Hey everyone! I'm not a fan of pneumatic tools because when I need a nail gun, it's usually just for a quick job that takes about 2 seconds. I've had a negative experience with a Ryobi air strike nailer, and I'm curious about how Makita's nailers stack up against Ryobi. I'm working on cabinets at a friend's cabin, which is a long 6-hour drive from my workshop, so I'm looking to minimize the tools I transport. I'm specifically in the market for a reliable battery nailer (ideally a pin nailer and an 18-gauge) for small and remote jobs. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
I own the Makita XNB02Z 16-gauge finish nailer. While I find it handy, I’ve had a few gripes. It’s a bit heavy and can sometimes be loud and bulky, which might get in the way. Plus, it tends to dry-fire occasionally and drinks through batteries pretty quickly. Honestly, I still prefer my pneumatic nailers for the bulk of my work. Just something to consider before you purchase!
In my experience, pneumatic nailers aren't popular here in NZ anymore since Paslode released a cordless version. Many tradespeople actually find the preference for pneumatic tools in the USA pretty odd. If you're leaning towards Makita nailers, you might want to hold out a bit for the upcoming models—they're supposed to be much improved! If you're in a hurry, consider checking out Hikoki or Metabo HPT too. Ryobi also has some solid options!
I hear you about wanting a reliable battery nailer! I've used the Milwaukee M12 23g, which has been handy for me. People seem to think Makita's products are up to par with Milwaukee, so if you want a battery option, it could be worth checking out their 23g nailer. Especially since it has a nice flat top for flush nailing with ease!