Paslode Cordless Finish Nailers – Tool Review

Let me introduce you to my new favorite tool! The Paslode 16 Gauge Straight Finish Nailer – Cordless Version!

Paslode was kind enough to send me two of their cordless nailguns to try out. The 16 gauge straight finish nailer and the 18 gauge brad nailer. They also make a 16 gauge angled finish nailer.

I’ve been using these tools for a couple of months now and I’m completely impressed! I did a little job today to make a door swing the opposite direction and was reminded just how convenient a cordless nailgun really is.

No compressor. No hose. No compressor noise. No hassle. Just nails when and where you want them with total reliability.

Not Just For Trim

The thing that has impressed me the most about the 16 gauge gun is that the thicker nails, up to 2.5″ long, can be used for all sorts of projects, not just running trim.

I first used the Paslode 902000 16 Gauge Straight Finish Nailer on an outdoor shed that I threw together in a moment of storage desperation. I knew that the tool was designed for indoor jobs, but I was working alone in a confined area and using thin wood.

The Paslode 16 gauge galvanized nails were perfect to hold the structure together and let me work fast. I went back later and added screws to create a permanent structural connection, but I wonder if they were necessary because I just looked at the Paslode Finish Nails I used. They don’t show the first sign of rust after five months, not 200 yards from salt water.

The Paslode Brad Nailer is Perfect for Cabinetry and Built-In’s

I’m one of these guys who always has a few projects at various stages of completion. One of my unfinished projects is a huge set of custom built-in’s in the master bedroom. This project encompasses the bed itself, the closets, bookcases, storage cabinetry, and shelves.

I can’t show it to you yet because it’s not done. But it looks incredible already.

This involved building some traditional cabinets including doors and drawers. It also included heavier construction of the bed frame, deck, and the large wall-to-wall bookcases.

I used both the brad nailer (which shoots thinner 18 gauge nails) and the trim nailer (16 gauge) on this project and I was impressed with the value of having both guns.

They really offer distinct areas of usability.

Brad Nailer or Trim Nailer – Which to use?

Brad Nails are perfect for:

• Making Cabinet Doors
• Installing thin sheetgood inserts in doors
• Installing small trim pieces (such as quarter round or fine detail moldings)
• Repairing broken wooden components
• Holding items being glued (in lieu of clamps)
• Door casing…sometimes.
• Brad nails leave a tiny hole…almost the smallest available

Trim Nails (16 gauge, aka Finish Nails) are perfect for:

• Baseboards
• Crown Moldings
• Chair Rails
• Assembling larger structure of cabinets and built-ins
• General nailing
• Door Jambs (hanging doors)

Worth The Money For Pro’s and Weekend Warriors

At around $250, these aren’t inexpensive as compared to tools that require an air-compressor. Then again, when you figure in the cost of a compressor and consider getting both a compressor and a gun that are capable of handling years and years of use, it’s pretty competitive.

But the real value of these tools is in the extreme increase in efficiency, safety, and convenience. (I mention safety, because air-hoses are a big jobsite danger)

Both of the tools I used were excellent in every way. Balance, durability, ease of use, weight (lightweight), and thoughtful engineering. My wife would be hesitant to bring out the compressor, air hose, and nail-gun if she wanted to nail together a frame, but she would grab and use this gun without hesitation. (assuming I told her the combination to the gun safe)

A few key points:

• I like the built-in hanger for your tool belt, ladder, or blue jeans.
• The gas cartridges seem expensive at first, but they last forever. (these tools use a disposable gas cartridge for firing pressure, and a rechargable battery to fire)
• The battery lasts for hours, holds the charge well in storage, and charges quickly when exhausted.
• The case is very functional and comes with safety goggles and extra storage capacity.
• Paslode takes quality seriously and it is evident in the tools.
• Great orange color!
• The lack of a compressor is excellent working in an occupied house.

Having used a cordless nailer, I won’t be going back.

The brad nailer is currently sold-out at Amazon.com, but the Finish Nailer was available.

Check out the Paslode Website for more information.