M18 finish nailer

[signcrafter]

Thinking about picking up a cordless 18 gauge nail gun. I know the milwaukee guns didn't get the best reviews when they came out. Wondering if anyone has real world experience with them and how they do for trim? I would like to go with the milwaukee gun since I already have a dozen m18 batteries. But also don't want a 250 dollar piece of junk. I have a paslode cordless framer and like it but the paslodes take gas. Not a huge deal but if I can get away from gas cartridges that would be great.

 

[DFB]

Far from JUNK

 

[Fbmoose48]

The 15 gauge is solid. Would totally recommend. I think the poor reviews only pertain to the 18 gauge, although if the price were right I'd give that a shot as well. The competition's method of nail impact is inferior to the M18's.

 

[Yamaguy]

I have the straight clip nailed (don't remember the gauge) and it performs flawlessly every time. I use it on all sorts of trim work and wood projects. Buy it and don't look back!

 

[majorbanjo]

Have many many through my .16 gauge nailer....flawless.....

 

[BMack37]

I had the 18 gauge nailer, it sucked. It would jam a lot...tried different brands for nails, all jammed. Bigger the nail, the quicker it jammed 2" nails couldn't do consecutive nails. It also wasn't consistent for depth; smaller nails I could get 10 or so off before it jammed, some recessed some flush and some above the surface. It felt like a nice tool but it just didn't work well, I was soo disappointed in it...went back to pneumatic and I'm hoping they fix the issues with a new release.

 

[Jmatlock88]

I had to swallow my pride and go with the Ryobi P320...a much better gun.

You can buy the M18 battery adapter on ebay.

 

[shoeless]

I have the 15 straight. Haven’t used it a lot, but it’s been good so far, no jams and nails set flush once dialed in. I read reviews before I bought it and several recommended Dewalt nails so that’s what I’ve used with it.

 

[signcrafter]

So 18 guage is garbage and 15 and 16 gauge are alright? I was hoping to get the 18 since it's the most versatile for me. 16 would work for most stuff but it leaves a bigger hole so not the best for smaller trim.

 

[Rickster]

If price is a concern how about trying a refirbished unit from one of the websites. I bought my factory refirbushed Ryob One from Direct Tools at a discount and it has worked out well for me around the house. But I can understand if you're using it in the Pro environment wanting a brand new one.

 

[Fbmoose48]

So 18 guage is garbage and 15 and 16 gauge are alright? I was hoping to get the 18 since it's the most versatile for me. 16 would work for most stuff but it leaves a bigger hole so not the best for smaller trim.

The 18 ga has questiinable reviews that seem to make many hesitate. I have no experience with it, but the reviews and general concerns with performance are why.

The 15 and 16 ga seem to be far more than just "alright". I can vouch for the 15 personally. Reviews speak for the 16.