Updated on March 02, 2023
If you're working in construction, a builder, or just a weekend DIYer, who likes to save money working on his own house, you'll need a framing nailer at some stage in your life. There are also various categories of framing nailers with unique features and functionality tailored to multiple applications. Compared to pneumatic nailers, cordless nailers have many benefits, including fast maneuverability and powerful drive with zero ramp-up time.
A quality framing nailer can drive a number of nails faster into a framing assembly than one framing nail can be driven with a hammer by a professional carpenter. This speeds up the process of exponentially framing a wall (or a house for that matter). This means you should look for the best cordless framing nailer.
But given so many options of brands in the market, we have brought to you our top ten nailers to opt-out for. So let’s jump in and find out which one you should get!
- BEST OVERALL: Paslode Cordless XP Framing Nailer, 905600
- RUNNER-UP: Metabo HPT Cordless Framing Nailer Kit
- BEST VALUE FOR MONEY: DEWALT 20V MAX Framing Nailer Kit
- BEST FOR DIY: Metabo HPT 18V Cordless Framing Nailer
- BEST PROFESSIONAL: DEWALT DCN692B 20V Framing Nailer
Top Rated Cordless Framing Nailer Comparison Chart
Product Name | Image | Nail Size | Weight | Magazine Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | 2" up to 3-1/2" | 10 lbs | 37 Nails | ||
  | 2" up to 3-1/2" | 9.25 lbs | 55 Nails | ||
  | 2" up to 3-1/4" | 7.2lbs | 30 | ||
 | Cell | Cell | Cell | ||
  | 2" up to 3-1/2" | 7.8 lbs | 55 Nails |
Top 5 Recommended Cordless Framing Nailer 2022
Specification
The first cordless framing nailer on our list is the Metabo HPT Cordless Framing Nailer. Metabo HPT, formerly known as Hitachi power tools, delivers a mighty punch but for a very budget friendly price.
With a high rate on Amazon, this option is an excellent value for money especially when you purchase the framing nailer kit: there are some different options available.
If you are on a small budget you can purchase the cheapest kit that includes the framing nailer, battery, charger, and a convenient bag. However, there are also options that include additional accessories so that you don’t need to buy each of them separately.
The main item remains the Metabo HPT framing nailer: with a 3.0 Ah lithium battery, it can develop a power of 18 W, more than enough to work on any kind of material. The battery is very compact and it doesn’t add too much weight to the tool. For this reason, the Metabo HPT nailer is easy to handle and maneuver, even when you need to hold it up high for a long time.
Approx. 35 nails.
Yes, 18V / Lithium Ion Slide Battery and 36V/18V MultiVolt Lithium Ion Slide Battery
Yes
Features:
Areas for Improvement
- Jamming problem
- Depth adjustment
Who is it best for?
This framing nailer is best for both professionals and amateurs; it is also one of the best choices for those who are buying their first-ever framing nailer.
Our Comments
Apart from the sound part, it's a pretty decent one. This framing nailer is suitable for both professionals and amateurs; the battery allows you to go through hundreds of nails before draining out and it charges very quickly.
Specification
Let’s move on to an option that is just a bit more expensive: the Paslode Cordless XP framing nailer. This is still suitable for amateurs (it’s lightweight and very easy to use) but the price might be too high for them. If you are a professional or passionate, this framing nailer will give you so much satisfaction because it’s very powerful despite having a small battery (7V). The small battery makes this framing nailer very lightweight (only 7.2 lbs) but it’s, at the same time, durable: with this gun, you can nail up to 9,000 nails with a single charge! The design is also compact: and the low weight makes this framing nailer easily maneuverable.
The Paslode Cordless XP’s main forte is its tip: it is specifically designed to be very precise with your nailing work. If you do construction work where, for example, you need to put nails in specific signs on the wood, this nailer allows you to be extremely precise. It would be impossible to be just as precise with other cheaper nailers.
The Paslode Cordless Framing Nailer is designed to provide enhanced power to various harder woods for less stable nails and improved drive performance. And you can put your hammer off with the enhanced cold weather efficiency and let this cordless nailer do everything.
Yes it does along with a charger and battery
110V only
This nailer includes one lithium ion battery.
Features:
Areas for Improvement
- Too loud at times
- Stinky odor is expelled by the fuel cell.
Who is it best for?
The Paslode Cordless XP is best for anyone who needs to do some construction work where you need to be precise and need a compact and light nailer that doesn’t make your arm tired after the first 5 minutes of work.
Our Comments
Overall, this one is a suitable one for searching for a long-lasting cordless nailer with durability. If you have a long time working, this one might be a good choice for you.
Specification
With the DEWALT 20V Framing Nailer, we wanted to include in this list a nailer that, despite being heavier than the previous options, has some premium features that makes it totally worth the price and the additional weight.
The DEWALT framing nailer has a dual-speed motor: you can select the power depending on the type of work you need to do. There are also other adjustable parameters: the depth of nailing, and the mode. In particular, you can choose between sequential or dump modes through a button conveniently located on the handle.
When you purchase the DEWALT 20V framing nailer the battery might not be included. So, if this is your first DEWALT nailer, make sure you also order at least one compatible battery and charger.
Its compact shape, well-balanced nature, and easy-to-operate characteristics make it an important, highly efficient instrument in the hands of your team.
No,
No 20v only
Yes, You can use paper collated galvanized nails
Features:
Areas for Improvement
- More variations of nail
- Complaint from some of the users about jamming.
Who Is It Best For?
This nailer is designed to handle tough worksite duty with a long runtime and robust flexibility. Compared to other Dewalt cordless nailers found in the market, this tool features an updated engine design for improved power and drive efficiency. The thought of going hose-free really delighted us as it would be easier for the beginners.
Our Comments
An excellent choice for your crown molding is this Paper Collated Nail Gun. It has all the functionality you need. While it will sometimes jam, it will not slow down your shooting because of its quick-release latch. So with absolute faith, you can purchase it.
Specification
The Metabo HPT 18V cordless framing nailer is one of the best battery-powered framing nailers on the market. It is compatible with nails from 2 inches to 3-½ inches with both clipped or offset round heads.
This nailer doesn’t use a pneumatic system, but it’s only battery power. However, it is so powerful that users don’t notice the difference. The process that loads every nail is extremely quick so this nailer allows you to trigger two nails per second. When the last nail is fired, a dry fire lockout lets you know that you need to reload.
The Metabo HPT 18V framing nailer lets you choose between two modes, the sequential mode or the bump fire mode. It’s very lightweight, especially when compared to other framing nailers in the market and it is one of the easiest to use (it’s ideal for beginners).
When you purchase this framing nailer without the kit you can save some money, but make sure that you have or order at least one battery and charger, otherwise you won’t be able of using your new framing nailer!
Yes, battery, charger and a carry bag comes with it.
No. 18V slide battery only. Metabo and Metabo HPT are different.
Yes, this nail gun accepts 30° clipped head/offset round head paper collated nails of any brand.
Features:
Areas for Improvement
- Heavy body
- Absence of tool-free jam clearing system.
Who Is It Best For?
The METABO HPT 18V Framing Nailer is powerful and reliable. Perfect choice for those why are looking for a nailer for light DIY jobs around the house or repair jobs. Easy-depth adjustment of the drive, dry-fire lockout, and integrated pivoting hock - all help you to achieve precision nailing.
Our Comments
In this Metabo HPT NR1890DR cordless nailer, the manufacturer incorporated the patented Air Spring Drive system into the mix. So, here you'll find a low recoiling rate and a faster cycle rate of two nails per second.
This spring drive system is also powered by a brushless motor, which is responsible for longer run-time, less maintenance, and added reliability. With its 18 volts 3.0Ah Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery, you can drive 400 nails per charge.
Specification
We’ve already spoken about the DEWALT 20V framing nailer, but here we are recommending the MAX version with its kit of accessories.
The gun is provided with premium features: a dual-speed motor that enhances versatility, sequential and bump-fire modes, depth adjustment, stall release lever, adjustable rafter hook, and dry fire lock. This DEWALT framing nailer can work with nails from 33-degree magazine holds to 55 paper-collated nails.
The gun is extremely powerful: it can drive a 3-½ inch fastener into dense lumber. Power, in this case, is at the expense of weight and price: this isn’t the cheapest framing nailer on the market (and the kit is more expensive than the single gun) and it’s also heavier than the other options in this list.
The DeWALT 20V MAX Framing Nailer Kit includes a bag, battery, and charger. If this is your first DEWALT framing nailer, we recommend going for the kit because the single gun comes without a battery and charger and, unless you already have a DEWALT-compatible battery, you’ll need to purchase one separately if you want to use your new framing nailer.
The accessories included in the kit, that is, aren’t optional: the kit is a convenient option for anyone who doesn’t possess a DEWALT gun or battery and needs to set everything up.
Accepts paper tape nails up to 3 1/2" nails
Yes, Comes with a battery and charger.
Yes, they do.
Features:
Areas for Improvement
- Too loud at times
- Ideal mostly for smaller projects.
Who Is It Best For?
Perfect nailer for kitchen and bathroom remodels. Also a great choice for small to medium framing jobs.
Our Comments
We found the DEWALT Framing nailer a bit heavy, especially when compared to other alternatives like the Metabo one. On the other hand, this framing nailer is impressively powerful and suitable to work on sturdy materials.
Also Read: What Size Nail Gun For Framing 2×4
Things to Consider Before Buying A Cordless Framing Nailer
Many people are often very confused about spending money on a tool. So, to make that process easier, we have come up with a few factors to consider while you are purchasing your first cordless framing nailer.
Usage
The first and foremost thing to be considered while buying any kind of tool is that you need to comprehend why you want to buy it. The application of the nailer, in this case, will help you get an overview of the components that you must look for.
You can be using it for home, construction sites, to handle massive woodworks or ventures. This may mean constructing decks, framing houses, or building space. For framing, wood siding, fence construction, wood sheathing, and major carpentry work, this sort of nail gun is also used.
So, figure out first what purpose your tool will be serving and then get one according to that.
Size and Weight
After bringing it around and using it all day, many contractors fail to remember how heavy their framing nailer would feel.
It has to be lightweight because you need to lift the gun to work. If your weight is not ideal, you can't perform well, and after work, you will have discomfort or pain in your arms and shoulder.
The framing nailer's size should be another discussion point. If you're always trying to squeeze between studs while doing framing, a smaller nail gun in this situation would be safer.
Our top 10 list really embodies both a lightweight machine and a smaller platform that makes it easy to fit in positions to do the job. When buying, please remember the weight of the unit. You'll thank us later!
Battery
Cordless framing nailers are a fantastic choice because an air compressor and the cumbersome hose you would usually have to drag around the worksite are unnecessary. There are 3 different modes of powering cordless nail weapons: Battery-Powered, Fuel/Gas-Powered, and Hybrid.
Before jumping to conclusions, you must consider that each product has its own pros and cons.
Pricing
And lastly, always check the price. For any product, we all know that we have a budget. We definitely do not have an unlimited amount of cash. So when choosing the right nailer for you, remember the price. And we are confident that at a reasonable price you can get the right one.
The price range is set to the quality of the built. The heavier built you go for, the more you will have to pay. But then again, the hefty tools will last you long, making it a significant investment.
Whereas when you try to be stingy, there are high chances of you getting faulty or low-quality products. That will straight up feel like you are throwing your cash down the trash.
How to Choose the Best Cordless Framing Nailer for You
It is fair to assume that only experienced framers buy nail guns when they need to mallet nails on boards more than a hundred times in an hour. A DIYer, on the other hand, buys them when any extra cash rattles through their wallet.
So, we have come with a few questions that you can ask yourself to find out the most perfect cordless framing nailer for yourself.
What sort of work do you have to deal with?
The tool depends on the fact whether you’ll be using it professionally or casually. You should choose a robust high-end model if you are a pro user and think of using the nailer heavily every day.
If you're a DIYer, on the other hand, you can select a nailer that is maneuverable and comfortable to use.
How much do you want to splurge?
Again, you have to spend a little more if you're looking for a heavy-duty model with all possible features, or if you think you're going to try the nail gun, then go first for an inexpensive model.
If the quality of the tool that you are buying is exceptionally good, then we suggest you make the investment. It would be worth it when it serves you a few years.
What other purposes will it be serving?
If you have jobs that might need a nailer, think about what they could be. Then make sure you buy one that will be compatible for a wider variety of workers.
This importance is all considered by adjusting the nails’ depth, adjusting the firing techniques, and the ability to fire a more extensive selection of pins.
Will it go with your lifestyle?
This obviously includes the environment and setting of your house. The power source is a critical factor for the nailer to actually work. There are battery and gas options that you can opt-out of depending on your situation.
Again, few people tend to go for smaller nailer if they don’t have much storage space in their homes. A crucial factor for the durability and smooth operation of any system is proper storage and safe transportation. So, that would tell you if you should go for a carry case one or not.
For non-contractors who don't have all kinds of other instruments, kits are perfect. A "kit" can be known as a combination framing nail, charger, carry bag, battery, or batteries.
Many manufacturers have other products that can use the same batteries, chargers. They already have a way to move their devices around. Still, DIYers really like the idea of the package—only a different thing to think about.
Safety Tips for Cordless Framing Nailer
Since its first appearance in 1959, the simplicity of driving nails into nail gun materials has made it very attractive among contractors and customers.
However, without following the proper nail gun safety tips, the instrument itself can be very lethal and it is possible to sustain serious injury. Such accidents can happen in many ways. Like-
- Double-fire accidental nail discharge
- Nail penetration through the material
- After hitting a hard surface or metal element, the nail ricochets
- Unplanned release of the nail that results from the squeezed trigger knocking on the safety contact tip
- Uncontrolled recoil from nailing in an inconvenient position
- Ignoring safety mechanisms.
Nail gun safety regulations are designed to greatly minimize any form of accident and injury when using a nail gun, so it is very important to comply with these laws and guidelines on and off the job site.
Here are few safety tips that you should follow when using your framing nail gun to avoid any sort of injury if you own or intend to get one.
Training:
If you are a contractor or employer and you have employees (especially new employees) working for you, before allowing any worker to handle the instrument, make sure to provide the required training on how to use the nail gun.
Training new employees would teach them about the incidence of nail gun accidents and the appropriate measures needed to effectively minimize or even prevent them.
Firing Trigger:
A nailer's trigger mechanism enables you to shoot or drive nails with it. Each trigger mechanism for nailers relies on two simple controls that allow you to use the nailer to drive nails.
Both controls include a finger trigger and a touch safety tip mounted on the nose of the nailer. Your nail gun's trigger mechanism is based on the order in which you activate these two controls.
Usually nail guns come with a sequential or bump trigger that is switchable with certain switches.
After Use Care:
When you're not using the tool, detach the battery. It is really dangerous to have it lying around with the battery attached.
Although less than 1% of the time a well-maintained nailer could misfire, it does occur on occasion, so read the manual of your operator on how to clear a misfire to be prepared for when it happens.
Safety Equipment:
Personal protection equipment (PPE) is a must if you are a contractor or an employer. If you use power tools in your construction site, this is one of the most important steps to take.
So it is imperative for you to have hearing protection ready for your staff, such as earplugs or earmuffs, since nail guns can be very noisy. To protect the feet and toes and high-impact protective glasses to protect the eyes, steel toe safety boots should be issued.
If the correct safety instructions for its use are not followed closely, every power tool may cause serious injury.
If you want to use any nailer securely, whether pneumatic or cordless, you need to follow the easy and important safety tips outlined by us diligently.
FAQ
Can I use 25 degree nails on a 21 degree framing nailer?
Absolutely not. The first shot will jam up the gun. If the nails don't line up with the angle of the barrel or piston, they'll be useless. They probably won't even load into the gun.
What should I do if my nails don't go correctly or get bent?
Pull the bent nails and renail it. If they are hard to pull you can break them off and sink them in with a nail set.
What nail gun would I need to build a small barn for my animals?
Depends on the material you are using, but most likely a framing nailer. A framing gun, which only fires 3/3.5 inch. You need a separate one for roofing nails.
Should I use 16 or 18 gauge nail gun to install interior door and frame?
I use 15 ga for frame. But 16 ga will work as well. 16 ga on outter edge of casing and 18 ga on the inner edge of casing.
Which cordless framing nailer is better, the 30 degree or 21 degree?
I use nails guns everyday, exclusively pneumatic 15° wire coil and 28° wire collated. All I can say is the gun you get ultimately depends on what you intend to use it for. Take these points into consideration before you make your decision:
- 21° nails come collated with plastic strips with significant spacing between the nails. 30° nails come collated with paper strips with no spacing between the nails. Meaning you can get more shots before needing to reload the magazine.
- 21° nails can be found almost everywhere but 30° aren’t hard to find either. Every lumber yard I’ve ever been to carries both. Big box stores can be hit or miss for 30° nails.
- 21° nails launch hard plastic bits all over the place. As fate would have it, they usually hit you in the face. Though the paper strips that hold the 30° nails together can get mushy in wet or humid weather leading the gun to under perform.
- 30° guns can get into tighter spaces that 21° guns can’t.
- 21° nails have a full round head, 30° nails have a clipped or offset head which leads to slightly less holding power and may not be allowed by some local building codes.
What degree framing nailer to get for DIY stuff? 21 degree, 28 degree or 30 degree
It really is preference. Out of the three, I say 28 degree only because I like the wire-collated nails better than plastic (21°) or paper (30°). Plastic strips shoot hard chunks of plastic EVERYWHERE and paper gets soggy and flimsy sometimes. Plus you can fit more wire collated nails in a magazine than the other two. All three are readily available almost anywhere. My ultimate preference however would be a 15° coil framer but they can be pricey
Looking at getting a 20v framing nailer. Which is better 21 or 30 degree??
Both the 21° and 30° are good for occasional to light use with Paslode nails. I have them both - the 30° is better. But if you are planning on it being your main nailer and you do A LOT of framing it’s not the gun.
Conclusion
Cordless nailers keep their space steadily over corded nailers, but each has its different usability. Cordless comes in handy when you need an intense motion to work in tight corners.
The DEWALT Framing Nailer Kit is our choice for the best cordless framing nailer to use during the weekends. In contrast, the Paslode Cordless XP Framing Nailer is excellent for professionals.
We hope you were helped by this article with your hunt for cordless framing nailers, and you can buy a good one according to your needs.
Brad is the ultimate DIY expert. Mostly self-taught, he has a lot of knowledge about the “do’s and donts” of nearly any home project. Brad routinely reviews new tools in the marketplace and provides a handful of helpful tips for aspiring do-it-yourselfers along the way. He is a lover of all things regarding building and creating.