Nail guns work by using a piston to force the striking plate back against springs, building up the force needed to drive the nails through the wood. Different models will power the compression piston by different means – pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric models are all in widespread use.
The strongest nail guns are the framing nailers, designed to power through the thickest wood that forms struts and supports for whole structures. These are designed with larger striking heads and wider bores to take heavier nails, relying on the exterior features to cover the marks they will leave behind.
A finish nailer works on the same principle, but comes in much later, attaching siding and molding once the frame of your building has been established. Finish nailers can be useful in smaller projects as well – the nails are smaller and driven so deep they are almost invisible, making them ideal for building furniture, doghouses, or animal feeders.
As with any power tool, there are plenty of options to wade through when picking your nailer. We’ve narrowed the field to the five best models to help you out.
Related Article: Best Brad Nailer Reviews & Buyer’s Guide (2023 UPDATE)
Best Finish Nailer – Comparison Table
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | LATEST PRICE |
|---|---|---|
TOP PICK | 1. NuMax SFN64
| Check Price |
RUNNER UP | 2. Paslode 902400
| Check Price |
  | 3. BOSTITCH N62FNK2
| Check Price |
  | 4. Senco 4G0001N
| Check Price |
  | 5. DEWALT D51257K
| Check Price |
Our Best Finish Nailer Reviews and Comparisons
1. NuMax SFN64
Product Highlights
A budget nailer that can deliver great performance one magazine after another.
Features
- 16-gauge
- Up to 2.5” nails
- 4.5lbs
- 100-round magazine
What We Like About NuMax SFN64
This nail gun offers impressive endurance and capacity at a price that is hard to beat.
What We Don’t Like About NuMax SFN64
Too much of a good thing can be troublesome – this nail gun is somewhat overpowered for smaller finish nails, and regularly drive them too far into the wood.
PROS
- High-capacity magazine
- Compatible with multiple different air hose connectors
- Smoothed barrel prevents maring the project
- Quick release lever to clear jams
- Ergonomic handle
CONS
- Somewhat overpowered
- Opaque magazine makes it hard to see when you are running low
2. Paslode 902400
Product Highlights
This nail gun is made cordless for those working at heights or on job sites without electricity.
Features
- 7V battery
- 120,000 nails per charge
- 16 gauge
- 4.5lbs
What We Like About Paslode 902400
This gun is battery powered and relatively narrow in profile to let you carry and fit it anywhere.
What We Don’t Like About Paslode 902400
This is an exceptionally expensive model.
PROS
- Cordless
- Long lasting battery
- First box of nails included
- Drives nails flush
- Works well in corners
CONS
- Fuel cells are costly to replace and not available in all countries
- Much more expensive than comparable tools
3. BOSTITCH N62FNK2
Product Highlights
A lightweight gun with several user-friendly additions to make your job site that much more comfortable.
Features
- 15-gauge
- 1.25” to 2.5” nails
- 3.8lbs
- 70-120 psi
What We Like About BOSTITCH N62FNK2
An onboard LED worksite lamp and rear-mounted air shield couple with this nailer’s low weight to make it exceptionally comfortable to use.
What We Don’t Like About BOSTITCH N62FNK2
Several technical aspects such as the nose piece and the nail gauge, deviate from the industry-standard making this nail gun somewhat more complicated to maintain.
PROS
- Lightweight
- LED illumination for nighttime work
- Air shield protects operator’s face
- Seven-year warranty
- Carrying case and multiple profile tips included
CONS
- Unusual angle
- Non-standard nail magazines
4. Senco 4G0001N
Product Highlights
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Etiam aliquam erat sed sem aliquam, at viverra tortor facilisis. Cras id ante sed erat vulputate malesuada. Vivamus nulla dui, vehicula venenatis facilisis elementum, semper ut leo.
Features
- F120 psi
- 15 gauge
- 9lbs
- Up to 2.5” nails
What We Like About Senco 4G0001N
Although finishing nailers are generally not as tough as framing guns, this tool is a notable exception, with thick steel construction to last through one job after another.
What We Don’t Like About Senco 4G0001N
The added durability comes with added weight – this tool weighs double what a similar model would.
PROS
- Long lasting
- Power assisted trigger
- Transparent magazine
- Reduced lubricant design
- Forward support rail to reduce fatigu
CONS
- Heavier than comparable tools
- Slower recoil between nails
5. DEWALT D51257K
Product Highlights
From one of the best-known names in power tools comes a nail gun that covers nearly every base.
Features
- 70-120 psi
- 3.9lbs
- 16 gauge
- 1-2.5” nails
What We Like About DEWALT D51257K
There is a lot to be impressed within this device: 360-degree exhaust rotation, tool-free adjustment, self-lubricating motor and more.
What We Don’t Like About DEWALT D51257K
This gun has a tendency not to fire on every pull of the trigger. So users will need to check if the nail has actually been driven before moving on.
PROS
- Reputable manufacturer
- Full exhaust rotation lets you direct recoil away from your face
- Motor housing seals in and applies lubricants
- Most adjustments are tool-free, letting you carry less around
- Magazine and action clear easily
CONS
- Prone to misfire
- Somewhat uncomfortable to hold
Final Verdict
Nail guns are sure to save you a considerable amount of time and effort on your next job, driving nails more precisely than a manual hammer every time. Make sure to get your prefered model before heading out to the next building projects.
One thing that is definitely worth remembering is that these nail guns should be treated with the same respect and caution as an actual firearm. Though they have neither the same range or accuracy, a 2.5” nail will be just as deadly as a bullet in the wrong place. Keep them pointed in a safe direction, with the safety on and the device off, until you are ready to put them to use.
