All the hard work that goes into a structural process eventually results in the foundation for something you get to finish of in a manner suited to your personal taste. Details such as siding, trim, crown molding and property landscaping choices reflect who you are, and many people choose to complete these types of jobs after the builders have packed up and left.
A finishing nail gun is the perfect tool to help you complete the look you desire, plus they are an excellent option for other types of projects that may benefit from the use of a nail gun. The best finishing nail gun is the one that provides the power, and nail size, for what you need it for. Below we’ve provided a top rated selection from which to review.
5 Best Finishing Nail Gun Comparisons
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BOSTITCH 15-Gauge 1 1/4-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch Angled Finish Nailer |
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DEWALT 18-Volt Cordless 20 Degree Angled Finish Nailer |
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BOSTITCH 20V MAX Cordless Straight Finish Nailer |
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NuMax 16 Gauge Straight Finish Nailer |
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Hitachi 1-1/4 Inch to 2-1/2 Inch 15-Gauge Angled Finish Nailer |
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What is a Finishing or Trim Nail Gun?
A finishing nailer is a specialized nail gun made to handle a slightly smaller nail than what you might find in more powerful models. It is made to provide the driving force, and ability, to work on the more delicate details of both inside, and outside your home. These are a popular choice because they often are a good all around choice with the ability to work with heavier materials, as well as those that are lighter in nature.
These type of finishing jobs need accurate nail depths and placement since they are in highly visible areas. A finishing job is a great option for this, especially if you have a wide variety of other jobs in mind. Brad nailers are also excellent options for fine, delicate work - especially for indoor finishing tasks.
How to Choose a Nail Gun For Trim
Obviously, not all finishing nailers are the same, nor should you treat them as such. You may want to consider a few of the following questions to better help guide you towards the product you prefer.
What sort of finishing work do you have in mind?
Outdoor vs indoor detailing may be quite different from one another, and require different nail lengths- as well as power behind the nail. Look over the specifications of your choices carefully to determine which gun is made to handle the materials you are working with.
What other jobs do I have in mind?
Will you be using your nail gun for other, future, jobs? If yes, consider what those might be and look to choose a tool that has variable capabilities to be more versatile in its use. Most guns hold multiple nail lengths, and offer the ability to switch between firing methods.
Am I planning on using a nail gun regularly?
If the regular use of a nail gun is in your future, the investment is well worth it. But if you only need the gun for a few hours, or days, you may want to consider a rental. Just be sure to rent the gun that can be used on the finishing work you need it for.
Top 5 Finishing Nailers Reviews
The following finishing nail gun reviews cover some of the top rated nailers based on consumer feedback. Ease of use, dependability, and overall value are a few of the factors that helped make these customer favorites.
BOSTITCH 15-Gauge 1 1/4-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch Angled Finish Nailer
- Weight: 3.8-pounds
- Power type: Pneumatic
- Warranty: 7 year limited
The well known, and respected name, of BOSTITCH is a staple in the nail gun industry. This 15 gauge angled finishing nailer offers multiple firing methods, and provides a choice between contact and sequential. Pneumatically powered, this design packs a punch, and can shoot 1 ¼ to 2 ½ inch nails, making it a good choice for various jobs. The straight load magazine can hold up to 130 nails at a time as well for longer working periods.
The gun also boasts an adjustable nail depth control that helps avoid damage to delicate wood, and ensure you have a tight fit. This makes it an excellent choice for all types of trims and other detailed jobs. A bypass nail pusher keeps the gun from binding up and misfiring to keep you working. Plus, at only 3.8 lbs it is quite lightweight and great for hard to reach places.
Pros
- Very easy to handle
- No nail jams
- Handles both light and medium work well
Cons
- Overtime may need to replace the firing pin
- Not as accurate as a 16 or 18 gauge
Pro tip
This is a great choice for all sorts of work that needs to be finished off in a professional manner. Plus, the control you have over it is ideal for other job options.
DEWALT 18-Volt Cordless 20 Degree Angled Finish Nailer
- Weight: 8.5 lbs
- Power Type: Lithium-Ion battery
- Warranty: 3 year
As one of the most popular homeowner brands synonymous with dependability, DEWALT is a power tool company worth considering. This 18 volt cordless finishing option is a powerful choice and can handle up to 120, 16 gauge nails in the straight load magazine of 1 ¼ to 2 ½ inch lengths. The 20 degree angle provides excellent placement while you work for a balance grip. Plus, you get to choose between a contact, or sequential firing sequence.
An easy to remove nose piece allows you to clear jams quickly and efficiently, an the LED light allows you to see in hard to reach places or dark corners. As an electric cordless, it does come with a complete kit that includes a charger, as well as a hard case for storage and protection. The fast charger is capable of fully charging a battery in under an hour.
Pros
- Heavy duty and well balanced
- Surprisingly powerful
- Very precise
Cons
- Slightly heavy
- Bulky for tight situations and takes some maneuvering
Pro tip
Great for professional jobs as well as weekend projects, this is a long lasting tool made for work on both soft, and hard wood surfaces.
BOSTITCH 20V MAX Cordless Straight Finish Nailer
- Weight: 5.6 lbs
- Power Type: Lithium-Ion Battery
- Warranty: 3 year
Once again, the BOSTITCH company comes out of top with their array of nailer choices. The 20 volt cordless straight nail gun model they offer can handle a 16 gauge nail at 1 ¼ to 2 ½ inches in length. Multiple firing methods are also available from which to choose, to help you work efficiently and quickly on the job you have in mind.
The specialized tip of this nailer is designed to provide you a clear line of sight for those hard to reach places. Plus, a bright LED light helps illuminate areas that are in shadow. The entire kit comes complete with gun, battery, charger, and an adjustable belt hook within a bag for easy storage.
Pros
- Very lightweight and balanced
- Good battery life
- Gets into tight spaces well
Cons
- Safety switch takes getting used to
Pro tip
This is another powerful nailer that works well in both professional and home settings. This tool is dependable and is a great choice for varying job types.
NuMax 16 Gauge Straight Finish Nailer
- Weight: 4.5lbs
- Power type: pneumatic
- Warranty: 1 year
NuMax is s popular brand homeowners often turn to for both dependability and affordability. Their 16 gauge straight finish nailer provides a powerful pneumatic punch to help drive 1 to 2 ½ inch nails into a variety of surfaces. Made for finishing and trim, it also works well for cabinetry, baseboards, furniture, and other various woodworking projects. Plus, you can adjust for nail depth to provide a snug fit without worry of marking your work surface.
A quick jam release keeps you moving along in the case you have a misfire or jam incident, and with a 100 nail capacity, you can cover a lot of ground in just one load. The gun uses as sequential firing sequence for precise setting of your nails for placement and depth.
Pros
- Solid and powerful
- Lightweight and well balanced
- Rarely jams
Cons
- Needs periodic oiling
- Not for heavy duty use
Pro tip
This is a perfect choice for homeowners in need of a dependable nail gun for basic nailing jobs. It is a durable nailer at a good value for the needs most people face around their property.
Hitachi 1-1/4 Inch to 2-1/2 Inch 15-Gauge Angled Finish Nailer
- Weight: 4.2lbs
- Power type: pneumatic
- Warranty: 5 years
Hitachi is a powerful brand name that both professionals and homeowners turn to for a dependable product. With an integrated air duster to help keep your surface clear, you can drive 15 gauge nails of 1 ¼ to 2 ½ inch lengths to secure a multitude of varying material surfaces. The angled magazine helps get you into tight spaces, and can hold up to 100 nails in each load. Plus, you can adjust for bump or sequential firing to help you get variable jobs done.
As a pneumatic nailer, it does require an air compressor and air hose. Fully adjust for nail depth as well, which works with your air pressure and non-slip trigger for specific placement of the nail. This nailer is made for detailed work, and comes with a no-mar tip, safety glasses, and a convenient carrying cases.
Pros
- Powerful and dependable
- Highly adjustable for a wide variety of jobs
- Very lightweight
Cons
- May shoot blanks
- Very loud
Pro tip
Great for anyone looking for a nailer that can take care of a wide variety of jobs, this is a finisher that is well worth considering.
Conclusion
Although there are many finish nail guns from which to choose, some stand out more so than others. The products highlighted above are some of the most popular with homeowners and professionals alike, but our favorite is the BOSTITCH 20V MAX Cordless Straight Finish Nailer due to the easy portability and maintenance. With a powerful force, this cordless version allows you to get into tight spaces and secure your materials with a choice of firing methods.
If you have any experience with any of the above choices, or want to know more, please let us know below in the comments. And, as always, please share!