A finish nailer is essentially a tool that is used for projects like furniture construction, cabinet work, heavy molding, any job where you need to nail big pieces of material. Finish nailers are designed for more heavy-duty applications than brad nailers, as they have more holding power and are ideally suited for use with thicker and harder materials, especially materials that need to be bonded together. Finish nailers are extremely versatile tools that are very handy, lightweight and easy to use as well.
Best 8 Finishing Nail Gun Reviews
| Image | Finish Nail Guns Reviews | Type | Weight | Amazon Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Hitachi NT65MA4 15-Gauge Angled | Pneumatic, air-powered. | 4.2 lbs | Check Price |
  | Senco 4G0001N FinishPro 42XP 15-Gauge | Pneumatic, air-powered. | 4.5 lbs | Check Price |
  | Bostitch N62FNK-2 15-Gauge Angled | Pneumatic, air-powered. | 3.8 lbs | Check Price |
  | Dewalt D51276K 15-Gauge | Pneumatic, air-powered. | 3.9 lbs | Check Price |
  | Dewalt DC618K XRP 18V Cordless 16-Gauge | Cordless, battery-powered. | 8.5 lbs | Check Price |
  | Hitachi NT1865DM 16-Gauge Straight | Cordless, battery-powered. | 7.5 lbs | Check Price |
  | Porter-Cable PCC792LA 20V Max Cordless 16-Gauge | Cordless, battery-powered. | 5.7 lbs | Check Price |
  | RYOBI P330 15-GAUGE | Cordless, battery-powered. | 9.9 lbs | Check Price |
Hitachi NT65MA4 15-Gauge Angled Finish Nailer – The Best Heavy-Duty Finish Nailer
If you’re looking to buy a heavy-duty finish nailer, the Hitachi NT65MA4 15-Gauge Finish Nailer is a good buy and is ideal for window and door slants, crown, cabinet work or general thick material nailing work.
The Hitachi NT65MA4 is a straight stick finish nailer, which has a 34-degree slant that enhances comfort and usability. The nailer can hold up to 100 11/4-21/2-inch 15-gauge nails. The nailer adjusts the nail delivery force thanks to the tool-less depth of drive adjustment. This also allows you to use the right size of the nail suitable for the job.
The Hitachi NT65MA4 is a pneumatic finish nailer and requires a 70-120 PSI air compressor for operation. The nailer features a 360-degree exhaust that lets you turn the exhaust in any direction you require, away from the person operating the nailer and the general work area. The air compressor bypasses the air system in the finish nailer that allows the dust and other debris to be removed in the front, without entering the nailer. This helps to maintain the long life of the nailer.
The firing mechanism of the finish nailer can be converted from sequential to bump with just a flick of the lever. The nailer does not require frequent oiling for best performance and it can be done once in a few days. Loaded with features, the Hitachi NT65MA4 is one of the best-ranked finish nailers on our list.
Key Features of the Hitachi NT65MA4 15-Gauge Finish Nailer
- Equipped with an air duster to clear dust and other debris from the work area.
- Easy clear nose, tool-free jam clearing.
- Switch to choose between contact and sequential nailing.
- No-marring tip protects work surface from any damage.
- Tool-free depth of drive adjustment.
- 360-degree adjustable exhaust.
- Weight: 4.2 lbs.
- 34-degree magazine angle for enhanced reach.
- Uses 15-gauge nails of 11/4-21/2 inches
- The straight magazine of the unit accommodates 100 nails and it works with all kinds of collations.
- Fixes all materials securely.
- Suitable for heavy-duty jobs.
- 34-degree slanting of magazine allows you view the job clearly when nailing.
- Several parts of the nailer made of plastic, which may make it a bit flimsy.
- Slightly on the expensive side.
Senco 4G0001N FinishPro 42XP 15-Gauge Finish Nailer – The Best Value-For-Money Buy
If you’re looking for a finish nailer with a rich feature set that offers excellent value for the money you are paying, then look no further, the Senco 4G0001N FinishPro 15-Gauge Finish Nailer is an excellent choice. This nailer has a superior construction with a body made of magnesium that is not only lightweight but extremely durable too. Weighing just 4.5 lbs, the Senco 4G0001N FinishPro is very light and extremely maneuverable and you can use the nailer for several hours without experiencing any hand fatigue.
This intuitive finish nailer has a depth of drive adjustment that lets you adjust it according to the thickness of the material and it also lets you make precise adjustments to the nail with your hand without looking. The magazine of the nailer can hold galvanized tape collated and bright nails of 11/4-21/2 inches and the magazine is slanted, which provides a clear view of your work.
The best part of the Senco 4G0001N FinishPro is its power. It runs on a pressure force of 70-120 PSI and allows you to drive nails into the toughest of materials very easily. The efficiency of performance and lightweight features make this nailer among the best and if you’re a professional who works with tough materials like hardwood, then this nailer is an ideal buy for you.
Key Features of the Senco 4G0001N FinishPro 15-Gauge Finish Nailer
- Durable magnesium body.
- Weight: 4.5 lbs, lightweight.
- Neverlube® technology, requires no lubrication.
- The thumbwheel changeable depth of drive.
- EZ-Clear switch for quick jam clearance.
- 360-degree adjustable exhaust.
- Imported.
- Quite powerful and can penetrate tough materials quite easily.
- Durable finish nailer housed in a casing made of high-quality magnesium alloy.
- Lightweight.
- The slanted magazine allows a clear view of the work.
- Accommodates nails of varied sizes.
- Nailer makes use of tape collation sticks that are not very common compared to plastic or wire collation.
Bostitch N62FNK-2 15-Gauge Angled Finish Nailer – The Most Ergonomic Finish Nailer
This high-quality finish nailer is a good performer. Equipped with a very ergonomically designed handle, which is the nailer’s best feature, the Bostitch N62FNK-2 Finish Nailer is very comfortable to handle. The handle grip is coated, which makes the nailer anti-slip, even if your hands are wet or you’re working on wet surfaces and the nailer also has felling marks. The finish nailer offers superior comfort and is excellent to handle for long periods of time without experiencing any hand fatigue.
The nailer magazine can easily accommodate 11/4-21/2-inch nails and the magazine is slanted to provide excellent visibility of the work area. The open design of the magazine makes it easily removable that allows you to check the nail level easily. The nailer housing is made of magnesium which offers durability and makes the nailer very lightweight. The adjustable depth control allows you to match the size of the nail according to the thickness of the material. The nailer tip is no-mar that prevents any damage to the material you are working with.
The Bostitch N62FNK-2 comes with four profile tips suitable for different materials which makes the finish nailer very versatile and convenient. The nailer also features an advanced jam-clearing mechanism that allows you to clear any nail jams very easily. So, if you’re looking for a finish nailer that offers easy handling and maneuverability, then the Bostitch N62FNK-2 is an ideal choice.
Key Features of the Bostitch N62FNK-2 Finish Nailer
- Housing made of sturdy, lightweight magnesium.
- Uses 15-gauge 11/4-21/2-inch nails.
- Oil-free nailer.
- Angled magazine that is removable without tools.
- Bypass nail pusher.
- Adaptable depth control.
- Sample fasteners along with 4 profile tips.
- Weight: 3.8 lbs, lightweight.
- Made in the USA.
- Comes with 7-year limited warranty.
- Finish nailer comes with four profile tips for added convenience.
- Big slanted magazine with an open design that allows you to check the nail status.
- Ergonomic, an anti-slip handle which offers greater comfort and prevents hand fatigue even after prolonged use.
- Equipped with a big trigger button.
- The depth of drive can be adjusted easily with the depth control.
- Exhaust cannot be angled at 360-degree.
Dewalt D51276K 15-Gauge Finish Nailer – The Most Versatile Finish Nailer
The Dewalt D51276K 15-Gauge Finish Nailer has an excellent set of features and is quite the favorite tool among woodworkers. This is a well-built and solid nailer that offers superior performance. The finishing nailer features a rubber handle that provides a comfortable grip.
The Dewalt D51276K has an adjustable knob which helps to adjust the nail depth. The 360-degree exhaust allows you to turn it in any direction you want, away from the work area and the user. The finish nailer has the capability of working with oil or without it so that your work surface is oil-free. The finishing nailer magazine can easily accommodate 1-21/2-inch nails. The jam-clearing mechanism allows clearing any nail jams very easily.
The no-marring pads protect the finished surface. The nailer is currently available only with sequential trigger and the nail gun comes along with a carrying case and a box of 1000 2-inch nails. The Dewalt D51276K is very versatile and can be used for jobs like molding, cabinetry, baseboard work, etc. and is sufficiently powerful for use by professionals on construction sites as well as DIYers.
Key Features of the Dewalt D51276K 15-Gauge Finish Nailer
- Uses 15-gauge 1-21/2-inch 34-degree collated nails.
- The motor works when it’s oil-lubricated or oil-free.
- Adjustable belt hook.
- Tool-less nail depth adjustment.
- Operating Pressure: 70-120 PSI.
- Tool-free jam clearing.
- 360-degree adjustable exhaust.
- Sequential trigger.
- No-mar pads to protect work surface.
- Features tool-free depth adjustment.
- Easy jam clearing.
- Lightweight – weighs only 3.85 lbs.
- Low-maintenance sealed lube dual-tech motor with oil-free and lube unit.
- You need to take the front of the magazine off to clear the jams.
Dewalt DC618K XRP 18V Cordless 16-Gauge Finish Nailer Kit – The Best Cordless Finish Nailer
The Dewalt DC618K XRP Finish Nailer is a 16-gauge cordless nailer and is probably one of the best in the market today. The finish nailer offers good performance and allows you to put in nails into high-density and tough materials quite easily.
The nailer is powered by an 18V lithium-ion battery and accommodates 11/4-21/2-inch nails. The finish nailer comes with a battery charger and can be fully charged in less than an hour. The powerful engine ensures superior high-performance and is quite energy-efficient, which allows you to do lots of nailing.
The Dewalt DC618K XRP Finish Nailer is well-suited for heavy-duty jobs and can be used in both contact and sequential trigger modes with just the switch of a button. The nose of the nailer can be locked for added security and its design also helps to prevent nail jams. The no-marring tip helps to protect the surface of the material.
The magazine has a 20-degree slant that allows convenience and maneuverability to work. The finish nailer is equipped with LED lights that illuminate the work area nicely and allows you to work well, even in a dimly lit room. Overall, the Dewalt DC618K XRP Finish Nailer is a fantastic cordless nailer that has a lot to offer.
Key Features of the Dewalt DC618K XRP Finish Nailer
- Trigger Modes: Sequential and bump modes.
- Tool-free jam clearance.
- Contact Trip Lock-Off disables trigger when not being used.
- Magazine angled at 20-degree.
- Nail Capacity: 120.
- LED lights.
- Impact resistant and easily removable top cap.
- Powered by a heavy-duty 18V lithium-ion battery.
- Battery charges quickly to full power in around 1 hour.
- Offers the convenience of working in an area without power.
- Allows you to switch between sequential and contact mode very quickly.
- LED lights help to illuminate the work area.
- Comes along with safety goggles.
- Slightly on the expensive side.
- Although it is powered by a battery, it is quite heavy.
- Difficult to control using one hand.
Hitachi NT1865DM 16-Gauge Straight Finish Nailer – The Best Lightweight Cordless Finish Nailer
The Hitachi NT1865DM Finish Nailer is a 18V, 16-gauge brushless finish nailer. The brushless motor technology of this finish nailer delivers enhanced power and the nailer is quite lightweight. The cordless nailer has a longer runtime for every battery charge compared to other cordless nailers and it also has a longer tool life.
The finish nailer is equipped with a 18V lithium-ion battery that can drive 16-gauge 1-21/2-inch finish nails. The selector button allows you to choose between sequential firing or bump firing mode. The Hitachi NT1865DM Finish Nailer is also equipped with a tool-free depth of drive adjustment, battery indicator, pivoting belt hook that is integrated, tool-free jam release, a quick jam clearing nose and a side lock to prevent firing by accident. The nailer has an LED light to help you see in low light conditions and the ergonomic grip maximizes user comfort.
The finish nailer can drive up to 1,500 nails for every battery charge. The cordless finishing nailer comes with a battery, charger, carrying bag and safety goggles. The Hitachi NT1865DM Finish Nailer is excellent for window and door trims, baseboards, paneling, cabinetry, etc.
Key Features of the Hitachi NT1865DM Finish Nailer
- Brushless motor offers lesser maintenance, longer runtime, and improved durability.
- Nails Capacity: 100 16-gauge 1-21/2-inch nails.
- Battery-powered by compact 3.0Ah lithium-ion battery.
- Tool-free depth of drive adjustment.
- Selective actuation switch allows switching between sequential and contact mode very quickly.
- Ergonomic soft-grip handle for greater comfort.
- Comes with battery, charger, carry bag and safety goggles.
- LED light allows you to work even in low-light conditions.
- Side lock switch provides additional security and prevents firing accidentally.
- Brushless motor facilitated lesser maintenance, improved durability, and extended runtime.
- You can switch from sequential firing to bump mode very quickly.
- Fast-clear nose with tool-free jam release helps to minimize downtime and for easy maintenance.
- Fan to cool battery charger may be loud at times.
- The battery does not have a warranty.
Porter-Cable PCC792LA 20V Max Cordless 16-Gauge Finish Nailer – The Best Battery Finish Nailer
The Porter-Cable PCC792LA 20V 16-Gauge Finish Nailer is a cordless finish nailer is battery-powered and eliminates the need for a compressor, hoses and gas cartridges. The finish nailer is equipped with a tool-free depth of drive adjustment. It has a tool-less release lever to release any nail jams without any downtime on your projects.
The Porter-Cable PCC792LA Finish Nailer is equipped with dual-function LED lights that indicate in case of any error and also helps to illuminate the work area. The finish nailer is thinner and lightweight compared to the other models in this category; however, it is a bit “top heavy” and leans forward slightly.
The nailer has an ergonomically designed handle with a rubber over-mold which ensures a better grip. The nailer is equipped with a lockout button that is located below the trigger and the unit comes with 2 no-mar tips and a belt hook. If you’re looking for consistent power to work on various things like cabinets, baseboards or crown moldings, then the Porter-Cable PCC792LA Finish Nailer is a good buy.
Key Features of the Porter-Cable PCC792LA Finish Nailer
- 100% battery-powered.
- Tool-free setting increases safety and productivity.
- Nails Capacity: 100 16-gauge 1-21/2-inch nails.
- Comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
- Cordless finish nailer with a rechargeable battery.
- Equipped with dual-function LED lights offers greater convenience.
- A bit bulky and heavy.
RYOBI P330 15-GAUGE Finish Nailer – The Best Cordless Angled Finish Nailer
The RYOBI Airstrike P330 15-GAUGE Finish Nailer is a cordless finishing nailer that eliminates the requirement of hoses, air compressor, and expensive gas cartridges. The finish nailer has really good ergonomics and its Grip Zone over-mold offers a fantastic gripping surface.
Although the RYOBI Airstrike P330 Finish Nailer looks a bit bulky, it is very well-balanced. The nailer has a dry fire lockout and no-marring tips that help to protect the surface of the material you’re working on. There is a switch located above the battery that helps you select between contact and sequential firing.
The unit is equipped with 2 adjustments for depth of drive adjustment and a thumbwheel located at the front of the nailer. The unit has an LED light that allows you to see better in dim light conditions and it also has a belt clip that is reversible. If you want a cordless finish nailer that can be set up very quickly and maneuvered around easily, then the RYOBI Airstrike P330 Finish Nailer makes a good buy.
Key Features of the RYOBI Airstrike P330 15-Gauge Finish Nailer
- Cordless Airstrike technology eliminates the requirement for the compressor.
- Drives 750 1-21/2-inch angled nails per charge.
- Uses 15-gauge angled nails.
- The lever to adjust air pressure.
- Does not come with battery and charger.
- Can drive up to 750 nails per charge.
- The led light that allows you to see the workspaces clearly even in dim light. Activated by gripping the nailer’s handle.
- Dry fire lockout extends the life of the nailer.
- The belt clip has mounts on the right and left sides for a greater convenience of right-handed and left-handed users.
- No safety or trigger lock.
Irrespective of whether you are using a finish nailer for your professional contracting jobs or for your DIY projects at home, you will find that the job gets done more efficiently and quickly than when using a hammer and nails. So, a finishing nailer is a worthwhile investment and a tool worth having around in your toolbox.
Types of Finish Nail Guns
There are various kinds of finish nailers available today and you can buy one according to your job requirements and your budget. There are 3 varieties of finish nail guns based on the source of power – pneumatic nailers – corded and cordless, battery-powered or fuel-powered.
Pneumatic Finish Nailer
These are great for DIY use and are the least expensive. They need an air compressor as the power source, which may add to the cost of the operation. A pneumatic nailer uses the air from the air compressor to drive the nails. The air compressor should provide air pressure (PSI) that is equal to or more than the nailer’s requirements.
Electric Finish Nailer
Also known as a battery-powered finish nailer, the electric nailer uses a battery as the power source which propels the piston. The piston fires into the blade mechanism, which in turn drives the nail into the material. The electric nailer is very easy to use, but the only drawback is that these nailers are heavy compared to pneumatic finishing nail guns and are more expensive too. However, this is offset by the lower maintenance required by the electric nailer.
Gas Finish Nailer
The gas finishing nailer makes use of a fuel cartridge or container that is sparked by a battery, which drives the piston. These finish nailers are suitable for small jobs and ideal for new beginners or amateur DIYers for use around the home. This is not really ideal for heavy-duty professional use and so not really an option that is chosen by professionals.
The newer model cordless finishing nail guns work without using gas cartridges and instead of burning gas, they work due to an internal gas charge, which drives the piston to propel the nail. This completely eliminates the cost of gas charge and the shots can go on until the battery requires charging again.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing the Best Finish Nailer
Here are some factors that you should consider before choosing a finish nailer, lest you have complaints or regrets after buying a particular model. The idea is to buy a finish nailer that is a value-for-money buy and offers a good return on your investment.
Nail Size
You must determine what type of nails would be best suited for all the jobs you do. Will the nails fit into the nailer you wish to buy and does it have the requisite power to fire the nails? Today, you have the option of using 15-gauge, 16-gauge, 18-gauge and 23-gauge nails which are suitable for different kinds of nailing jobs.
Straight Nailers vs Angled Nailers
You should check the type of nailer you require for your jobs, straight or angled, which is essentially the angle of the magazine with respect to the head of the nailer. An angled nailer is more compact and better for use in constrained spaces and with thicker nails. A straight nailer, on the other hand, is inexpensive, bulkier and does not work too well in tight spaces. It lacks the agility of an angled finish nailer and can be used for working with thinner nails.
Corded vs Cordless Nail Guns
Today, cordless nailers are becoming more popular than corded or pneumatic ones as cordless nail guns are easier to use and maintain. They offer greater maneuverability as you don’t have to carry a compressor or hose around.
Firing Method
The firing method depends on the trigger and the safety tip that fires the unit when the tip touches the work surface. There are 4 types of firing methods i.e. contact, single-sequential, full-sequential and actuation and you need to decide on the type of firing that is best suited to your requirements.
Other Factors to Consider
- Selectable Trigger: Choosing between the sequential or bump mode.
- Dry Fire Lock-Out Feature: This prevents the finish nailer from firing when it is empty and reduces the risk of accidents or misfires.
- Exhaust Mechanism: Keeps the unit free of debris and dust. Many models offer a 360-degree adjustable exhaust.
- Depth Adjustment: The depth to which the unit must drive the nail.
- Jam Clearing: This quick release feature allows to clear nail jams quickly and easily.
- Price: This is an important factor and depends on the type of nailer and brand you are considering to buy. If you’re a professional, then buying a more reputed and expensive nailer with more features makes sense, whereas, if you are a DIYer or a beginner, a regular inexpensive model will suffice.
- Warranty: Look for the warranty offered on the nailer before buying one, as this can offer peace of mind in case of repairs or replacements if there are any defects.