Does this tool belong in the workshop of a DIYer?

The Milwaukee Fuel cordless 21 degree framing nail gun is an impressive feat of tool engineering. Utilizing a single 18V battery, this nailer boasts the ability to drive 3-1/2″ ring shank nails into engineered lumber with consistency and speed. But very few DIYers are doing any kind of production nailing, so does this tool have enough utility for a DIYer to justify a purchase?

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First Impression

I picked this tool up from my local tool shop (shout out to Fasteners Inc!) initially to help me with a fencing repair project. I had a lot of rotted wood 2×4 headers, 4×4 posts, and various fence panels that needed to be replaced and the thought of completing this rebuild with screws or a hammer made me shudder. Living in California, I opted for the 21 degree nailer as this collation angle is more common in my local hardware stores, but this nailer is also available in a 30 degree version.

My first thought when I pulled the nailer out of the box was that this was a well built, if not heavy, tool. Picking it up, you definitely can feel the heft of the nailer (11.3 lbs fully loaded), but Milwaukee has done a great job balancing this weight to reduce the fatigue on your hand.

The nailer comes standard with a short nail magazine that holds just over a single strip of nails. Also included on the nailer were a belt clip, rafter hook, and non-marring tip. After marveling for a few more seconds at how amazing this tool was, I loaded up some nails, slammed home a fresh battery, and set out to figure out how to shoot some nails.

To get the nailer ready to fire the nails, I had to acquaint myself with the incredibly simple function panel located on the back of the nailer. There are two buttons and three lights. The large center button is the power button; hold that down for a second and a green light illuminates on the panel along with the contact fire light (the single nail light on the left side). This nail gun offers both contact and sequential firing modes, and to switch between them, I had to hold down the aptly labeled mode button for a second.

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Real World Performance

On my fence project, my first task was to replace several 2×4 headers that were rotted out with new, pressure treated 2x4s. This was going to be a relatively easy first test of the nailer with plenty of clearance to position the nailer properly. I loaded some 3″ galvanized ring shank nails and inserted a fresh 5 Ah battery and set about securing my first 6 ft. header to the existing posts. The first few nails ended up a bit proud, but a quick turn of the depth adjustment knob on the front of the nailer solved that problem. For the rest of my headers, and the rest of my fence project, the nailer performed flawlessly, sinking every nail to the proper depth and without any jams

My next opportunity to use this nailer was to install a new attic access panel from my garage. For this, I had to frame a new opening in an existing wall which gave me an opportunity to explore the framing nailer in a tighter spot and highlight the advantages of not having to set up a compressor.

The opening needed to be reinforced with a new header and jack studs. I cut and installed the new 2×4 header, nailing it in with the same galvanized nails I used for the fencing project. The nailer performed like a champ, with perfectly driven nails. I then added in the jack studs and attempted toe nailing with this gun. The nail driving performance was still there, however I did find myself wishing for a slightly more aggressive front prong to really grab onto the stud.

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Recommendation

At $349 for the bare tool and $449 for the kit with a 5 Ah battery and charger, this tool is definitely on the higher side of handheld power tool costs. In my opinion though, this tool desires some serious consideration if you ever had a need to drive more than a few nails. The convenience of not needing a compressor and hose to set up (along with the necessary power outlet located nearby) is a game changer. I can be driving nails within seconds of pulling this tool out of my shed. The one downside is the weight, but to a DIYer this will be less impactful as you most likely won’t be spending all day with this tool in your hand.

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Specifications