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Home » 5 Best Cordless Finish Nailer Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

5 Best Cordless Finish Nailer Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

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Are you looking for the best cordless finish nailer and don’t want to spend hours researching and comparing products? Don’t worry, we got you covered.

Buying a cordless finish nailer out of a hundred different brands and models can be tough. You need to choose one based on ease of use, durability, and other important factors that require regular testing and we did just that for you.

After spending more hours in my garage than my wife would like, I tried and tested over 15 different finish nailers and trimmed the list down to 5 so you get the best bang for your buck.

If you want to make a quick-fire purchase, here’s a summary of my top picks.

  1. DEWALT DCN650BTop Pick
  2. Metabo HPT Finish Nailer
  3. BOSTITCH Finish Nailer Kit, BTFP71917Budget Pick
  4. Ryobi P325 Finish Nailer
  5. Makita AF601 Straight Finish Nailer

Best Cordless Finish Nailer for 2023 Reviewed

Image Product
DEWALT DCN650B
  • Ideal nailer for professional-grade work
  • Comes with LED for clear sight in low light
VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS →
Metabo HPT Finish Nailer
  • Comes with a blower for cleaning surfaces
  • 360-degree adjustable exhaust for comfortable usage
VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS →
BOSTITCH Finish Nailer Kit, BTFP71917
  • The Kit costs less than $150, ideal for budget buyers
  • No-mar tips prevent damage to the surface
VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS →
Ryobi P325 Finish Nailer
  • Dry-fire lockout protects the motor and the battery
  • LED light for low light situations
VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS →
Makita AF601 Straight Finish Nailer
  • More durable than the Ryobi and Bostitch Nailers
  • Rubberized grip for the perfect grip in any situation
VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS →

But if you would like to jump into details and learn the nitty-gritty stuff, this section is for you.

1. DEWALT DCN650B

QUICK SUMMARY

  • Ideal nailer for professional-grade work
  • Comes with LED for clear sight in low light
  • Dual-speed allows you to work with any nail size
  • The battery lasts up to 700-800 nails
DEWALT 20V MAX* Finish Nailer, Angled, 15GA (DCN650B)

If you are a professional woodworker and do a lot of DIY projects at home and need something heavy-duty, this is just the cordless finish nailer you need, and here’s why.

One of the best things about this nailer is that it is perfect for nails of any size. Thanks to the dual-speed feature, whether you need to work with short or long nails, the DEWALT can handle them all so you aren’t risking your fingers with hammers or have to buy different nailers.

Plus, it holds an amazing 50+ nails which means you won’t constantly have to reload nails and get a ton of work done quickly. And even when you do need to reload, the easy slide mechanism means it takes less than 60-seconds.

Also, isn’t it a ton of extra work when you get the nail placement wrong and then need to take it off? Not forget the damage it does to the walls or furniture. Well, not anymore. The DEWALT nailer is equipped with a micro nose for 100% accuracy as it improves the line of sight.

Not just walls and furniture, the nailer is versatile and powerful enough to work on floorings as well. And not even jamming will delay your work. Just use the stall release lever and in seconds, you’d be up and running again.

To top it, it has a great battery life i.e. up to 700-800 nails ensuring you don’t constantly need to worry about charging or replacing batteries and can work on multiple projects comfortably. 

Adding to that comfort is the rubber grip and conveniently placed trigger. This ensures the nailer doesn’t slip even if your hands are wet or sweaty (oh gosh, trust me you don’t want it to slip).

And if you are a night owl like me, you’ll find yourself using the bright LED lights more often than not 

On the downsides, it is a tad heavier at 7 lbs so if you have to carry it around the whole day, it can get tiring. 

Plus, it costs above $300 but considering its 3-year warranty, amazing durability, and versatility, for professionals, this is a no-brainer.

Pros
  • Switch to bump or sequential mode in seconds
  • The rubber grip gives a slip-free and comfortable grip
  • The battery lasts up to 700-800 nails
  • Dual-speed makes it ideal for any nail size
  • Hold 50+ nails to prevent the constant need for reloading
  • Comes with a sight for 100% accuracy
  • Ideal nailer for heavy-duty work
  • Comes with a long 3-year warranty
  • There are LED lights so you can work at night

Cons
  • On the expensive side
  • Heavier than most at 8 lbs

2. Metabo HPT Finish Nailer

QUICK SUMMARY

  • Comes with a blower for cleaning surfaces
  • 360-degree adjustable exhaust for comfortable usage
  • Backed by a 5-year warranty
  • It has a capacity of 100 nails
Metabo HPT Finish Nailer | 15 Gauge | Pneumatic | Finish Nails 1-1/4-Inch up to 2-1/2-Inch | Integrated Air Duster | Selective Actuation Switch | 5-Year Warranty | NT65MA4

Not a brand you would have heard of often, but the Metabo HPT Finish Nailer goes toe to toe with the DEWALT on many fronts. Here’s all about it.

This nailer also allows you to switch between the sequential and bump modes in seconds with just the flip of the switch. But that’s not all.

Unlike the DEWALT, it comes with an integrated air duster. This means you no longer need to waste time cleaning the surface with a damp cloth or other things, the nailer itself does it for you with its powerful blower.

It won’t just clean your surfaces but ensure they remain spot/scratch-free even if you nail a hundred nails as the no-mar tip has been tailor-made to prevent damage. Not just that, it also comes with an eye protector and nose cap so even you are well-protected.

This nailer is also lighter than the DEWALT at 4.2 lbs and thus is easier to carry around and maneuver making it the ideal nailer for tight spaces. Plus, you get a carrying case if needed.

I also love the fact that it has a 360-degree adjustable exhaust. Not the most important of features but it is the little bits that make long-term usage more comfortable. Not to forget the rubber grip ensures the nailer never slips out of the hand.

Oh, and did I tell you it has a capacity of a whopping 100 nails (no time for refills? No problem). And another place you won’t have to waste time is clearing jammed nails as the special nose design means it takes less than a minute to do so.

Battery life is just as good as the DEWALT but durability isn’t. Thankfully, it is backed by a longer 5-year warranty that can be extended making it a risk-free purchase.

Pros
  • Backed by a 5-year warranty
  • Weighs just 4.2 lbs and thus easy to carry and maneuver
  • Cleans the work surface with its powerful blower
  • Comes with an eye protector and nose cap
  • Multiple modes give you complete control over the nailing
  • It has a capacity of 100 nails
  • Rubber grips make it slip-free
  • 360-degree adjustable exhaust adds to the comfort of using the nailer

Cons
  • Not as durable as the DEWALT Nailer
  • Does not have LED Lights

3. BOSTITCH Finish Nailer Kit, BTFP71917 (Budget Finish Nailer)

QUICK SUMMARY

  • The Kit costs less than $150, ideal for budget buyers
  • No-mar tips prevent damage to the surface
  • Amazing 7-year warranty
  • Rubber grip for excellent slip-resistance
BOSTITCH Finish Nailer Kit, 16GA, Smart Point, Pneumatic (BTFP71917)

On a tight budget? Or maybe you rarely use a finish nailer and don’t want to spend big on it? Either way, this Bostitch nailer is where your search ends.

Not only does it cost less than $150 but packs a punch well above its weight with impressive features. For example, it is a complete kit. That means you not only get the battery but also a carrying case, additional, no-mar tips, and air fitting.

Most cheaper finish nailers do not include a battery which makes this a true value for money pick.

Though cheap, it is still equipped with advanced features like a quick jam release function that ensures your nailer is never out of action for more than 40-45 seconds.

It is also hands-down the easiest to carry and maneuver finish nailer as it weighs a tad lesser than 4 lbs. It also comes with an integrated 

Yes, the build could have been better but when you have an amazing 7-year warranty that guarantees you free repairs and replacements, you know you are getting your money’s worth.

If you are using a nailer for the first time, no problem. No-mar tips keep the surface protected and you can also choose between sequential and bump modes with a simple flick of the switch. Plus, the thin tip means, you have a clear sight and can aim with 100% accuracy.

Unlike other cheaper nailers, this one has a slip-resistant grip that does an amazing job of absorbing the recoil shocks, in turn, ensuring your hands are aching even when used for long hours.

On the downsides, battery life is poor so make sure you have your chargers or additional battery packs on hand.

Pros
  • Comes with a 7-year warranty
  • It is a complete kit that costs less than $150
  • Weighs less than 4lbs and comes with a carrying case
  • Equipped with quick jam release function
  • Multiple nailing modes available
  • A clear line of sight for accurate nailing
  • Rubber grip for excellent slip-resistance
  • You get additional mar tips and air fitting
  • It has a capacity of 100 nails

Cons
  • Durability is average
  • Not ideal for thicker surfaces
  • Longer battery life would have been better

4. Ryobi P325 Finish Nailer

QUICK SUMMARY

  • Dry-fire lockout protects the motor and the battery
  • LED light for low light situations
  • Low nail indicator so you know when to reload
  • The battery lasts about 800 nails
Ryobi P325 One+ 18V Lithium Ion Battery Powered Cordless 16 Gauge Finish Nailer (Battery Not Included, Power Tool Only)

This Ryobi finish nailer is another good pick for those on a lower budget as it also costs less than $150. Here’s what I love and hate about it.

Unlike the Bostitch finish nailer, this one comes with an LED lighting at the head which means you can continue with the task at hand with 100% accuracy even in low light. Further helping with this is the micro tip as well.

Another standout feature of the nailer is that it tells you when you are running low on nails as it is armed with a low nail indicator eliminating guesswork. But don’t worry, you won’t have to refill nails anytime soon as it has a 100 nail capacity.

Plus, you do not have to worry about charging it as it runs for about 800 nails on a single charge.

Even in case of a jam, adjusting and getting it up to speed requires no additional tools. Just flip the front and voila, you are good to go.

From the rubberized, ergonomic handle that is slip-resistant and comfortable fits in the hand, the conveniently placed light switch, and the pressure adjustment switch, this one of the easiest to use finish nailers on the list.

Furthermore, it has a dry-fire lockout feature that prevents the gun from firing when empty which increases the durability as it prevents unwanted usage and puts less pressure on the battery and motor. But in case there’s any trouble, it is the 3-year warranty to the rescue.

The only problem here is that it does not include battery or other protective gear or carrying case as you get with the finish nailers above. But if you already have a Ryobi 18V battery like the  P100, P102, P103, P104, P105, P107, and P108, it surely is a better pick than the Bostitch.

Pros
  • The LED lights help gives you clear vision in low light
  • Low nail indicator eliminates guesswork
  • It has a capacity of 100 nails
  • The battery lasts about 800 nails
  • The rubberized grip makes it easy to control 
  • All switches are conveniently placed for quick adjustments
  • Though cheaper, it comes with multiple modes
  • Recover from jams in less than a minute
  • Dry-fire lockout improves durability and battery life

Cons
  • No battery or protective gear included in the package
  • Not as powerful as the DEWALT or Metabo nailers
  • On the heavier side

5. Makita AF601 Straight Finish Nailer

QUICK SUMMARY

  • More durable than the Ryobi and Bostitch Nailers
  • Rubberized grip for the perfect grip in any situation
  • Weighs less than 4 lbs so easy to carry and maneuver
  • Costs less than $200
Makita AF601 16 Gauge, 2-1/2' Straight Finish Nailer,

No list of home tools is ever complete without a Makita and their AF601 Straight Finish Nailer shows you exactly why.

While it isn’t as versatile as the DEWALT since it cannot be used on thicker surfaces like the Ryobi or Bostitch is sure is more durable than these two brands. And if used properly, will easily last you well beyond the warranty.

Though it costs a bit more than the two brands if you have an extra 40-50 dollars, it is worth it not just because of durability but there’s plenty to like on the functionality side as well.

For example, it is a kit and thus you get all the safety gear, additional no-mar tips, and oil needed to keep the nailer running efficiently.

It also comes with multiple modes and thus works on almost any nail size and in case you do run out of nails, it protects the nailer and your surface by locking the firing.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the air blower that helps clean the surface in seconds. That’s because you usually find this feature only in high-end models like the Metabo that cost well over $200.

You can even change the exhaust port at your convenience. Plus, it is lightweight at 3.8 lbs and easy to use in tight spaces or carry around the house. You can even use the carry bag to store the nailer so dust and dirt don’t play spoilsport.

Capacity is again great as it supports 100 nails at once for uninterrupted usage and the magnesium body means it can handle a few bumps without breaking or cracking.

And in case there’s any mechanical failure, get free repairs or replacements for 3-years.

The rubberized grip keeps the nailer firmly in your hand at all times while the belt hook is great for when you want to climb ladders, etc. as it means you can do it all without needing additional hands.

Pros
  • The kit includes safety gear, oil, 2 no-mar tips
  • Lightweight and compact build make carrying it easy
  • Costs less than $200
  • Good durability considering the price
  • The magazine supports 100 nails for uninterrupted usage
  • Backed by a 3-year warranty
  • Rubberized grip for comfortable usage
  • The belt hook helps keep the nailer close for easy access

Cons
  • Not ideal for thick surfaces

Conclusion

Well, that’s my list of the best cordless finish nailers for 2023. These have been tried and tested over 6 months and have been reviewed based on battery life, durability, price, ease of use, etc.

In case you think I have missed out on a great finish nailer or any feature worth mentioning, hit me up via the comment section below. You can also drop in your questions and doubts.

Feel free to share your experience with these or other finish nailers you have been using and the kind of projects you have done with to get featured on the site.

Till then, happy woodworking.