From master carpenters and woodworkers to advanced DIYers, modern nail guns have long replaced all traditional hammers. But alas, not all nail guns are created equal. The best finish nailers, in particular, outperforms all other options, especially when it comes to precision and yeah, aesthetic beauty. Yup, whether you are building furniture, working on a new deck/patio, or have a few DIY projects lined up, these handy power tools can easily (and effortlessly) help make your vision come to life with finesse.
Available in gas, electric, and pneumatic models, not to mention all the many different configurations, getting the right best finish nailers, however, can be a lot bothersome. But hey, don’t worry -we’ll help. Find below a look at 5 of the best finish nailers to buy in 2022 + a handy best finish nailers buying guide.
Come; let’s step into the garage;
Best Finish Nailers – The Ultimate Woodworking Companion!
Honestly, the best finish nailers are a lot like brad nailers – the design & all. However, unlike the latter, which uses thinner nails, the best finish nailers use “larger” nails that offer increased bonding powers for that perfect fit & feel. That said, the nail heads are still pretty small –enough to be painted over sans any marks. Together, this makes finish nailers perfect for use in shelving, crown molding, cabinetry, trims, paneling, etc.
Obviously, they make woodworking faster, easier, and safer. The thinner nails prevent splintering & breakage, while the portability gives ample versatility and precision. Lastly, their strength is unparalleled.
Yup, if you work with a lot of wood, getting best finish nailers is almost a no-brainer – and we think we can help with that;
Best Finish Nailers Review – 5 Best Finish Nailers For Easier Woodworking
The right tools equal right finishing– here’s a quick best finish nailers guide on 5 best nailers to help upgrade your woodworking game:
#1. Hitachi NT65MA4
1-1/4 Inch to 2-1/2 Inch 15-Gauge Angled Finish Nailer
Straight from Japan, the Hitachi NT65MA4 is quite popular in the DIY community thanks to its lighter design and angled magazine, which ensures precision nailing every time. The all-metallic construction feels solid, and the integrated air duster can be used to clear away debris for a cleaner output.
Being pneumatic, it’s obviously powerful. You have two firing modes to choose from – sequential or contact nailing. Pairing that with the depth dial wheel, the nailings all came out quite good, even “pro-like” in our testing. In fact, for perfect finishing, they have further offered non-damaging “no-mar” tips along with it.
At just 4.2 pounds, it is perfect for one-handed use. There is also a rubber gripper on it that helps to reduce hand fatigue. Other perks include an angled magazine for precision and a 360-degree adjustable exhaust port.
The pros
- Tool-less depth adjustment mechanism
- High powered pneumatic firing with both sequential and contact nailing (available at just a flip of a switch)
- Angled nail magazine for better control
- Integrated air duster
- No-mar tips
The cons
- No dry-fire lockout safety mechanism
- No carry case
#2. BOSTITCH
Finish Nailer Kit, 16GA, Smart Point
Extremely versatile & beautifully designed, the popular Bostitch finish nailer is designed for pro users who want ultimate nailing control. With the PSI ranging from 70 to 120, these great best finish nailers can fire nails sized from 1 ¼’ to 2 ½’ inches.
They have paired that with a no-mar tip and oil-free design, ensuring high-quality finishing – every single time! For accuracy, they have used unusually smaller nose for enhanced nail placement, and thanks to the dial in-depth feature, you don’t have to worry about any nail countersinking bothers. Further, we get a tool-free jam releasing setup for easy nail removal.
It’s insanely easy to handle thanks to the light, abs plastic body, and grippy rubber paddings. Sadly, we get no angled magazine here. Anyway, we DO get to pick between sequential & contact firing triggers, which is always nice to see. The exhaust is on the rear side, and yes, you do get a carrying case with it – nice!
The pros
- Sleek, lightweight, stylish
- Smart point technology for ultra-precision nail placement and firing
- Tool-free jam release mechanism
- Dial in-depth control
- Built-in belt hook with pencil sharpeners
The cons
- The all-plastic build raises a lot of questions about its long term durability
- The depth dial is a bit confusing
#3. Senco 4G0001N FinishPro
42XP 15-Gauge 1-1/4-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch Finish Nailer
The 3rd entry in our best finish nailers review, the Senco 4G0001N is quite unique in the sense that it boasts a magnesium shell, which is just 4.5 pounds. Add that with the grippy handle & thumb controlled depth wheel & yes, this finish nailer is a breeze to use.
In fact, it’s the truest one-handed tool in our best finish nailers review. The angled magazine is clocked at 104 nails, which is very decent for the price. What’s surprising, however, is the built-in “NeverLube” setup, meaning that you don’t need any oil for operation at all!
The pros
- Super light yet very durable magnesium chassis
- Powerful nailing action with thumb controlled depth stop for that consistent, aesthetically pleasing fit & finish
- NeverLube technology – no oil or lubrication required
- Built-in ruler
- Large nail magazine (carries 104 nails)
The cons
- Often gets jammed when in rapid use
- Quite pricey
#4. PORTER-CABLE
20V MAX Finish Nailer
If total portability is what you’re after, the brilliant range of best finish nailers is plenty sure to catch your attention. Fully powered by a battery, this stylish, premium nail gun comes with a no compressor motor & multiple setting for max productivity.
The grippy design offers the excellent in-hand feel, and the no-mar nose ensures damage-free nailing. The magazine, unfortunately, is not an angled one. But in our testing, we found it compact enough not to be a bother. That said, it still offers a decent 100 nail capacity.
The dual LED’s on the front gives ample illumination for nailing in all conditions, and the integrated “belt hook” means carrying it is super easy. There’s also trigger lock & sequential firing. The Warranty is capped at 3 years.
The pros
- Battery-powered, fully electric finish nail fast-firing system (no compressor required)
- Tool-free jam clearing & depth stop adjusting
- Dual LED lights for better precision and illumination in dim areas
- 20V lasting battery life
- No-mar nose for premium finishing
The cons
- Not as powerful as pneumatic models
- Pretty costly
#5. Makita AF635 15 Gauge
2-1/2” Angled Finish Nailer
Available in a handy carrying case, the “Makita AF635” is built to suit your nailing needs on the go, as evident from the light magnesium build and powerful nailing action. With support for 15 gauge angled nails ranging from 1-1/4 to 2-1/2 inches.
The angled magazine makes accurate firing a breeze, and the longer design offers plenty of nails to fire. The handle, while grippy, is a bit too small for our liking. But other than that, it’s perfect for one-handed use. For easy switching between sequential & contact firing, the button is side-mounted.
For safety, there’s a built-in nail lockout to prevent accidental firing. The multi-directional exhaust port helps to keep the work table clean, and pairing that with a no-mar nose, you’re guaranteed professional results – Every. Single. Time!
The pros
- “Tool-less” depth adjustment for more precise flush and Countersink nailing
- Lightweight magnesium chassis
- Built-in air duster for a cleaner, neater work table
- Built-in belt hook
- Comes with safety glasses
The cons
- The handle could’ve been a little bit wider
- Too front weighted
Best Finish Nailers Buying Guide – Top Factors To Keep In Mind!
With that, all best finish nailers have been revealed. Here’s a neat best finish nailers buying guide to help you “nail” YOUR choice, today:
1) Nail length range
Different jobs require different nail sizes. So make sure the top finish nailer you are planning to get is suitable with the kind of nails you use. The typical finish nails range from 1’ to 2 ½’ or 2’ to 3 ½’ inches – plan accordingly.
Look for best finish nailers that support multiple nail sizes in one, as it’ll be more versatile & helpful in the long run
And yes, the same idea also goes for gauge sizes as well
2) Magazine Capacity
This goes without saying – the bigger the nail capacity, the longer you can work with it before needing to reload. Go for ones that have a straighter nail cartridge than angled ones, as the former usually tends to carry bigger loads.
3) Power type – pneumatic or electric?
Obviously, the pneumatic ones are far stronger and are slightly more reliable. However, they need to be tethered to an outlet to work. The electric ones, on the flip side, are less powerful. But it can be utilized in more areas.
Portability or brute power? The choice is yours to make, my friend – just pick a type that best suits YOUR needs.
4) Price
From $20 to $250, we’d advise going for a model that offers you the best bang for your buck, striking the ideal balance between perks & price. That said if your work calls for it, going for a premium model isn’t bad either.
Remember, like any power tool, a finish nailer too, is an investment. So, best not to screw up quality for a cheaper price tag.
5) Quality & Warranty
Again, a finish nailer is an investment. So go only for models that feature a proper, reliable build quality that you KNOW will last you for years to come. To that end, a longer warranty is a “must”. Prefer models with 3 years or more…
Best Finish Nailers 2022 – The Final Few Words
True to its name: the best finish nailers are the perfect tools to help wrap up your projects with both precision & aesthetics – be it a bit of DIY, a splash of woodworking, or building a wooden cabin itself, these tools are the way to go!
As evident from our review on best finish nailers, there is clearly something for everyone. So use the above best finish nailers buying guide to find the PERFECT one for you. It shouldn’t be hard, as they’re all pretty good. Anyway, safety should come first, always. Wear protective gloves & goggles when using them – its important.
Now that’s over, which best finish nailer did you pick? We’d like to know. Give us a comment below and let’s talk there.
More Products
Best Makita Drills {2022} + Review & Buyer Guide!
How To Choose The Right Drill Press – Your Ultimate Guide To All Things Drill Presses
Best Cordless Reciprocating Saws 2022 + Review & Buyer Guide