We have done the reviews for you when considering an addition to your tools. In the category of Framing Nailers, we have chosen the DeWalt 20V Max XR as the best cordless framing nailer overall. This framing nailer has dual speed, is lightweight and is able to adjust for varied nail lengths.
Quick Navigation
Things To Consider When Looking To Purchase The Best Cordless Framing Nailer
Table of Contents
Top 6 Cordless Framing Nailers: Our Picks & Recommendations
- Best Overall: DeWalt 20V Max XR
- Best In Budget: Paslode 905600 Cordless XP Framing Nailer
- Runner-Up: Bostitch 20V Max Framing Nailer Kit
- Best 18V Cordless Nailer: Metabo HPT NR1890DR Cordless, 18V Framing Nailer
- Best For Home Use: Hitachi NR90GC2 Clipped Head Nailer
- Best For Professional Use: Paslode 902600 CF325
When one thinks of tools that should be found in everyone’s hand tool section, a framing nailer is not the first tool that they think of. This is wrong, any person who routinely does the framing of any sort needs to include at least one framing nailer in their tool shop.
When you consider the options, such as cordless, electric or even pneumatic, there is not one handyman or professional that should neglect the purchase of a framing nail gun. A framing nailer is ideal for projects such as building a deck, siding, building a fence or most importantly framing a house.
Things To Consider When Looking To Purchase The Best Cordless Framing Nailer
It is not feasible to walk into a store and purchase the first framing nail gun that you see. There are many things you want to consider when deciding which framing nailer to purchase.
1. Do You Prefer A Battery Operated Nail Gun Or One That Runs On Fuel?
This is a choice that matters to you alone. Decide which one you like best, or are they equally important to you? As far as the performance of either, I have found no difference.
Obviously, if you are constructing a house where the electric has not been installed yet, you would need a generator. With a battery-powered framing nailer, being cautious and carrying a spare battery would help.
2. Degree Of The Framing Nailer
This does not refer to the angle the nails penetrate the materials. The angle is always straight. The degree refers, rather to the nail collation and the geographic locale. Between stick or coil collation, the choice is personal.
The 15-degree framing nailer is most often used and preferred due to the building codes. However, the coil styled framing nailer seems to work best to reach floor joists, tight corners and holds more nails.
3. Weight And Handling
If you will be using your best cordless framing nailer for overhead use, you want to choose one that is lightweight and easy to handle. Weight and balance can make or break the productivity you achieve.
When a contractor is working with a bulky type of framing nail gun, there will be fatigue and soreness much quicker than there will be with a well-balanced and not-so-heavy nailer gun.
Two nailing guns may weigh the same, however, the balance is what will make a difference. If the design is not balanced, that gun will feel heavier.
4. Rafter Hooks
When you are working on a ladder and need both hands to do a task, you need a way to hang your framing nailer. There are different options here that are equally satisfactory.
Some framing nailers have a collapsible rafter hook, making it a breeze to hang right where you are working. Some framing nail guns have a belt hook, making it possible to hang from a tool belt.
The important factor to decide on is will you be working at the rafter level, or would it be easier to hang off a belt. The weight of your nailing gun could decide this question.
5. Depth Of Drive
The depth of the nail drive can make a world of difference in the project you are working on. Framing nailers generally use nails that vary between two inches all the way to 3 ½ inches.
You will find that the majority of framing nailers do come equipped with depth adjustment switches or dials. Any issues with your framing nails not being flush would be due to the depth adjustment.
6. Magazine
Equally important when looking at framing nailers would be the magazine. There are many high-quality magazines on the market today. To obtain the correct type of magazine for your framing nailer, read all aspects of the instructions. Be sure there is not a specific one mentioned.
If you were to use an off-brand, when the instructions clearly state certain types, this could make your warranty null and void.
The 6 Best Cordless Framing Nailer Reviews
Here’s a list of the best cordless framing nailers on the market today:
Best Overall
1. DeWalt 20V Max XR
What You Will Love: The DeWalt Max XR is lightweight and easy to use. The framing gun does adjust for varying nail lengths of 2 to 3.5 inches. It is also battery-operated, which means no bulky cords to get in the way.
The Dewalt 20Volt Max XR has a brushless motor and engine design, allowing this framing nailer to drive 3 ½ inch nails. The dual-speed in this framing nailer also allows the optimization of the motor for the different lengths. The nail penetration remains consistent throughout.
The DeWalt Max XR weighs only four pounds, making it a breeze to work overhead if necessary. The top cap is impact-resistant and easy to remove. It comes with an integrated belt hook for easy maneuvering when you need both hands.
The XR has a dual speed and also for safety, a trigger lock-off when the tool may become jammed. The magazine capacity is 55, with a lock and load jam clearing ability. The magazine degree comes in at 33*. The magazine is contoured.
Pros:
- This framing nailer is lightweight and easy to use.
- It is battery operated, so no cords in the way.
- no need for gas or an air compressor.
- The nailing gun will shoot various lengths of nails, with an easy adjustment.
- Designed as a front handled and contour tool.
Cons:
- The battery is a separate purchase.
- The warranty is a limited three-year warranty.
- Be sure to read the print to determine what is covered, for example, are wearable parts covered? For how long?
Best In Budget
2. Paslode 905600 Cordless XP Framing Nailer
What you will love: The Paslode cordless XP is battery-powered as well as fuel cell-powered. This framing nailer will work in all temps, allowing you to continue working even in cold weather. The durability is guaranteed and the design is compact.
The Paslode XP will fit in between floor joists and studs in the walls. Remodeling is easy with this framing nailer because it does drive the nails in flush in all your hardwoods.
Light to medium weight to make overhead tasks easier to accomplish. Includes all season formula to allow you to work in up to -14*. A comfortable grip causes less fatigue.
Overall, a good nailing tool to have in your tool shed. This Paslode is in the medium price range.
Pros:
- This comes with a convenient and compact design.
- This Paslode is designed to give you 15% more power, allowing you to work all day.
- Made out of metal, this cordless framing nailer does come with a battery included.
- The battery allows for up to 9000 nails per charged battery.
Cons:
- The Paslode 905600 weighs in at seven pounds. This makes it on the medium side of this type of hand tool.
- Warranty can be obtained by contacting customer service.
- The nail magazine is on the small end of the size, meaning frequent loading.
- There is also a “gun shot” type pop with each nail. Hearing protection would be beneficial if using for extended periods.
- Some complaints about the consumables being expensive in comparison to others, that could be a variable depending on geographic location and pricing differences.
Runner-Up
3. Bostitch 20V Max Framing Nailer Kit
What You Will Love: The Bostitch framing nailer kit needs no compressor. The framing nailer includes two speeds for the optimum performance you expect from Bostitch.
This cordless Framing nailer can hold the paper tape collated, clipped or full round heads, in lengths up to 3.5 inches.
It has a handy stall release lever in case of jam, making it easier to reset the driver blade. The price on the Bostitch 20V Max, cordless framing nailer kit is a good price for all that you get with purchase.
Makes this a budget-friendly purchase. Can drive the nails through the hardwoods that are common in building and framing.
Pros:
- It comes packed with the nailing gun, a high-quality ion battery for longer life, a charger along with a handy storage bag.
- You can quickly change from sequential to bump nailing with a tool-free mode.
- The Bostitch handles a full range of nail sizes.
- Accepting clipped and full round head nails in paper collation.
- This offers a rafter hook and also a tool-free depth adjustment.
- The stall release lever will reset the driver blade in case of a jam.
- Allows consumers to save money by using battery power. The settings do allow for quick nail firing.
Cons:
- Although it is a three-year warranty, the warranty is limited. This means that the wearable parts may not be covered. Please check with the company to gain a full understanding. The Bostitch 20V Max does weigh over 8 pounds.
- This may make overhead work tiring.
18V Cordless Framing Nailer
4. Metabo HPT NR1890DR Cordless, 18V Framing Nailer
What You Will Love: This is Hitachi, with a new name, so you know the power is there. Same quality, just a different name. The Metabo HPT NR1890DR Cordless is an 18volt framing nailer.
This nailer is built to last, is durable and dependable. Needs less maintenance and has a brushless motor. The Lithium-ion battery allows the user to drive in 400 nails before needing to charge. This helps make work more productive.
The framing nailer will hold plastic strip collated nails, up to 3.5 inches at 21*. Can be used on a wide range of materials and has a fast depth change adjustment. Metabo makes it easy to switch from bump mode to sequential and back again.
There is a sidelock trigger switch to prevent accidental shooting. This switch is located on the side of the framing nailer.
Pros:
- This Metabo comes as a kit and includes the framing nailer,
- one lithium-ion battery,
- a fast charger, safety goggles and,
- a handy contractor bag to carry the nailer in.
- The tool portion of the warranty is a lifetime.
- The battery warranty is two years.
- This is a very fast and powerful framing nailer.
Cons:
- The Metabo HPT Framing nailer weighs in at ten pounds.
- This could cause fatigue if working overhead.
- Pricing may seem high, but is actually very budget-minded, also this is a kit, not a tool only.
- User needs to check each nail clip are in good condition and alignment to avoid any possibility of jamming.
- Equally important to the user, there is a laser-like sound when firing.
Best For Home Use
5. Hitachi NR90GC2 Clipped Head Nailer
What You Will Love: The Hitachi brand again gives us a gas-powered cordless framing nailer. This nailer gun has a dry fire lockout to prevent accidental firing.
Hitachi NR90GC2 also ensures that the nails lodge into the material firmly. The rear-mounted battery allows for superior balance and ease of use. Has an adjustable depth for proper placement in all material types.
The battery allows for driving over 4000 nails, and each fuel cell allows for 1200. Included with the Hitachi NR90GC2 is a one-hour battery charger, hex bar wrench, carrying case and safety goggles. Making this an extremely well-priced framing nailer for the budget-minded.
Hitachi has given this nailer a tough shell and a sturdy driving ability. The handy carry case keeps your hand tool safe from damage.
Pros:
- Completely portable, no-hassle with cords to drag around or be stuck.
- The battery lasts for an extended period of time.
- Will hold up to 3.5-inch nails, allowing for framing in a majority of jobs.
- Has a low battery indicator to warn you of a time limit to change the battery.
- Relatively lightweight to reduce fatigue when working overhead.
- Two-step nail loading to reduce loading times.
- Sinks the 3.5-inch nails perfectly.
Cons:
- The nail capacity is 37 to 47 dependent on nails.
- Includes a one-year limited warranty on labor and parts.
- This means that the wearable parts are likely only covered for a portion of that time.
- This framing nailer does not have a low nail indicator, which may be helpful.
Best For Professional Use
6. Paslode 902600 CF325
What You Will Love: This is a cordless framing nailer that needs no compressor. It does use a fuel cell that is sold separately. It is a lightweight, easy-to-use framing nailer.
Paslode 902600 is portable and makes moving around the job site easy, as there are no cords or hoses. It comes with a heavy-duty rafter or belt hook to withstand job site abuse.
With a fully charged battery, this framing nailer will drive 25% more nails than many of the competitors. Comes complete with a Lithium-ion battery, a carry case, safety goggles and also a handy hex wrench.
Pros:
- Fear not, this is a lightweight framing nail gun.
- It is compact and easy to use. It reduces fatigue when working overhead.
- This Paslode will drive 25% more nails than most of the other framing nailers.
- Is able to drive nails up to 3.25 inches.
- The warranty is a full one-year full coverage warranty.
- The fuel cell ensures accurate driving of the nails.
- Fits into some smaller areas easily.
Cons:
- One tiny shortfall with this Paslode, it does not shoot nail length greater than 3.25 inches.
- The battery life is only 5 hours, you may want to consider the purchase of an extra battery so there is no stop in work.
- The small compact size makes this appear as a toy, keep it up where children can not reach.
- The pop as you drive the nail can be quite loud, as well as the exhaust fan.
Conclusion
When it comes down to the purchase of a framing nailer, any of these aforementioned nailer guns will do the job for you. They are all an excellent purchase.
For the professional contractor or even the home hobbyist, a framing nailer gun is one hand tool that your tool shed should not be without.
More Related Articles: