Best Finish Nailers of 2022

1. Brad vs. finish nailer

Professional carpenters know precisely how to choose between a brad nailer and a finish nailer, but the novice or amateur could easily get confused by the subtle difference between the two tools. The truth is a brad nailer and a finish nailer look very much alike, and up to an extent, they share the same function.

The main difference is in the type of nails the tool works with.

• Brad nailers: Use brads – namely small 18-gauge nails designed to sink into the wood for a flawless exterior finish even if you’re not planning to paint or cover the surface.
• Finish nailers: Use 15 or 16-gauge nails that are also developed to sink into the wood. However, due to their larger size, a flawless finish can only be achieved by painting or otherwise covering the surface.

2. When to use a finish nailer?

A finish nailer is a perfect tool to have in your arsenal for most heavy-duty carpentry jobs, including the mounting of skirting and outdoor trims, cabinets, furniture, chair rails, bedding, stair rails, and other woodwork applications.

Due to the strength of the nails involved, this choice also falls on this tool for finish works on the hardwood and other hard materials like MDF, HDF, and plywood.

When to use a brad nailer vs. a finish nailer:

A brad nailer is a more appropriate choice instead if you’re working with particularly delicate materials such as soft wood trims, to avoid damaging the material.

3. Types of finish nailers

Based on their power source and operating mode, the finish nailers can be classified as electric, pneumatic, and gas nailers.

Electric finish nailers

Like most electric tools, these nailers are either corded or cordless. The differences are clear and straightforward.

• Corded finish nailers: Plug into a wall socket, have unlimited operation time, but their mobility is subject to the length of the cord.
• Cordless finish nailers: Are powered by a rechargeable battery which can be either Li-Ion or NiCad. Their mobility is limitless, but the runtime is subject to the capabilities of the battery.

How to choose a cordless finish nailer?

With the advent of the cordless technology, more and more hobbyists decide to enjoy the benefits of portability and the advantages of owning a battery-operated tool. But there are a few battery-related features that differentiate the best cordless finish nailer from an average one.

• Battery type: Essentially, there are two types of batteries to choose from, Li-Ion and NiCad. The main difference is the lack of memory effect on the Li-Ion variant, which allows you to recharge them at any moment during their cycle without negatively affecting the runtime and lifespan.
• Charging time: The charging time varies widely from battery to battery, even between models belonging to the same battery type. For instance, some Li-Ion batteries may require over 6 hours to recharge, while the latest generation models will be ready to use in only one hour.
• Interchangeable battery: The best cordless finish nailer should come with an interchangeable battery that can be replaced with a charged one when drained.

Pneumatic finish nailers

Like all pneumatic tools, the pneumatic finish nailer is powered by compressed air, typically produced by a portable air compressor. Comparable in terms of power with the cordless machines, the pneumatic nailers come with a great advantage, they are easier to operate with just one hand.

This gives you the possibility to hold the workpiece with the other hand, guaranteeing a higher precision.

However, to ensure the accuracy and continuity of operation, you will have to check the nailer’s PSI and CFM requirements and make sure your air compressor produces sufficient pressure and power for your tool.

Gas finish nailers

Similar to the fuel-driven brad nailers, the gas finish nailers come with an internal fuel reservoir, typically a cartridge, that releases a small quantity of gas into a combustion chamber. The gas flow and ignition are controlled by an electronic mechanism, and the explosion inside the combustion chamber drives the finish nails into the wood.

However, just like its brad nailer counterpart, the gas finish nailer is usually expensive and needs too much maintenance.

4. Cordless vs. pneumatic nailers

Most professionals and DIYers focus their choice on either cordless or pneumatic nailers. While there is no supreme best, we tend to like the pneumatic finish nailers more.

The finish nailers are intended for a workshop or home use, and more often than not, portability is not a major concern for the users. A pneumatic tool comes with the advantage of a continuous runtime as long as you make sure the compressor’s CFM and PSI are superior to the requirements of the tool, which translates into better time management.

5. Best gauge size

A quick look at the options available on the marker reveals finish nailers come in different gauge sizes. This means they can drive smaller or larger nails, depending on the specifications of the tool.

The most common gauge sizes are:

• 15-gauge
• 16-gauge

Both types of finish nailers can drive nails of variable lengths, usually up to 2.5 inches. These machines are ideal for most carpentry applications like installing skirting, crown molding, window and door casing, and chair rails to name just a few.

All finish nails are made of steel and are hard enough to drive through harder materials including hardwood, MDF, and plywood.

6. Best finish nails

There are two important things to consider when choosing the best finish nails for your project, their weight and the desired length.

• Weight: The weight of the finish nails is expressed in pennyweight (abbreviated ‘d’ from the Latin term “denarius”), which is an old British measurement unit still in use today. Their weight usually determines how easily the tool can drive the nails but also their length. The finish nails come in sizes from 2d (corresponding to a 1-inch length) to 20d (corresponding to a 4-inch nail) and their length increases by 0.25 inches for each size between 2d and 16d nails, and with half an inch for all subsequent sizes up to 20d nails.
• Length: To determine the right length needed for your project, measure the thickness of your workpiece, keeping in mind you’ll need a nail at least one inch longer. For example, if you want to fix a board that is half-an-inch thick, you’ll need a finish nail at least 1.5 inches long.

7. Straight vs. angled finish nailers

Finish nailers are either straight or angled, and this classification refers to the structure of their magazines. The difference is exactly as it seems, the straight nailers load nails in a straight position, while the angled magazine loads them at an angle.

The best finish nailers are the angled ones; these nailers have an angled nail magazine and a longer nose that allow you to reach corners and tight spaces and are also more precise in driving the nails. The angled nailers are also less cumbersome than their straight counterpart due to the position of the magazine, which makes them easier to maneuver. Their only drawback is the slightly higher cost of the angled nails.

8. Other features to look for in a finish nailer

The best finish nailer should also have the following features:

• A dual operating mode switching from sequential to bump drive allows the operator to choose between precision and speed and adds versatility.
• If you want to use the tool for a broader range of projects, choose one with an adjustable depth drive.
• A lockable trigger mechanism is an important safety feature to consider, as it minimizes the risk of accidental injuries.
• Look for a nailer with a built-in spotlight if you want to work in low light conditions or light up any darker corners.
• Easy storage can be ensured by a built-in hanging hook.