The Best Finish Nailers for All Your Projects: Tested and Approved
Few power tools can save time like a finish nailer. These handy tools replace the tedious task of driving thin finishing nails into finished carpentry, which would require one to painstakingly hammer the nails using a nail set to avoid damaging the wood. Instead, finishing nailers make the process of installing molding and trim or building cabinetry much faster and easier.
A finish nailer usually consists of a magazine that holds 100 or more finishing nails; inside the gun is a mechanism that fires a piston, which propels the nail into the wood. These guns may be powered by gas, electricity, or compressed air. The best finishing nailers can drive 15-gauge nails measuring up to 2.5 inches long into the hardest woods.
After researching many 15-gauge and 16-gauge finishing nailers, we tested some of the best models on the market, including popular pro-grade models and affordable DIYer-friendly options. We detailed our observations in the reviews ahead. If you’re trying to pin down the best finish nailer, keep reading to learn more about which features we suggest considering while you shop.
- BEST OVERALL: Bostitch Smart Point 15 GA Angled Finish Nailer Kit
- RUNNER-UP: Milwaukee M18 Fuel 15 GA Finish Nailer Kit
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: NuMax Pneumatic 16 GA 2½-Inch Straight Finish Nailer
- BEST 16-GAUGE: DeWalt 20V MAX XR 16 GA Cordless Angled Finish Nailer
- BEST 15-GAUGE: Metabo HPT 2½-Inch 15 GA Angled Finish Nailer Kit
- BEST PNEUMATIC: Senco FinishPro 42XP Finish Nailer
- BEST ELECTRIC: Craftsman V20 Cordless 16 GA Finish Nailer Kit
- BEST GAS: Paslode Cordless 16 GA Angled Finish Nailer
- BEST ANGLED: Makita 15 GA 2½-Inch 34-Degree Angled Finish Nailer
- BEST STRAIGHT: Ryobi ONE+ 18V AirStrike 16 GA Finish Nailer Kit
How We Tested the Best Finish Nailers
We performed side-by-side performance tests to compare and contrast the 10 nailers in this guide. First, we loaded each nailer with a full cartridge of either 1.25-inch nails (for 16-gauge nailers) or 1.5-inch nails (for 15-gauge nailers). We discharged them along straight lines drawn on hardwood and softwood boards to test speed and accuracy in both contact and sequential firing modes. We repeated the test with thicker boards and 2.5-inch nails.
After driving 200 nails with each test model, we evaluated them in terms of maneuverability and operator comfort, firing speed and accuracy, ease of loading, resistance to jamming, and noise. We then used prompts from a scoring rubric to calculate our ratings and give each product an appropriate award.
Testing Stats
- Products tested: 10
- Hours spent testing: 8
- Tests performed: 6
- Average price: $242.08
Our Top Picks
Our favorite finishing nailers are capable of driving nails up to 2.5 inches long, and they boast the power, speed, and precision to complete projects quickly. We tested each of the products we included in this list, which includes 15-gauge and 16-gauge pneumatic and cordless nail guns from some of the best-known names in power tools. Check out the reviews to find out what we liked about them, which could help you decide if one may be right for you.
Best Overall
Bostitch Smart Point 15 GA Angled Finish Nailer Kit
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.3/5; Performance 5/5; Quality 4.3/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Pneumatic
- Gauge: 15
- Weight: 4 pounds 8.5 ounces
- Nail depth: 1.25 to 2.5 inches
What We Like
- Cordless, pneumatic, and lightweight, this air nailer minimizes user fatigue and eliminates the need to charge batteries
- Angled nailer easily and accurately reaches inside corners and other difficult locations
- Nonmarring tip protects workpieces from accidental scuffs and dents
- Choose from sequential (more precise) and contact/bump (faster) firing modes
- More durable and less expensive than a cordless finish nailer
What We Don’t Like
- Requires an air compressor and hose, which may be less convenient for some projects
- Uses 25-degree angled nails, which are less common than 34-degree angled nails
There’s no need to invest money and storage space in several specialized tools when one well-designed, all-purpose option can get the job done. If you’re looking for a great finishing nailer that can tackle a wide range of projects, Bostitch’s angled finish nailer has you covered. This lightweight and maneuverable nailer features a 25-degree angled magazine for excellent reach into tight spaces. It also features a narrow point that provides excellent visibility, making it easier to place your fasteners precisely where you mean to.
Some of the pro-quality highlights built into this tool include a tool-free jam release mechanism, a dial-a-depth adjustment knob, a selectable trigger to switch between sequential and bump nailing, and an integrated air blower to keep the work surface clean. It also offers numerous convenience features, such as a 16-inch on-center gauge, a belt hook with an integrated pencil sharpener, and oil-free operation.
We chose a pneumatic nailer as our top pick because of its low cost and high reliability compared to battery-powered nailers. The Bostitch finish nailer stood out among our test group as one of the most comfortable and easy to use. During our 1,000-nail test, it consistently fired accurately without jamming. We were able to run it completely empty, and it drove the last nail as accurately as the first. Unlike several of the other air nailers we tested, it does not require oiling, and it offers both contact and sequential nailing at the flip of a switch.
Get the Bostitch finish nailer at Lowe’s or Amazon.
Runner-up
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 15 GA Finish Nailer Kit
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Performance 4.5/5; Quality 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Battery
- Gauge: 15
- Weight: 7 pounds 8.4 ounces
- Nail depth: 1.25 to 2.5 inches
What We Like
- Powered by an 18 volt (V) 2 amp hour (Ah) battery; drives up to 750 nails per charge
- The fastest, most powerful, most jam-resistant cordless finish nailer we tested
- 34-degree angled nailer easily reaches tight corners that straight nailers cannot
- No ramp-up time, allowing for faster sequential firing and bump nailing
What We Don’t Like
- Weighs more than 7.5 pounds; heaviest of all the nail guns we tested
- Highest price among all finish nailers in the test group
Cordless finish nailers often operate at a power disadvantage compared to their pneumatic counterparts, but that’s not the case with the Milwaukee M18 finish nailer. As the only battery-powered 15-gauge nailer in our test group, this tool delivered an impressive performance on par with the air-powered nailers.
An 18V battery powers this cordless finishing nail gun. It boasts a 34-degree angled magazine, so it can easily reach into tight corners. And with the option of firing in either sequential or contact mode, it can fire up to 750 nails per charge (and up to 3 nails per second) with zero ramp-up time. It proved to be the strongest, fastest, and most worry-free of all the cordless finishing nailers in our test.
Although it was the heaviest and most expensive nailer among our test group, the Milwaukee M18 nailer scored top marks in terms of cordless maneuverability and nailing performance. Without fussing around with an air hose and compressor, it was easy to move from room to room or go outside and start nailing. In our 1,000-nail test, it became jammed once, but we were able to easily clear the jam and keep going. And despite its impressive power, the noise was not bad—quieter than you might expect.
Read our full review: Milwaukee M18 Fuel 15 GA Finish Nailer Kit
Get the Milwaukee finish nailer at The Home Depot, Amazon (tool only), US Tool and Fastener, or Nail Gun Depot.
Best Bang for the Buck
NuMax Pneumatic 16 GA 2½-Inch Straight Finish Nailer
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 3.7/5; Performance 4.5/5; Quality 4.3/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Pneumatic
- Gauge: 16
- Weight: 4 pounds 1.5 ounces
- Nail depth: 1 to 2.5 inches
What We Like
- Lowest price of all the finish nailers in our test group at time of writing
- Lightweight build and ergonomic grip for comfortable extended use
- Drives nails as short as 1 inch, which is beneficial while working with thin material
What We Don’t Like
- Top-loading nails into the magazine is unnecessarily awkward
- This was the only pneumatic nailer that jammed during testing, although clearing the jam was not difficult
Nailers can be one of the pricier power tools a shopper can buy, which is why this pneumatic nail gun from NuMax is such a great option. Priced well below the average cost of most air nailers, it’s an affordable and effective tool for budget-conscious woodworkers.
With its straight magazine, the NuMax 16-gauge pneumatic nail gun is capable of firing finish nails from 1 to 2.5 inches long. An adjuster dial makes setting the proper nail depth quick and easy. With its soft, rubberized grip and light 4.09-pound weight, this nail gun is easy to operate and maneuver. Like pricier competitors, it comes equipped with nonmarring tips, tool-free depth adjustment, and a quick-jam-release mechanism. The lightweight body and contoured rubber grip make it comfortable for extended use.
We liked almost everything about the NuMax nailer. The price was excellent, it felt great in the hand, and it only jammed four times during our 1,000-nail test. Clearing the jams was fast and easy. The small tool body provided clear visibility of the point for precise nail placement. However, we didn’t love the top-loading magazine—the process was awkward, especially because the nails didn’t go in easily. This was the only model that didn’t load from the rear.
Get the NuMax finish nailer at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Best 16-Gauge
DeWalt 20V MAX XR 16 GA Cordless Angled Finish 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.
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.7/5; Performance 4/5; Quality 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Cordless electric
- Gauge: 16
- Weight: 6 pounds 4.6 ounces
- Nail depth: 1.25 to 2.5 inches
What We Like
- Outstanding combination of performance and affordability
- Cordless convenience with the maneuverability of a 20-degree angled nailer
- One of the lightest cordless nailers we tested; great for extended use
- LED lights illuminate the work surface, improving placement accuracy
What We Don’t Like
- Approximate 1-second ramp-up time between nails in sequential mode
This battery-powered 16-gauge finish nailer from DeWalt delivers power and convenience at a value price. Although many battery-operated nailers are heavy, DeWalt utilizes a compact 20V battery to keep this nailer’s weight at just a tad over 6 pounds, putting it in the same weight class as some pneumatic finish nail guns. This makes it an excellent portable finish nailer.
The DeWalt nailer has a magazine capacity of 110 nails and can drive nails up to 2.5 inches long. It offers the choice of either sequential or bump operating mode for rapid nailing, and it uses a 20-degree angle for getting into smaller spaces. It also comes equipped with a work surface light for better visibility. The LED lights flash to let the user know when the battery is getting low. A soft, rubberized grip adds comfort during bigger jobs.
This was our favorite of all the 16-gauge nail guns. It produced better-than-average nailing power, and it worked reliably without jamming once during the 1,000-nail test. Due to its split-second ramp-up time between nails, it was not the fastest battery-powered finishing nailer, but it did a great job overall. The depth adjustment and sequential/contact firing selector both worked smoothly. We also liked the in-line magazine configuration when it came to precise nail placement, as opposed to an offset magazine.
Get the DeWalt finish nailer at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.
Best 15-Gauge
Metabo HPT 2½-Inch 15 GA Angled Finish Nailer Kit
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.7/5; Performance 4.5/5; Quality 4.3/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Pneumatic
- Gauge: 15
- Weight: 4 pounds 5 ounces
- Nail depth: 1.25 to 2.5 inches
What We Like
- Provides strong nailing power with minimal user fatigue thanks to its light weight
- Easy-to-use depth adjustment dial for flush nailing or countersinking in different materials
- Integrated duster keeps work surface clean for improved nailing accuracy
- 34-degree angled nailer can easily access hard-to-reach spots like inside corners
What We Don’t Like
- Requires an air hose and compressor (not included)
- The nail cartridge pusher sometimes fails to fully seat nails under the driver
This pneumatic finish nailer from Metabo HPT, formerly Hitachi Power Tools, offers unprecedented power coupled with some excellent user features. With the force of compressed air behind it, this nailer fires heavier 15-gauge nails, which create sturdier connections than their smaller 16-gauge counterparts. A convenient switch allows the user to toggle between single shots and rapid-contact nailing when they want to speed up the job. A depth dial allows for quick changes to nail-depth settings. It will drive nails up to 2.5 inches long.
Metabo also helps users