New Cordless Framers Freshen Up Makita’s 18V LXT Nailer Lineup
When it comes to cordless nailers, Makita’s 18V LXT lineup is fairly broad; however, it’s been missing framing nailers—until now. Makita has just introduced two new models to the mix, and today our focus is on the 18V LXT 21-degree Framing Nailer (XNB03). I’ve had the opportunity to get a closer look at this cordless nailer and all it has to offer, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned during the process.
Makita 18V LXT Framing Nailer Performance
- Nail Range: 2 – 3 1/2-in.
- Nail Gauge: 0.113 – 0.148 in.
- Magazine Capacity: 41 nails
- Magazine Pitch: 20° – 22°
- Firing Modes: Single fire, Bump fire
- Runtime: 1,000 nails w/18V LXT 6.0Ah battery
- Motor Type: Brushless
Driving Power
When we talk about driving power, there are few tests more telling about a framing nailer’s driving power than firing nails into LVL. These beams are extremely dense and can challenge even Pro-grade framing nailers.
We fired a few shots into our beam and the XNB03 managed to effortlessly sink 3 1/2-inch nails with ease, and even overdrove a couple. This is very impressive and inspires confidence in this nailer’s performance in other framing tasks you’re likely to encounter.
Firing Mode
Unsurprisingly, this nailer is equipped with two firing modes—single fire and bump fire. Makita doesn’t specify an exact firing rate, but it had no trouble keeping up with our pace as we got acquainted with this nailer. On top of that, there is absolutely zero firing delay, which is a big plus in our book.
Toe Nailing
Looking at the business end, the Makita XNB03 sports an aggressive nose claw that effortlessly digs into your material, providing support while toe nailing. Makita also includes a removable plastic nose cap to help protect your work surface from damage.
Makita 18V LXT Framing Nailer Design Notes
- Model: Makita XNB03
- Power Source: Makita LXT 18V battery
- Weight: 10.6 lbs (bare tool), 11.9 lbs (with 18V LXT 5.0Ah battery)
- Length: 14.2
Size and Weight
The Makita XNB03 weighs 10.6 pounds as a bare tool, 11.9 pounds with an 18V LXT 5.0Ah battery, and measures 14.2 inches from tip to tail. This is right in line with what we expect from a battery-powered framing nailer, but it’s still noticeably heavier than comparable pneumatic models. Keep in mind you’re not dragging the extra weight of a hose, though.
Ergonomics
In spite of its weight, the overall feel of this nailer is actually quite pleasant. The weight is distributed nicely, making it easy to maneuver, albeit there is still a slight forward lean.
The grip and tool body are coated with a smooth rubber overmold that adds an extra layer of comfort and protection for the tool. On top of that, the top of the motor housing is flat, allowing the nailer to stand up vertically if placed upside down on the ground.
The only issue I have with Makita’s design is the location of the control panel. It’s located towards the top of the motor housing on the left-hand side, which is perfect if you’re a righty like me. However, it’s much harder to see and manipulate for our left-handed friends. Instead, we wish it were more centrally located so you could access it a little more easily from either side. I don’t see it as a dealbreaker, but then again, I’m right-handed.
Jam Clearing
Jammed nails aren’t too common thanks to improved designs, but they’re bound to happen sooner or later. To clear a jam, you’ll need to remove the two screws located on top of the firing chamber, as well as a third located in the middle of the magazine. This allows you to remove the magazine and gives uninhibited access to the area.
We do wish Makita had opted for a tool-free mechanism like we’ve seen on other nailers, but the process only takes a few minutes.
Depth Adjustment
Adjusting the depth of drive is as easy as turning a knob. All you need to do is rotate the adjustment knob that’s on top of the nose until you reach your desired depth. Personally, I like to keep a spare piece of 2x material on hand to test my drive depth as I make small adjustments.
Additional Features
- Dry-fire lockout
- Folding rafter hook
- Belt clip
- LED work light
- Compatible with all Makita 18V LXT batteries
Makita 18V LXT Framing Nailer Price
The Makita XNB03 retails for $399 as a bare tool and comes with a plastic storage case and a 3-year limited warranty.
The Bottom Line
In terms of overall performance, I’ve gotta hand it to the folks over at Makita. The XNB03 confidently drove the nails into our dense LVL beam, delivering true Pro-grade results while still maintaining a comfortable form factor. Moreover, there’s absolutely no firing delay, and the motor managed to keep up pace while using the bump fire mode—a major plus for busy Pros.
As I already mentioned, I think this is a great first-gen addition to Makita’s LXT lineup. It offers plenty of power for demanding framing applications and a well-balanced design that Pros can rely on. We do wish it were available as a kit, but if you’re already working on the Makita 18V LXT battery platform, this nailer is a great option.
