The moment framing nailers emerged in the 1990s, the construction industry improved drastically. Since then, these tools have undergone immense transformation in terms of safety, performance and affordability. These durable and highly efficient tools can now be spotted in any kind of construction work, whether small or big. Looking for the ideal framing nailer means you need to compare from hundreds of options in the market. It is not just about the brands; there are loads of reviews that can easily add to the confusion.
Probably you are in this situation where power source, degree differences and other specs and features have you all balled up. Knowing how difficult this task can be, especially for someone who is not an expert, we took time to analyze the top 10 best framing nailers today. Take a moment to go through this review, you could find a machine that solves your construction needs.
Preview
Name
Rating
Price
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Paslode 905600
excellent
$$$
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Freeman P4FRFNCB
excellent
$$$
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Hitachi NR90GC2
excellent
$$$
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Paslode 501000
excellent
$$$
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BOSTITCH BTFP3KIT
very good
$$
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PORTER-CABLE PCFP12234
very good
$$
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Hitachi NR90AE(S)
very good
$$
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BOSTITCH F21PL
very good
$$
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Hitachi NT65MA4
good
$
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NuMax SFR2190
good
$
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1. Paslode 905600 Cordless XP Framing Nailer
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Why are so many people fond of Paslode framing nailers? The products are suitable for everyday’s construction work because they are lightweight and durable. Over the 50 years that the company has been around, it has committed to manufacture tools that fit the tough jobsite environment. The qualities you will see in the 905600 are along this olden policy.
Every user values ergonomics. This tool should there receive accolades from all corners for its nice grip and balance. It is also an attractive piece of machine. It weighs only 7.2 lbs. (about 3.2 kg). Add this to its power and you can complete almost any project. Despite its lightweight, this machine drives nail at an impressive rate of 9,000 nails per charge. I doubt if many users would expect such a high speed at this price range.
No need for a compressor or hose to power this tool as it comes with a battery. Li-ion batteries are respected for their reliability, so the 7.4 V on this one adds to the list of admirable features. If you need a full charge, you only need to wait for about 90 minutes. For quick charges, 2 minutes are enough to give you up to 200 shots.
Like all framing nails, performance is not purely based on the tool; user handling is also critical. Instances of misfiring and jamming have been reported. In an apparent attempt to avert this challenge, Paslode came up with special nails that have near-perfect nail strip collations.
2. Freeman P4FRFNCB Framing/Finishing Combo Kit
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This 4-piece set is every constructor’s dream. Each of the pieces has its application so there is no need to look elsewhere for a framing or finishing tool. The manufacturer rightly notes that the set is suitable for roof decking, pallet building, basement remodeling among many other applications.
Depending on the task, you can choose a brad nailer, angle finish nailer, crown stapler and Full Head Framing Nailer. The first two are ideal for fine finish jobs such as cabinetry, window casings and chair rail. You just have to fire in a few nails on a work piece to understand the professional standards the manufacturer has put into these tools.
The PST9032Q, PFN1564 and PBR32Q are susceptible to jamming, but this is a common problem with most framing nailers. The good thing is that these tools have a quick jam release that eases access to the affected part.
While the tools come with a depth dialer, the low sensitive of this feature is a common concern for users. It affects precision of depth adjustments, something that may affect quality of final product.
We definitely love this set for its suitability for professionals and novices alike. You will find numerous 5-star ratings on Amazon.
3. Hitachi NR90GC2
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Japan’s Hitachi is incontestably a giant in the manufacturing industry, with state-of-the-art products ranging from massage aids to nailers. With the company’s immense experience, it should not come as a surprise that this framing nailer is performing excellently in the user’s eyes. Everyone says that the maneuverability and handling on this tool is great, and we agree. Designers did a spending job in putting the 3.4kg weight in such a highly functional and ergonomic manner. User fatigue is minimal, so you can use this machine for hours on end.
This brings us to the important matter of power. Being gas-powered, the framing nailer is primarily portable. NR90GC2 comes with a 7.2-volt 1.4-Ah NiCad battery that is capable of firing more than 4,000 nails per charge. Loading is so easy thanks to the two-step nail loading feature.
On user experience, the NR90GC2 never disappoints. It is fun using this tool because of the strong grip of soft non-slip rubber. The foldaway hook enhances convenience further, especially if the project involves joists.
Safety was obviously a critical consideration for this model during design. For securing logging of nails and prevention of accidental dry-fire, this tool comes with a dry-fire lockout. Its longer trigger stroke is essential for safe use of this framing nailer.
Are you a present-day carpenter? You need to consider this handy tool from the Land Of The Rising Sun.
4. Paslode 501000 F-350S PowerMaster
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As it is the norm from all Paslode nailers, the 501000 F-350S presents a crazy combination of power, durability and ergonomics. Although it is lightweight (8.4 pounds), its capabilities are amazing. Talk about general contractor’s work, framing, commercial remodeling…etc.-the tool does it all.
How many times have you found a power tools that is all weather friendly? Such nailers are so hard to come by. In this regard, the 501000 F-350S is in a class of its own. Even in wet weather, the comfortable grip handle will be just fine. Equally reliable is the airflow system, which is capable of working seamlessly under different conditions.
Framing jobs have never been easier thanks to the nailer’s ability to handle trussing, sheathing, decking among other types of big works. The high capacity aluminum magazine, with its 84 nails capacity, enhances all this. Compact design is another plus for the tool-it is only 13.3″ high. Other features that enhance usability include bolt-on-end plug, main valve and air deflector cap.
Think that driving more than 10 nails per second is unachievable with such a lightweight tool? Then you have not tried the sequential operation feature. Choose this operation and witness this outrageous nailer do up to 12 nails per second.
Compared to competition, the 501000 F-350S is superior on several fronts. For instance, the tool’s power to weight ratio is at least 10% better than the nearest rival is. Some users may be disappointed that they may need to fetch for an Allen wrench whenever they need to adjust the depth.
5. BOSTITCH BTFP3KIT 3-Tool and Compressor Combo Kit
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This list may not be complete without something from BOSTITCH®. The company has perpetually given us framing nailers with incredible power to weight ratio for a wide range of jobs including bracing, sheathing and subflooring. We have chosen the kit that comprises of three impressive tools and a powerful 150-PSI compressor pump. Any professional looking for a kit for all kinds of jobs will be at home with this set.
The three tools have been built with reliability and durability in mind. The SB-1850BN handles a wide range of jobs, the SB-1664FN deals with 16-gauge finish nails, while the BTFP71875 HD is for 3/8″ Crown staples. These tools work in tandem with a power compressor, which has an easy-to-start motor. More on the compressor- maintenance free pump, oil free, low operational noise level. This compressor comes with a 1-year warranty.
From the looks, the three tools are built to take any beating. They are of solid build and are built from a composite shroud that protects gauges and controls against impacts. Additionally, you can use this tool all day-the ergonomics are top class. The handle is not only firm, but also sleek to the hand.
We think this kit is suitable for any professional constructor. Buy it and also get crown staples and brad nails for the most enticing start.
6. PORTER-CABLE PCFP12234 3-Tool Combo Kit
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We are yet to come across a below par power tool from Porter Cable so the great value of this kit does not come as a surprise. The company has produced several decent offerings and this product is among the most versatile ones. This is in the sense that it comprises of three tools Crown Stapler, Brad Nailer and Finish Nailer. With these tools, you can accomplish any project in your home. This set will help you construct and repair staircases, cabinetry, baseboards, upholstery and much more.
A key feature in this set is the C2002 Type 8 compressor with a 150-psi capacity. Now, this compressor not only offers longer run time, but also recovers so quickly. For the sake of using the standard 120 V and low resistance, this compressor has 0.8HP electric motor.
The kit may weigh 21.5 kg (47.4 pounds), but this is acceptable considering that you may not have to move around with everything. Furthermore, the pancake shape of the compressor makes movement easy.
You may not appreciate the price on this set until you try to buy the tools separately. The BN200SB Brad Nailer alone has a maintenance-free motor and an internal piston catch. It is capable of firing 18-gallon nails of as much as 2 inch.
In short, this set is durable, easy to use, maintenance free and usable even in cold weather. It is also very affordable and quietly effective. Because of its low power, it may not suit an industrial environment. It is without doubt a perfect choice for your household projects.
7. Hitachi NR90AE(S) 3-1/2″ Plastic Collated Full-Head Framing Nailer
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Is there any professional contractor out there? The Hitachi NR90AE is tough, lightweight and powerful. It is your perfect friend as you handle both big and small jobs. This is not to say that a novice cannot enjoy what this framing nailer has to offer.
As is the norm with Hitachi brands, quality features are the mainstay of this tool. Starting with ease of use, the framing nailer comes with a firm grip trigger and replaceable aluminum magazine. You do not need any tool to adjust the depth. This means that you minimize frustrations and downtimes when using the framing nailer.
At a mere 7.5-pounds and able to work for extended periods, this tool is ideal for the busy professional contractor. Do not worry about vibrations synonymous with other tools-the NR90AE has vibration isolation pads to supplement the nice grip.
Even if you work on big jobs regularly, this machine will offer good results consistently. It is designed to handle all types of construction and remodeling work. Take it for subflooring, framing, truss work and wall sheathing and it will never disappoint. We have to credit much of this resilience to the tough claw tip, which withstands tear and wear.
Construction sites have their unique challenges and rigors. For seamless projects in such circumstances, a contractor needs a lightweight yet reliable tool. One such tool is the Hitachi NR90AE(S). We highly recommend it.
8. BOSTITCH F21PL Round Head 1-1/2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Framing Nailer
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Any amateur or professional who has used any Bostitch nailer knows about the ease of use and versatility of these tools. They are very popular and they usually attract many reviewers. Thus, the claim that BOSTITCH F21PL is one of the best selling nailers going by results from Amazon is not surprising at all. Here is why you should also consider adding this framing nailer to your collection.
Built from magnesium, the F21PL framing nailer has an impressive power to weight ratio. It can offer 1,050in. /lbs. yet it weighs only 9.2 pounds. It is arguably the best nailer you will get in this class currently mostly because of its power and features. As an ergonomic and lightweight tool, it means even big jobs are easily manageable. With its skid pads and rubber grip, slippage is almost inexistent and safety is high.
The moment you get this tool, you will discover that it is actually a 2-in-1 Nailer. The two pieces on the gun allow for the interchange between metal connector and framing applications. It has a high capacity magazine to support these functions-the magazine can carry as much as 60 metal connector nails and 20 plastic-collated nails.
While its usage of both 21-degree and metal nails is recommendable, the F21PL has one glaring problem; it is overly sensitive about the type of nails used. Thinner nails may not give desirable results.
Overall, this tool suits both the inexperienced and professional user. Its jamming or misfiring instances are rare, so it is highly dependable. Get your job done with this popular tool.
9. Hitachi NT65MA4 1-1/4 Inch to 2-1/2 Inch 15-Gauge Angled Finish Nailer
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Furniture construction, cabinetry, heavy molding and such like projects require strong materials. This air-powered tool has the power and versatility to fire the right nails in the right places. The 15-gauge nails are used in a myriad of projects, so finish nailer can be used anywhere by professionals and novices alike.
One of the highlights of this framing nailer is its air duster, a feature that ensures cleanliness in the workspace. You will not find this feature on many framing nailers. No more debris spread all over the workplace as long as you are using this tool. Hitachi designed the duster in a way that it utilizes compressor air at the touch of button adjacent to the grip.
The selective actuation is another key feature of the NT65MA4. It allows for effortless switch between contact and sequential firing. The importance of this feature is less downtime when looking for tools.
As you use the tool, you do not have to worry about the powerful jets of debris getting into your eyes- a very reliable fully adjustable exhaust directs exhaust away from the user.
This nailer never feels heavy even if you were to use it throughout the day; it weighs only 4.2 pounds. Credit to the Hitachi for opting for aluminum housing, which is durable and lightweight.
10. NuMax SFR2190 21 Degree Framing Nailer
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This 10.7 pounds weight tool would be a perfect fit for contractors who constantly do wood fencing, roof decking, sub floors and wall framing. Apart from being lightweight, this tool enhances user experience through interchangeable triggers that provide easy alternation from sequential to single firing and vice versa.
Another favorite feature is the anti-dry fire mechanism, which activates if the magazine has only 5 nails. The importance of this feature is to prevent jamming. It also minimizes chances of some parts of the work-piece getting fewer nails than expected.
Equally important and popular with users is the depth adjustment capability. It is important to use this feature for your projects to ensure the right results. Note that the SFR2190 or any other nailer for that matter can leave a nail protruding, flush it or sink it deeper depending on depth settings.
Versatility of this tool is also evident in the different sizes of nails it accepts. It performs best with 21˚ nails, although you could use any nail within the 20˚ – 22˚ range. For DIY projects, consider using 21˚ plastic collated nails to prevent issues of debris flying around and endangering your eyes.
No doubt, the SFR2190 is suited for heavy and long-term projects, but compressor size appears to be more important. Nevertheless, it is an ideal tool for most contractors and the occasional repairperson.
Conclusion
A lot of comparison and soul searching goes into choosing the best framing nailer for a project. For the more experienced buyer, a visit to an online store or local hardware store is enough. Things become tricky if you have been watching a lot of football and this is only your first project. The tools reviewed here are different in terms of ease of use and power, two of the most important considerations. Other than that, there are other distinctions such as air compressors, batteries and so forth. Remember not to be too engrossed in price, only to order for another tool a month or two down the road.
