Choosing the best cordless framing nailer can make the difference between a slow, tedious project and a simple, seamless one. A nailer’s firing modes, its weight, and its energy source are just a few factors to consider when selecting a new nailer for framing.
Join us as we share our favorite cordless framing nailers and explain how to choose the best one for your project. We’ll also answer a couple of frequently asked questions about these nailers.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Milwaukee 30-degree Cordless Framing Nailer Kit
Budget Option
Metabo HPT 18V MultiVolt™ Cordless Framing Nailer Kit
Best Lightweight
Paslode – Cordless XP Framing Nailer
Best Overall
Milwaukee 30-degree Cordless Framing Nailer Kit
This is a gold standard cordless framing nailer and comes as part of a kit to make your job easy. The nailer does not have a ramp time and fires the minute the trigger is pulled, firing at a speed of three nails per second. Best of all, you don’t need cast cartridges to run this cordless framing nailer.
This nailer comes with a dry fire lockout mode that will prevent the nail gun from firing when there are no nails in the magazine to ensure a longer-lasting battery. It also comes with a 3-year warranty, applicable to both the nailer and the battery.
Included with the kit: Framing nailer, M18 RedLithium Battery, M18 and M12 multi-voltage charger, and contractor bag.
| Nails per charge | 700 |
| Nail sizes | 2”-3 ½” |
| Number of nails held | 51 (83 with extended magazine) |
Pros
- Operates in temperatures down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit
- Compatible and adaptable with accessories and add-ons
- Includes sequential and contact firing modes
Cons
- Heavy (11 pounds)
Budget Option
Metabo HPT 18V MultiVolt™ Cordless Framing Nailer Kit
If you want to save a little money and still get great value, this Metabo Cordless Framing Nailer Kit is an excellent value. Like the Milwaukee, it includes contact firing and sequential modes. It also has no ramp time and comes with a unique air compressor system that never needs refilling.
Its firing speed is slightly slower, at only 2 nails per second. This framing nailer comes with a lifetime warranty on the tool and 2 years on the battery.
Included with the kit: Nailer, 3Ah battery, charger, and bag
| Nails per charge | 600 |
| Nail sizes | 2”-3 ½” |
| Number of nails held | 47 |
Pros
- Cost saving
- Same great features as more expensive framing nailers
- Rated Pro Preferred Nailer from 2014-2022 by Builder and Developer Magazine.
Cons
- Heavy (9 pounds without the battery)
- The display screen is on the smaller side and hard to read for some
- The battery does not have a button to show the charge like higher-end batteries
Best Lightweight
Paslode Cordless XP Framing Nailer
If you have back or joint problems, you’re going to want a lightweight framing nailer. Being lightweight is the number one selling point for this framing nailer, but there are more neat features to talk about.
The Paslode Cordless XP Framing Nailer only weighs 7.2 pounds. Not only that, it can drive 9,000 nails on a fully-charged battery and 1,200 nails fit in a full fuel cell, ejecting 3 nails per second.
It comes with a 1-year no-questions-asked warranty and a 5-year extended warranty. This tool works in temperatures down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit.
| Nails per charge | 9,000 |
| Nail sizes | 2” to 3 ¼” nails |
| Number of nails held | 1,200 |
Pros
- Quick battery charge–2 minutes gives you 200 nails
- Comes with a belt hook to keep the nailer at your side
- 50% longer run-time than Lithium battery cordless framing nail guns
How to Choose the Best Cordless Framing Nailers
Nailing Firing Modes
These modes impact how the nail is fired. These are the two primary nailing fire modes to know:
Contact (Bump)
Allows you to excel nails without pulling the trigger by bumping the tool along where you want the nails to expel.
Sequential
Requires you to pull the trigger to expel each nail.
Angle
Most framing nailers are designed to expel nails at either a 21- or a 30-degree angle.
- A 21-degree angle is good for reaching tight spaces
- A 30-degree angle is better for heavy jobs
You need to pay close attention to this angle because it determines which nails you will buy for your cordless framing nailer.
Voltage and Weight
A cordless framing nailer with a higher voltage will be more powerful, but it will also be heavier. The larger your construction project, the larger the voltage you will need.
Battery or Fuel Operated
Cordless framing nailers are either powered by batteries or by fuel. These are some facts to consider when making your choice between the two options:
- Fuel-operated cordless framing nailers work longer between recharges than those that are battery-powered.
- They are also lighter because you don’t have the added battery weight.
- The caveat is that fuel-operated requires you to frequently purchase fuel, making them more costly in the long run.
Battery Life
You need to consider how many nails you need to expel at one time. If you are working for a long time, you may need to bring an extra battery or extra fuel for framing nailers with shorter battery lives.
Fire Rate
This is how quickly the cordless framing nailer can release nails. The faster the fire rate, the quicker you can finish the job.
Ramp Time
Some cordless framing nailers have a ramp time, which is how long it takes between squeezing the trigger and the nail being expelled. Not all nailers have ramp times, though. Not having a ramp time speeds up the job.
Operating Temperature
If you’re someone who doesn’t halt projects because of the weather, you’ll want to buy a framing nailer like the Milwaukee 30-Degree Cordless Framing Nailer, which operates in temperatures down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Framing Nailers
How can I stay safe while using a framing nailer?
The sequential mode is always the safest mode to use because it reduces the chance a nail will discharge if you accidentally bump into a colleague. If you are new to using a framing nailer, it’s best to stick to sequential mode until you are more experienced.
Always practice with your cordless framing nailer before starting the job so you are comfortable with operating and aiming it.
Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like hard hats, safety glasses, and earplugs.
How do I choose nails for a framing nailer?
- Outdoor projects: Choose galvanized nails
- Indoor projects: Choose brite nails
Most framing projects will require 3 1/4” full-head nails. The nails will need to match the angle and head type of your nailer.
The Milwaukee 30-degree Cordless Framing Nailer Kit and Paslode – Cordless XP Framing Nailer both work with Paslode Framing Nails. The Metabo HPT 18V MultiVolt™ Cordless Framing Nailer will work best with Metabo HPT Framing Nails.
Choose the Best Cordless Framing Nailer for Your Project!
We prefer versatile cordless framing nailers like the Milwaukee 30-Degree Cordless Framing Nailer Kit. This tool is remarkable because it’s adaptable, making it the perfect framing nailer for any project.
Are you framing a house? Read all about how to frame a house.