The 10 Best Finish Nailers for Woodworking in 2022
Best Finishing Nailers for Completing any Project
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The best finish nailers are designed to nail moldings and smaller trim boards onto assemblies with ease. These thin nails are driven through the trim board into hardwood, plywood, or any other wood material. This is much faster than using a standard hammer and nails. The finish nailer is also designed for one-handed uses, leaving your other hand free to hold moldings and trims in place.
View the Best Finish Nailer on the Market, Below.
- Metabo HPT NT65M2S Finish Nailer
- DEWALT DCN660D1 XR Angled Finish Nailer
- NuMax SFN64 Pneumatic 16-Gauge Finish Nailer
- Paslode 902400 Cordless Finish Nailer
- Freeman PFN64 16 Gauge Straight Finish Nailer
- Ryobi P325 One+ Battery Powered Finish Nailer
- Makita XTP02Z Cordless 1-3/8″ Pin Nailer
- RIDGID R09892K HyperDrive Brushless Straight Nailer
- Milwaukee Electric Tool 2742-20 M18 Nailer
- BOSTITCH BTFP71917 Finish Nailer
1. Metabo HPT NT65M2S Finish Nailer
Best Nailer Equipped With Air Duster
The Metabo HPT NT65M2S is a 16 gauge finish nailer that boasts a non-slip elastomer grip trigger. The nailer's ergonomic design has a simple flip switch to help prevent hand and wrist tiring. It comes fully equipped with a Metabo HPT signature air duster button which blows dust and debris from the wood's surface so you can clearly see your project.
If your nail becomes jammed during operation, this model features a quick, tool-less, and simple nail extraction to clear the nose (no additional tools required).
The exhaust port of the device adjusts 360 degrees so you can direct the air exhaust away from you while operating the nailer. The air hose on the power tool is also angled upwards, which positions the air compressor hose out of your way when in use. As a result, you don't have to worry about the hose obstructing your workspace.
Check Price on Amazon ➞2. DEWALT DCN660D1 XR Angled Finish Nailer
Best Cordless Nailer
The Dewalt DCN660 16-Gauge Angled Finish Nailer boasts a brushless motor powered by a Dewalt 20 V MAX lithium-Ion battery. You never have to worry about needing an air compressor or gas. It has all the features of a pneumatic tool but is completely cordless. The battery power lasts for about three hours of sporadic nailing or one hour of constant nailing before it needs a recharge. It also provides quiet operation compared to a pneumatic finish nailer.
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3. NuMax SFN64 Pneumatic 16-Gauge Finish Nailer
Best Nailer for Professional and Smooth Finishes
The NuMax SFN64 Straight Finish Nailer fires 16 gauge finish nails anywhere from 1 to 2.5 inches. This finish nailer is perfect for finishing off interior and exterior projects. You can use it on shoe and crown moldings, window casings, and chair rail molding. The nail disappears into the wood, meaning you spend less time filling in holes. And even though these nails are small in size, they're strong, making them an essential part of your toolbox.
The tool-free, 360-degree exhaust conveniently directs dust and debris away from the user, and the no-mar tip protects sensitive work surfaces. Furthermore, this finish nailer has a lightweight aluminum design cylinder with a one-piece drive blade and rubber o-rings for extra durability. The sequential firing mode is designed to fire a single fastener, allowing you to place them accurately every time. But for added accuracy, we recommend using a level with a laser.
The firing depth is customizable for every single project, ensuring a consistent driving depth at all times. The integrated quick-release latch means you can easily access and remove jams without needing to take the nailer apart. The high-capacity magazine can take up to 100 straight finish nails. This means longer working periods between reloads. And finally, the anti-dust cap keeps the internal parts of your tool clean, even during storage.
This nailer is a must-have for every workshop or professional dealing with trim and molding applications.
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4. Paslode 902400 Cordless Finish Nailer
Best Nailer For on the Go
The Paslode 902400 Cordless Finish Nailer features the new In-Can System, which is easy to install for reliable use. This lightweight nailer weighs 4.5 lbs, which makes it easy to handle. It features a pro-grade depth of drive adjustment for driving 1-1/4 – 2-1/2 inch, 16 gauge angled finish nails. There's no hose or compressor needed for this model, which allows for total freedom of use.
This nailer is covered by a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty and comes standard with a durable plastic carrying case to keep your unit safe and clean when not in use. In addition, lithium-ion technology allows for better power management and shorter charging times. This nailer also features an on/off battery lock to further conserve power, meaning you can work for longer periods before it needs charging.
The no-mar tip protects surfaces against dinging and scratching, while the angled magazine makes it easy to work in confined spaces. The magazine has a nail capacity of up to 100 nails, and the fuel cell life will last for up to approximately 1200 nails. It only takes one hour for the nailer to charge, which means you spend more time working than your drill does charging.
This nailer is definitely a tool without the hassle. Just flip the switch and you're ready to go.
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5. Freeman PFN64 16 Gauge Straight Finish Nailer
Die-Cast Aluminum Body with Most Lightweight Durable Design
People love the Freeman PFN64 Pneumatic Straight Finish Nailer for door and window casing, cabinetry, molding, and furniture construction. This fully air-powered nail gun works with 16 gauge straight finish nails, measuring 1 to 2.5 inches.
The model boasts a quick-release nose, clearing unexpected jams rapidly. It also has a tool-free finger depth adjustment. In addition, the ergonomically die-cast aluminum body is lightweight and reduces fatigue. This ensures better accuracy for all-day use.
The nailer comes complete with a belt hook, adjustment tools, air tool oil, and safety goggles.
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6. Ryobi P325 One+ Battery Powered Finish Nailer
Top Battery Powered Nailer Drives 800 Nails Per Charge
The RYOBI P325 ONE+ AirStrike Nailer is battery-powered to drive 800 nails easily per charge. There's a handy switch located on the back of the nailer where you can adjust the depth of the nails. The built-in LED lighting lets you illuminate your workspace in low-light conditions. You simply activate the light using a separate trigger when you need to see things more clearly. If your magazine starts to get low on nails, a lighted indicator lets you know that it's time to replace the clip.
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7. Makita XTP02Z Cordless 1-3/8″ Pin Nailer
Nailer with Most Lengths: Drives Six Different Nail Lengths
People love the Makita XTP02Z LXT Pin Nailer for installing decorative trim, baseboards, molding, and casings. The lightweight nailer effectively drives six nail lengths: 5/8”, 11/16", ¾”, 1", 1-3/16", and 1-3/8". The battery-powered nail gun will drive up to 5,300 nails on a single charge.
The nailer also comes with a pair of safety glasses, a nose no-mar tip, a belt clip, and a hex wrench for adjustments.
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8. RIDGID R09892K HyperDrive Brushless Straight Nailer
Best Heavy-Duty, Battery Powered Finishing Nailer
The RIDGID Hyperdrive 18-Volt Brushless is a 2.5-inch nail gun. The nailer's heavy-duty design makes it a favored choice. Completely cordless, this battery-operated nailer is easy to maneuver around tight corners. It will effectively drive nails from 3/4 inch to 2.5 inches. It comes complete with a battery and charger.
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9. Milwaukee Electric Tool 2742-20 M18 Nailer
Best Nailer for Hardwood: Drives Nails with Ease
The Milwaukee Electric Tool 2742-20 M18 features a brushless motor with easy bottom loading. It will skin nails up to 2.5 inches in length into solid hardwoods. The nailer relies on a red lithium battery for power. It also boasts intelligence that prevents it from overloading or overheating. The high-capacity magazine holds 110 nails.
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10. BOSTITCH BTFP71917 Finish Nailer
Best Nailer for Releasing Jams
The BOSTITCH BTFP71917 Finish Nailer Kit drives 16 GA nails measuring 1-1/4 to 2-1/2 inches in length. A smaller nose provides easy nail placement using Smart Point Technology. Oil-free operation reduces the risk of oil spills on finished surfaces. A tool-free jam release mechanism allows for safe and easy removal of jammed fasteners. The Dial-a-Depth feature provides controlled countersinking of nails while the selectable trigger system enables sequential or contact operation.
Furthermore, the 360-degree adjustable exhaust keeps dust and debris away from your face while working. In addition, the adjustable belt hook comes with an integrated pencil for hassle-free measuring and marking. The small head size enables users to reach tight spaces and easily see where nails are being driven, which provides better visibility of the work surface.
Smart Point allows the user to actuate the tool without punching against the work surface, significantly reducing damage to finished work surfaces. Weighing only 3.9lbs, this nailer is extremely lightweight, making it the best finishing tool for overhead jobs.
This is an excellent innovation from BOSTITCH as far as features and size are concerned. It's a great small, nifty gadget used to add those finishing touches to a project.
Check Price on Amazon ➞Buyers Guide Questions
What is the Greatest Finish Nailer?
Sometimes your project will call for a finish nailer that has a little more finesse than a standard hammer and nails. This is how you know it’s time to think about getting a finish nailer. These nailers are the best woodworking tools for finishing off your beloved projects in a professional manner. Depending on your preference, you can choose between air-powered and cordless finish nailers.
Thinking about the type of project you’ll be working on will help you determine what kind of finish nailer you need.
What is a Finishing Nail Gun Used For?
These tools are primarily used for finishing off the finer detail work of mostly wooden or ply-board applications. They feature thin nails that you can drive through trim board and into soft or hardwoods. The best thing about finish nailers is that they leave behind a very small footprint. You can fill this in easily for a smoother finish.
These nailers have safety noses that need to be depressed before they’re triggered. In addition, their no-mar tips prevent the nailer from damaging the surface you’re working on.
To sum up, a finish nailer is a smaller version of their standard nail gun counterparts.
What Size Finishing Nails Should I use for Door Trim?
Trim nailers are categorized by the thickness or “gauge” of the nails they shoot. The rule of thumb is that the bigger the gauge number, the smaller the nail it uses. Tools that shoot the biggest trim nails are usually classed as finish nailers and range between 15 and 16 gauges.
For finer finishes on door trims, it’s best to use a finish nailer with a bigger gauge which means smaller nails. The small nail barely leaves a hole, meaning you have less filling up to do and a smoother finish.
What Size Finish Nailer do I Need?
Trim nailers are categorized by the thickness or “gauge” of the nails they shoot. The rule of thumb is that the bigger the gauge number, the smaller the nail it uses. Nailers that shoot the biggest trim nails usually range between 15 and 16 gauge.
For finer finishes on door trims, it’s best to use a finish nailer with a bigger gauge. This means smaller nails and a smoother finish.
Can a Finish Nailer be Used for Framing?
A finish nailer is more for lighter projects. It’s often used for “finishing” a job or project neatly. Framing nailers are better suited for framing, wood siding, and major carpentry work. This is often the heaviest duty nailer on the market. You can use a finish nailer to round off trims and moldings after using a heavier duty framing nailer to complete large wood projects.
Do All Finish Nailers Need a Compressor?
Not all finish nailers are operated with air, although the majority are. Some cordless nailers use a fuel cell for nail propulsion, which you’ll need to replace every 500 nails or so. You don’t have to deal with this extra cost when using a compressor.
Battery-charged units don’t have any of these requirements, making them the best option for cordless finish nailers. These can be used anywhere and anytime as long as they’re charged.