A cordless finish nailer is more convenient and saves time compared to a corded or pneumatic nailer. Of the finish nailers available, a 16-gauge cordless finish nailer seems to be the most popular cordless finish nail gun.
A cordless finish nailer is like a nailer in that it also uses large gauge nails and can be commonly found in finish carpenters and cabinet makers’ tool kits. The difference is in the size of the nails. Finish nailers use larger nails than nailers.
If you frequently work on projects where you have to nail crown molding, baseboards, cabinets, chair rail trim, wood furniture, paneling, shelving, framing, window trim, door trim, wood flooring, millwork, and decorative trim larger, a cordless model will get the job done faster and make your work life a lot easier.
Finishing nails are generally longer and larger than brad nails, but still create a small enough hole that they can be easily hidden with putty and then painted after nailing is complete.
What are some of the features to look out for when considering a cordless finish nailer?
Size and weight
Finishing the job is usually an all-day job over several days. That means you have to hold your electric nail gun in your hand for extended periods of time. A cordless model doesn’t have a cable or attached pneumatic hose that you have to drag and manage. That reduces stress on your wrists. Still, if the nailer itself is heavy, it will take a toll on you over time.
The battery on some models can add significant weight to the tool. The higher the battery capacity, the heavier and larger it will be.
A cordless finish nailer needs to get into tighter spaces and work at odd angles compared to other nailers, so size is an important consideration. Angled models reduce the overall height of the tool and can make it easier to use in tight spaces.
Look for a smaller angled cordless finish nailer with a lighter, modern battery technology that weighs as little as possible to help keep you working longer without as much fatigue.
Nail firing operating modes
Finish work sometimes lends itself to precise, one-at-a-time, sequential nailing, and sometimes you’re less concerned with accuracy than speed. For those times, you want a nailer that fires at high speed. A nailer with both modes is ideal.
nail depth
Just as important as accurately firing the finish nail is the need to achieve the correct nail depth. Some finish nailers come with an adjustable depth control that allows you to precisely control the depth. You should expect any cordless finish nailer you buy to provide consistent nail depth in a variety of wood types.
Turning on
Just like any other tool, a finish nailer finds its way into dark spaces like cabinets or dimly lit areas like baseboards near the floor. A cordless model with LED lights can deliver shadow-free light directly to the surface so you can see what you’re doing without the need for additional lighting.
interference
No matter how careful you are, you will eventually experience a nail jam. It’s just the nature of the nails you work with. How you deal with the jam is important. If you need to go looking for a screwdriver or wrench to try to remove the jam, you are wasting time and money. Look for a model that features tool-free access, such as a flip-up nozzle that allows you to quickly and easily remove the clog without much downtime.
Warranty
A long warranty is an indication that the manufacturer has faith in its materials and workmanship. Look for the longest warranty available and, if possible, a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the tool.
A quality cordless finish nailer saves time for carpenters, cabinetmakers and others who routinely install baseboards, footings, crown molding, chair rails, paneling, wood flooring, stairs, window frames, door frames or door frames.
We sincerely hope that this article has provided you with valuable information to help you choose the best cordless finish nailer for your needs!