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A cordless frame nailer declare oneself the reward of unrestricted movement and gives users the ability to work in stringent spaces without the fuss of cords , improving jobsite efficiency . I try out one of DeWalt ’s top - rated model — the DeWalt DCN21PLB , which is a 20 - V , 21 - degree nailer — to see if it fend up to material - domain mental synthesis usance . DeWalt , a renowned diligence leader , systematically deliver high - caliber tools , so I was expect good resultant .
I put theDeWalt cordless framing nailerto the test , shooting collate nails into various types of woodwind ( dimensional lumber and hardwood ) to evaluate the cock ’s swiftness , preciseness , and comfort during protract use . My comprehensive evaluation was part of a broader guide pore on today’sbest cordless framing nailer . Perhaps unsurprisingly , the DeWalt cordless frame nailer emerge as the best overall pick .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Competition was tight as I also examine several other first-class framing nailer , include picks from Milwaukee and Paslode . in front , find out what the DeWalt framing nailer did right on , what it could improve upon , and how it liken to one of its close competitor — theMilwaukee M18 FUEL 21 - degree cordless framing nailer .
DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Framing Nailer: At a Glance
Rating:9/10
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Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
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Get the DeWalt 20V MAX cordless frame nailer at :
What is the DeWalt cordless framing nailer?
All framing nailers are made to drive large nails into studs , joists , raftman , and sheathing to hold them together . They ’re not fine - tunedfinish nailers — frame nailers must be powerful while permitting the user to reach into weight speckle to connect perpendicular boards . The DeWalt 20V MAX cordless frame nailer(model DCN21PLB ) excels in repel 21 - degree collate nails up to 3.25 column inch foresightful and 0.148 inches in diameter , making it versatile for various construction applications .
I liked the user - friendly aim of this framing nailer , which features a compact and well - balanced shape that ’s well-heeled to spellbind even for elongated full point of use . The cordless assault and battery power is a substantial advantage , as it excrete the motivation to set up a compressor , run reference cord , or buy costly fuel - mobile phone replacements , saving both clock time and money on the jobsite .
In add-on to its core features , this DeWalt frame nailer offer several notable enhancements , include a cubicle - release lever that allows the user to discharge a fastener that becomes stuck in the toolandin the wood at the same time . unluckily , it does n’t tender a quick - jam release , but most framing nailers don’t — those are typically found on smallerbrad - type nailers .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
The rafter hook shot was one of my favorite features . There ’s nothing worse than cast baulk or ceiling plates and setting an expensivenail gunon a display panel , only for it to fall to its demise below . I also care the tool ’s juiceless - fire lockout — I’ve been known to give notice several holdfast only to discover I was firing blanks because I was out of nails . This characteristic is both a time- and frustration - saver . Since the nailer does n’t displace when the nails run out , I knew decent off when to put in another strip .
How well does the DeWalt cordless nailer perform framing tasks?
This DeWalt frame nailer is a versatile workhorse . It excelled in several framing task , including subfloor installment , framing walls and rafter , and toenailing . One notable aspect is its tycoon . The nailer effortlessly sank 3.25 - inch nails , rivaling the performance of my pneumatic framing nailer .
While the majority of my tests yielded positive answer , it ’s deserving noting the DeWalt frame nailer is most effective for sequential nailing ( unmarried - injection ) or light burst of bump - fire nailing . I tack to speedy - fire mode , and the nailer slow up down after five to seven serial bump- fire shot — but just slightly . This designate to me that it has a sluggish recovery time than a pneumatic nailer . Still , if I gave the nailer just a few seconds to recover , it was quick to go again . Bump - fire mode is ideal for undertaking such as impound subflooring , but users likely wo n’t need it very often unless they ’re professionals .
The depth adjustment lineament was utile , particularly when I was working with dissimilar Sir Henry Joseph Wood densities and inject fasteners at various angles . This flexibility ensure that I could amercement - tune the nailer ’s execution to suit the specific demands of each test .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Is the DeWalt cordless framing nailer comfortable and easy to use?
TheDeWalt 20V MAX cordless framing naileroffers a substance abuser - friendly experience , which is substantive for prolonged mental synthesis study periods . Its ergonomic grip provides a secure and comfortable clutch when users are shooting fastener at various Angle and elevation . The ability to hang the tool on rafters or joist further heighten public toilet , as doing so keeps it within easy reach and trim its risk of accrue . At 8.5 pounds , it was n’t the heaviest nailer I essay , but it was n’t the lightest either . The quilt grade a drug user experience while wreak overhead will count on the mortal ’s physical military strength .
This framing nailer ’s straightforward mental process and well - balanced design can suit users of different skill levels . Whether a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior tackling home improvement project , drug user will find the DeWalt nailer to be a convenient and enjoyable tool .
The depth - adjustment feature on the nailer also adds to its comfort of use . It proffer accurate dominance over fastener emplacement when users are mold with unlike wood types and angles . I frequently used the deepness adjustment when switching between straight - on nailing and toenailing .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
How do the DeWalt framing nailer and the Milwaukee framing nailer compare?
opt just one overall winner was unmanageable during my examination of several in high spirits - timbre power tools . In our comprehensive lineup of the best cordless frame nailer , theMilwaukee M18 FUEL(model 2744 - 21 ) add up in a tightlipped second . Still , I found many law of similarity in both performance and pattern between these top two frame nailer brand . Those interested in get the good cordless framing nailer will almost sure want to know how these tools liken .
The DeWalt 21 - degree cordless framing nailer and the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 21 - level frame nailer are both formidable frame in nailers . pick out between them may hinge on factors such as user preferences regarding weight and ergonomics — I favour a more lightweight model , so the DeWalt is my choice . Both nailers offer professional - mark carrying into action and set gamey standards in the cordless frame nailer class .
Should you buy the DeWalt cordless framing nailer?
Whether you should buy the DeWalt cordless framing nailer depend on your specific pauperization , druthers , and the nature of your grammatical construction projects . Here are some considerations from my observations to help you make an informed conclusion :
Overall , the DeWalt framing nailer has earn its place as a dependable selection in the cordless framing nailer category .
Where to Buy the DeWalt Cordless Framing Nailer
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a intersection quizzer and writer specializing in the construction , remodeling , and real estate industries . She and her husband own a general catching society , and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial building applications . She quiz a broad range of power creature as well as other house melioration , household , and lawn - and - garden products .
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Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
