A cordless finish nailer is more convenient and saves time than a corded or pneumatic finish nailer. Of the finish nailers available, a 16 gauge cordless finish nailer appears to be the most popular cordless finish nail gun.

A cordless finish nailer is like a nail nailer in that it also uses heavy gauge nails and can be commonly found in the toolkits of finish carpenters and cabinetmakers. The difference is in the size of the nails. Finish nailers use larger nails than nail nailers.

If you frequently work on projects where you need to nail crown molding, baseboards, cabinets, chair rail molding, wood furniture, paneling, bookcases, cabinets, window molding, door molding, hardwood floors, woodwork, and Larger accent trim, a cordless model will get the job done faster and make your work life a lot easier.

Finish nails are generally longer and larger than nails, but they still create a hole small enough that they can be easily caulked and then painted once the nailing is done.

What are some of the features to consider when considering a cordless finish nailer?

Size and weight

Finishing work is usually an all-day job for several days. That means you have to hold your electric nail gun in hand for extended periods. A cordless model does not have a cable or pneumatic hose attached that you have to drag with you and handle. That reduces the stress on your wrists. Still, if the nailer itself is heavy, it will take its toll over time.

The battery in some models can add significant weight to the tool. The higher the capacity of the battery, the heavier and larger it will be.

A cordless finish nailer needs to go into tighter spaces and work at odd angles compared to other nailers, so size is an important consideration. Angled models reduce the overall height of the tool and can facilitate use in tight spaces.

Look for a smaller angled cordless finish nailer with a lighter modern technology battery that weighs the least amount possible to help you keep working longer without as much fatigue.

Nail Trigger Operating Modes

Finishing work sometimes lends itself to precise, sequential nailing one at a time, and sometimes you’re not so concerned with precision as with speed. For those times, you’ll want a nailer that performs a high-speed punch shot. A nailer with both modes is ideal.

Nail depth

Just as important as accurately shooting the finish nail is the need to achieve the correct nail depth. Some finish nailers come with an adjustable depth control that allows you to precisely control the depth. You should expect that any cordless finish nailer you buy will provide you with consistent nail depth on a variety of wood types.

Turning on

Much like any tool, a finish nailer finds its way into dark spaces like cabinets or dimly lit areas like baseboards near the floor. A cordless model with LED lights can bring shadow-free light directly to the surface so you can see what you’re doing without the need for additional lighting.

Interference

No matter how careful you are, you will eventually experience nail jam. It’s just the nature of the nails you work with. How you deal with the jam is important. If you need to fetch a screwdriver or wrench to try to clear the jam, you are wasting time and money. Look for a model that has tool-less access, such as an openable revolver, that allows you to clear the jam quickly and easily without much downtime.

Warranty

A long warranty is an indication that the manufacturer has faith in their materials and workmanship. Look for the longest warranty available and, if possible, a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the tool.

A quality cordless finish nailer saves time for trim carpenters, cabinetmakers, and others who routinely install baseboards, shoes, crown molding, chair rails, paneling, wood floors, stairs, window frames, door frames, or jambs of doors.

We sincerely hope this article has provided you with valuable information to help you choose the best cordless finish nailer for your needs!