Best Framing Nailer Reviews and Head-to-Head Results

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pneumatic and Cordless

Finding the best framing nailer for your work means different things to different Pros. Are you a framer or a remodeler? Is price the biggest issue, or is it driving power, weight, or recoil? No matter your priorities, our Pro team has likely considered it in this head-to-head review.


Of course, we put our heads together to take this comprehensive list and rank each model at the end. As a bonus, we brought in 4 models that don’t require a hose. Buckle your seatbelt – here we go!

Best Framing Nailer Starting List

While we invited more brands to participate, here are the models that came in for testing:

Features that Matter

There are features, but some make a bigger impact than others. Here’s what our team looks for and which models have them.

Rafter Hook

This one is a pretty obvious inclusion and it shows. Every model we tested except the Metabo HPT NR90AE(S1) includes a rafter hook. Some are better than others, but most are pretty standard. The Metabo HPT 18V hook is big enough to straddle a 4 x4 – and get in the way. The Metabo HPT NR83A5 doesn’t swivel while Estwing’s swings freely.

Metal Magazine

Plastic magazines tend to work more sluggishly than the crisp action of a good metal magazine. All of our pneumatic framing nailers have metal magazines and all of the cordless models have plastic.

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pnuematic and Cordless

Adjustable Exhaust

As the nailer fires, the exhaust has to go somewhere. Most Pros prefer to turn the exhaust port away from their faces to avoid having that quick blast of air deliver a small particle into their eyes.

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pnuematic and Cordless

Who Has it

  • Bostitch

Who Doesn’t

  • DeWalt
  • Estwing
  • Metabo HPT NR83
  • Metabo HPT NR90
  • Makita
  • Paslode
  • Ridgid
  • Senco
  • DeWalt 20V Max
  • Metabo HPT 18V
  • Paslode Cordless XP

Tool-Free Mode Change

In the best-case scenario, you flip a switch to change between single fire and bump fire modes. Some of our nailers make it that easy. Some have a two-step process for safety reasons, but a couple require a complete trigger change – something our team hates.

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pneumatic and Cordless

Who Has It

  • DeWalt (2-stage flipper switch)
  • Estwing (2-stage flipper switch)
  • Metabo HPT NR83 (on-trigger slide mechanism)
  • Metabo HPT NR90 (1-stage flipper switch)
  • Makita (1-stage flipper switch)
  • Ridgid (1-stage flipper switch)
  • Senco (slide mechansim above the trigger)
  • DeWalt 20V Max (1-stage switch)
  • Metabo HPT 18V (electronic button)

Who Doesn’t

  • Bostitch (trigger change needed)
  • Paslode (trigger change needed)

* The Paslode Cordless XP model only has single fire mode

Dry Fire Lockout

Dry fire lockout helps prevent damage to the driver blade and reminds you to add more nails before you a run a line without nailing anything. In an ideal world, lockout would happen once the last nail is fired, but even the best framing nailer leaves a few in the magazine.

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pneumatic and Cordless

Who Has It

  • Estwing (4 nails remaining)
  • Makita (4 nails remaining)
  • Ridgid (5 nails remaining)
  • DeWalt 20V Max (9 nails remaining)
  • Metabo HPT 18V (5 nails remaining)
  • Paslode Gas (5 nails remaining)

Who Doesn’t

  • Bostitch
  • Dewalt
  • Metabo HPT (Hitachi) NR83
  • Metabo HPT NR90
  • Paslode
  • Senco

Cordless/Hoseless

Not having a hose to drag around is a huge advantage for cordless/hoseless nailers. There are some trade-offs like weight and capacity, but they’re worth making for remodelers and punch list work.

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pnuematic and Cordless
  • DeWalt 20V Max
  • Metabo HPT 18V
  • Paslode Cordless XP (battery + fuel cell)

Best Framing Nailer Magazine Capacity

While there are some variations in magazine capacity, the big difference is between pneumatic and cordless nailers. All of our pneumatics can fit two strips of nails while the cordless models fit just one. Of the models that have dry fire lockout, you can fit the same number of strips in the magazine as you can when it’s empty. So aside from the difference between the two power sources, there aren’t any major issues to worry about.

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pneumatic and Cordless

Depth Adjustment

Depth adjustment for even the best framing nailer can be tricky to get right. It should be simple, but there are top wheels, side wheels, a bottom wheel, and the dreaded grab-the-hex-wrench adjustment. Even within similar styles, there are varying degrees of quality and ease of turning.

On the positive side, Metabo HPT’s 18V adjustment is the best combination of quality and ease. Closely behind are Estwing, and DeWalt 20V Max.

There are some that present a challenge. Paslode’s gas model require you to push in on the side of the nose and pull/push the nose to set your depth. Finally, you need to grab the onboard hex wrench on the Paslode F-350S to loosen the bolt and slide the nose when you want it. Worst of the bunch, the detent on DeWalt’s pneumatic nailer is so difficult to overcome, that I finally grabbed a set of pliers give my fingers a break.

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pnuematic and Cordless

Update: The Metabo HPT NR90AE(S1) earns 80 points for its depth adjustment.

Best Framing Nailer Ergonomics

Weight

There’s a pretty big swing in weight in our group of 13. If you’ve used a cordless nailer before, you know that they’re heavier by nature – at least most of the time. There’s also a pretty large range among the pneumatics.

The lightest model in our testing is the Metabo HPT NR90AE(S1) at 7.28 pounds. Next up is the Paslode Cordless XP gas nailer at 7.36 pounds, including the battery and gas cartridge. Ridgid (7.39 pounds) is very close behind while Estwing (7.79 pounds) rounds out the sub-8-pound group.

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pneumatic and Cordless

On the heavy side are the rest of the cordless models with DeWalt 20V Max (9.34 pounds) and Metabo HPT (Hitachi) 18V tipping the scales at 10.14 pounds – all with their batteries. The pneumatic heavyweights are Metabo HPT at 9.08 pounds and Makita at 9.26 pounds.

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pnuematic and Cordless

Update: The Metabo HPT NR90AE(S1) is the lightest at 7.28 pounds.

Footprint

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pneumatic and Cordless

The overall size of a nailer makes a big difference when you’re trying to fire a nail in a tight spot. The nose to exhaust measurement (most manufacturers call this the height) is the most obvious player, but the head width can also impede your ability to fire where you want.

The shortest framing nailer in our test is Senco at just 12-1/4″. On the other end is Paslode’s Cordless XP at 14-7/8″ – too long to fit between two studs. Good thing you’re almost always firing at an angle!

For head width, the Metabo HPT NR83A5 and DeWalt 20V Max are the only ones inside 4″. The Metabo HPT NR90 is the widest at 4-15/16″ followed by Paslode’s F-350S (4-7/8″) with the DeWalt DWF83PL and Metabo HPT’s 18V just a 1/4″ less.

Grip

Grip is somewhat subjective, but after some intense debate a few bruised egos, we finally settled it. There are different handle designs, overmold coverages, and even overmold densities to consider. The DeWalt 20V Max tops our list. The only disappointing grip is the Paslode Cordless XP. Its shape is okay, but both the plastic front and overmold texture irritate our hands.

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pnuematic and Cordless

Balance

Balance doesn’t vary as much from the best framing nailer to the worst on the pneumatic side. All of them are a bit forward leaning. Cordless gets into murkier waters, though. Most of our nailers score 90 points or more in balance with Metabo HPT (Hitachi), Makita, Senco, and DeWalt 20V Max in a big pileup.

The only 2 to break away on the negative side are the Metabo HPT 18V and Paslode’s XP. Both are extremely weight-forward.

Update: the Metabo HPT NR90AE(S1) earns 90 points to take over 1st place for its ergonomics

Best Framing Nailer Visibility and Accuracy

Accuracy isn’t always a necessity for the best framing nailer. After all, you can get a positive placement nailer when you need to be as close to perfect as you can get. Still, having a nose that gives you enough visibility to be accurate when you need it counts for something. To test this, we made X’s on the wood to see how close to center the nose would allow us to nail. This wasn’t a speed test – it’s all about taking your time when the shot is right. Remember that scene from The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen?

Anyway…

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pnuematic and Cordless

Estwing and Makita all have visibility that gives us near-perfect accuracy while 4 other models were just slightly off. None of our models give us sub-Pro level accuracy, but both Paslode models were tougher to get an accurate bead on than the others.

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pnuematic and Cordless

Update: the Metabo HPT NR90AE(S1) earns a perfect score for visibilty and accuracy.

Best Framing Nailer Recoil

Ever watch an apprentice on his first day with a nailer that has a lot of kick? He or she spends more time using a framing hammer than the nailer. For those of us that have a bit more experience, fighting recoil just means greater fatigue. Regardless of where you sit, less recoil is welcome, especially when you’re bump firing. To see how much recoil each nailer has, we did some nailing with a weak grip to let the nailer exert its will and then with a firm grip to see how difficult it is to muscle in some control.

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pnuematic and Cordless

Paslode has recoil control figured out. Compared to the rest of the field, there’s very little kick in both their F-350S and Cordless XP. There’s a group of 6 that settles in with excellent recoil control. Senco is the only one that noticeably separated from the group with more kick than the rest, but it’s still controllable.

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pnuematic and Cordless

Update: the Metabo HPT NR90AE(S1) earns a score of 90 for its recoil control.

Best Framing Nailer Toenailing Performance

When you can’t build the wall frame and studs before lifting it in place, you’ll have to toenail – something you end up doing a lot with remodeling. Effective toenailing comes from the ability to stick the nose on the wood at an angle and fire without changing the angle of the nail or with so much recoil that it shifts the board on the first nail. For the most part, the best framing nailer will give the nose a couple of barbs sharp enough to dig into SPF – not a difficult task. Those points just need to be in a place where they will stick whether you’re using your right or left hand and at an angle.

To test this, we simply set up untreated pine to nail in at 90°. I first tested the ability of the nose to grab and hold at an angle then fired three nails to see how the recoil affects my accuracy and stability.

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pnuematic and Cordless

Most of our framing nailers toenail well. The best are Makita and Paslode’s F-350S with several other models right behind them. The Metabo HPT A5 has a blunt tip that sticks out too far to get the side points to stick into the wood, so there’s some slippage. Metabo HPT’s 18V model is similar, but a barb on either side of the top allows it to grab effectively. It’s a little different because the rest of the nailers grab best from the side of the nose and this cordless model needs to use the top.

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pnuematic and Cordless

Update: the Metabo HPT NR90AE(S1) earns 90 points for toenailing.

Best Framing Nailer Firing Strength

The best framing nailer for the job has to get through whatever material you’re going to use it with. Most of its work is going to be in soft framing lumber, but there are some applications you’re working with tougher material – pressure-treated lumber, maybe a little LVL, etc. To give our nailers a bit more of a workout, we set up 5 layers of 3/4″ plywood with a nice, thick layer of wood glue between each one.

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pnuematic and Cordless

The test is more than just firing a single nail flush. I bump fired ten 3-1/4″ smooth shank nails (0.131″) at roughly 1/2-second intervals with the compressor set to 100 PSI to determine what these nailers are capable of. Well, I bump fired all of them except the Paslode Cordless XP, which can only do single fire shots.

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pnuematic and Cordless

Top Performers

The Metabo HPT NR90 and the Paslode Cordless XP were able to fully drive the nails – and still had 3/8″ of depth adjustment left. Paslode’s F-350S left 1 nail just above flush with 1/4″ of depth still available while Ridgid and the Metabo HPT 18V seated all 10 flush at a full depth of drive.

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pnuematic and Cordless

Loud But Proud

On the weaker side is the Metabo HPT NR83A5, DeWalt DWF83PL, and Senco 325FRHXP. All of these are able to sink nails in pine without a problem, they’re just not as strong as the others. Recoil has an effect here. With bump firing, slowing down with Senco helps reduce the inconsistency in driving depth, and moving into single fire mode shows that it has real strength. In fact, slowing down with any of these three at the bottom helps considerably.

For cordless, DeWalt had trouble no matter at what speed we fired.

We also tested all of these nailers on a remodel that Tom Gaige is working on. When it comes to adding new pine lumber to the existing studs that have had 60 years to harden, the DeWalt 20V Max just can’t sink them further than 1/2″ proud. On the other hand, Paslode’s Cordless XP and the Metabo HPT 18V are able to get the job done.

For the pneumatics, all of them were able to sink nails in this application.

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pnuematic and Cordless

Update: the Metabo HPT NR90AE(S1) earns a perfect score for driving strength.

Air Requirements

When it comes to framing, hopefully, you’re using a compressor that gives you all the air you need. Our go-to is the Metabo HPT wheelbarrow air compressor. This 5.5 HP workhorse delivers 9.3 CFM at 100 PSI and has a 9-gallon capacity to make it awfully tough to outwork—even with multiple nailers. It has the endurance to match its performance thanks to the use of a Honda GX 160 4-cycle engine and V-twin pump that runs quieter and cooler than most other options out there. If you’re ready for an upgrade in the compressor department, you can pick one up or have it delivered from Acme Tools for around $1299.

Metabo HPT Tank XL 8-gallon wheelbarrow compessor

Sipping Air

If you’re the kind of Pro that wants to use the smallest compressor possible, how much air your nailers use is important. To settle the argument, we set out to determine how much pressure each nailer requires to seat a 3-1/4″ nail in untreated pine. It’s simple, the lower the minimum PSI, the more nails you can fire as your pressure drops and your compressor tries to keep up.

Hitachi 8-Gallon Gas Powered Wheelbarrow Air Compressor

Obviously, this isn’t a concern for any of the cordless nailers. For the pneumatics, we started at 60 PSI and worked our way up 5 PSI at a time until we discovered the minimum each nailer needs. Paslode gets the job done at 80 PSI. The rest settle in at 85 and 90 PSI, while Senco needs 95 PSI with this size nail.

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pnuematic and Cordless

Update: the Metabo HPT NR90AE(S1) needs 85 PSI to complete this test.

Firing Delays

The beauty of using pneumatic nailers is that you have no firing delay – something we didn’t talk about until cordless nailers hit the scene. The DeWalt 20V Max suffers pretty significantly with a delay of a 1/2-second or so. Paslode is almost instantaneous, but we ran into several times where we had to wait on the nailer to catch up.

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pnuematic and Cordless

Price and Value

Online, pricing on this group of nailers runs from $140 (Estwing) to $399 (all three battery-powered options). As always, it’s not just the price, it’s what you get for your money. In terms of value, Estwing gives you the best bang for your buck. The Metabo HPT NR90 comes in second. Ridgid tied for third with Senco right behind. On the low end of the value scale are our three battery-powered options.

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pnuematic and Cordless

Update: the Metabo HPT NR90AE(S1) earns 94 points for its value rating.

Best Framing Nailer Final Results

DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless 30° Framing Nailer

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pneumatic and Cordless
  • Model: DeWalt DCN692M1
  • Power Source: DeWalt 20V Max battery
  • Nail Length Range: 2″ to 3-1/2″
  • Nail Size: .113″ to .131″
  • Magazine Angle: 30°
  • Magazine Capacity: 55
  • Dry Fire Lockout: Yes, with 9 nails remaining
  • Operating Pressure: NA
  • Selectable Trigger: Yes, standard switch
  • Exhaust: Not adjustable
  • Weight: 9.34 lbs. with battery
  • Length: 13-1/4″
  • Width: 4″
  • Height: 13-1/2″
  • Warranty: 3 years limited
  • Price: $399

12th place, 78.9  points

Pros

  • No hose or gas cartridge to worry about
  • Compact size gets into tight spaces
  • Easy depth adjustment
  • Excellent toenailer
  • Good recoil control
  • Tool-free mode change

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Expensive
  • Motor windup causes firing delay
  • Has trouble in tougher materials
  • Low magazine capacity

Final Verdict

The DeWalt 20V Max framing nailer has been out for a while now and it’s time to look at upgrading this barrier breaker. It’s a good fit for punch lists and remodeling work where you’ll be working with new SPF. The weight, firing delay, and lack of full pneumatic power hold it back from being a primary framing nailer.

Metabo HPT 18V Brushless Framing Nailer

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pneumatic and Cordless
  • Model: Metabo HPT NR1890DRSM
  • Power Source: 18V battery
  • Nail Length Range: 2″ – 3-1/2″
  • Nail Size: .113″ – .131″
  • Magazine Angle: 21°
  • Magazine Capacity: 37
  • Dry Fire Lockout: Yes, 5 nails remaining
  • Operating Pressure: NA
  • Selectable Trigger: Yes, electronic
  • Exhaust: Not adjustable
  • Weight: 10.14 lbs. with battery
  • Length: 13-3/8″
  • Width: 4-5/8″
  • Height: 14-1/8″
  • Warranty: 5 years
  • Price: $399

11th place, 80.9  points

Pros

  • As powerful as pneumatic models
  • No firing delay
  • Very good toenailer
  • Easy depth adjustment
  • Power button and lockout switch for safety
  • Nose design offers excellent visibility
  • Electronic mode change

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Huge hook gets in the way
  • Intermittent feeding issues with plastic collated nails
  • Magazine slide is a little sluggish
  • Expensive
  • Low magazine capacity
  • Very front-heavy balance

Final Verdict

The Metabo HPT cordless framing nailer is one of the best options for a battery-only framing nailer. It solves the issue of firing delay and has enough power to keep up with pneumatics pretty easily. Its 10-pound+ weight makes it tough to use all day. The massive rafter hook gets in the way and the electronic controls are very difficult to operate with gloves on. Combined with low magazine capacity, it’s going to be best for small jobs even though it has the muscle of a primary framing nailer.

Metabo HPT NR83A5 Framing Nailer

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pneumatic and Cordless
  • Model: Metabo HPT NR83A5
  • Power Source: Compressed air
  • Nail Length Range: 2″ – 3-1/4″
  • Nail Size: .113″ – .131″
  • Magazine Angle: 21°
  • Magazine Capacity: 64 -70
  • Dry Fire Lockout: No
  • Operating Pressure: 70 – 120 psi
  • Selectable Trigger: Yes, tool-free
  • Exhaust: Not adjustable
  • Weight: 9.08 lbs.
  • Length: 21-3/16″
  • Width: 3-7/8″
  • Height: 13-3/8″
  • Warranty: 5 years
  • Price: $269

10th place, 81.1 points

Pros

  • Good depth adjustment
  • Tool-free mode change
  • Excellent visibility around nose

Cons

  • Rafter hook is fixed, but removable
  • No dry fire lockout
  • Magazine base can use some protection
  • Heavy
  • Most expensive pneumatic framing nailer tested

Final Verdict

With a heavy weight and average performance, our team feels underwhelmed with this $329 framing nailer. The build quality is definitely there, but you might want to consider spending a little more to move up to the NR90AC5 ($359).

Paslode Cordless XP Framing Nailer

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pneumatic and Cordless
  • Model: Paslode CF325XP
  • Power Source: Battery
  • Nail Length Range: 2″ – 3-1/4″
  • Nail Size: .113 – .131″ in shank diameters
  • Magazine Angle: 30°
  • Magazine Capacity: 1 Strip
  • Dry Fire Lockout: Yes, with 5 nails remaining
  • Operating Pressure: NA
  • Selectable Trigger: No
  • Exhaust: Not Adjustable
  • Weight: 7.36 lbs. with battery and gas cartridge
  • Length: 12″
  • Width: 4″
  • Height: 14-1/2″
  • Warranty: 5 Years Limited Warranty
  • Price: $350

9th place, 83.2  points

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • No hose
  • Fires as powerfully as any pneumatic framing nailer
  • Excellent toenailer
  • Outstanding recoil control

Cons

  • Somewhat expensive
  • Requires a battery and gas cartridge
  • Some users dislike the gas exhaust smell
  • No bump fire mode
  • Low magazine capacity

Final Verdict

The Paslode Cordless XP framing nailer is the most capable cordless option available with its combination of performance and light weight. What holds it back is a low magazine capacity and lack of a bump-fire option. If Paslode decided to upgrade those two areas, this would be a serious primary framing nailer option. As it stands, it’s the best cordless option available, but needs gas cartridges and is still going to be best for smaller jobs.

DeWalt DWF83PL 21° Framing Nailer

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pneumatic and Cordless
  • Model: DeWalt DWF83PL
  • Power Source: Compressed air
  • Nail Length Range: 2″ to 3-1/4″
  • Nail Size: .113″ to .148 ”
  • Magazine Angle: 21°
  • Magazine Capacity: 64
  • Dry Fire Lockout: No
  • Operating Pressure: 70 – 120 psi
  • Selectable Trigger: Yes, flipper switch
  • Exhaust: Not adjustable
  • Weight: 8.03 lbs.
  • Length: 21-1/2″
  • Width: 4-7/8″
  • Height: 12-1/2″
  • Warranty: 7 years limited
  • Price: $249

8th place, 85.2  points

Pros

  • Less than $200
  • 7-year warranty
  • Lightweight
  • Good toenailer
  • Good visibility around nose
  • Metal back cap
  • Tool-free mode change

Cons

  • Depth adjustment wheel is difficult to turn
  • No dry fire lockout

Final Verdict

The DeWalt DWF83PL doesn’t have a ton of complaints to go along with it. The nose barb is a little small for toenailing, but it’s still effective. The biggest issue is that the detent on the depth wheel is very tough to overcome – to the point that I finally grabbed a pair of pliers to help. Otherwise, this model is very reminiscent of the older Metabo HPT NR90 ($179), and that’s a compliment.

Senco FramePro 325FRHXP Framing Nailer

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pneumatic and Cordless
  • Model: Senco 4H0101N
  • Power Source: Compressed air
  • Nail Length Range:  2″ – 3-1/4″
  • Nail Size: 0.113″ – 0.131″
  • Magazine Angle: 20°
  • Magazine Capacity: 64
  • Dry Fire Lockout: No
  • Operating Pressure: 70 – 120 psi
  • Selectable Trigger: Yes
  • Exhaust: Not adjustable
  • Weight: 8.05 lbs.
  • Length: 20-1/4″
  • Width: 4-1/2″
  • Height: 12-1/4″”
  • Warranty: 5 years
  • Price: $231

7th place, 85.3  points

Pros

  • Easy depth adjustment
  • Tool-free mode change
  • Good toenailer
  • Excellent visibility around nose
  • Less than $200
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • No dry fire lockout
  • Most recoil in our testing

Final Verdict

Senco hits hard with the FramePro 325FRHXP and while the recoil may have an effect on some users, this is still an excellent choice. With a sub-$200 price point and reasonably light weight, the only real negatives are the lack of a dry fire lockout and more recoil than we felt in the other models.

Paslode PowerMaster Plus F-350S Nailer

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pneumatic and Cordless
  • Model: Paslode F-350S
  • Power Source: Compressed air
  • Nail Length Range: 2″-3.5″ in length
  • Nail Size: .113″ to .131″ shank diameters
  • Magazine Angle: 30°
  • Magazine Capacity: 2 strips (up to 84)
  • Dry Fire Lockout: No
  • Operating Pressure: 90 – 120 (5.5 – 8.3)
  • Selectable Trigger: Yes, must change trigger
  • Exhaust: Adjustable
  • Weight: 8.41 lbs.
  • Length: 19-3/8″
  • Width: 4-7/8″
  • Height: 13-3/8″
  • Warranty: 5 years limited on housing and cap parts
  • Price: $219

6th place, 86.8  points

Pros

  • Excellent driving strength
  • Outstanding toenailer
  • Good visibility around nose
  • Outstanding recoil control

Cons

  • Hex wrench required for depth adjustment
  • Trigger change required for mode change
  • No dry fire lockout

Final Verdict

Unfortunately for Paslode, the two areas that are an issue are pretty big obstacles for our testing team. Using a hex wrench to adjust the depth and having to swap triggers to change modes caused our testing to get a rating of PG-13 for language. Aside from those points and no dry fire lockout, the rest of the nailer is solid. Despite a somewhat higher price, the F-350S still gets a decent value rating. While this nailer will get the job done, you might also take a look at the Paslode PowerMaster Pro.

Makita AN923 Framing Nailer

  • Model: Makita AN923
  • Power Source: Compressed air
  • Nail Length Range: 2″ – 3-1/2″
  • Nail Size: .113″ – .162″
  • Magazine Angle: 21°
  • Magazine Capacity: 74
  • Dry Fire Lockout: Yes
  • Operating Pressure: 65 – 120 psi
  • Selectable Trigger: Yes, flipper switch
  • Exhaust: Adjustable
  • Weight: 9.26 lbs.
  • Length: 22″
  • Width: 4-1/4″
  • Height: 13-11/16″
  • Warranty: 3 years limited
  • Price: $333.16

5th place,  87.5 points

Pros

  • Accepts nails up to 0.162″
  • Easy depth adjustment
  • Easy tool-free mode change
  • Outstanding toenailer
  • Outstanding visibility around nose
  • Good recoil control

Cons

  • Heaviest pneumatic nailer tested

Final Verdict

Makita checks off nearly all the boxes with solid performance all around and a feature set that’s only lacking an adjustable exhaust. The major knock against the well-built AN923 is its weight. At 9.26 pounds, it’s the heaviest pneumatic framing nailer we tested. It’s also on the deeper side from tip to the nose, which might be a slight irritation in tight spaces. The fact that this nailer has been around for over a decade and still ranks in the top 5 says something about its quality. Check out the Makita AN924 nailer as well, which shaves some weight ($229)

Bostitch F21PL2 Framing Nailer

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pneumatic and Cordless
  • Model: Bostitch F21PL2
  • Power Source: Compressed air
  • Nail Length Range: 2″ – 3 1/2″
  • Nail Size: .113″ to .131″
  • Magazine Angle: 21°
  • Magazine Capacity: 60
  • Dry Fire Lockout: No
  • Operating Pressure: 80 -120 psi
  • Selectable Trigger: No, trigger switch required
  • Exhaust: Adjustable
  • Weight: 8.8 lbs.
  • Length: 20-1/4″
  • Width: 4-3/8″
  • Height: 14-1/4″Warranty: 7 years limited
  • Price: $230

4th place, 87.8  points

Pros

  • Excellent toenailer
  • Good visibility around nose
  • Good recoil control
  • Less than $200
  • 7-year warranty

Cons

  • No dry fire lockout
  • 1/4″ air inlet is smaller than others and not included
  • Trigger switch required for mode change
  • Depth adjustment requires you to push or pull the nose while holding a button
  • Large head can get in the way

Final Verdict

Bostitch typically puts together a good nailer and the F21PL2 is no exception. With a sub-$200 price tag and 7-year warranty, it has excellent performance in our tests. There are a couple of points of concern, though. The biggest is requiring a trigger change for bump firing. The depth adjustment is more complex than a simple wheel, but you have to pull or push the nose, putting your hand at risk of an accidental firing. Granted, the risk is small, but it’s there. Bostitch also goes with the 1/4″ air inlet that’s more popular on finish nailers. They don’t include one in the kit, so be aware that you’ll need to pick one up. Despite all that, Bostitch’s performance overcomes those cons to give it a respectable 4th place finish.

Ridgid 21° Round-Head Framing Nailer

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pneumatic and Cordless
  • Model: Ridgid R350RHF
  • Power Source: Compressed air
  • Nail Length Range: 2″-3.5″
  • Nail Size: .113″-.148″
  • Magazine Angle: 21°
  • Magazine Capacity: 60-70
  • Dry Fire Lockout: Yes, with 5 nails remaining
  • Operating Pressure: 70 – 120 PSI
  • Selectable Trigger: Yes, flipper switch
  • Exhaust: Not adjustable
  • Weight: 7.39 lbs.
  • Length: 21-1/8″
  • Width: 4-1/2″
  • Height: 13-3/4″
  • Warranty: Lifetime Service Agreement
  • Price: $169.99

3rd place, 89.7  points

Pros

  • Easy depth adjustment
  • Lightweight
  • Excellent toenailer
  • Excellent visibility around nose
  • Accepts nails up to 0.148″
  • Less than $200
  • Tool-free mode change

Cons

  • No major weaknesses

Final Verdict

Ridgid’s R350RHF is one of the best framing nailers for all-around performance, features, and price. While it doesn’t top every category, there aren’t any major weaknesses our team found during testing. Among the highlights are its light weight, ability to use nails a little thicker than most of the group, and incredibly fast rate of fire (8 nails per second). If there’s a negative here, it’s that the head is on the large side and may get in the way if you’re working in small spaces or tight corners.

Estwing Pneumatic 21° Full Head Framing Nailer

Best Framing Nailer Shootout and Review: Pneumatic and Cordless
  • Model: Estwing EFR2190
  • Power Source: Compressed air
  • Nail Length Range: 2″ to 3-1/2″
  • Nail Size: .113″ to 0.131″
  • Magazine Angle: 21°
  • Magazine Capacity: 55
  • Dry Fire Lockout: Yes, 4 nails remaining
  • Operating Pressure: 70-115 psi
  • Selectable Trigger: Yes, flipper switch
  • Exhaust: Not adjustable
  • Weight: 7.79 lbs
  • Length: 21″
  • Width: 4-1/8″
  • Height: 14-1/4″
  • Warranty: 5 years
  • Price: $179.00

2nd place, 92.1  points

Pros

  • Least expensive model tested
  • Easy depth adjustment
  • Excellent toenailer
  • Outstanding visibility around nose
  • Lightweight
  • Tool-free mode change

Cons

  • No major drawbacks

Final Verdict

This is our first rodeo with an Estwing nailer and we didn’t really know what to expect. However, this lightweight, $140 framing nailer puts on a good show with little disappointment in the performance department. The only thing we’re left with is to wonder how well it’s going to hold up over time compared to nailers that are $60 – $110 more expensive.

Metabo HPT NR90AES1 Framing Nailer

Hitachi NR90AE(S1) 3-1/2" Framing Nailer Review
  • Model: Metabo HPT NR90AES1 (Hitachi NR90AES1)
  • Power Source: Compressed air
  • Nail Length Range: 2″ to 3-1/2″
  • Nail Size: .113” to .148”
  • Magazine Angle: 21°
  • Magazine Capacity: 64
  • Dry Fire Lockout: No
  • Operating Pressure: 70-120 PSI
  • Selectable Trigger: Yes, flipper switch
  • Exhaust: Not Adjustable
  • Weight: 7.28 lbs.
  • Length: 2-3/4″
  • Width: 4-15/16″
  • Height: 12-11/16″
  • Warranty: 5 years
  • Price: $159.00

1st place, 95.3 points

Pros

  • Lightest nailer tested
  • Easy depth adjustment
  • Outstanding driving power
  • Outstanding nose visibility
  • Very good toenailer
  • Very good recoil control
  • Accepts nails up to 0.148″
  • Tool-free mode change

Cons

  • No dry fire lockout
  • No hang hook

Final Verdict

If you need a nailer that’s all about great ergonomics and driving power without a ton of bells and whistles or the price tag that comes with them, you’re not likely to find a better bet than the Metabo HPT NR90AES1.

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