The 10 Best Cordless Finish Nailers

Finding the best cordless finish nailer for the job ahead can dramatically improve the results that you’re looking to achieve. Anyone who’s experienced with hand tools will tell you that you can’t use any old nail gun to replace a finish nailer.

A finish nailer is designed to take on slightly heavier tasks than a brad nailer, but they’re also much smaller than a traditional nail gun. The good news is that you’re going to be able to pick out the best cordless finish nailer right here today!

Our Top Pick:

Model	Price	Editor’s Rating
CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Finish Nailer Kit	Check Price	4.9/5

Although there are dozens of options across the internet, only a select few of them are truly worth your money. If you’re trying to stay budget-friendly, then you’re in the right place. What could be better than finding a high-end finish nailer while also saving tons of money? When you’re ready to make that come to life, check out the list below!

What Are the Best Cordless Finish Nailers?

1. CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Finish Nailer Kit

There might not be a better way to start off the list than with a prestigious company such as CRAFTSMAN. They’ve led many parts of the industry for years, so it should come as no surprise to see them at number 1. The CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Finish Nailer kit has everything you need to get started on your projects.

With an ergonomic grip designed to guide each and every nail, you’ll have complete control over the entire process. When you’re working in such a small space, it’s vital to the completion of the project to have such precision. Even the front of the nail gun is made to give you a solid surface to place it on before using it.

Another great feature of this battery-operated nail gun is the fact that it comes with a quick adjustment setting. You can move the knob to the perfect depth that you need for whatever surface you’re working on. Not only are adjustments quick, but so is the charge time. Combined with the powerful 20V performance, you might want to stop the search right here.

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2. Makita 18V LXT Straight Finish Nailer

Makita is another industry-leading brand that continues to provide excellent products at a low cost to their customers. Give the Makita 18V LXT Straight Finish Nailer a try if you want a lightweight, reliable product with a long-lasting battery life. It’s also nice because it’s slightly more compact than other models.

The fact that you can hold up to 1,000 nails per cartridge on this nail gun is a huge bonus for many people. Constantly having to refill the cartridge can be tedious, but you won’t experience that with this nail gun. Not only does it hold plenty of nails, but it also boasts a 5.0 Ah battery for incredible power in such a small size.

Another feature that everyone can appreciate is the anti-dry firing mechanism. When you fire a blank on a nail gun, it can overheat and rip apart the insides of the tool over time. Luckily, this Makita nail gun has a special contraption that prevents that from happening. You’ll never have to worry about accidentally pulling the trigger without a cartridge.

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3. Paslode 16 Gauge Angled Cordless Finish Nailer

If you want one of the lightest finish nail guns on the market, then the entry at number 3 on the list is going to be a huge choice for you. The Paslode 16 Gauge Angled Cordless Finish Nailer weighs in at only 4.5 pounds, making it an easy handling situation for just about anybody. If you have wrist or joint problems, then this tool is a must-have.

The lightweight nature might be the focal point of this tool, but the impressive performance doesn’t stop there. It also features a 7V Li-ion battery that lasts for more than enough hours with the power to use 12,000 nails before requiring another charge. You can take on a full day of work on a single battery life!

The tip of the nail gun is designed to prevent scuffing and scratching of the surface that might otherwise require a new layer of paint. You wouldn’t want to finish up nailing everything down just to realize that it’s all marred from the tip of the nail gun you’re using. The no-mar tip of this nailer also doubles as a precision point for accurate nailing.

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4. PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Cordless 16GA Straight Finish Nailer

Back to top-notch companies in the tool industry, PORTER-CABLE is another low-cost brand that provides solid products. If you’re on the hunt for one of their finish nailers, then it doesn’t get any better than this. The PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Cordless 16GA Straight Finish Nailer is, without a doubt, the best battery nail gun made by the company.

Being able to adjust and fasten the depth of your nails is essential to succeeding with the job. This tool lets you do just that with a small knob that doesn’t invade the handling space. This finish nailer also uses a textured rubber grip to give you solid control over it while also preventing slips or drops when you’re working.

One of the most missed features that should be a requirement in the industry is safety switches. You don’t want to set down your nail gun and accidentally fire one off. Especially if you’re working at home around kids or pets, a safety switch is required. Luckily, this one comes with a quick flip switch to keep the trigger from pulling.

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5. BOSTITCH 20V MAX 16 Gauge Cordless Straight Finish Nailer

BOSTITCH tends to create tools that are rugged, durable, and reliable. If you’re concerned about dropping or damaging your gear, then you might want to consider getting this nailer. It’s designed to take on tough challenges, which is a huge breath of fresh air. The BOSTITCH 20V MAX 16 Gauge Cordless Straight Finish Nailer is definitely worth looking into.

Perhaps the most useful feature of this nail gun is the LED guiding light. It can be a serious problem if you’re trying to find out where your nails are going in the dark. Even in dimly lit houses, you need a light to guide your way. Luckily, this built-in LED light is incredibly bright and reliable around the clock.

Much like a few of the previous entries on the list, you can adjust the depth of this finish nail thanks to a knob on the side. The straight edge of this tool is perfect for getting flat edges that are usually too tricky to deal with. It lets you get the perfect, accurate shot that you’re looking for to achieve the ideal look.

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6. DEWALT Cordless Angled Finish Nailer Kit

DEWALT is another one of those companies that always products fantastic tools worth buying. Their DEWALT Cordless Angled Finish Nailer Kit provides everything you need to take on simple tasks around the house or complex job sites when you’re at work. It includes a battery charger, the battery, the tool, and even a carrying bag for convenience.

The carrying bag is made of a durable material to keep your tools safe from bumps and drops that might otherwise cause damage. It comes with two straps and a zipper for a straight-forward design that nobody would have trouble with. To charge the battery, simply hook it up to the charger for a couple hours and you’ll be good to go.

The slightly angled edge of this nailer gives you the exact direction that you need to hit those turns and curves on multiple surfaces. It also has a jam release button to prevent it from clogging up, which might otherwise cause overheating or permanent damage to the nailer. Paired with multiple trigger options, it doesn’t get more customizable than this.

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7. Ryobi P325 Cordless 16 Gauge Finish Nailer

Ryobi continues to undercut most other brands to give fair prices across the board. Although they’re not as well-known as the bigger companies, they still have their foot in the door. The Ryobi P325 Cordless 16 Gauge Finish Nailer is one of their leading products that any worker would love to have in their collection.

Adjusting the depth of your nails is incredibly easy on this tool. A quick turn of a knob changes the pressure, giving you complete control of the entire situation. No more worrying about whether or not there’s enough power in the nailer that you’re using! There’s also an LED light on the front to help with accurate placement.

You’ll even get a no-mar tip to keep the surfaces that you’re working on as clean and safe as possible. If you’re working at a jobsite or for a client, this is essential to keep their projects free of any issues. Another unique feature that stands out is the low nail indicator that tells you when it’s time to refill the cartridge.

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8. Senco Fusion Finish Nailer

Trying to find the best battery powered finish nailer is tough when you have a wide variety of projects to deal with. You wouldn’t want to purchase a nail gun designed for one job type when you need it for an array of others. The good news is that the Senco Fusion Finish Nailer is designed for almost anything you can think of.

The steep angle of this nail gun is far more accurate than the vast majority of the competition. You’d be impressed to see how accurately it works when dealing with cabinets, crown molding, and various other projects. The edge presses flush with the surface to provide an unmatched level of precision, which is exactly what you need for a long day of work.

The durability of this nail gun is a huge focal point for the company. Ensuring your safety and that of your tools is something that went deep into the designing process. For this reason, you’ll notice that it can push through all sorts of drops and scrapes that might destroy other tools. It’s also fairly cost-efficient for how tough it is.

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9. Hitachi 18V Cordless Straight Finish Nailer

For those who are looking for a compact finish nailer, this one might be the go-to option for you. The Hitachi 18V Cordless Straight Finish Nailer is perfect for reaching into those hard-to-reach areas that other bulky nail guns simply can’t fit. The straight surface is also a nicely added touch to press right up against the material.

Much like the main body of the nail gun, the battery is also fairly compact. It’s significantly smaller than the average battery, which keeps it from getting in your way. It’s also over half a pound lighter, promoting easier handling and control. Don’t let the small size fool you though, it’s still a powerful 3.0 Ah battery.

This kit has everything you need to keep your tools protected and ready to go whenever you are. This includes a battery, a charger, the nail gun, a big canvas bag, and a pair of safety glasses to keep your eyes safe from debris. Not only is it a kind gesture from the company, but it also saves you plenty of money down the road.

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10. Milwaukee M18 Fuel 16 Gauge Straight Finish Nailer

Last but certainly not least on the list is the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 16 Gauge Straight Finish Nailer. Much like the previous entry on the list at number 9, this one comes as a kit with a few other working essentials. These items include a charger, a Li-ion battery, the nail gun, and a carrying bag. With all of these items, you won’t have to worry about investing too much extra money in the project.

The ergonomic design of the grip on this finish nailer is perfect to fit right in the palm of your hand. It’s great for handling, and the rubber material keeps it from slipping and sliding all over the place. Paired with the no-mar tip and the straight edge on the front, you’ll achieve nearly perfect placement every single time.

An LED light indicator on the back of this nail gun informs you when the battery is beginning to die off. Don’t worry though, as the battery charges much quicker than the average finish nail gun. You can also buy a couple extra spare batteries if you want to make sure that you’re always able to work without having to recharge a battery.

Choosing the Best Cordless Finish Nailer

There are hundreds of cordless finish nailers for you to look through across far too many brands. Save yourself some time by sifting through the list above to narrow down your search significantly. If you have any other questions or you’re stuck on the fence between several choices, you can try looking through this guide section. From tips to FAQ, you’ll find everything that you need to know in order to find the perfect cordless finish nailer to help you get the job done.

What is the difference between a finish nailer and a brad nailer?

Brad nailers and finish nailers are often confused because they look incredibly similar and often provide similar functions as well. The main difference between the two is that brad nailers are limited to 18GA nails, whereas finish nailers are capable of using 16GA to 18GA, giving them a bigger range. Generally speaking, finish nailers use 16GA nails since they’re slightly thicker and easier to use.

Finish nailers are also much more reliable if you’re working on harder materials such as cabinets, certain crown molding, drawers, and so on. Since brad nailers produce 18GA nails, it wouldn’t function as well in these scenarios. Finish nailers tend to not hold as many nails, though, since the gauge is larger. In the end, it’s up to the job ahead of you.

What brands make the best finish nailers?

Since there are so many different types of finish nailers, you could try narrowing down your search by selecting brands before anything else. The thing to keep in mind is that well-known companies tend to charge more because, well, they’re popular! People trust companies such as DEWALT and PORTER-CABLE, making them more likely to spend more money on a reliable product.

If you’re someone who wants to try out a popular brand that nearly guarantees peak performance, there are quite a few options for you. These options include the aforementioned PORTER-CABLE and DEWALT, as well as Ryobi, Makita, CRAFTSMAN, and BOSTITCH. These companies provide solid tools that’ll last you more many years. More often than not, you’ll end up noticing that they don’t tend to get damaged as easier. That being said, there’s the previously mentioned downside of a slightly raised price point.

On the other hand, lesser-known brands tend to cost less but they can be a risk. However, this list only has the best cordless finish nailers, so you don’t have to worry about wasting your money. If you’re willing to pick a lesser-known brand, try out Senco, or Paslode. These two companies won’t be recognized by too many workers, but their quality is definitely worth looking into. You’ll also save a good amount of money on the initial purchase.

Brands are only one cog in the entire process of choosing a new finish nailer. When you’re done picking out the company you want to invest in, consider battery life preferences, the capacity of nails that you need to use in a cartridge and per charge, and a few other issues. Now that you’re ready to move on, check out the next few questions if you are new to using finish nailers.

What are finish nailers used for?

Although it was brushed over in the first question, finish nailers have quite a few functions. They’re very useful if you’re working on crown molding around the edges of the floor or ceiling. This small area requires a slightly angled surface and long, wide nails. For this reason, you should consider getting an angled finish nailer on these surfaces. You’ll also get the trustworthy width of a 16GA nail, which is precisely what you need to ensure a strong hold.

Cabinetry and drawers also require a strong hold since they’re being used often. With constant opening and closing throughout the day, you want to make sure that it has a strong grip on the surface that won’t come out anytime soon. Keep in mind that they’re supposed to last for decades, so don’t settle for something that won’t help you achieve that goal.

Finally, finish nailers are useful if you’re working on woodworking projects. Birdhouses, roofing and framing on model houses, and other condensed areas are definitely worth investing in a finish nailer. If you’re working on a small scale, it’s recommended that you get a finish nailer that comes with an LED light on the front to guide your placements. For more information on unique, useful features, proceed to the next FAQ.

What features should a battery operated nail gun have?

There are all sorts of unique features being added to cordless nail guns as technology progresses. LED lights, no-mar tips, and ergonomic hand grips are all something that many people find are essential these days. If you enjoy convenience, then this section will have everything that you should look for when buying your new battery operated nail gun.

Starting off, you should try to look for a safety switch on the nail gun. This will keep your hands safe, as well as any kids or pets that might be interested in running around the area when you’re not looking. You might also consider an anti-dry firing nail gun. This feature prevents you from being able to use the nail gun when there aren’t any nails in it, preventing overheating and other internal damage.

Other features to consider include a straight or angled edge, depending on which types of surfaces you’ll work on. If you’re working on a corner, getting a straight edge would be nearly impossible to deal with. However, an angled edge would be more than enough to secure the surface in seconds.

Finally, battery charge times and multiple spare batteries could be on your list. Although they’re not required, it’s always nice to have a spare charged battery on hands to prevent you from having to stop while the other one is charging up. You’ll save yourself plenty of time and be able to stay focused on the task at hand without having to take unwanted breaks often.

How long do you have to charge the battery on a cordless nail gun?

While it used to take 8+ hours to charge up a battery for a cordless finish nailer, you can usually charge it up in under 2 hours these days. Some companies offer faster chargers that can fully charge the battery in only 30 minutes. However, if you have a couple batteries on hand, there’s no reason to consider investing in a faster charger. That being said, people who do jobs on and off throughout the day might enjoy the convenience that it offers. Just like every other optional feature with these nail guns, it’s all up to which options best suit your preferences.

Why should you choose a cordless finish nailer?

With pneumatic and corded electric finish nailers serving plenty of people just fine, why should you choose a battery-powered finish nailer? Well, the truth is that they’re the most convenient out of all of the types. Being able to walk anywhere you need to while working without being tethered to pressurized air or an outlet is the main reason that so many people choose to go cordless eventually.

Cordless finish nailers used to not have the same power as the other two options, but with technological improvements in recent years, batteries are beginning to produce similar power. In fact, the bigger batteries are doing more work while still maintaining long charge times. The main downside to a battery-operated finish nailer is that you have to charge it every so often, but that can be offset if you choose to buy multiple spare batteries.

Even having one extra battery doubles your working time. With the ability to use up to 12,000 nails per charge, you could easily use 24,000 a day off of a single charge. If you’re working around the house or even at a workplace, 24,000 nails are far more than enough for nearly anyone. The good news is that these batteries aren’t too costly once you’ve bought the nail gun itself.

The final reason that so many people are beginning to choose cordless nail guns is due to the fact that you can fix them much easier. If you cut or damage the cord of a corded nail gun, it’s over. You have to buy a new one. Pneumatic nail guns suffer the same fate. However, if you damage a battery, you can simply replace it without having to buy a brand new nail gun. The small sacrifices of owning multiple batteries and having to charge them up are far more than worth it for most people. In the end, the choice is yours to make!

Check also:

• Best Electric Brad Nailers
• Best Cordless Rotary Tools
• Best Electric Hedge Trimmers