logo
logo
logo
  • Store
    • Project Plans
    • Videos
    • Magazine issues
    • Browse All
  • Projects
    • Free Plans and Projects
    • Furniture Projects
    • Jigs And Fixtures Projects
    • Shop Projects
    • SketchUp Models
    • Shop Storage
    • Workbenches
    • Free Woodworking Downloads From Lee Valley
  • Techniques
    • Basics
    • Finishing
    • Joinery
    • Marking And Measuring
    • Safety
    • Woodturning
    • Woodworking Glossary
    • Workshop Tips
  • Tools
    • CNC Woodworking
    • Hand Tools
    • Power Tools
    • Tool Reviews
  • Videos
    • Premium Streaming Video Site
    • Experts Guide to Gluing & Clamping Wood
    • Mastering Built-In Furniture
    • Simple Live-Edge Slab Table
    • CNC – Designed for Woodworkers
    • Milling Your Own Lumber
    • Advanced Bandsaw Techniques
    • I Can Do That! – Simple Woodworking Projects
    • Woodwright’s Shop with Roy Underhill
    • Tricks of the Trade
  • Blog
    • American Woodworker Archives
    • Shop Blog
    • Chris Schwarz Blog
    • People And Places
    • Flexner On Finishing Blog
  • subscribe
    • Popular Woodworking Magazine
    • Renew
    • Digital Editions
    • Give A Gift
    • Woodworking Magazine Reprints
    • Premium Streaming Video
  • My Account
    • Register
    • Log In
    • Account details
  • Reviews
    • Finishing
    • Hand Tools
    • Power Tools
    • Workshop
  • Reviews
  • Power Tools
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products-learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Bid Goodbye To Manual Hammering and Nailing With the Best Finish Nailer

Pop Wood Reviews Team
By Pop Wood Reviews Team
Last updated: 28 Feb 2023

Are you a skilled woodworker or a DIY enthusiast? Do you think using woodworking tools will improve the look and caliber of your projects? Several woodworking tools can be helpful for someone who finds joy in seeing their labor of love finished to perfection. One of the essential tools for completing a woodworking project is a nail gun, as it increases work productivity and pace.

A finish nail gun is crucial among the various nail gun types to get a firm and accurate nailing result. They achieve unrivaled levels of accuracy and consistency compared to manual nailing. Inadvertently, the hold strength is also improved.

Purchasing a finish nailer will be a wise choice if you’re a stickler for detail and believe in producing high-yield and high-quality products. We have reviewed the leading finish nailers of 2023 to aid your decision-making.

Best Overall
logo
DEWALT Finish Nailer
Check on Amazon
Check On Walmart
Best Straight
logo
NuMax Finish Nailer
Check on Amazon
Best Angled
logo
Metabo HPT Finish Nailer
Check on Amazon
Best Cordless
logo
Ryobi Finish Nailer
Check on Amazon
Best Safety Features
logo
Makita Straight Finish Nailer
Check on Amazon
Show contents
Here Are the Top Finish Nailers of 2023
  • 1 DEWALT Finish Nailer
  • 2 NuMax Finish Nailer
  • 3 Metabo HPT Finish Nailer
  • 4 Ryobi Finish Nailer
  • 5 Makita Straight Finish Nailer

Buying Guide for Finding a Finish Nailer

Choosing new tools is complex, and the abundance of options makes a choice even more difficult. Here is a buyer’s guide with all the information you require to purchase finish nailers well-informedly.

Brad Nailer vs. Finish Nailer

The gauge difference is what distinguishes the various nail gun types. The gauge designates the nail’s diameter and is expressed as a fraction; the lower the number, the thicker the nail. For instance, a 16-gauge nail is wider than an 18-gauge nail. The gauge typically also determines how strong a nail is. 

Brad and finish nailers have a similar appearance, and it’s mandatory to distinguish between them to make the appropriate selection.

Finish nailer

Compared to brad nailers, a finish nailer is larger and uses higher gauge nails. Usually, 14 to 16-gauge nails are used. Unlike the brad nailer’s flimsy hold, the finish nailer’s thicker gauge produces a relatively solid and firm grip. 

A finish nailer is a very flexible tool that works well for many projects and materials. It should be the nail gun of preference when working on wood projects involving heavier trims. It should be noted that this results in slightly larger nail indentations, which can be later repaired with wood putty.

Brad nailer

Brad nailers are typically 18-gauge, though occasionally, they also come in 21-gauge. The small brad it fires gave rise to the name “brad nailer.” They can either be battery-powered or pneumatic, requiring an air compressor. To avoid larger holes, they are frequently used for precise tasks. 

It can also be used when working with thin, delicate pieces that risk breaking if a more powerful nail gun like a finish nailer is used. They are frequently used in situations where surface and finish are crucial. It is inappropriate for projects involving heavier wood or equipment due to its comparably weaker hold.

Types of Finish Nailer

There are two types of finish nailers; straight and angled finish nailers. The magazine angulation determines the types.

Straight finish nailer vs. angled finish nailer

In contrast to a straight finish nailer’s magazine, which is parallel to the head and the nailing surface, an angled finish nailer’s magazine is at a slight angle to the head and the nailing surface. The angulation of the straight finish nailer is 90 degrees. On the other hand, angled finish nailers typically come in two angulation options: 21 and 35 degrees. A greater degree denotes a sharper angulation.

Compared to the straight finish nailer, the angled nailer offers greater versatility. Even the smallest spaces will fit it. The only drawback is that the angled finish nailer’s nails are much more expensive than straight ones and have a larger gauge, making them more noticeable.

Factors To Consider When Buying Finish Nailer

The following factors can help you in narrowing down your choices. 

Gauge

There are two different gauges for finish nails: 15 gauge and 16 gauge. Your choice will depend on your intention in the context. Compared to 16-gauge nails, 15-gauge nails are thicker and have greater holding power. It’s best to use a 15-gauge finish nailer when greater strength and power are required. On the other hand, picking a 16-gauge nailer when finishing is your top priority.

Nail depth

It refers to how far deep a nail penetrates in the wood. A shallow depth will make the pin protrude, while a high depth will push the nail far too deeply. The nail depth should be adjustable. 

Ergonomic grip

For holding and using the tools comfortably, an ergonomic grip is essential. It enables effortless and continuous tool use.

Safety features

The finish nailer with integrated safety features is the best option because finish nailers are hazardous machinery because they operate with nails and have high torque and power. The finish nailer with a contact safety tip and accidental firing prevention is the most suitable. These two features typically prevent all accidents.

Are Finish Nail Guns Expensive?

Compared to other nail guns, finish nailers are an expensive option. The cost of a finish nailer is typically about 30% more than that of a brad nailer. Prices for finish nailers in 15 and 16 gauges also differ.

It should be mentioned that pneumatic finish nailers are less expensive than cordless, battery-powered ones. The cost of the cordless kits for 15-gauge finish nailers ranges from $250 to $500. The same gauge pneumatic finish nailer runs between $150 and $250.

Only marginally less money is spent on the 16-gauge finish nail guns than on the 15-gauge ones. The price of a cordless kit ranges from $180 to $420. The price range for pneumatic versions is $100 to $220.

Here Are the Top Finish Nailers of 2023

1

DEWALT Finish Nailer

– Best Overall
img
Buy on Amazon
Check On Walmart

With its premium features, the DEWALT DCN660 16-gauge angled finish nailer is an excellent option for professional carpenters looking for a high-quality tool. It’s a very flexible option with the ability to drive nails from 1¼ to 2½ inches and is fully battery-powered that utilizes 20V lithium batteries which don’t require the use of an air compressor, hose, or gas kit. It has a terrific run time despite its small size. It has features for quick jam release, quick stall reset, and depth adjustability.

It stands out as the perfect solution on the list thanks to its valuable features, including ergonomic design, safety features, excellent performance, and user convenience.

Pros
  • Compact and lightweight for convenient maneuverability
  • Excellent runtime and durability
  • Tool-free adjustments and safety features
  • LED light for illuminating the work surface
Cons
  • The pricing is expensive
2

NuMax Finish Nailer

– Best Straight
img
Buy on Amazon

Pneumatic power is used to operate the NuMax SFN64, a 16-gauge straight finish nailer. It has enough force to drive nails up to 2 ½ inches long. It’s a flexible tool that can be used to help with a variety of professional and domestic tasks conveniently. Sequential firing and tool-free depth adjustment are two of the highly lucrative features. Its no-mar tip prevents it from leaving dents and dips throughout the surface. It also unclogs the jams and is exceptionally safe, with the ability to store 100 nails in a large-capacity magazine. This product includes air tool oil, adjustment tools, and a one-year warranty for protection.

Pros
  • Ergonomic grip and easily maneuverable
  • Durable construction and outstanding security features
  • Great value for money
  • Easy to load and expansive storage
Cons
  • Hose and compressor purchased separately
3

Metabo HPT Finish Nailer

– Best Angled
img
Buy on Amazon

Consider the Metabo HPT NT65MA4 finish nailer if you need a tool that can fit even the smallest spaces. It’s a 15-gauge pneumatic tool with top-notch features for working with rigid materials and surfaces. Sequential and contact nailing can be done with it, and switching modes is easy. You can change the nail’s depth without using additional tools, giving you better control over the outcome and a better surface finish. Since it weighs only 4.2 lbs, it’s easy to use for heavy work. Together, the air duster and exhaust improve the work surface visibility. What’s great about this product is that it also comes with a 5-year guarantee.

Pros
  • Convenient nail placement in tight spaces
  • Lightweight and ergonomically designed
  • An integrated air duster removes dirt and debris 
  • Adjustable air exhaust directs air from the surface
Cons
  • Unable to track the remaining nails
4

Ryobi Finish Nailer

– Best Cordless
img
Buy on Amazon

The Ryobi P325 One+ is a cordless finish nailer that runs on batteries and works with 16-gauge nails. The 18V lithium-ion battery powers the cordless tool. You can control the depth of your nails thanks to the air pressure nail depth adjustment. It has a working surface lit by an LED-powered light that operates in all illumination conditions. It’s a durable device that’s also easy to use thanks to the tool-free adjustment and safety features like anti-dry firing, jamming release, and other similar features.

Pros
  • Enough power to fire 800 nails
  • LED light illuminated work surface
  • Indicates low nail count
  • Excellent speed and no vibrations
Cons
  • Can be bulky for some users
5

Makita Straight Finish Nailer

– Best Safety Features
img
Buy on Amazon

Do you want a strong finish nailer but are concerned for your safety? A strong straight nailer that works with 16-gauge nails is the Makita XNB02Z. It’s ideal for driving nails that are between 1 to 2 ½ inches long. With a single charging cycle, the battery’s 5.0Ah 18V LXT rating allows it to drive up to 1000 nails. Given its cordless functionality and simple operation, few devices can compete with this one in terms of convenience. The trigger locking system and anti-dry fire mechanism ensure the safety of the tool, working surface, and operator.

Pros
  • Unmatched convenience with dual-mode mode selector switch
  • Maximum efficiency and versatile application
  • Ergonomic design facilitates easy handling
  • Adaptable and integrated safety features
Cons
  • The battery is not included in the package

People Also Asked

Q: Are the four different sizes of finish nailers 15 gauge, 16 gauge, 18 gauge, and 23 gauge?

A: No, the only finish nailers are 15 and 16-gauge nail guns. A brad nailer is indicated by gauge 18, while a pin nailer is indicated by gauge 23.

Q: Can I use a brad nailer pin in my finish nail gun if I run out of finish nailer pins?

A: No, the brad nailer pins and finish nailer pins cannot be used interchangeably due to the differences in gauge sizes. Each pin can only be used with the corresponding gun.

Q: Should I oil my finish nailer?

A: Unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise, it is advised to oil the finish nailer after each use to prolong its service life and reduce wear and tear on parts, such as valves.

Pop Wood Reviews Team
By Pop Wood Reviews Team
The Pop Wood Review Team’s product reviews and comprehensive guides are here to help you select the best gear and tools to efficiently complete top-quality woodworking projects. The content is created by The Pop Wood Review Team. Popular Woodworking’s editorial staff is not involved. Popular Woodworking is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Related Reviews
img
Drive and Pull Out Nails Conveniently With the Best Claw Hammers
img
Add Better Finishing to Your Wood Projects With the Best Brad Nailer
img
Rip Nails, Demolish, and Deconstruct Structures With the Best Wrecking Bars
logo
  • Projects
  • Techniques
  • Blog
  • Tools
  • How to Videos
  • Shop
  • About Us
  • Customer Service
  • Advertise/Media Kit
  • Affiliate Program
  • Become a Contributor
  • Active Interest Media
© 2023 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved
Privacy policy Terms of use