The Best Cordless Framing Nailers in 2024, Tested
Editor’s Note: Testing for this article took place in late 2023 and these products remain our current top recommendations for 2024 until we revisit this category. Stay tuned for our 2024 updates.
Driving a nail with a single hammer stroke is almost a skill of the past—but with today’s power nailers, it’s no longer necessary. We tested today’s top-selling cordless framing nailers and thoroughly researched dozens more to bring you the best models for a range of budgets and projects.
These portable power tools are relatively lightweight and powerful enough for nailing dense framing lumber.
Keep reading if you’re considering adding one of these convenient devices to your tool kit. This guide details the information you need to know when shopping for the best cordless framing nailer and delivers the pros and cons of the following models that earned a spot on our lineup.
- BEST OVERALL: DeWalt 20V MAX 21° Cordless Framing Nailer
- RUNNER-UP: Milwaukee 2744-21 M18 Fuel 21° Framing Nailer Kit
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Metabo HPT 18V 30° Paper Strip Framing Nailer Kit
- UPGRADE PICK: DeWalt 20V MAX XR Cordless 30° Framing Nailer Kit
- BEST GAS: Paslode Cordless XP 30° Framing Nailer
- BEST 30-DEGREE: Milwaukee 2745-21 M18 Fuel 30° Framing Nailer Kit
How We Tested the Best Cordless Framing Nailers
Before choosing cordless framing nailers for testing in our workshops and jobsites, we carefully researched several dozen models—analyzing customer feedback, overall satisfaction, and beneficial features such as brushed motors and stall releases. We then narrowed down our picks to the highest-rated products on the market.
In actual testing, we evaluated the nailers’ performance in common framing scenarios—attaching sheathing and subfloor and connecting wall studs to floor and ceiling plates to determine how the tools would perform in real-world scenarios. We also tested each tool by firing nails into dense hardwood to see how much nailing power each could produce.
We awarded points based on a rubric. The better a nailer performed, the more points we gave it for each specific task. We also awarded points for special features, such as rafter hooks and easy-to-use depth-adjustment mechanisms.
We compared their prices, power, accessories, and overall value to ensure we suggested only the best cordless nail guns on the market. After testing and evaluation, we averaged the points and used them to determine the best uses for each product that made the cut.
Our Top Picks
Framing nailers are all about convenience and making the job as easy as possible, but choosing one can be confusing. To help simplify the shopping process, refer to the following list of some of the best cordless framing nailers on the market, complete with pros and cons for each tool.
Best Overall
DeWalt 20V MAX 21° Cordless Framing Nailer
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Product Specs
- Power source: 20-volt (V) lithium-ion battery
- Angle: 21 degrees
- Maximum nail length: 3.25 inches
- Additional features: Rafter hook, easy depth adjustment, stall release
What We Like
- Adjustable speed controls for added versatility and user-friendliness
- Tool-free depth adjustment provides added safety and ease of use
- Heavy-duty contractor bag for storing kit for portability and transporting
- Adjustable rafter hook is suitable for the worksite as well as the workshop
What We Don’t Like
- Experienced a slight recovery drag after 5 to 7 rapid-fire shots in bump mode
In our tests, the DeWalt 21-degree cordless framing nailer turned out to be a real workhorse, and its high performance level earned it the top spot. Weighing in at 8.5 pounds, this DeWalt tool is a study in both portability and power. While it’s lighter than some models we tested, it’s still a tad heavier than most pneumatic and gas-powered models. However, we found it well balanced and easy to handle.
The depth-adjustment feature was essential as we switched from dimensional lumber to hardwood since shooting nails into each requires a different degree of force.
The DeWalt’s 21-degree angled nose made it easy to use in tight spots, including attaching vertical wall studs to ceiling and floor plates at an angle (toenailing).
One minor drawback we noticed is the nailer’s slightly slower recovery time in bump mode. After five to seven rapid-fire shots, the DeWalt slowed down a tad. This could be a consideration for professionals looking for lightning-fast nailing for tasks like attaching sheathing. For the average DIYer, it shouldn’t pose any noticeable issues—simply pausing a couple of seconds was all it took for the nailer to keep up.
Ergonomics matter when working with a tool for extended periods, and the DeWalt doesn’t disappoint. Its comfortable grip made it easy to grasp without slipping or causing hand fatigue. Additionally, it comes equipped with a handy rafter hook for hanging the nailer on a rafter when working at heights. Anyone who’s accidentally dropped a pricey power tool while framing a roof will appreciate a rafter hook.
The nailer includes a stall release lever, which helps reset the driver blade when a nail becomes stuck in both the tool and the wood, but we did not experience any stalls. We didn’t have any nail jams either, but we would have appreciated a quick jam release in the event one occurred. This nailer requires removing the front plate, which is held on with two screws, and then pulling out a jammed nail with pliers.
The DeWalt cordless framing nailer boasts a high-strength aluminum magazine with an easy-to-operate pusher latch. It accepts a range of 21-degree plastic collated fasteners up to 3.25 inches in length.
We were impressed with the DeWalt and found it to be an excellent choice for framing and subfloor applications. It’s suitable for both professionals and DIYers tackling a range of projects, from residential framing to deck building and sheathing, with its only notable limitation being a slightly slower recovery time during rapid firing.
Get the DeWalt 21-degree cordless framing nailer at Ace Hardware or The Home Depot.
Runner-Up
Milwaukee 2744-21 M18 Fuel 21° Framing Nailer Kit
Product Specs
- Power source: 18V lithium-ion battery
- Angle: 21 degrees
- Maximum nail length: 3.5 inches
- Additional features: Belt and rafter hooks, toolless depth adjustment
What We Like
- Fires up to 3 nails per second; suitable for getting jobs done quickly
- Tool-free depth-adjustment feature is safe and easy to use
- Sequential and bump-firing modes allow for versatility and user-friendliness
- Fires up to 700 nails on a single charge; perfect for DIY or professional use
What We Don’t Like
- A bit heavier (at 11 pounds) than other nailers; may lead to fatigue with extended use
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 21-degree cordless framing nailer is a standout performer in its own right. In our hands-on testing, it demonstrated exceptional qualities and noteworthy features, making it a top choice for carpenters and remodelers seeking a reliable cordless framing nailer.
One of the key highlights of the Milwaukee M18 Fuel nailer was its outstanding performance. This tool effortlessly drives full round-head nails into dense engineered lumber, making it well suited for demanding framing applications. Its nitrogen spring mechanism sets it apart and gives it a pneumatic boost. In practical terms, this translates to remarkable speed and efficiency. During rapid-fire mode, we fired more than 10 nails in rapid succession without any noticeable lag.
We didn’t experience any stalls, but we did have two jams, both occurring while working with hardwood using bump-fire mode. Although it lacks a quick jam-release feature, the nailer’s infrequent jamming means you can work confidently, knowing interruptions will be minimal.
Being cordless is particularly valuable for projects in remote locations or areas without access to electrical outlets. It eliminates the need for gas cartridges and the inconvenience of managing extension cords.
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 21-degree cordless framing nailer comes as a comprehensive kit, including a rechargeable battery, a charger, and a contractor bag. This all-in-one package adds to the tool’s convenience and value—it’s ready to use right out of the bag after charging the battery.
The Milwaukee nailer weighs approximately 11 pounds. While it’s heavier than some competitors, its ergonomic design helps with comfort during prolonged use. Ultimately, the choice between this nailer and others may come down to individual preferences and the specific demands of the job.
Get the Milwaukee 21-degree cordless framing nailer at The Home Depot, Ace Hardware, or Acme Tools.
Best Bang for the Buck
Metabo HPT 18V 30° Paper Strip Framing Nailer Kit
Product Specs
- Power source: 18V lithium-ion battery
- Angle: 30 degrees
- Maximum nail length: 3.5 inches
- Additional features: Rafter hook, toolless depth adjustment
What We Like
- Full kit in 1 purchase; comes with an 18V battery, a charger, a rafter hook, safety glasses, and a heavy-duty contractor bag
- Switching between sequential and bump firing is straightforward; easy to use
- Toolless depth-adjustment feature for added convenience and user-friendliness
- Lithium-ion battery provides more power for long-term use per charge
What We Don’t Like
- Battery might be slightly too small for production framing; may not suit some users’ preferences
The Metabo HPT cordless framing nailer is an economical pick that offers an affordable solution without compromising performance. We found it a dependable choice for those on a budget seeking a cordless framing nailer.
However, our initial encounter with the tool was less than ideal, as the first unit we received was a dud—we spent nearly an hour on the phone with customer service troubleshooting it. It simply could not generate the necessary power to sink a single nail. However, the manufacturer promptly replaced it, and the replacement model performed admirably. We’re now fans of Metabo HPT’s customer service.
This Metabo HPT nailer features a 30-degree magazine angle, which is beneficial when working in tight spots where a nonangled nailer would be challenging to maneuver.
In bump mode, the nailer fired nails rapidly, but there was a slight lag when we reached the fourth or fifth nail in rapid succession. This suggests it might not be ideal for professionals requiring lightning-fast nailing when attaching sheathing or subfloor. However, this performance difference is negligible for DIYers or those with smaller framing projects.
One of the standout features is the ergonomic grip, which fits comfortably in the hand and provides a secure hold, preventing slipping during operation. While it weighs in at 9.9 pounds, lighter than some competitors, it still has substantial heft, which could lead to fatigue, especially if working overhead for extended periods.
The depth-adjustment feature on the Metabo HPT nailer required some tweaking to achieve the desired setting when transitioning between dimensional lumber and hardwood boards. While not as seamless as some premium models, it does the job effectively.
The nailer comes with a 3 amp-hour (Ah) battery, which performed well but started to lose a charge after an hour of continuous use. If you plan on using it for longer durations, it’s advisable to purchase an additional backup battery and keep it charged for easy swapping.
The Metabo HPT nailer does not include a stall release lever, but stall risk can be reduced by replacing the battery before it loses power, as stalls are most likely to occur when the battery starts to lag.
The nailer accepts 30-degree clipped or offset round-head nails ranging from 2 inches to 3½ inches in length. While it may not match the performance of premium models, it offers reliability and versatility for various framing tasks. Its 30-degree magazine angle and ergonomic grip enhance its appeal, making it a practical option for DIYers and budget-conscious professionals.
Get the Metabo HPT cordless framing nailer at Amazon or Menards.
Upgrade Pick
DeWalt 20V MAX XR Cordless 30° Framing Nailer Kit
Product Specs
- Power source: 20V lithium-ion battery
- Angle: 30 degrees
- Maximum nail length: 3.5 inches
- Additional features: Rafter hook, toolless depth adjustment, battery, charger
What We Like
- Powerful nailer—fires nails reliably in both single-fire and bump-fire modes
- Depth adjustment is easy to use and precise; no need to tweak and test
- Dry fire lockout keeps the nailer from shooting when nails run out
- Lightweight (7.8 pounds) and ergonomic, making it well suited for extended use
- Well balanced and powerful enough to be considered a professional nailer
What We Don’t Like
- Pricier compared to some alternatives, which may deter budget-conscious users
The DeWalt 20V MAX framing nailer, featuring a 30-degree angle, earned its Upgrade Pick award by delivering exceptional power and precision, even though it comes at a slightly higher price point. In our tests, this nailer was a top performer, showcasing several impressive features that set it apart in the world of cordless framing nailers.
The DeWalt 20V MAX framing nailer stands out for its sheer power. Whether in single-fire or rapid-fire modes, it consistently fired nails without a hint of lag, even after running a dozen nails through it in bump-fire mode. This performance is a game changer for professionals seeking a cordless framer that can keep up with demanding tasks.
The depth-adjustment feature is spot on, eliminating the need for constant fiddling. It was easy to gauge how much adjustment was needed to fine-tune the force for nailing dimensional lumber and hardwood.
We really liked the dry fire lockout feature. It prevented the tool from firing when the nails ran out, sparing us from the frustration of thinking the nailer was still firing when it was not.
While this DeWalt nailer doesn’t have a quick jam-release feature, removing a jammed nail is straightforward thanks to easy access to the nosepiece. Fortunately, during our testing, the tool performed without any jams.
Weighing in at just under 8 pounds, it’s one of the lighter options we tested, and its nonslip ergonomic grip made it comfortable to use, even during extended testing.
This cordless framing nailer is designed for complete framing jobs, capable of driving nails from 2 inches to 3.5 inches in length. Its brushless motor is engineered for increased power and drive quality. Additional features include a stall release lever and an adjustable rafter hook.
While it may come at a slightly higher price point, its performance, ergonomic design, and user-friendly features make it a worthwhile investment for residential framing, setting trusses, fence building, deck building, and sheathing. It’s an all-around top pick for pros.
Get the Dewalt 30-degree cordless framing nailer at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or