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A cordless framing nailer is an essential woodworking tool that will help you fix trims and crowns. It’s also perfect for people that tend to move a lot on projects sites as it is lighter than air-powered nailers. However, finding the best cordless framing nailer for your needs can be difficult due to the many options available.
If you are searching for a great tool to use on a complex project or something for your home projects, I have reviewed the top cordless framing nailers on the market to help you pick the right product.
Contents
My Top Cordless Framing Nailer Reviews
Senco 5N0001N
Senco boasts of a solid line up of power tools, and the Senco-5N0001N is no different. This powerful tool will exceed your expectations any time as it will make your projects easier and has plenty to offer. It performs exceptionally well, considering its compact size. The framing nailer features the patented reflex shot design that offers an instant shot after the trigger has been pulled.
This tool comes with some incredible features worth mentioning. The trigger lock is an incredible safety feature that will protect you from injuries. There are also two-speed settings that you can adjust depending on the length of the nails that you want to use. The Senco nailer also comes with two interchangeable triggers: normal and bump trigger.
For safety reasons, you should use the bump trigger only if you have any experience in using nail guns. So, beginners will be better off using the normal mode. Additionally, you can use the bump mode to increase the rate at which the nails are fired while lower speeds are perfect for precision work. It’s also important to note that the nailer may not fire when the magazine capacity is low.
While this nailer has great features, it also has some downfalls. The battery life is short; however, it can reach up to 80% in 15 minutes and charges very fast. This can be great if you do not intend to use it to fire a lot of nails.
To counter this minor drawback, the 5N0001N framing nailer works with nails that measure 1¼ to 1½ inches long. The nailer is perfect for people that do not like the challenges of a compressor and a hose.
What I Like
- Compatible with1¼ to 1½ inches nails
- Two adjustable speed settings
- Patented reflex shot design
- The battery charges very fast
- Two interchangeable triggers
What I Don’t Like
- Unsuitable for beginners
- Small nail lengths
- Short battery life
Bostitch F21PL
The Bostitch F21PL product offers the benefits of two nailers in one, a framing nailer, and a positive placement nailer. Experienced carpenters know how difficult it can be to match the holes on a metal connector as well as to get the contact tip. So, if you work a lot with metal connectors, you will get better outcomes from the positive placement tip on this framing nailer.
This product works with nailers that measure up to 3.5 inches in length, and either has full or clipped round heads. Another good thing is that the nailer can be set at 30 degrees. There is also a bump speed option that you can use to increase the nail fire rate. Additionally, this tool comes with a stall release lever because it’s prone to jams.
So, the lever will help you dislodge the jammed nail quickly. The battery has a high capacity considering it does not have a fuel rod. On a single charge, it can rise up to 800 nails and can fit in tight spaces perfectly as it only weighs 8 pounds. Its brushless motor comes with two speeds for size and nail depth. The kit includes a carrying bag, charger, 20 voltage lithium-ion battery, and the tool itself.
The F21PL framing nailer is a great tool. However, professionals may find continuous fire mode irritating. Also, if you are a beginner, you may want to think about the firing delay and lack of pneumatic power. Overall, the nailer allows for easy battery change between tools and is a great value. Also, if you have a punch list or some remodeling work, this tool is an ideal choice.
What I Like
- Uses different types of nails
- Excellent recoil control
- Easy to adjust the depth
- Positive placement tip
- Tool-less jam clearing
What I Don’t Like
- Does not have actuation mode selector
- Struggles in tougher materials
- Low magazine capacity
NuMax SFR2190
If you are looking for a tool that offers a single shot or quick-fire function, look no further than the NuMax SFR2190. Its durable construction makes this pneumatic framing nailer an excellent choice for DIYers and contractors. This dependable and tough tool can withstand most jobs and is perfect for construction projects such as roofing, framing, and finishing.
Made from die-cast magnesium, this nailer ensures low weight and durability while its high capacity magazine can hold a maximum of 55 nails. It also offers many convenient features to allow you to work quickly. The interchangeable triggers option will allow you to switch between single and bump firing easily. Another remarkable feature of this tool is that you will notice zero jams and misfires even after firing several nails.
Moreover, its anti-dry fire function will save you from shooting blanks. The NuMax framing nailer also boasts of a robust driver blade from hardened steel to enhance its durability. This 21-degree framing nailer boasts of an ergonomic handle and a lightweight body, making it perfect for homeowners and professional construction contractors. In addition, the nailer is powerful and versatile as it comes with a no-mar tip and the depth adjustment feature, which makes it perfect for use on different working surfaces.
The SFR2190 nailer can also handle any job thrown at it. It’s a versatile DIY or contractor tool that is perfect for stapling and nailing. Additionally, its adjustable air exhaust will ensure your face is safe from any dust, air or pieces of scattered debris from your working environment.
What I Like
- Rare misfires and jams
- Interchangeable triggers
- Adjustable air exhaust
- Heat-treated steel blade
- Tool-less depth selection
What I Don’t Like
- No actuation mode selector
- No tool-less jam clearing
- No rafter hook
Cordless Framing Nailer Features and Considerations
While all framing nailers have the same features, some features distinguish them from each other. However, the perfect tool for you will depend on your work frequency and style. When shopping for the best cordless framing nailer, here are the essential features your tool should have:
Battery Life
This is an important feature to consider, especially for tools that use batteries. The battery life of the framing nailers I have reviewed above can last a few hours, depending on the rate at which you are shooting nails. Some expensive cordless framing nailers can shoot a maximum of 4,000 nails on a single charge.
Although they tend to charge a lot upfront, the efficiency they deliver on a single charge outweighs the need to charge the battery continuously. However, battery issues can be resolved by buying extra batteries. It’s also important to mention that fuel cell rods go hand in hand with battery life as the rods are part of the nailer systems. They tend to increase the time required between charges.
Fuel Cell Rods
Most framing nailers use fuel cell rods and a battery. You can insert the rods in the nailer to prolong its life and to give the device extra power. The only major problem with fuel cell rods is that you will have to keep refilling them regularly with fuel. Additionally, they do not come with the nailer, which makes it an additional charge.
Fuel cell rods can make framing nailers more efficient and in line with pneumatic nailers. They can boost the power on the nailer and add a maximum of 1,000 nail shots on a battery. This feature is ideal for people that will be using their framing nailers for long hours.
Types of Nails
It’s important to check the types of nails your framing nailer uses before making the purchase. The two most common types include:
- Round Head Nails: Although these nails are bulky to carry around and are expensive, they are robust. This makes them perfect for heavy-duty projects.
- Clipper Head Nails: These nails are affordable and do not occupy a lot of space in the magazine as they are small. However, they are weaker compared to the round head nails.
Magazine Capacity
This refers to the number of nails the magazine can hold. The magazines are usually smaller with cordless framing nailers to make them easier and lighter to handle. Generally, cordless nailers fire slowly compared to pneumatic nailers, which makes it unnecessary to have a large capacity.
Also, the magazine capacity may not be an issue to you if you do smaller projects, finishing work, or punch out lists. However, you will need to reload the magazine constantly if you work on larger projects, which can be inefficient and time-consuming.
Magazine Type
Framing nailers can either have stick or coil magazines. Stick magazines are the most common types and do not hold a lot of nails as their coil counterparts. Coil magazines are bulky and difficult to use. However, they are an excellent choice for tasks that need a lot of nails, as you won’t have to keep reloading.
Magazine angle
An ideal magazine angle should allow you to access hard to reach areas easily. However, the operating fee of your tool will also increase when the angle increases because you will have to use expensive nails. A 21-degree angle in its upright position will be sufficient. However, if you usually work in tight spaces, you will require a framing nailer with a 33-degree magazine angle.
Size and Weight
Although most of the framing nailers seem to have similar sizes, the difference of an inch or a half a pound can make a big difference if you plan to use the tool for an extended period. Generally, battery-powered framing nailers have smaller magazines and tend to be lighter since they are compact.
However, the right size and weight for you will depend on the types of projects you will be doing. For instance, you may want to pick a lighter tool if you will be carrying your nailer with you the whole day. You can also opt for a bulky tool if it has features that you value more. Apart from weight, the physical size of your framing nailer is another essential factor to check.
Depending on your job, a larger nailer may not fit into tight spaces like small corners or areas. For this reason, it will be important to consider the needs of your project when looking at the weight and size of the tool. If you handle different projects, tailor your options to those needs as there might be some jobs that you handle more often than others.
Nail Capacity
You should also consider the number of nails your framing nailer can hold. For example, if you tackle commercial work or large projects, you will require more than 1,000 nails. On the other hand, DIY enthusiasts may not need to shoot the same number of nails. A few nails will be sufficient.
Wrap Up
There are many high-quality cordless framing nailers that you can use to handle different projects. However, the right tool should suit your needs and preferences. Whether you are a professional or DIY enthusiast, you will find a great tool on my list that fits your means. If you are looking for a reliable tool, the above models are excellent and worth considering.