Planning the switch to battery powered nailers. Any suggestions?

[SoonerFan]

In the last couple of years two old Dewalt air nailers (23 gauge and 18 gauge) died.  Then my air compressor sprung an internal leak.  The compressor cycles often now and the noise is annoying.  Very annoying.  Finally, my back up 18 gauge nailer quit today.  Thus I am in need of some new nailers. 

My current thinking is to go with battery powered over new air nailers for a few reasons:

1.  While I some trim work I am not a pro that is running base/case, installing crown, etc all day everyday.

2.  I build an install a fair number of cabinets.  Battery nailers will be just fine for attaching hardwood edge banding, attaching moulding, fillers/scribes, etc.

3.  Convenience.  Less noise, no cords, very portable, terrific for a just a few nails in my house or in my house, etc. 

I am not bought into any battery platform outside of Festool.  So I came into my research open minded about manufacturer/battery platform. I just know I want 23 gauge headless nailer and an 18 gauge nailer to start.  I found a Milwaukee combo pack (here in the U.S.) that has an M18 Fuel 18 gauge nailer/battery, an M12 Fuel 23 gauge headless nailer/battery and a charger that will charge both batteries.  My thinking is I will get this to start and then assuming I like it switch the 15 or 16 gauge nailer to M18 fuel once I have a need.  As an aside, it appears Milwaukee also has good two plane lasers which I need and could share the battery.

For those that have switched to battery nailers does this Milwaukee combo pack seem like a good idea?  Anyone using these nailers or other Milwaukee nailers?  Several good reviews of the nailers on YouTube and Reddit but I always seem to get better input here on FOG.

Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated.  Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas!

 

[live4ever]

I have slowly added almost all of the M18 nailers, and the 23g M12 pinner.  The convenience can’t be beat.  All the nailers I have are consistent and more than capable for my semi-pro usage.  Note that the first gen of the 15/16/18ga had issues that were resolved with Gen2 (Gen2 has the battery at an angle to the grip).  All the battery powered nailers end up being slightly bulkier and heavier than their pneumatic counterparts.  But it is really nice to not have to deal with the compressor/hose when you just want to shoot a few brads.  The framers are really nice too but sounds like that’s not your application.

Overall I don’t mind the weight and bulk of the Milwaukee nailers for the convenience, and find I use the pneumatics less and less.  Of course there are nailers that Milwaukee doesn’t make yet (siding, 21g pinner) that I use a fair amount, and there are some air nailers that I just love to hold and “hear” whereas the Milwaukees feel clunky in hand.  But the convenience…

BTW despite having A LOT of M18/12 tools, I’ve stayed away from the lasers since Milwaukee is relatively new to the laser game and they’re pretty expensive to boot. 

 

[SoonerFan]

I have slowly added almost all of the M18 nailers, and the 23g M12 pinner.  The convenience can’t be beat.  All the nailers I have are consistent and more than capable for my semi-pro usage.  Note that the first gen of the 15/16/18ga had issues that were resolved with Gen2 (Gen2 has the battery at an angle to the grip).  All the battery powered nailers end up being slightly bulkier and heavier than their pneumatic counterparts.  But it is really nice to not have to deal with the compressor/hose when you just want to shoot a few brads.  The framers are really nice too but sounds like that’s not your application.

Overall I don’t mind the weight and bulk of the Milwaukee nailers for the convenience, and find I use the pneumatics less and less.  Of course there are nailers that Milwaukee doesn’t make yet (siding, 21g pinner) that I use a fair amount, and there are some air nailers that I just love to hold and “hear” whereas the Milwaukees feel clunky in hand.  But the convenience…

BTW despite having A LOT of M18/12 tools, I’ve stayed away from the lasers since Milwaukee is relatively new to the laser game and they’re pretty expensive to boot.

Thanks [member=13462]live4ever[/member].  I appreciate the input on the nailers very much.  Your reply has given my some confidence in my research so far.  On the laser, I have not done much research but figured this would be the easiest/cheapest path since I could buy “tool only”.  Maybe more research needed there.  Any suggestions?

 

[Lincoln]

I'd highly recommend the HiKoki nailers, but don't think you can get them in the USA?
I'd go for Paslode next, if battery platform wasn't a consideration, then probably Milwaukee.

 

[Bencan]

Personally use all paslode, buying the gas cartridges can be a nuisance but they are really reliable, light and compact. I have the m12 pin nailer and it’s also excellent. I used the m18 brad nailer and found it to be too bulky

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[Packard]

I have the Milwaukee 18 gage and 15 gage (angled) nailers.  Very convenient for site work.  At the bench I still use the 18 gage and the 23 gage pneumatic nailers.

I was putting up crown molding in a small bathroom, and there was no room inside for the compressor.  And th door opened inward and I had to remove the door.  And then my P-C failed once again. 

The switch to batteries was a blessing.

I have a pneumatic palm nail hammer.  Essential for deck repairs, but dragging the hose around was a pain.  If they make a battery version, I would jump at the opportunity. But I think it would drain the batteries really quickly.

The Milwaukee has served me well.  I especially like having their air compressor in my car.  A very nice accessory.

 

[live4ever]

I have slowly added almost all of the M18 nailers, and the 23g M12 pinner.  The convenience can’t be beat.  All the nailers I have are consistent and more than capable for my semi-pro usage.  Note that the first gen of the 15/16/18ga had issues that were resolved with Gen2 (Gen2 has the battery at an angle to the grip).  All the battery powered nailers end up being slightly bulkier and heavier than their pneumatic counterparts.  But it is really nice to not have to deal with the compressor/hose when you just want to shoot a few brads.  The framers are really nice too but sounds like that’s not your application.

Overall I don’t mind the weight and bulk of the Milwaukee nailers for the convenience, and find I use the pneumatics less and less.  Of course there are nailers that Milwaukee doesn’t make yet (siding, 21g pinner) that I use a fair amount, and there are some air nailers that I just love to hold and “hear” whereas the Milwaukees feel clunky in hand.  But the convenience…

BTW despite having A LOT of M18/12 tools, I’ve stayed away from the lasers since Milwaukee is relatively new to the laser game and they’re pretty expensive to boot.

Thanks [member=13462]live4ever[/member].  I appreciate the input on the nailers very much.  Your reply has given my some confidence in my research so far.  On the laser, I have not done much research but figured this would be the easiest/cheapest path since I could buy “tool only”.  Maybe more research needed there.  Any suggestions?

My Bosch lasers (which take AAs) have been adequate for interior work.  Specifically a red 3 plane and a green 5 point plumb (3 points would be good enough for 99% of my needs).  It took me a while to become mindful of treating them right…most importantly to remember to lock the pendulum when not using and if you’re not using the laser regularly take the batteries out and keep them in the case - that takes care of the biggest inconvenience (dead batteries when you next go to use it or worse, corroded terminals if it has been a really long time).  Green is far superior to red for visibility of course.  Tried to use my red 3 plane outside for some siding work and it was basically useless except dawn/dusk.  I’ve resisted stepping up to a rotary up until now but with larger exterior projects on the horizon I’m in the market.  I know Milwaukee just came out with one but I’d rather go with established track record for accuracy and durability.

 

[live4ever]

I have a pneumatic palm nail hammer.  Essential for deck repairs, but dragging the hose around was a pain.  If they make a battery version, I would jump at the opportunity. But I think it would drain the batteries really quickly.

They do make one, M12.  It’s convenient but literally twice the size of the average palm nailer.  Also kind of loud and less efficient (more bangs per nail then pneumatic).  But again, you don’t have to deal with compressor/hose.

 

[James Carriere]

I primarily use pneumatic nailers but I have added some cordless options for small punch list items or when there is a ridiculous number of stairs (think 50+) which quite common in San Francisco.  Initially I opted for a couple of Metabo nailers and quickly sold them off as they did not offer the performance I needed.  When the Gen 2 Milwaukee tools became available I opted for those and have been happy with them for what I want them for.  Currently I have a 16 Ga. M18 which is good and a 23 Ga. M12 which is great.  I am close to adding an 18 Ga. M18 and have no concern that it will perform well. 

 

[SoonerFan]

Personally use all paslode, buying the gas cartridges can be a nuisance but they are really reliable, light and compact. I have the m12 pin nailer and it’s also excellent. I used the m18 brad nailer and found it to be too bulky

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I looked at Paslode but did not see battery powered 23 gauge unless I missed it somehow.

 

[SoonerFan]

I primarily use pneumatic nailers but I have added some cordless options for small punch list items or when there is a ridiculous number of stairs (think 50+) which quite common in San Francisco.  Initially I opted for a couple of Metabo nailers and quickly sold them off as they did not offer the performance I needed.  When the Gen 2 Milwaukee tools became available I opted for those and have been happy with them for what I want them for.  Currently I have a 16 Ga. M18 which is good and a 23 Ga. M12 which is great.  I am close to adding an 18 Ga. M18 and have no concern that it will perform well.

Seems like I am on a similar path to you.  Glad you like the nailers.

 

[SoonerFan]

I'd highly recommend the HiKoki nailers, but don't think you can get them in the USA?
I'd go for Paslode next, if battery platform wasn't a consideration, then probably Milwaukee.

No Hikoki nailer options here in the US that I know of.  Paslode was an option but as I mentioned in another reply, I did not find a 23 gauge nailer which is a must for me.  Thanks for the input.

 

[SoonerFan]

The switch to batteries was a blessing.

[member=74278]Packard[/member] i hope the switch is a blessing for me as well.  Thanks.

 

[jeh]

My PC Framing nailer from the mid-1990's failed a year ago and Dewalt repaired. I asked for a total overhaul, but they only did a few things and cost was less than $50. Of course it failed again with the same issue. I gave up and bought the Milwaukee 21 degree nailer and my only complaint is the weight for my skinny arms. I'm getting over it though. My other nailers work perfectly and I don't mind the hose for those and there are some nailers like the Senco 21 gauge nailer you can't get in cordless.

 

[Vtshopdog]

Sooner - plenty of nailer comments here, so some adjacent feedback:
I’m in fairly deep with M-18 platform and I’m really pretty happy with everything.  If the nailers suit your purpose you can likely find many other tools in the range that are useful besides a laser.

 

[rmhinden]

I just got the M12 23 gauge pin nailer.  By just, it arrived yesterday.  I have done some test pins, all seems good.

I got it because I wanted to have a cordless model and this seemed the best for it size and price.  The alternatives seems to be a lot bigger and heavier. 

My daughter is in the process of buying a house, and there was some discussion of new baseboard, so I think it's going to get a lot of usage soon.

Bob

 

[woodbutcherbower]

I’m another Paslode gas user, but I also have a 12v Makita headless pin nailer. Both are excellent. But if I were standing in your shoes, however, the Milwaukee combo kit would be pretty much a no-brainer. They make good-quality tools for sure.

 

[SoonerFan]

Sooner - plenty of nailer comments here, so some adjacent feedback:
I’m in fairly deep with M-18 platform and I’m really pretty happy with everything.  If the nailers suit your purpose you can likely find many other tools in the range that are useful besides a laser.

Thanks.  I am sure to find something I need once I have a few batteries around the shop.

 

[SoonerFan]

I just got the M12 23 gauge pin nailer.  By just, it arrived yesterday.  I have done some test pins, all seems good.

I got it because I wanted to have a cordless model and this seemed the best for it size and price.  The alternatives seems to be a lot bigger and heavier. 

My daughter is in the process of buying a house, and there was some discussion of new baseboard, so I think it's going to get a lot of usage soon.

Bob

[member=66813]rmhinden[/member] the 23 gauge is the one I think I will use the most.  I like the small headless nails in many situations.  Hope you enjoy the new tool.

 

[SoonerFan]

I’m another Paslode gas user, but I also have a 12v Makita headless pin nailer. Both are excellent. But if I were standing in your shoes, however, the Milwaukee combo kit would be pretty much a no-brainer. They make good-quality tools for sure.

[member=75780]woodbutcherbower[/member] your “pretty much a no brained” comment sealed the deal.  Milwaukee nailer combo kit it is.

Thanks all for the input.  Much appreciated!!