Are you tired of using hammer and nails? Well, do not worry. We have a better and safer alternative, finish nailers, for you.
It's absolutely vital to have the best 15 gauge finish nailer if your project involves nailing trim boards, molding, or anything that needs extreme precision. For the cleanest of looks and optimum results, this tool is a must-have.
This is much easier than using a regular hammer and nails, and the one-handed use of the finish nailer is intended to leave the other hand free to keep slabs and trims in place.
We know how difficult buying one can be, so we tested most of them so that you don't have to.
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7 Best 15 Gauge Finish Nailer Reviews
You will find a range of 15 gauge finish nailers in the market. Each of these nailers has its own sets of features and characteristics. To help you find the best ones, we have reviewed the 7 best products in the market.
1. BOSTITCH (N62FNK2)
If you are looking for a product that screams ideal, then you are looking at the right one. The product that we have on our list is by Bostitch and is by far one of the best in the market. This nailer is lightweight and is perfect for your daily use.
It has a magnesium construction, hence the lightness. However, do not let its weight fool you into believing it is not strong enough to do your work. Despite being light, it is durable and is great for over-the-head jobs such as installing cabinets.
Also, it has an adjustable nail depth, so you can easily control the depth using the dial according to your preference. Furthermore, you can find a free magazine in this nailer that can hold up to 130 nails, so you can finish a lot of things by loading it once.
Moreover, if you are planning on doing some detailed work, then this is definitely your device as it will give you a great finish, and its four angled profile tips will ensure the best drive all the time.
Alongside all that, maintaining this device will be a piece of cake as it has an oil-free setup feature. The handle is made to complement your fingers with comfortable material and customizable shapes.
This nail finisher comes as a benefit for all those who need to work long hours. It also has felling marks to give you a firm handle grip.
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2. Makita AF635
The next product on our list is this wonderful product by Makita. It is a nailer that is light yet sturdy due to its magnesium body and aluminum cylinder, and magazine. This has a particular type of mechanism to lock out nails to help protect both the tool and work from dry fires.
Handling and handing over the device from one person to another is also very simple due to its two-mode selector switch. Furthermore, it is also known to have a great grip because of the rubber grip incorporated in it that also makes it comfortable for the user.
For your convenience, it has a reversible belt hook that will allow you to keep the nailer closed. It also has housing bumpers to keep the workstation and the tool safe. You can also store this tool conveniently as it has two removable no-mar tips.
Moreover, the overall design of the nailer is very narrow that allows you to access confined spaces for nailing. It has a lock and load magazine that can store a lot of nails, 100 nails to be exact, which will improve your efficiency.
The nailer also has a built-in duster that will clean dust and dirt, and the airflow that is provided is very convenient for working. Overall, this finish nailer is perfect for trim work and woodworking applications.
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3. Senco 4G0001N
This product that we have on our list is one of the best of its kind, and it will help you handle the toughest nailing jobs. Senco 4G0001N has an amazing operating pressure, to be exact, 70-120 PSIG; in other words, it has been manufactured to give the best performance.
It also has a dial-in depth gauge and a variable thumbwheel that you can use to adjust the depth. This nailer is also super-efficient as you can load 104 nails in one go and work without getting interrupted.
The Senco nailer can handle up to 2.5 inches of vivid and galvanized tape-collated nails, making it a flexible instrument. You would not be limited as a worker to the kind of nails that you are going to use for this nailer. It is angled, so you will have a clear view while working.
This nailer is not only convenient to use but will also give you a superior work experience. It will help you deliver great results.
Furthermore, it has a special feature called "never lube," which is intended to avoid any mess or damage caused by oil spills. The nailer also contains no-mar pads to protect the wood you are working on and will prevent it from slipping.
It also provides a latch to stop jams from interrupting your work to help ensure you uphold development. The nailer also resists misfires and double nailing for extra effectiveness.
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4. Dewalt DCN650BR
Another fantastic product on our list is Dewalt's finish nailer. This finish nailer comes with an integrated LED light system so that you can see adequately even better in dull and jam-packed areas.
It is fully operated by battery, so you don't have to waste precious time trying to use a hose and a compressor. The 20V battery it uses is more than powerful for most purposes. This battery is compatible with other Dewalt instruments as well.
Moreover, it is incredibly lightweight and only weighs 6 pounds, and can be used with one hand comfortably; this avoids tiredness and gives you some extra flexibility.
The potential of magazines is also sizable. It can accommodate 110 nails at a time, which is more than any other nailer on the market at the moment.
Furthermore, the nailer also comes with a brushless motor-powered lithium-ion battery. This device can operate without the inconvenience of using petrol and a compressor. It also has tool depth adjustments to allow flexibility.
The magazine of it also allows multiple position alignments and provides easy access to very small spaces. It is the perfect tool to work on hardwood floors, baseboards, and moldings all by you.
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5. 3PLUS HDA1564SP
This product comes with an amazing tool-free depth adjustment for fastening nails into different types of materials and improves control of the overall work.
So if you want a tool that will help you attain a professional finish, this is the perfect buy. It uses 15-gauge that has a "DA" style slanted finish nails and is super useful.
Furthermore, the device comes with a complete 360-degree exhaust gateway that directs air exhaust from its user.
If you are worried about the nailer being congested while working, then we assure you not to worry because it has a quick jam clearing system. Therefore, cleaning and maintaining this device will be super easy.
It also has an exchangeable trigger that allows only single shots to secure you from any unfortunate occurrences.
Moreover, it has a bumper fire function and a work contact element that prevents any accidental firing. This nailer consists of no-mar heads to protect your workstation from any damage from happening.
It also is very precise, and thus, your work will be extra fine-looking. You can also use this nailer in tight corners and work with ease.
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6. Freeman PFN1564
Our list's final product is best for helping you finish the more delicate kinds of work such as cabinetry and moldings. This nailer is extremely easy to use and is super lightweight due to its aluminum built.
It is great for easy removal of stuck fasteners, as this nailer features depth adjustment that is completely toolless and even provides nose control.
The nailer also has an oil-less architecture that makes it very easy to maintain for you, and it also has customizable 360-degree exhaust propellers. Its 360 degrees exhaust also keeps all the dust away from you while working with the nailer.
This tool weighs very little, only four and a quarter pounds, and has a convenient soft-grip handle, making it a joy to use for a large amount of time or in unique positions.
The nailer also has two different firing modes and a dual mode trigger, which enables you to select quickly. It has an effortless storage and transport system; the nailer has a unique system to protect the workstation and is designed to fit perfectly in a storage case.
Furthermore, it is well-suited for 15 gauge nails collated with 1.25-inch to 2.5-inch tape or glue. In small or confined spaces, the unusual 34 degrees slanted head of this nailer allows you to fasten your work with sheer accuracy.
It also comes with a cap to trap dirt and has an internal air filter that makes working very hygienic. Last but not least, this nailer will allow you to work at great pressures from 70 to 100 pounds per square inch.
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7. Hitachi NT65MA4
Amongst all the products, the first product on our list is this angled finish nailer by Hitachi. So, if you are looking for a finish nailer with all desirable qualities, then this is the one.
This nailer is comfortable and secure to hold due to its rubber grip. It is also fully functional due to its ability to reach into tight spaces and corners easily because of its 34 degree angled magazine.
Furthermore, this nailer has a 360-degree flexible exhaust, so it is easy to eliminate particles such as dust and dirt from you and the workspace, so there is no interfering with your job. And with this feature, since the device does not need a routine cleaning, you have an additional bonus.
This nailer is also super lightweight, only 4.2 pounds, so working with this won't hurt your hands at all. The Hitachi nailer is also designed to help you do heavy-duty work such as furniture construction and cabinet work.
Not only that, but this nailer will also help you achieve a professional finish and give control of your work with the help of its tool-less depth of the drive that can be fastened into various materials easily.
Moreover, with a quick flip of the selective actuation switch, you can either do sequential or touch-fastening without the necessary additional parts or equipment. Overall, it's a great buy.
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Things to Look for Before Buying
Going through the reviews might have made it easier for you to choose the right one. However, it will get easier to choose something worth every penny if you keep these factors in mind:
Type
The first thing that you need to consider is the type. As you might already know, there are two different types of finish nailers available. One is pneumatic, and the other one is electric. Among these two, the pneumatic nailer is going to require an auxiliary air compressor.
However, the auxiliary compressor is not totally manual. It will require electric power to operate. Nevertheless, these tend to have more power than the other type that is available. Additionally, they have a low level of noise, and people consider them to be highly reliable because of the operational mechanism.
On the flip side, the fully electric ones are generally a recent addition to the finish nailer lineup. They come in both the corded and the cordless versions. The corded units are usually more powerful than the cordless ones.
But, cordless nailers offer a higher level of portability and flexibility. Thus, you can store them in your protective clothing for woodworking.
Whichever one you pick, the joint strength will be higher than the best glue for cutting boards.
Weight
Unlike tree-pulling ropes, one of the important factors that you should consider before purchasing one of these is weight. As you are mostly going to hold the device in your hands while working on the projects, make sure that you get the lightweight ones. Those will be highly portable and easy to operate.
However, not all of the devices will be that light in weight. Some of the powerful ones will be a bit heavy. However, if power is the only thing you prioritize, you need to compare it with power. Considering that, get the one that is powerful enough, easy to maneuver and carry around.
Ergonomics
Other than the weight, the overall design of the unit should be in your consideration. The thing that you need to check in this regard is whether the handle has a proper shape or not. Also, do check if the handle has a rubber coating on the exterior.
Both the shape and the rubber coating will play a great part when it comes to making the device ergonomic. And the ergonomic nailers are generally easy to hold and easy to operate. Additionally, you can work for a prolonged amount of time with those without facing any hand fatigue.
Build Quality
The build quality will not be the same for each of the devices that you will stumble upon. It will highly depend on the construction materials. The ones that utilize high-quality construction materials are usually the ones with the high build quality.
On that note, the devices that have a higher build quality are usually the most durable. And the ones with a higher level of durability will last for a prolonged amount of time without any issues. You can expect to get an extended amount of use out of them.
Fastener Compatibility
Another thing that will not be the same for all of the devices is the fastener compatibility. And you will not need the same type of fastener for each of the projects. Considering that, it is always a good idea to get something that is compatible with a large range of fasteners.
Adjustability
When it comes to adjustability, the thing that you should prioritize is depth control. Make sure that the device has it. Without that, you would not be able to get the nails deep into your project. Additionally, it will be hard for you to get a flush finish on the projects without having proper control over the depth.
On that note, you should also check whether the depth control is tool-free or not. If it requires a tool, it will be a hassle to change the control depth. You will need a small device to fiddle with the depth, which you might have to carry all the time.
Protections
You can never have too much protection when it comes to operating power tools. So, the more the amount of protection mechanism, the better. However, the one that you should check is the lockout protection. That will ensure that the device does not dry fire.
Another one that you need to consider is the jamming protections. Those will ensure a smooth overall operation by lowering the chances of a jam occurring.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are finish nailers actually used for?
Finished nailers are typically used for finishing jobs for non-structural kinds of projects. Traditionally, hammers and tools are used for doing woodwork and other jobs based on crafts, but that process is very hectic and tiring. On the other hand, finish nailers can do the job very efficiently and easily.
While on the subject, we should mention that installing the best door security bar doesn't require a specialized tool like this.
2. Can a finish nailer be used for siding?
Yes, a finish nailer can be used for siding, but you need to have a proper understanding of siding nails and finish nails. Siding nails are usually broader than other nails and have a ring-like trunk. You can use a finish nailer for sure, but using a siding nailer would be better.
And, yes, you can use this type for working with soft close drawer slides; for that, click this link.
3. Should I use a finish nailer for baseboards, or should I use a brad nailer?
For baseboard mounting, both the brad and the finish nailer are top choices. It would be best if you can use any 18 gauge brad nailer to install the baseboard. But in that situation, you must use 1.5inch boards to get the best outcome.
Nonetheless, the 15 gauge finish nailer would be the safer option if you choose to fasten a thicker or heavier baseboard.
4. Can a finish nailer be used for framing?
No, using a finish nailer for framing will not be the best thing to do. It is not like you cannot get the job done with it; you can. But it will be extremely difficult and will make you miserable.
For framing, it is better to use a framing nailer as it is structured to work on frames. Replacing a framing nailer with a finishing nailer will not be ideal.
5. Can finish nailers be used for hardwood floors?
You can use nail guns to build hardwood floors, of course, and when you need speed and accuracy, it is obviously a better choice than using a traditional hammer. Nonetheless, not every nail gun is great for doing so. So, to make your work perfect, it is better to use floor nailers to work on this type of material.
Final Words
Now you know more or less everything that you need to know about finish nailers. Please go through all the options we discussed with you and pick the best 15 gauge finish nailer for you. It will help you a lot while working and will definitely make your work more efficient. Now, if you're looking for wood screws as well, check out this post.
