I recently tried using the Milwaukee M18 roofing nailer for vinyl siding, and unfortunately, it broke down after just five months of use. Now, I'm facing a repair time that might stretch over a month, leaving me in a tight spot where I need to get another nailer. Has anyone here had a better experience, or can anyone share if the Dewalt or Metabo options are more durable? I'm really hoping to avoid going back to air hoses!
3 Answers
I think you're right to question the Milwaukee nailer's durability. I’ve heard that a lot of Dewalt nailers have this annoying flywheel startup and can struggle with properly embedding nails. But on the other hand, I've had good luck with Metabo pneumatic nailers; they're solid. I did try to get a Metabo cordless framing nailer, but ended up returning it due to a faulty battery. If I really need to go cordless in the future, I might consider it again, but for now, air nails are treating me well.
If I may jump in, it seems like the Milwaukee tools can be hit or miss. I've had my share of issues too, especially with electric tools. You mentioned using yours for vinyl siding, which can be tricky. I've seen some folks prefer other brands like Metabo for this kind of job, especially due to durability concerns. My advice? If you want something reliable, consider the Metabo air nailers while looking into your next purchase.
Honestly, it really depends on your tool preferences. I have a mix of Metabo for pneumatic tasks and Milwaukee for battery-operated jobs. Used to be a Makita guy, and while I have some Dewalt tools, I'm not a huge fan of their 18-gauge nailers. Milwaukee does have pretty good warranty support, likely the best after Festool. Maybe stick with Milwaukee but invest in a backup nailer just in case, or try the Dewalt if you're looking for something different.