Which Finish Nailer To Buy?

Looking To Buy a Finish Nailer?

Dear ConcordCarpenter:

I’m pretty new to the carpentry business, I’m 22 and I started working for a carpenter about six months ago. I’ve gotten really good at trim work, and my boss wants’ to start sending me on my own to do it. Which finish nailer To Buy is my questions.

Before working for him, I’ve never even picked up a nail gun. I’m trying to gather my own tools so I can make some more money. Is there a certain Finish Nailer you would recommend?

It would need to be on the cheaper side. I’ve read reviews for most of the out there and they’re all mixed. Let me know what you thinks. Thanks, Roger.

Dear Roger:

I own four finish nailers; two PorterCable finish nailers, and two Paslode nailers [one is cordless] Here’s my feedback:

1. Porter-Cable FN250B 3/4-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch 16-Gauge Finish Nailer

I’ve have porter cable finish nailers for years. The FN250B 16-gauge is rugged and well built. I like it’s compact size and light weight and quieter than you’d expect with a comfortable grip for working all day.

Some of the nicer featers are it’s balance, super easy depth-of-drive adjustment, a visual reload indicator, a safety located behind the The Porter Cable FN250B sells online here for $ 197.00 Porter-Cable-FN250B-4-Inch-2-Inch-16-Gauge

2. The Porter-Cable DA250C 1-to-2-1/2-inch 15-gauge Angled Finish Nailer

The Porter-Cable DA250C comes with a maintenance-free motor which equates for a longer tool life. With the ability to drive 1-to-2-1/2-inch 15-gauge “DA” style angle finish nails.

It has a really nice tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment with detents for proper setting of nail heads, and a a tool-free jam release mechanism for easy nail removal. Other features include a contact safety located behind driver guide for better visibility, an adjustable belt hook which is super handy, and a rubber grip for all day comfort. another nice feature is a low nail reload indicator. The magazine hold 100 nails and the best part of this nailer is that it weighs only 2.6 pounds.

The Porter-Cable DA250C 3ells online here for $ 158.00 Porter-Cable-DA250C-1-Inch-2-Inch-15-Gauge

3. Paslode Cordless 16 Gauge Angled Finish Nailer

I love my cordless nailer and use it most of the time. This nailer is ideal for professional remodelers, carpenters, and contractors, and allows you to work without pneumatic nailers, hoses, or compressors to drag around.

I truley believe that you can save up to 30-40 minutes a day from avoiding setting up and putting away a compressor and hose. If your going to do punch list stuff then you may be setting up and breaking dowwn several times a day at different sites.

I wrote a review on this tool: Read my review here

The Paslode cordless nailer sells online here for $328.00 Paslode-Cordless-16-gauge-Angled-900600

4. Paslode T250A 16 Gauge Angled Finish Nailer

The Paslode T250A is compact and ideal for working above your head or in cramped spaces. It has a real nice weight and balance that also allows you to work all day with minimal fatigue. The Paslode T250A is light, powerful, and has very accurate nail placement.

The 16 gauge nails come in useful when installing moldings on cabinets where splitting expensive or pre-finished stock is a concern.

My only complaints with the Paslode T250A was that removing small sections of unused nails was not easy.

Read my review

The Paslode T250A sells online here for $ 165.00: Paslode-16-Gauge-Pneumatic-Angled-500910

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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