Cordless nailing framers can be a valuable addition to your toolbox, especially if you move around a lot on job sites. They are very mobile and tend to be lighter than pneumatic or air-powered nailers.
Finding a great nailer for your needs might be a challenge because there are a lot of options out there, but some stand out from the crowd as the best cordless framing nailers. These, along with a comprehensive buying guide are included in this article.
Whether you are looking for a great tool to go through a punch list with on a large site or want something for home projects, there is a list of cordless framing nailer reviews for you.
Contents
Factors to Take Into Account When Buying the Best Cordless Framing Nail Gun
While all cordless framing nail guns have essentially the same function, there are plenty of different features that set them apart. For instance, if you are working on a job site all day and plan to shoot 1,000 pins, then you will want a larger magazine and longer battery life.
Certain features will likely impact the decision you make, so here are some of the top features to look for when considering which cordless framing nailer to purchase.
Price
This is usually the big one. There are huge variations in price for cordless framing nailers. While price can generally be indicative of quality, the highest-end tools might not be necessary for the work you are doing.
A lower price model is perfect for occasional use, home projects, or use in small doses every day. They probably have a smaller magazine, shorter battery life, or are heavier, but they will get the job done.
A higher-end model would be great for consistent high-capacity usage. If you plan to use this nail every day to shoot hundreds or even thousands of nails, then you want one that can handle the long-term wear and tear.
Magazine Capacity
The magazine capacity is how many nails the magazine of the nail gun can hold. With cordless framing nailers, the magazines are generally smaller to make them lighter and easier to handle. Cordless framing nail guns usually fire slower than a pneumatic nailer so it isn’t as necessary to have a larger capacity.
If you do punch out lists, finishing work, or smaller projects, the capacity of the magazine might not make a huge difference to you; however, for large projects, having to reload the magazine constantly could be time-consuming and inefficient.
Fuel Cell Rods
Some of the framing nailers use a battery and a fuel cell rod. These rods can be inserted into the nailer and give the tool added power and longer life. The issue with the fuel cell rods is you have to refill the fuel fairly regularly and they are not included with the nailer and will be an added expense.
Fuel cell rods make a cordless framing nailer more efficient and more in line with a pneumatic nailer. They can increase the power behind your nailer and can add up to 1000 additional nail shots onto a battery.
For avid users, a fuel cell rod is likely a great feature to have for its battery and power benefits. For those who won’t be using it for hours every day, this is probably a take it or leave it to feature.
Battery Life
As with any electronic or tool that uses a battery, battery life could be a major feature to consider. Most of the framing nailers listed above have a battery life of at least a few hours or a few hundred nails, depending on how fast you are shooting them.
Some of the higher-end cordless framing nailers can shoot up to 4,000 nails on a single charge. Though these nailers are probably a larger investment upfront, the efficiency you get on a single charge far outweighs having to continuously charge the battery.
Any battery issues could be solved by purchasing an extra battery. Then one battery could be charged while the other is being used. Battery life goes hand in hand with the fuel cell rods that are a part of some of the framing nailer systems as the rods can increase the time needed between charges.
Weight and Size
Though many of the framing nailers seem like they are similar sizes, even the difference of a half a pound or an inch or two could make a huge difference if you are holding the nailer for long periods of time.
Battery-powered framing nailers tend to be lighter because they are generally more compact and have smaller magazines. Even so, there is a huge range of weight differential within the nailers on the list.
Most of the Depending on your job or the types of projects. If you need to be carrying your framing nailer with you all day, you might want to consider a lighter option unless the heavier option has other features you value more.
In addition to weight, the physical size of the framing nailer might be important. Depending on your job or the types of projects you do, a large nailer might not fit into small areas or corners like you might need it to.
Keep your project types or needs in mind when you are looking at the size and weight of the tool. Even if you are on many different projects, there might be certain tasks you do more often so you should tailor your choice to those needs.
Warranty
Having a warranty on your new framing nailer could be a huge asset to the longevity of your tool. Things break, especially on construction sites, so having a warranty could provide peace of mind as you get to know your new tool.
The cordless framing nailers tend not to have the longest warranties, maybe a year or a few years at most. If you use the nailer every day you are more likely to notice if something is wrong with the tool than if you only use it sporadically.
It is important to know your tool well and maintain it so you hopefully will not have to use the warranty at all. Even so, a warranty is a great backup to have whenever you purchase a new tool or piece of equipment.
All of these features are likely on your list of things to consider when you are looking to purchase a cordless framing nailer; however, you likely have some that are more important than others. Knowing your priorities with features and then finding the right tool to fit those priorities will help you purchase the perfect tool for your needs.
Cordless Framing Nailer Reviews
1. Paslode 905600 Cordless XP Framing Nailer
While there are a few negatives, the Paslode 905600 Cordless XP Framing Nailer really hits the nail on the head with quality. It is very smooth to use across the board: it is easy to load nails in, has a long battery life, and is quite compact, and can fit into tight spaces.
It utilizes a combination of a 7-volt lithium-ion battery and a fuel rod to power the framing nailer.
The battery can discharge 9,000 nails in a charge and is included with the nailer itself. The fuel rod is not included and will have to be purchased separately.
The Paslode framing nailer can work in temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit and is comfortable to hold in your hand for long periods of time.
A lithium-ion battery, battery charger, carrying case, safety glasses, 5/32 inch hex wrench, and owner’s manual are included when you purchase this framing nailer. A fuel rod is not included and will need to be purchased separately.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Working Overhead
- Voltage: 7.4 Volts
- Batteries Included: Yes
- Weight: 13.5 pounds
- Key Features: Battery and Fuel Cell Powered
What We Like:
- This is a very efficient and user-friendly framing nailer.
- It is easy to reload, works well in the cold, and rarely jams.
- The battery has a long life and it is fairly light at 7.2 pounds.
What We Didn’t Like:
- The framing nailer is quite loud so you will need to wear hearing protection.
2. DEWALT 20V Max XR Framing Nailer
The DEWALT 20V Max XR Framing Nailer is a solid framing nailer with a lot of great features. It should be noted that this is a bare tool so no case or battery is included.
DeWALT tools are fairly universal so if you own other DeWALT products, that battery should be compatible with this tool. If you are new to DeWALT, then you will have to purchase a battery and charger.
A few great features of this framing nailer is the trigger lock. This is an awesome safety feature that not all nailers have. Additionally, there are two-speed settings that can be adjusted based on the length of the nail being used.
There is also a bump mode that can be used to increase how fast the nails are discharged. The lower speeds are great for precision work whereas a higher bump mode can fire out a high volume of nails in less time.
The nailer is compatible with nails ranging from 2 inches to 3½ inches and can hold up to 55 nails at a time. The tool magazine is set at 33 degrees and a fuel rod is not needed.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Long Runtime
- Voltage: 20 Volts
- Batteries Included: No
- Weight: 8 pounds
- Key Features: 3 year limited warranty
What We Like:
- There is a 3-year limited warranty and the nailer provides a high level of consistency across the board.
- There are a trigger lock, multiple trigger speed settings, and bump modes.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Neither a battery nor a case is included with the nail gun and it can only hold one magazine at a time so it will need to be refilled often.
3. BOSTITCH 20V Max Framing Nailer Kit
The BOSTITCH 20V Max Framing Nailer Kit is set at 30 degrees and is compatible with nails that have either clipped or full round heads and are up to 3½ inches in length.
The kit includes the tool itself, a 20-volt lithium-ion battery and charger, and a carrying bag. There is a 3-year limited warranty on the tool.
The battery has a fairly high capacity considering there is no fuel rod and can shoot up to 800 nails on a single charge. It is dense: weighing 8.1 pounds but in a smaller body than most comparable tools. This means it can fit nicely in tight spaces.
There is a stall release lever. So while this tool is prone to jams, you do not have to take the tool apart to dislodge the jammed nail, there is a lever to help quicken up the process. Additionally, there is a bump speed option to increase the rate the nails are fired.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Save Time & Money
- Voltage: 20 Volts
- Batteries Included: No
- Weight: 8.1 pounds
- Key Features: 2-speed motor
What We Like:
- This is a battery only kit, no fuel rods needed.
- It comes with everything you need to get started and has a 3-year limited warranty.
- There is a stall release lever designed into the tool.
What We Didn’t Like:
- This BOSTITCH is on the heavier side at 8.1 pounds and has a tendency to jam.
4. Hitachi NR1890DR 18V – Best Battery Framing Nailer
The Hitachi NR1890DR 18V is a heavy and bulky tool, but it gets the job done well. It actually has its own control panel to switch seamlessly between modes and check the life of the battery. Additionally, it is fairly compact despite its 10.1 pounds of weight.
A lithium-ion battery, charger, carrying bag, and safety glasses are included in the kit. This is a very powerful drill that does not use a fuel rod of any form so it will burn through battery fairly quickly. It can shoot about 400 nails on one a single charge.
There is a swivel hook on the end so you can hook it easily to your belt or a rafter when you need both hands free. Additionally, there is a lockout system that stops the nailer from firing when the nail count gets low.
The magazine can hold a strip of up to 37 nails which range in length from 2 inches to 3½ inches.
This cordless framing nailer has the power and speed of a pneumatic nail gun which accounts for some of the weight. It is smooth and there is almost no load time for nails.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Construction framing applications
- Voltage: 18 Volts
- Batteries Included: Yes
- Weight: 10.1 pounds
- Key Features: Safety Glasses (875769)
What We Like:
- There is very little time to charge up before firing the nail.
- The kit comes with everything you need including a battery.
- It is set at 21 degrees.
What We Didn’t Like:
- The drill is 10.1 pounds which is extremely heavy.
- Does not shoot a lot of nails on a single battery charge and the magazine is quite small.
5. Senco 5N0001N Fusion – Best Cordless Finish Nailer
Senco has a solid line up of tools and this nailer is no different. While it does have its downfalls there are quite a few great features to counter them. That being said, the Senco 5N0001N Fusion probably a good tool for a punch-out list or home projects.
The battery life is not great; however, it charges very fast and can reach 80% in 15 minutes. This could be great if you aren’t using it all day for thousands of nails. It is compatible with nails that are 1 ¼ inch to 2 ½ inches in length.
The nailer is lightweight at 6.1 pounds but quite 21 inches tall and 15 inches deep which is fairly large for a nailer like this.
The design includes an adjustable belt hook. A case and a battery are included with the kit. It comes with a 2-year limited warranty.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Easy to use.
- Voltage: 18 Volts
- Batteries Included: Yes
- Weight: 6.1 pounds
- Key Features: Robust aluminum drive cylinder
What We Like:
- This Senco nailer has a 2-year limited warranty and weighs only 6.1 pounds.
- It uses a lithium-ion battery which charges extremely fast.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Though it is lightweight the physical dimensions of this nailer are quite large.
6. Hitachi NR90GR2 Gas Powered Framing Nailer
The Hitachi NR90GR2 Gas Powered Framing Nailer comes with a case, battery, battery charger, safety glasses, and hex wrench. A fuel rod is not included so it will need to be purchased separately. With the battery and fuel rod providing power, the framing nailer can fire 4,000 nails before needing to be recharged.
Though it is a bit heavy, the nailer itself is fairly compact so it can fit into tight spaces. It measures 14 ¼ inches by 4 ¼ inches by 13 29/35 inches. It is designed with a rafter hook to make working with it more efficient.
There is a 1-year warranty on the nailer. It is compatible with nails up to 3 ½ inches in length and 0.131 inches in diameter. It is very easy to load which prevents unintended downtime on job sites.
There is also a battery life indicator to help you gauge how much time you have before you need to recharge.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Professional or Handyman
- Voltage: 7.2 Volts
- Batteries Included: Yes
- Weight: 16.25 pounds
- Key Features: Robust aluminum drive cylinder
What We Like:
- This framing nailer is fast and has almost no load time.
- It shoots two nails per second.
- It uses a fuel rod and a battery for power which extends the battery life.
What We Didn’t Like:
- The fuel rod does need to be refilled through the benefits may outweigh the negatives.
7. Metabo HPT NR1890DR 18V – Best Cordless Framing Gun
The Metabo HPT NR1890DR 18V is full kit soy you should not need to buy anything extra for it. It comes with a bag, battery, and battery charger. The bag has plenty of extra space to store nails or safety glasses. It has a rafter hook that rotates so it can be safely hung up when you need both hands.
It has a 21-degree magazine which is great for corner work and is very maneuverable. The magazine holds 37 nails which means if you are on a large volume work site you will have to reload the magazine fairly often.
The battery will shoot 400 nails on a single charge. This is great for at-home projects, but if you use a lot of nails a day, it might be worth the investment to get a second battery.
The framing nailer is compatible with nails that are 2 inches through 3 ½ inches in length.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Increased Driving Speed
- Voltage: 18 volts
- Batteries Included: Yes
- Weight: 10.1 pounds
- Key Features: Contractor Bag
What We Like:
- This is an entire kit with everything you will need to run it.
- The magazine sits at 21 degrees and holds nails up to 3 ½ inches.
- The dry fire lockout is a great safety feature.
What We Didn’t Like:
- You can only shoot up to 400 nails on a single charge and there is a small magazine so you will have to reload often on large jobs.
8. Hitachi NT1850DE Cordless Framing Nail Gun
The Hitachi NT1850DE Cordless Framing Nail Gun is very portable and feels balanced in your hand. It has a few features that take it above and beyond such as an LED to help guide you in low-light situations. There is a no-mar tip and a switch to lock the gun when you are not using it.
The no-mar tip will prevent your project from getting scuffed up; however, it can get in the way if you tend to go in at angles when you are working. The nailer itself is compact thought quite heavy at 7.3 pounds. Its dimensions are 12 inches by 2 inches by 12 inches.
It also does have a rotating belt and a rafter hook. This is great if you need both hands to see or work on something. The nailer uses a 3.0Ah lithium-ion battery which can shoot up to 1,650 nails on a single charge.
The nailer is compatible with nails from ⅝ inches to 2 inches in length so it can accommodate slightly smaller nails than other nail guns on this list. The kit comes with a battery, charger, contractor bag, and safety glasses.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Move easily around
- Voltage: 18 volts
- Batteries Included: Yes
- Weight: 7.3 pounds
- Key Features: Fast Charger UC18YFSL
What We Like:
- This framing nailer has a bump and sequential mode depending on your need.
- This is a kit that comes with everything you need.
What We Didn’t Like:
- There doesn’t appear to be a warranty and does jam occasionally. Additionally, the nail gun is fairly heavy at 7.3 pounds.
9. DEWALT DCN692M1 Dual Speed Framing Nail Gun
DEWALT is known to make good products and this one is no different. Though it is large, measuring 18.5 inches by 6.9 inches by 15.6 inches and weighing 7.8 pounds, the DEWALT DCN692M1 Dual Speed Framing Nail Gun is a sturdy and efficient tool.
You can choose a bump and sequential mode to help increase your efficiency depending on the type of project you are doing. Additionally, there is a trigger lock for safety purposes. This ensures the nailer won’t misfire when you are not using it.
Additionally, you can set modes based on the length of the nail. If you are using a 2 inch to 3-inch nail, it will increase the speed whereas if you are using a 3 ¼ inch to a 3 ½ inch nail it will increase the power behind the shoot to ensure a good shot.
This is not a full kit, though it does come with a lithium-ion battery. This nailer is specifically for framing so if that is its intended purpose it will do its job well.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Long runtime
- Voltage: 20 Volts
- Batteries Included: Yes
- Weight: 7.8 pounds
- Key Features: Kit Bag
What We Like:
- Has a bump and sequential mode to help with efficiency.
- It also can switch modes and speeds for different nail lengths.
What We Didn’t Like:
- It is not a kit though a battery is included.
10. Hitachi NR90GC2 Cordless Gas Framing Nailer
The Hitachi NR90GC2 Cordless Gas Framing Nailer can hold up to 3 ½ inch nails with up to 0.131 inches in diameter. It is a powerful nailer that can fire 5,200 nails when utilizing both a battery and a fuel rod and can maintain a rate of shooting 2 nails per second.
The power and speed that this tool has are impressive though the tool itself is large and quite heavy at 7.7 pounds. There is a reversible rafter hook which can increase efficiency if you need to use both hands.
It is smooth and easy to load the nailer though it does not have a huge magazine. The battery can be charged in just an hour so there is not a lot of downtimes when you need to recharge.
This is a kit that includes a battery, fast-charging station, a carrying case, a 4mm hex bar wrench, and safety glasses. There is a 1-year limited warranty on the tool that includes parts and labor.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Easily Move Around the Jobsite
- Voltage: 7.2 Volts
- Batteries Included: Yes
- Weight: 7.7 pounds
- Key Features: carrying case
What We Like:
- This has a great battery life and can shoot 4,000 nails on a single charge.
- It can also use a gas fuel rod to increase the life of the battery by 1,200 nails.
What We Didn’t Like:
- This is a huge framing nailer and is 20 inches by 18.8 inches by 5.8 inches making it one of the largest on this list.
Cordless Framing Nailer Comparison Chart
| Name | Best For | Voltage | Batteries Included | Weight | Key Features |
| Paslode 905600 Framing Nailer | Working Overhead | 7.4 Volts | Yes | 13.5 pounds | Battery and Fuel Cell Powere |
| DEWALT Framing Nailer | Long Runtime | 20 Volts | No | 8 pounds | 3 year limited warranty |
| BOSTITCH Framing Nailer Kit | Save Time & Money | 20 Volts | No | 8.1 pounds | 2-speed motor |
| Hitachi NR1890DR Framing Nailer | Construction framing applications | 18 Volts | Yes | 10.1 pounds | Safety Glasses (875769) |
| Senco 5N0001N Cordless Nailer | Easy to use | 18 Volts | Yes | 6.1 pounds | Robust aluminum drive cylinder |
| Hitachi NR90GR2 Framing Nailer | Professional or Handyman | 7.2 Volts | Yes | 16.25 pounds | Robust aluminum drive cylinder |
| Metabo HPT NR1890DR Cordless Framing Gun | Increased Driving Speed | 18 volts | Yes | 10.1 pounds | Contractor Bag |
| Hitachi NT1850DE Cordless Framing nailer | Move easily around | 18 volts | Yes | 7.3 pounds | Fast Charger UC18YFSL |
| DEWALT DCN692M1 Framing Nail Gun | Long runtime | 20 Volts | Yes | 7.8 pounds | Kit Bag |
| Hitachi NR90GC2 Cordless Framing Nailer | Easily Move Around the Jobsite | 7.2 Volts | Yes | 7.7 pounds | Carrying case |
Frequently Asked Questions & Answered
What Are the Benefits of the Best Cordless Nailer?
It allows you to be more mobile when working though you do have to make sure the battery is charged instead of having unlimited power like a pneumatic nailer.
Do You Need One With a Fuel Rod?
No. Fuel rods give extra power and battery life but do not define the quality of a tool.
Why Is There Such a Vast Difference in the Weight of the Tools?
It depends on what material they are made out of and what features are included. The magazine size and battery can play a role in the weight of the tool.
Conclusion
There are a lot of best cordless framing nailers out there that can be used for a plethora of different projects. Whether you dabble in-home projects now and then or are a professional carpenter that will use the nailer every day, there are great options on this list that should fit your budget.
The best pick on the list is the Hitachi NR90GR2 Gas Powered Framing Nailer which has a long battery life and a nice warranty. It is durable and comfortable to use.
Don’t let the sheer number of options out there intimidate. Following our buyer guide should help you identify key features you are looking for and narrow down your search.
