Initial impressions Dewalt Cordless Nailers (Framing & Finishing)

[DB10]

My DCN692 Finish Nailer now has 2.0Ah batteries. To be honest the immediate weight difference isn't astounding, but I do know that shaving a little weight off a tool that you use for an extended period can make a difference!

For a little more than the price of two 2.0Ah batteries I got a BL drill, charger, case and two batteries. Heck knows what I'm going to do with a Dewalt drill [embarassed]

I could have just picked up two batteries cheap on Ebay, but I tend to be a little suspicious if I don't know the seller.

[member=13058]Kev[/member]  It sounds like you've nailed it!  [embarassed]. Sorry.
The second charger will no doubt come in handy.  Where was the best deal for two 2ah batteries in a kit, not that I need another drill but like you say, it's cheaper some times to buy in kit form.

 

[Kev]

[member=13058]Kev[/member]  It sounds like you've nailed it!  [embarassed]. Sorry.
The second charger will no doubt come in handy.  Where was the best deal for two 2ah batteries in a kit, not that I need another drill but like you say, it's cheaper some times to buy in kit form.

[member=42735]DB10[/member]https://sydneytools.com.au/dewalt-d...on-brushless-cordless-hammer-drill-driver-kit .. didn't see this available at get tools direct, just tools or adelaide tools ...

$269  [smile]

The charger with this kit is probably even slower !! But it will deffo charge a 2.0Ah faster than you're likely to empty a 2.0 Ah with the finish nailer ... I suppose I've just issued you a challenge to whack 800 finish nails in less than an hour - doable I guess if you're organised.

 

[DB10]

[member=13058]Kev[/member]  It sounds like you've nailed it!  [embarassed]. Sorry.
The second charger will no doubt come in handy.  Where was the best deal for two 2ah batteries in a kit, not that I need another drill but like you say, it's cheaper some times to buy in kit form.

[member=42735]DB10[/member]https://sydneytools.com.au/dewalt-d...on-brushless-cordless-hammer-drill-driver-kit .. didn't see this available at get tools direct, just tools or adelaide tools ...

$269  [smile]

The charger with this kit is probably even slower !! But it will deffo charge a 2.0Ah faster than you're likely to empty a 2.0 Ah with the finish nailer ... I suppose I've just issued you a challenge to whack 800 finish nails in less than an hour - doable I guess if you're organised.

  [member=13058]Kev[/member]  Maybe if I was 20 years younger!  [big grin]
Sydney Fools kill me on postage, I only buy from them when it's free freight or I'm desperate,  just had a thought. Three months ago I noticed that Adelaide tools were selling 18v 1.5ah batteries for $39 and I was going to pick one up for the multitool but never got round to it, I've checked and they are still selling them and as I'll be in the city at the weekend think I'll get one and test it out on the Finsher.

 

[Kev]

[member=13058]Kev[/member]  Maybe if I was 20 years younger!  [big grin]
Sydney Fools kill me on postage, I only buy from them when it's free freight or I'm desperate,  just had a thought. Three months ago I noticed that Adelaide tools were selling 18v 1.5ah batteries for $39 and I was going to pick one up for the multitool but never got round to it, I've checked and they are still selling them and as I'll be in the city at the weekend think I'll get one and test it out on the Finsher.

[member=42735]DB10[/member] I don't love those guys either! Mostly cowboys .. the chap that served me last time was a surprise though, nice fella!

I was borderline on a kit that came with two 1.5Ah batteries and 2 tools for $249. Raw math would say that's still enough oomph for 500+ bangs in the finisher!
https://sydneytools.com.au/dewalt-dck280c2-xe-18v-1-5ah-xr-li-ion-2pce-cordless-combo-kit

Plus now I'll probably go and get yet another battery so I don't feel bad giving my son a tool and a charger without a battery [sad]

Ask Adelaide Tools if they have the same kit and price. As far as the bulk brands go I think they're the nicest guys to deal with in the country. I would have got the nailers from them if they hadn't been sitting on the floor at Sydney Tools for the same price plus bonus packs of finish nails.

I've been tempted to get this from Adelaide Tools ..https://adelaidetools.com.au/metabo-18v-cordless-hex-impact-driver-kit-ssd18ltx-kit1.html

The battery and the charger cost that much and the tool and case is effectively free ... yeh, another tool I don't need and a battery less tool I can give to my son [embarassed]

 

[DB10]

[member=13058]Kev[/member]  Maybe if I was 20 years younger!  [big grin]
Sydney Fools kill me on postage, I only buy from them when it's free freight or I'm desperate,  just had a thought. Three months ago I noticed that Adelaide tools were selling 18v 1.5ah batteries for $39 and I was going to pick one up for the multitool but never got round to it, I've checked and they are still selling them and as I'll be in the city at the weekend think I'll get one and test it out on the Finsher.

[member=42735]DB10[/member] I don't love those guys either! Mostly cowboys .. the chap that served me last time was a surprise though, nice fella!

I was borderline on a kit that came with two 1.5Ah batteries and 2 tools for $249. Raw math would say that's still enough oomph for 500+ bangs in the finisher!
https://sydneytools.com.au/dewalt-dck280c2-xe-18v-1-5ah-xr-li-ion-2pce-cordless-combo-kit

Plus now I'll probably go and get yet another battery so I don't feel bad giving my son a tool and a charger without a battery [sad]

Ask Adelaide Tools if they have the same kit and price. As far as the bulk brands go I think they're the nicest guys to deal with in the country. I would have got the nailers from them if they hadn't been sitting on the floor at Sydney Tools for the same price plus bonus packs of finish nails.

I've been tempted to get this from Adelaide Tools ..https://adelaidetools.com.au/metabo-18v-cordless-hex-impact-driver-kit-ssd18ltx-kit1.html

The battery and the charger cost that much and the tool and case is effectively free ... yeh, another tool I don't need and a battery less tool I can give to my son [embarassed]

[member=13058]Kev[/member]  That Metabo deal with a 6.2 Li HD is very sweet, I've got more impact drivers than arms though, I'll be having a good mooch around down there at the weekend. There a good bunch and I do try to always put my business there way if I can.
I did notice on their web site that a lot of the Metabo cordless tools have gone up in price, three tools I purchased in the last year have all gone up by at least $20.

 

[Brice Burrell]

I've ordered the framing nailer.  Maybe you should get a commission fee from DeWalt Kev. [big grin]

 

[Kev]

I've ordered the framing nailer.  Maybe you should get a commission fee from DeWalt Kev. [big grin]

[member=1146]Brice Burrell[/member]

I'll get my agent onto it [big grin]

 

[SMJoinery]

I have both guns and they have been in use for a few months now.
The finishing nailer is great. I had the previous model which was heavy but did well over the 5 years I had it. The new one is lighter and easier to handle especially with the 2ah battery. We only use the 5ah battery whilst the 2 is charging.
The framing nailer has some quirks for me. It jams after around 3 strips of nails if it's not dealt nails especially cheaper brands. When you remove the front assembly (2 Allan bolts) the pin receiver is gummed up with the paper strip. It doesn't seem to do it with the dewalt nails but I've only got them in 90mm. Every other brand I've tried sticks after 3-4 strips.
We did a fence this week and fixed 40mm treated timber to 100mm posts with 90mm nails and anywhere near a knot and its leaving a proud head and I mean anywhere near not directly at the knot!...given its all white wood it's was hard to avoid.
I haven't tried it in hardwoods, probably never will as most stuff we do I prefer to screw.
The gun is great though for fencing slats, chipboard flooring etc.
It's definitely not the best nailer I've had but I prefer it with no gas.
Scott

 

[redbirdone]

I really wish Bosch would step up their game in the cordless nailer market.  They came out with a finish nailer a few years ago but it was a dud, discontinued now.  I've got a bunch of their 18v Lion tools and batteries, and have been very pleased with everything.  But they are lacking in this area. 

I'm at the point where I'm thinking of selling off the Bosch 18v collection while it still has some value, and taking either the yellow Dewalt or red Milwaukee path for my cordless tools.  C'mon Bosch...you can do it!

 

[Kev]

I actually think I may have made a mistake taking on Metabo as my supplemental brand to Festool .. Dewalt nailers seem pretty good, I recently got a drill package that was close to the price of two 2.0Ah batteries (I wanted the 2 x 2.0Ah's for the finish nailer) and the little brushless drill seems quite good. I just snagged an Ebay bargain of a Dewalt cordless multitool with 2 x 2.0Ah's, charger, case, accessories (I was considering a Fein cordless multi, but [member=42735]DB10[/member] said he liked the Dewalt multi, so I've up for a gamble - plus I've got a Vecturo, corded Fein and a rubbish cordless Dremel multitools a;ready).

I really like my Metabo cordless and brushless 400Nm impact wrench, angle grinders and SCMS. Their 6.2Ah LiHD batteries are awesome, but the Dewalt range (In horrible, hideous, disgusting, manky, putrid YELLOW) could actually have been a better match for my needs [sad]

The Metabo recipro is very average and their fastening options are virtually non existent.

 

[redbirdone]

I'm in the same boat.  Chose Bosch's 18v lineup but now rethinking it.  Not a yellow fan, but their 20v lineup is pretty stout, as is the red 18v one. 

Have used a few Metabo tools in my time and was always impressed but they were not mine and were not a part of a collection, if that makes sense.  I don't think Metabo is willing to invest the dollars to try and take away market share from the big 4 (Dewalt, Milwaukee, Bosch and Makita) in the cordless tools market.  Problem is that more and more people are viewing cordless purchases as part of a "system" and they may need to just pull out of cordless entirely. They make great tools though. 

 

[DB10]

I actually think I may have made a mistake taking on Metabo as my supplemental brand to Festool .. Dewalt nailers seem pretty good, I recently got a drill package that was close to the price of two 2.0Ah batteries (I wanted the 2 x 2.0Ah's for the finish nailer) and the little brushless drill seems quite good. I just snagged an Ebay bargain of a Dewalt cordless multitool with 2 x 2.0Ah's, charger, case, accessories (I was considering a Fein cordless multi, but [member=42735]DB10[/member] said he liked the Dewalt multi, so I've up for a gamble - plus I've got a Vecturo, corded Fein and a rubbish cordless Dremel multitools a;ready).

I really like my Metabo cordless and brushless 400Nm impact wrench, angle grinders and SCMS. Their 6.2Ah LiHD batteries are awesome, but the Dewalt range (In horrible, hideous, disgusting, manky, putrid YELLOW) could actually have been a better match for my needs [sad]

The Metabo recipro is very average and their fastening options are virtually non existent.

[member=13058]Kev[/member]  Sounds like there's some Yellow fever sweeping across the coast of Australia and taking a hold of Sydney.  [big grin]
I managed to pick up a couple of the 1.5ah Dewalt batteries last Sunday at A,T.
I was lucky on the price, I got them for $39 each as they had actually gone back up to there original price of $79 by the time I popped in.
I recall you mentioning before that you didn't rate the Metabo Recip saw, can't quite remember what you didn't like about it and as I think my next tool purchase will be a new Recip to replace my old Makita LXT which is on its last legs I was thinking Yep more yellow I'm afraid the Dewalt DCS38 7NXE, Compact Reciprocating. I like the idea of the compactness of this saw and have found in the past that the Makita is quite often too long in tight places plus I only now have 3ah 18v Makita batteries and thes Recip saws really do benefit form 5ah batteries.
  A note on the Dewalt multi tool, it doesn't really like the Fein style blades, the Dewalt as you know has the quick insert set up designed to use the cut away type blades and the only way to use the Fein type blades is with the Allen screw which is fiddly and they always seem to come loose after a while.

[member=21236]redbirdone[/member] Not sure if you know but Milwaukee have a new range of cordless nailers that have been released in the US, not yet been released down under to the best of my knowledge, try searching Toolguyd if your interested, It's early days and the reviews are a bit mixed, This is an area where I believe Milwaukee should have been ahead of the big four when it comes to cordless nailers seeing as their parent company is part of Ryobi which have been producing cordless nailers albeit, more so for the DIY market, never the less good cordless nailers for the last three years.

 

[demographic]

I just got the two speed framing nailer this week. Only put sixty or so  nails through it so far.

Its heavier than the Paslodes and Hitachis and Makita I've used so far.
The bump mode is great and I reckon I'll just leave it on that as I have the option of modulating its use with the trigger anyway.
Comes with a no mar tip which is a bonus over most others Ive seen where its an optional extra.
Can't comment on reliability yet obviously but as the gas is half the problem with the others I'm guessing its GOT to be better.
Much quieter than the gas ones, my ears will thank me for this purchase.

Would like a second fix (finishing to some of you) gun but asa subcontractor the only second fix nails we get on site are the straight ones I'll keep using my Hitachi till De-Walt make one that fires the sixteen gauge straight nails.

No way I want to be supplying nails on sites.

 

[NHSP759]

I've got the framer and though I don't use it professionally, I have had the two speed for about a year and a half and love it. I had my first jam over this past winter and clearing it was actually pretty simple. The bump mode works great for me. I just purchased the DCN660 from Murdochs for $279.99 shipped but have not received it yet. It is supposed to be here on Thursday but I am eagerly anticipating its arrival. Thus far my Dewalt tools are few but I am really liking each one. I've got the framer and a brushless drywall gun and even picked up the 20v hedge trimmer. The framer is proving to be a valuable tool for me and will be getting put through some paces over the next month as I set out to build a pergola and a gate and fence. 

 

[illumicon1]

I'm tempted by the framer.  Anyone have the 7 1/4" cordless miter saw?

@Brice, I had the cordless miter saw. Not enough speed which of course it only runs on 1 - 20v battery. I bought it for a project on the 4th floor with no elevator. It did fine cutting thermo foiled pine crown, battery lasted all day. If they came out with one that used 2 batteries like the Makita that would be great.

 

[Kev]

[member=13058]Kev[/member]  Sounds like there's some Yellow fever sweeping across the coast of Australia and taking a hold of Sydney.  [big grin]
I managed to pick up a couple of the 1.5ah Dewalt batteries last Sunday at A,T.
I was lucky on the price, I got them for $39 each as they had actually gone back up to there original price of $79 by the time I popped in.
I recall you mentioning before that you didn't rate the Metabo Recip saw, can't quite remember what you didn't like about it and as I think my next tool purchase will be a new Recip to replace my old Makita LXT which is on its last legs I was thinking Yep more yellow I'm afraid the Dewalt DCS38 7NXE, Compact Reciprocating. I like the idea of the compactness of this saw and have found in the past that the Makita is quite often too long in tight places plus I only now have 3ah 18v Makita batteries and thes Recip saws really do benefit form 5ah batteries.
  A note on the Dewalt multi tool, it doesn't really like the Fein style blades, the Dewalt as you know has the quick insert set up designed to use the cut away type blades and the only way to use the Fein type blades is with the Allen screw which is fiddly and they always seem to come loose after a while.

[member=42735]DB10[/member] I think if I could have ignored brand bias and battery system proliferation I would have gone Milwaukee for the recipro, it seems to get the best review. I haven't used the Metabo recipro much, but it feels bulky and not especially powerful.

I'm curious about the Dewalt recipro  - it certainly does't look special. .. Let me know what you think of it if you get one.

 

[Jozsef Kozma]

After taking it of the shelf  for a feel at Toolnut I was surprised
how well it felt . Purchased it immidietly and after trying it out
I was impressed . It is way above what I expected for that price
but that goes for the framing and finishing gun also

[member=13058]Kev[/member]  Sounds like there's some Yellow fever sweeping across the coast of Australia and taking a hold of Sydney.  [big grin]
I managed to pick up a couple of the 1.5ah Dewalt batteries last Sunday at A,T.
I was lucky on the price, I got them for $39 each as they had actually gone back up to there original price of $79 by the time I popped in.
I recall you mentioning before that you didn't rate the Metabo Recip saw, can't quite remember what you didn't like about it and as I think my next tool purchase will be a new Recip to replace my old Makita LXT which is on its last legs I was thinking Yep more yellow I'm afraid the Dewalt DCS38 7NXE, Compact Reciprocating. I like the idea of the compactness of this saw and have found in the past that the Makita is quite often too long in tight places plus I only now have 3ah 18v Makita batteries and thes Recip saws really do benefit form 5ah batteries.
  A note on the Dewalt multi tool, it doesn't really like the Fein style blades, the Dewalt as you know has the quick insert set up designed to use the cut away type blades and the only way to use the Fein type blades is with the Allen screw which is fiddly and they always seem to come loose after a while.

[member=42735]DB10[/member] I think if I could have ignored brand bias and battery system proliferation I would have gone Milwaukee for the recipro, it seems to get the best review. I haven't used the Metabo recipro much, but it feels bulky and not especially powerful.

I'm curious about the Dewalt recipro  - it certainly does't look special. .. Let me know what you think of it if you get one.

 

[JimD]

Good to hear the DeWalt cordless nailers work well.  I have a pretty complete set of Ryobi cordless tools including the brad nailer.  I've used it to install a bunch of trim in our house and been very satisfied.  It's a bit fussy about the angle you hold it but otherwise works great.  I've installed crown, base, and casing.  2 inch 18 gauge nails will do most trim work.  I tried it on the outer rows of hardwood flooring and that was a fail.  The nailer worked fine but the 18 gauge nails just wouldn't hold the hickory flooring. 

Ryobi cordless tools are all useful.  They are not equivalent to good corded tools but they work fine.  I use the circular saw, reciprocating saw and jigsaw.  I have the vibrating saw and it is OK.  I really like the drills.  I am on my 3rd and 4th of those.  One broke boring 2 1/8 holes in solid exterior doors and one wandered off while I had a contractor at the house.  So I bought two more.  I hardly use my corded drills, which happen to be DeWalt.

 

[Job and Knock]

Bought a DCN692 about 5 or 6 months back - once it was run in (and they need to drive 1000+ nails before they perform properly) it was a really good tool to use. It doesn't like cheap nails - but neither does the Senco GT90CH it displaced. The weight is a bit of an issue, but the fact that it can actually bump feed 90mm plain nails is astounding (despite the manual inferring that it can't be done). The trick is to listen to the motor and time your strikes by the motor note. Everyone who's tried it has been impressed, especially with stuff like the ease of clearing jams, etc and everyone has also commented that it would be better if it weighed a bit less  :. I'm no Arnie but I don't find it a problem. Maybe having had two first generation 2nd fix nailers (18 ga and 16 ga straight) for 8 or 9 years meant that I wasn't automatically biased against the tool. One interesting aside is the ease with which the return springs and driver pin can be changed by the end user, on site, in 2 to 3 minutes - in comparison to the first generation 2nd fix (a 15 to 20 minute delve into the labarynthine innards of the machine - much longer the first time you do it) or Passlode/Senco/Hitachi-type gas pinners/nailers. Obviously designed by someone who'd asked all the right questions. Because there was so much BS being published on the net I even did my own review (elsewhere on the net)

Sufficiently impressed that I've now ordered a DCN660N 2nd fix gun and that's now winging its' way towards me (expected tomorrow or Wednesday). And yes, I think the standard DW tool boxes are pants - I'm going to be getting some nice Systainer T-Locs for mine in the near future

Anyone tried the DCN694 PPN yet?

 

[Brice Burrell]

....Sufficiently impressed that I've now ordered a DCN660N 2nd fix gun and that's now winging its' way towards me (expected tomorrow or Wednesday). And yes, I think the standard DW tool boxes are pants - I'm going to be getting some nice Systainer T-Locs for mine in the near future....

I've had the DCN660 for about 6 months of fairly light use, and I've been pretty happy with it.  One small thing I don't like is occasionally I've have a little trouble getting a jammed nail out because is can be tough to get a tool in between the nose and the striker to free a jammed nail.  It has good at setting nails, only problems have been with really hard wood.

I also own the DCN692 framing nailer for the same amount of time, but just haven't had the chance to give it much use. [embarassed]