Top 5 Finish Nailers: Your Essential Buying Guide

Rating: 8.8/10

The Metabo HPT NT65M2S 16-gauge finish nailer is a top-notch tool for any serious DIYer or professional. It’s designed to make your finishing jobs easier and more precise. This nailer is built for speed and accuracy, making it a favorite for detailed work like installing molding, chair rails, and cabinets.

What We Like:

• It handles 16-gauge finish nails from 1 inch to 2-1/2 inches long, giving you lots of options.
• This nailer has been chosen as the Pro Preferred Nailer for seven years straight by Builder and Developer Magazine, so you know it’s reliable.
• You can easily switch between bump fire and sequential fire modes with the selective actuation switch.
• Weighing only 3.7 lbs, it’s super light and easy to move around without getting tired.
• The tool-free depth adjustment lets you set the nail depth perfectly for different wood types.
• It’s great for molding, chair rail, and cabinet projects.
• The exhaust port can be adjusted in any direction to keep air away from your face.
• A handy air duster button blows away dust and debris, keeping your workspace clean.
• The no-mar tip protects your wood from accidental marks.
• It comes with a solid 5-year warranty from Metabo HPT.

What Could Be Improved:

• While powerful, it requires an air compressor to operate, adding another piece of equipment to manage.
• The price point might be a bit high for casual DIYers.

This Metabo HPT finish nailer is a fantastic tool that combines power, comfort, and precision. It’s a smart investment for anyone who wants professional results on their fine finish projects.

Rating: 8.7/10

The Metabo HPT NT65MA4 Finish Nailer is a powerful and versatile tool designed for professional and DIY use. This 15-gauge angled finish nailer is perfect for various trim work, from crown and base moldings to window casings and staircases. Its lightweight design and smart features make it a favorite among those who demand quality and efficiency.

What We Like:

• It’s really light, weighing only 4.2lbs, which means less tired arms during long projects.
• You can easily switch between hitting one nail at a time or a rapid-fire mode with the selective actuation switch.
• The depth adjuster is tool-free, making it simple to set the perfect nail depth for a clean finish.
• The exhaust port can be rotated 360 degrees, so you can point the air away from your face or the wood.
• The angled magazine helps you get into tight spots more easily.
• It comes with a built-in air duster that blows away sawdust, keeping your work area clean and speeding up your work.
• Metabo HPT has been a pro-favorite for nailers for 10 years, showing their reliability.
• It includes a 5-year warranty, giving you peace of mind.

What Could Be Improved:

• While great for most tasks, it might not be the best choice for very heavy-duty framing.
• The air duster feature, while useful, adds a slight bulk to the tool.

This Metabo HPT finish nailer is a top-notch tool that makes trim work easier and more professional. Its combination of performance, comfort, and smart features makes it a smart investment for any serious DIYer or professional contractor.

Rating: 8.9/10

The DEWALT 20V MAX* Finish Nailer, Angled, 15GA (DCN650B) is a game-changer for DIYers and professionals alike. This cordless tool ditches the bulky compressor and annoying hoses, giving you complete freedom to move around your project. It runs on a powerful battery, so you don’t need to buy expensive gas cartridges either. This makes it super convenient for any job, big or small.

What We Like:

• It’s 100% battery-powered, so no compressor, hose, or gas cartridges are needed.
• The brushless motor makes it last longer and work better.
• The micro nose helps you see exactly where you’re nailing, making it more accurate.
• You can easily switch between firing nails one at a time or quickly in rapid succession.
• Adjusting how deep the nails go is simple and doesn’t require any tools.
• Clearing jammed nails is a breeze with the tool-free jam release.
• Built-in LED lights help you see your work and also tell you if the tool needs attention.
• A special lever resets the nail driver quickly if it gets stuck.
• The adjustable belt hook can be moved to either side.
• The inline magazine makes it easy to use at different angles and in tight spots.

What Could Be Improved:

• Some users find that the battery life could be better for very long projects.
• While generally reliable, some users have reported occasional issues with nail jams, though these are usually easy to clear.

This DEWALT finish nailer offers incredible versatility and convenience. It’s a powerful and efficient tool that simplifies your woodworking tasks.

Rating: 9.0/10

The DEWALT 20V MAX* Finish Nailer is a game-changer for DIYers and professionals alike. This cordless tool frees you from the hassle of compressors, hoses, and expensive gas cartridges. Its powerful brushless motor ensures it runs longer and lasts a long time. You can easily switch between firing nails one at a time or in rapid succession with its tool-free selectable trigger. Plus, setting the nail depth is a breeze, so your nails sit perfectly flush every time. Clearing jams is also quick and simple thanks to the tool-free jam release. Two LED lights help you see your work area and also tell you if the tool needs attention. If the driver blade gets stuck, a special lever can reset it without any tools. You can hang it on your belt on either side, making it comfortable for everyone. The nailer’s design lets you use it easily in different positions and tight spots. It also works with all DEWALT 20V MAX* batteries.

What We Like:

• Completely cordless: No compressor, hose, or gas needed.
• Brushless motor: Provides excellent runtime and durability.
• Easy to use: Tool-free adjustments for trigger mode, depth, and jam clearing.
• Helpful features: LED lights for workspace and diagnostics, stall release lever.
• Versatile: Works in tight spaces and has an adjustable belt hook.
• Battery compatibility: Works with all DEWALT 20V MAX* batteries.

What Could Be Improved:

• Tool only: You need to buy batteries and a charger separately.
• Nail capacity: Some users might prefer a higher nail capacity.

This DEWALT finish nailer offers fantastic freedom and control for your projects. It’s a smart investment for anyone needing a reliable and convenient nailing solution.

Rating: 9.3/10

Tackle your home improvement projects and crafting adventures with the NuMax SFN64 Pneumatic 16-Gauge Straight Finish Nailer. This tool is built to handle a wide range of tasks, from installing baseboards and window casings to assembling picture frames and working on detailed furniture trim. Its sturdy construction and user-friendly features make it a reliable choice for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals.

What We Like:

• It handles many construction jobs, like trim, moulding, and window casing.
• It uses 16-gauge straight finish nails from 1 to 2-1/2 inches long.
• The hardened steel drive blade makes it tough and resistant to damage.
• It’s light and comfortable to hold, even for long jobs.
• You can change the nail depth easily without tools.
• A quick jam release lets you fix problems fast.
• The no-mar tip protects your wood surfaces for a clean finish.
• The comfort grip handle helps you work longer and place nails accurately.
• You can point the air exhaust in any direction to keep it away from your face.

What Could Be Improved:

• The exhaust direction adjustment can sometimes be a little stiff.
• While durable, some users might prefer a slightly more robust feel for heavy-duty industrial use.

The NuMax SFN64 is a versatile and dependable nailer that makes finishing work easier. It’s a solid option for anyone looking to add quality and efficiency to their toolkit.