extra weight added by the battery; this makes it a bit difficult to handle for a longer period. Luckily, some framing nailers have ergonomic designs that make them much easier to operate with little to no muscle tiredness or fatigue.
Shopping for a cordless nail gun is a bit stressful because of the variety of brands available on the market. This wide variety makes it a bit difficult to choose the best one for your tasks, especially if this is your first time working with a cordless framing nailer. To make your search easier, we have put together a review of the seven best cordless framing nailers available on the market. We have also included answers to a few FAQs to make your search easy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are answers to some of the FAQs on cordless framing nailers and their features.
Are battery framing nailers any good?
Battery Cordless framing nailers are very portable and provide you with increased durability and motility. The best battery or cordless framing nailer from our outline is the DEWALT 20V MAX XR Framing Nailer is a cordless framing nailer equipped with a dual-speed motor that has been optimized to drive in a wide range of fasteners into any type of wood. It is designed for optimum mobility and versatility.
It has a large capacity magazine angle at 33 degrees and can occupy about 55 paper-collated nails. It features a tool-free switch that allows you to select between sequential or bump-fire trigger modes.
What’s better than a 21 or 30 degree framing nailer?
21° framing nailers feature stick magazines angled between 20° to 22°. They are designed to work with plastic-collated nails and can accommodate about 60 – 70 nails. The 30° framing nailer, on the other hand, has a larger magazine capacity. Its magazine is angled between 30° to 34° making it better at working in tight spaces than the 21° framing nailer. The 30° nailer is also more compact and holds more nails than the 21° version.
Are cordless framing nailers worth it?
Cordless framing nailers provide more versatility and motility when compared to the other types of framing nailers. Their magazines are angled at varying angles allowing you to select the best fit for the job at hand. Some of the benefits of cordless framing nailers are
- It provides you with enough freedom to move and work in tiny spaces without obstructions from wires, hose, or a compressor
- Unlike the pneumatic framing nailer, the cordless framing nailer does not emit disturbing noises because there are no sounds from an air compressor.
- It requires less maintenance; all it needs are fully charged batteries.
- It provides enough equilibrium and stability when working at different angles and heights.
Which Dewalt cordless framing nailer is best?
The best Dewalt cordless framing nailer from our review is the DEWALT 20V MAX XR Framing Nailer is a cordless framing nailer equipped with a dual-speed motor that has been optimized to drive in a wide range of fasteners into any type of wood.
It is designed for optimum mobility and versatility. It has a large capacity magazine angle at 33 degrees and can occupy about 55 paper-collated nails. It has a straightforward adjustment dial that allows you to modify the depth of the nail for a more precise ail placement. In case of jams, this framing nailer features a stall-release lever that reset the driver blade.
Are Harbor Freight nail guns any good?
Harbor Freight nail guns are very powerful and made from high-quality material. The feature is a quick-release system that reduces the user’s work effort. They also come with a 360-degree rotating debris remover that keeps your workspace clean. Its aluminum build-up makes it lightweight and easy to carry around without getting fatigued.
Is the Milwaukee framing nailer worth it?
The MILWAUKEE 2745-20 Cordless Framing Nailer is a powerful 30-degree framing nailer. It works with a Nitrogen spring system and high-power brushless motor. It offers maximum convenience and portability with a power output similar to pneumatic nailers.
It works with a tool-free depth adjustment that lets you control the depth of each nail. It can be used for any type of project and is also best at working in tight spaces. It also saves you time by shooting a maximum of 3 nails per second with no ramp-up time; this means a nail is fired as soon as you pull the trigger.
What is the best size nail for framing?
Nail size is one of the most important things to note when framing. The wrong size of nails would be difficult to drive into the material and may damage the material. The most appropriate nail size for framing is 3 ½ inches nails, also called 16-d nails.
Which is a better pneumatic or cordless nailer?
Pneumatic nailers work with a hose connected to an air compressor. This makes it not as mobile as the cordless nailers, which work with a rechargeable battery. The pneumatic nailer is much cheaper, but it makes more noise due to the compressing action.
If you want to work noise-free and have more freedom to move around, you should opt for the cordless nailer. The only disadvantage is the extra weight added by the battery.
How long do Cordless Nailers last?
The lifespan of cordless nailers depends on the batteries. Typically, a battery for any cordless tool, including a cordless nailer, lasts for approximately three years or 1000 charge cycles.
Are battery-powered brad nailers good?
The main difference between a brad nailer and a finish nailer is the size of nails they drive. Brad nailers drive smaller-sized 18 gauge nails, while finish nailers work with 16 gauge or 15 gauge nails.
Conclusion
A Cordless framing nail gun is a very important tool when fixing up the interiors of a house or building a new room from scratch. Shopping for a cordless framing nailer could be difficult due to the different brands available on the market. This review on the 7 best cordless framing nailers has been created to make your search easier and help choose the best suited cordless framing nailer for your project.
We hope that this article was helpful. Do tell us about your thoughts on the Nail guns, in the comments section below.
Also, read
