Quick Summary: After having gone through multiple products and reading framing nailer reviews, we’ve branded the BOSTITCH 20V MAX Cordless Framing Nailer Kit as the top pick in our best cordless framing nailers list. This product gets the job done in your casual renovations, and also for professional use. This model has been the go-to model for professional nailers for 6 years, and counting and that says a lot on its own.
Cordless Framing Nailers are a carpenter’s best friend. It is one of the first purchases of any handyman and is also one of the most efficient tools to have. When working on a structural project, one should be aware of the tools he/she needs before beginning the building process.
Searching for tools midway is a hassle, and ruins the flow of the worker. A nailer is one of the most essential tools you’ll need for such a task and in this article, we’re provided you with the best of the best after having gone through numerous reviews, comments, and forums.
Some tips to keep in mind when purchasing a cordless framing nailer include making sure of the power source. Most nailers are powered by electricity via an outlet, while some are air-powered and be quite an inconvenience to carry around.
Other factors to keep an eye out for are the magazines that they are equipped with, the weight of the gun, the length of the nails it can frame, and the different types of nails it accommodates.
Quick Navigation:
- 10 Best Cordless Framing Nailers Comparison
- Reviews of 10 Top Cordless Framing Nailers
- How to Choose the Right Cordless Framing Nailer
- FAQs
- Final Verdict
Reviews of 10 Top Cordless Framing Nailers
Here’s a list of the top cordless framing nailers we found on the market:
Best Overall
1. BOSTITCH 20V MAX Framing Nailer Kit
What You Will Love: Customers love the 3-year warranty that comes with the nailer. The item can be returned upon any faults and the battery warranty ensures the durability of the product. This is a framing nailer that you can depend on.
This cordless framing nailer is cordless and fully battery powered. With a tool-free firing mode and a two-speed motor with a full range of framing nails, this framing nailer is one you should invest in.
Power
The motor on this nailer is extremely powerful and brushless. The engine is designed in a way to optimize performance powerful enough to operate 3 ½ inch fasteners.
Stall Release Lever
You don’t have to worry about your driver blade jamming up and can easily go through with your tasks as they still prevent any kind of jamming.
Perfectly Sized Nails
With the option of using both clipped and full round-headed nails, you need not stress over their size and design. Paper tape collation is 30 degrees.
Pros:
- 3-year warranty with free repairs on any factory damages
- Extremely efficient
- Compact and lightweight, use this nailer for any projects you have
Cons:
- Light, but not as light as you’d expect from other nailers
[button url=”https://amzn.to/3nCOUBL”]
Best Budget
2. SENCO Paper-Tape Cordless Pneumatic Framing Nailer
What You Will Love: The durability of this product is a big selling factor. Recommended by professional nailers, farmers, and contractors, this machine is loved by customers and also comes with a 2-year warranty.
This easy to use and effective framing nailer has a pneumatic feel, a powerful burst of speed, and is extremely convenient due to it being cordless. The durable construction on this machine makes this last you a very long time and is the ideal tool recommended by professional nailers.
AirPower Technology
Enjoy no ramp time and pneumatic performance on your framing nailer with the airpower technology that is featured on this fusion cordless nailer. Efficiently nailing continuously with no jamming and glitch.
Powerful
This framing nailer is powerful enough to drive 3-1/2 x 148” nails into engineered lumber. The strength of that is unmatched and if you’re looking for driving the nails deep, this is the nailer for you.
Relief Valve
A pressurized relief valve is installed into the product and the relief air-port is removable for easy cleaning, effective use, and proper maintenance.
Pros:
- Comes with extended life batteries, charger, and a storage bag
- Robust design and strong construction
- Durable, with a 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Rafter hook is rugged and oversized
[button url=”https://amzn.to/3jLI7ot”]
Best for Paper Collated Framing Nail
3. DEWALT Max Cordless 30° Paper Collated Framing Nailer
What You Will Love: Durable, great for home DIY projects, different speed settings, trigger lock feature for safety.
If you want the best Dewalt cordless framing nailer, look no further than the Dewalt 20V Max XR framing nailer. Its powerful motor and engine design give it the power to drive 3-1/2″ nails quickly on soft and hard joints alike.
The sequential operating mode allows you to place nails precisely, while the bump firing mode gives you maximum speed. With the 2-speed selector switch, you can optimize speed and motor performance for different nail lengths.
When you’re working on a framing project, you’ll inevitably have to deal with jammed nails from time to time. If this happens with the best Dewalt cordless nailer, removing the metal and getting back to work is a snap because you have ready access to the nosepiece.
The magazine holds 55 paper-collated nails. If you’re especially concerned about safety, you’ll be happy to know that you can disable the trigger when you’re not using the nailer.
Troubleshooting with the framing nailer is simple too, because the top cap is impact-resistant yet easy to remove.
Pros:
- Easy to remove jammed nails
- Comes with safety trigger-locking feature
- Speed adjustment for different nail lengths.
Cons:
- Some people complained about nails jamming or not being driven completely.
- Shorter nails can be used with setting 1, while longer nails require the higher setting to power through surfaces.
[button url=”https://amzn.to/2ZtbvIG”]
Best for All Season
4. Paslode, Cordless XP Framing Nailer
What You Will Love: Durable, high-powered, works without a compressor, and you can use it in below-freezing temps.
If you’re looking for a cordless nailer- and don’t want to deal with a compressor and hoses- look no further than the Paslode 905600 Cordless XP Framing nailer.
You need a lithium ion battery and fuel cell to operate it. Ideal for use in all seasons indoors and out, it can be used in temperatures as low as 14F (-10C).
In that kind of weather, air compressors and hoses typically freeze up, rendering them useless, so you need a tool that works without them.
Weighing in at just a little over 7 pounds, it won’t give your arms a workout– a big plus if you’re working overhead or in tight spaces. When working in those hard-to-reach places, it’s helpful to have a tool that’s compact.
This best Paslode Cordless XP Framing Nailer easily fits that description; it fits between 16″ o.c. studs, joints, and roof trusses.
It gives you up to 15% more power than other units of its kind, so you can get more work done– to the tune of up to 9,000 nails per charge, even on harder woods.
Pros:
- Powerful
- Durable
- Works in cold weather
- No compressor and hoses needed
Cons:
- The nail magazine is small, so you have to reload it frequently
- The unit is noisy enough to require hearing protection, especially if you’re working in hollow spaces that tend to echo
- The cost of fuel can add up, too
[button url=”https://amzn.to/3ElFQrR”]
Best for Plastic Strip Collated Nails
5. Hitachi NR1890DR 18V Cordless Brushless Plastic Strip 3-1/2-inch
What You Will Love: It’s compact and durable, runs efficiently, and allows you to adjust settings for precision and speed.
If you’re looking for a relatively lightweight, ultra-efficient cordless nailer, consider the NR1890DR 18V model by Hitachi.
Equipped with a unique Air Spring Drive system, this powerful tool uses compressed air to drive each nail, so there’s no ramp-up time, and you can drive nails at a higher speed.
With its powerful motor, you get more run-time per charge. This feature also means your device is likely to last longer and require less maintenance than it would otherwise.
Hitachi NR1890DR compact 3.0Ah lithium ion battery is shorter and smaller than conventional lithium batteries, making this unit less bulky and easier to carry. When you need to get a nailing job done quickly, this device lets you easily switch between sequential and bump firing mode.
You can drive up to 400 nails per charge, and the magazine holds roughly 37 nails ranging from 2 to 3-1/2 inches in length.
For carpenters who are especially safety-conscious, you’ll be pleased to know that this unit comes with a dry fire lockout system that prevents it from driving nails when fasteners are low.
A newer version of this model is available: the Metabo HPT NR1890DR 18v Cordless Framing Nailer.
Pros:
- Optimal performance
- Compact battery
- Gives a professional finish.
Cons:
- The safety-tip design can make toe-nailing difficult or delay firing when you pull the trigger
[button url=”https://amzn.to/3pIS21K”]
Best for Brushless Motor
6. Bostitch 20v Max Cordless Framing Nailer (BCF28WWM1)
What You Will Love: Bostitch 20v Max Two-speed motor allows for seamless switching between sequential and bump firing modes, stall-release lever allows you to easily clear jams, and you can save money on fuel costs.
For those looking for optimal convenience, the Bostitch 20V Max Nailer (BCF28WWM1) eliminates the need for a compressor and comes equipped with a depth adjustment knob for an easy depth adjustment.
Its high-powered, two-speed motor is capable of easily driving 3-1/2″ fasteners. The unit is compatible with a full round offset nails in 28-degree wire weld collation.
With its stall release lever, you can conveniently reset the nail driver in case it jams. Even better, the device is fully battery-powered so there’s no need to spend time and money stocking up on fuel canisters.
Since Bostitch 20v Max Framing Nailer kit has a tool-free depth adjuster and selector, you can achieve a professional finish even on home DIY projects. Another plus with this feature is that switching between sequential and bump firing operation is virtually seamless.
If you add this type of nailer to your tool collection, you may be able to cut daily set-up and clean-up time by 20 minutes, which saves you more than an hour and a half per week if you use it on the job.
Pros:
- Easy nail-depth adjustment
- No need for air compressors or fuel
- Brushless motor makes it longer-lasting and low-maintenance
Cons:
- Some customers complained of frequent jamming and short battery life
[button url=”https://amzn.to/3GxSLJk”]
Best for Zero Ramp Up Time
7. Metabo HPT Cordless Framing Nailer Kit
What You Will Love: Fast, efficient, allows you to check battery life.
When it came to finding the right one for the job site, we selected the NR1890DR (18V). Its one-of-a-kind air drive system uses compressed air to drive the nails.
That gives you zero ramp-up time, better nailing speed, and recoil that resembles what you’d find in a pneumatic nail gun.
Designed with durability in mind, it features a brushless motor, making it low-maintenance and potentially longer-lasting than other devices of its kind.
With its superior engineering, it gives you the ability to quickly and easily drive 400 nails per charge. Its magazine holds 2 to 3-1/2-inch nails at 21-degrees.
With rapid, tool-free nail-adjustment, you can achieve a professional finish using a variety of materials. For optimal efficiency and performance, you can conveniently switch between sequential and bump firing operation.
Another advantage of the Metabo HPT Nailer is that allows you to monitor how much battery life you have left. Just keep an eye on the control panel, and you shouldn’t have any surprises in the middle of a project.
If you need a convenient way to store the unit when it’s not in use, the pivoting rafter hook lets you hang it where it’s out of the way but within easy reach when needed.
Pros:
- Designed for durability and efficiency
- 2 speeds allow for precision and speed
- You can easily track battery life
Cons:
- No dry fire lockout
[button url=”https://amzn.to/3mkJOe0″]
Best for Dual Speed Trigger
8. DEWALT 20V MAX Paper Collated Framing Nailer Kit
What You Will Love: A well-loved feature in framing nailers is the different firing methods. This nailer has a sequential firing mode, and a burst bump firing mode. Customers enjoy both the modes which are optimized by the tool-free selector.
With a 3 year warranty, 1-year free service, and 90-day money-back guarantee, enjoy this product and its many features, which include a powerful motor, its high precision nail firing, and the still-release lever.
Dual Speed Motor
You can enjoy a variety of applications and make the most out of your use with this nail gun thanks to the dual speed motor, which is optimized to drive a wide range of fasteners.
Tool-Free
Get your nail exactly where you want, without any misplacement, with the tool-free depth adjustment of the nail gun which gives you precise nail placement.
Still Release Lever
In the case of a rare jam, you can easily reset your driver blade, with the still-release lever. Although jams do not occur often, this feature comes in handy with emergencies.
Pros:
- Adjustable rafter hook
- Bump firing mode
- Long motor life, and strong construction
- Cordless nail gun, making it portable and handy
Cons:
- Long nails might not go all the way in
[button url=”https://amzn.to/3CmIlJL”]
Best Fast Charge Battery
9. Paslode 902600 CF325LI Lithium Ion Cordless Framing Nailer
What You Will Love: It’s easily portable yet durable, can charge 50% more nails than other devices of its kind, allows for toe-nailing from any angle, and you can charge it fairly quickly.
You don’t need a compressor to run it, as it operates through a fuel cell (that you have to buy separately) and lithium ion battery.
It’s lightweight, portable, and easy to grip, but heavy-duty enough for everyday use. It’s compatible with 2 to 3-1/4″ 30-degree paper tape strip nails). Even better, this is highly efficient, driving 50% more nails (up to 6,000) per charge.
When you do need to give this some juice, you can get Paslode 902600 fully powered up in just one hour. But a 2-minute charge allows you to install up to 200 nails at a time. Another plus the heavy-duty nosepiece makes toe-nailing possible from any angle.
When you purchase this device, you’re adding more to your toolkit than just a cordless nail gun, since it comes with a rechargeable 7.4 volt Lithium ion battery and charger, safety glasses, and a 5/32-inch hex wrench. Use the included carrying case to protect your investment when it’s not in use.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty
- Portable
- Charges fast
- And efficient
Cons:
- Not recommended for nailing down pressure-treated lumber, you have to have both the fuel cell and lithium ion battery on hand to power it
[button url=”https://amzn.to/3BkDFmA”]
10. Milwaukee 30-Degree Cordless Framing Nailer Kit
What You Will Love: Cordless and portable, customers enjoy using this nailer on all their projects, even if they are small DIY projects. The light-weight and cordless function of the nailer makes this well-loved among customers.
With a brushless motor and efficient performance, this is one of the best on the market. It can get you through the toughest of tasks with ease, with its powerful and strong construction.
Minimal Maintenance
The sealed compression nitrogen gas mechanism power type in the framing nailer requires no oiling at all or even maintenance.
2 Firing Modes
With 2 separate kinds of nailing procedures, enjoy both sequential and contact actuation, also known as bump firing. Both of these procedures have no ramp time.
Fast Firing Speed
Aside from accurate nail placement, you also get to fire the mat at great speeds. Shoot up to 3 nails at a time with this nail gun, and enjoy pneumatic speeds.
Pros:
- Fast nailing speed, with 3 nails at a time
- Sealed compression saves you the hassle of continuous maintenance
- No ramp time
Cons:
- Small gas cartridges required
[button url=”https://amzn.to/3pKQzIo”]
How to Choose the Right Cordless Framing Nailer?
A variety of factors come into play when you need to select the best framing nail gun. Some of the most important ones include:
Power Source
While some nail guns are powered by electricity and require access to an outlet, the cordless variety operates differently. The air-powered kind requires a compressor, which can be inconvenient to lug around.
Battery powered framing nailers need to be charged from time to time, but give you considerable freedom since there’s no cord or hose in your way. Still, other models are driven by fuel. Sometimes, replacing fuel canisters in gas powered framing nailer can be costly.
Magazine
There is quite a bit of variety in magazine size from one framing nail gun to another. The largest magazines don’t have to be reloaded as often, minimizing workflow interruptions.
Some magazines are specifically-designed to accommodate different nail lengths. Additionally, it’s ideal to have a magazine that can be easily accessed in case of jams.
Weight and Comfort
Quite a number of them are ergonomically designed with lightweight frames and sturdy handles for optimal control and balancing.
Some models even come with a dual-handle system that allows you to fasten while standing or kneeling, so you don’t have to remain in an uncomfortable position for too long.
Nail Collation
When it comes to nail collation, it’s either paper or plastic. Using paper may result in fewer jams and eliminates the possibility that pieces of plastic will go flying when you operate the nail gun. Plastic collated nails are somewhat water-resistant, fairly durable, and relatively inexpensive.
Wire Weld
Wire weld nails are especially durable, which makes them a good fit for outdoor projects. They hold up well even under tough job site conditions.
Nail Head Type
Different tools work with different nail head types. The nailhead type you choose depends on the nature of the project and the material you’re using.
Nail Length
Some nailers accept a variety of nail lengths, often between 3/4″ and 1-1/4″, with some variations, of course. Some models are intended for coil nails. The type of nails you need depends on the project at hand.
Related: Porter Cable FR350B Framing Nailer
FAQs
Why do we need the best cordless framing nailer?
When you’re working on framing, roof decking, subflooring projects, and the like, you need the right nailer to get the job done with optimal accuracy and efficiency as possible. The best cordless nailers allow for maximum precision, can drive nails quickly, and accommodate different nail lengths.
How much will it cost to get a cordless framing nailer?
You can purchase a framing nailer for anywhere from under $100 to several hundred dollars. Prices vary based on quality and the features each unit offers. Some brands offer more expensive models than other companies, too.
What makes the best cordless framing nailer?
The best framing nailer has a high-capacity magazine so you don’t have to reload frequently. A high-quality tool lets you set nails accurately, adjusting drive-depth without tools.
The nose should be easily-accessible should jams occur, although the better units should be less prone to jamming. Some cordless tools even serve multiple purposes, such as nailing and stapling, for ultimate versatility.
Does Milwaukee have the best cordless framing nailer?
Yes, Milwaukee does offer cordless framing nail guns (Milwaukee M18 cordless nailers). They come with a variety of features and span a considerable price range.
Final Verdict: Best Cordless Framing Nailers
When it comes to choosing the top cordless framing nailer, it’s wise to consider what kind of projects you need it for, and whether it’s for professional work or the occasional DIY project. The best cordless nail gun comes with easy-to-use features and an ergonomic design. Some models are also especially versatile.
Related Articles:
