A 15 gauge finish nailer is a tool that is specifically designed for use with thin materials such as molding, baseboards, and cabinetry. The smaller diameter of the nails (15 gauge) allows them to be less visible when they are driven into the material. This makes them ideal for use in applications where a neat and finished appearance is desired.
15 gauge Finish nailers can either be pneumatic or cordless. Pneumatic 15 gauge finish nailers are powered by compressed air and require an air compressor to operate. Cordless 15 gauge finish nailers are powered by batteries, making them more mobile and convenient to use.
In this article, we will review 10 of the best 15 gauge finish nailers on the market. By the end of this article, you should have a good understanding of which 15 gauge finish nailer is right for your needs. So let’s get started!
Best 15 Gauge Finish Nailer Reviews
1. DEWALT Cordless 15 Gauge Finish Nailer (DCN650D1)
DEWALT has a long history of making high-quality power tools, and the DCN650D1 20V MAX XR 15 GA cordless angled finish nailer kit is no exception. This powerful nailing tool can handle a variety of heavy-duty nailing applications, such as roofing, fastening crown molding, baseboards, framing, and hardwood floor installation. It drives 1¼” to 2½” 15GA angled finish nails with its brushless motor powered by a DEWALT 20V Max* lithium-Ion battery.
This nailer is easy to use thanks to its angled design that allows you to reach tight spaces with ease. It has a micro nose that helps prevent damage to the work surface by improving line of sight and accuracy of nail placement. Plus, the built-in multifunctional LED work light provides illumination for precise nailing and tool diagnostics.
The DEWALT DCN650D1 15 GA cordless finish nailer also comes with a tool-free selectable trigger for sequential or contact actuation mode. The sequential mode is for precision placement and the contact mode is for rapid firing.
One of the best things about this nailer is that its inline magazine doesn’t get in the way. We recommend using only DEWALT nails to reduce jamming. If jamming occurs, you can easily use its tool-free jam to clear the jams.
Thanks to the depth adjustment knob, you can control the depth of the nails to get the perfect finish every time. Also, it has a belt hook to keep it close at hand when you’re not using it.
The DEWALT DCN650D cordless finish nailer kit includes a 20V MAX battery, DCB112 fast charger, and a contractor bag for convenient storage.
Benefits
- This nailer is cordless, eliminating the need for compressors and gas cartridges.
- It comes with a 20V MAX battery, DCB112 fast charger, and a contractor bag.
- Its design and tool-less features make it easy to use.
- The nailer has a multifunctional LED work light that provides illumination for precise nailing and tool diagnostics.
Drawbacks
- It will jam regularly if you do not use DEWALT nails.
- It is quite pricey.
2. Makita AF635 15 Gauge Angled Finish Nailer
The Makita AF635 is a powerful and versatile finish nailer that can handle a variety of projects. It features a powerful motor and has a 34⁰ angle that makes it perfect for trim work, baseboards, and crown molding. This powerful little tool accepts standard 1¼” to 2½” DA style 15ga (34⁰) angled finish nails.
It features an aluminum rear-loading magazine that holds 100 nails so you can work longer without stopping to reload. There’s also a nail lock-out with large windows that tells you when to reload nails to prevent dry-fires.
The Makita AF635 15 Gauge finish nailer is very easy to use, with tool-less depth control and a quick release function that allows you to clear the nose for fast and easy nail extraction. Handling it is comfortable thanks to the integrated rubber soft grip. It has a reversible belt hook to keep the tool close to you when not in use. Makita recommends a minimum air delivery of 3.1 SCFM @ 90PSI.
Furthermore, this nailer has a 2-mode selector switch for sequential or contact nailing operation. Its non-marring tip protects your work surface from scratches. Makita equipped it with a built-in air duster that clears away debris before you start nailing and a multi-directional exhaust port that directs exhaust air away from you. And they have a three-year warranty on it.
Benefits
- It has the power and versatility to handle a variety of projects.
- It accepts standard 1¼” to 2½” DA style 15ga (34⁰) angled finish nails.
- Makita has a three-year warranty on it.
- It gives a precise result.
Drawbacks
- It may not last long.
3. BOSTITCH Pneumatic 15 GA Finish Nail gun
BOSTITCH has been making high-quality woodworking tools for over a hundred years and has earned its place in the hearts of professional carpenters and woodworkers. The BTFP72156 is a 15GA finish nailer that comes with the company’s patented Smart Point technology.
This technology allows for easier driving of nails and fewer misfires. The tool also has a depth-of-drive adjustment that lets you control how far the nails are driven into the wood. It is powered by an air compressor (70-120 psi).
The BTFP72156 finish nailer is made of durable metal & plastic and is perfect for a wide range of carpentry and woodworking projects. Its selectable trigger system for sequential or contact firing modes is another feature that allows you to use the tool for a variety of applications. This nailer has a rear-load magazine with a capacity of 130 nails and uses 1.25” – 2.5” 25⁰ 15-gauge nails. However, the nails are difficult to find.
The first thing you’ll notice about this finish nailer is its weight and ergonomic design. At just under 4.31lb, it’s one of the lightest finish nailers on the market. That makes it perfect for use in tight spaces or extended periods. Plus, it has a belt hook for keeping close by. The tool-free jam release mechanism is also a nice feature, as it makes clearing jams quick and easy. And the integrated air blower that keeps your work area clear of debris.
The kit comes with an impressive array of accessories to help you get the job done right. You’ll get ¼” air fitting, carrying case, and no-mar tips to protect your workpiece surface from damage.
Benefits
- The nailer magazine accommodates 130 nails, which boosts work productivity.
- It features the patented Smart Point technology for easier driving of nails and fewer misfires.
- It has a powerful motor with an oil-free operation.
- The kit contains a ¼” air fitting, carrying case, and extra no-mar tips.
Drawbacks
- The 25⁰ 15 Gauge nails it uses are uncommon.
4. Metabo HPT 15 Gauge Nailer(NT65MA4)
When it comes to powerful and reliable pneumatic finish nailers, Metabo HPT is a name you can trust. Their NT65MA4 15 GA pneumatic finish nailer kit is a good reason why it delivers consistent performance for all your nailing needs. Whether you’re a professional carpenter or just looking to do some repairs around the house, this nailer will provide consistent results.
The NT65MA41 nailer is an ergonomic finish nailer that is comfortable and easy to handle. The ergonomic design and soft-grip handle mean that you won’t have to worry about fatigue, even when using the nailer for extended periods.The side-loading magazine makes it easy to keep your nails ready to go. The magazine accepts 15-gauge nails from 1¼” to 2½”. Sadly, the magazine spring tension is weak, leading it to misfire nails, leaving a dent on softwood surfaces.
Furthermore, this finish nailer is designed for durability and long-lasting performance. Its precision driving system has a dual trigger system that goes from sequential to contact nailing with a simple flip of the switch. The depth adjustment dial helps you to easily customize nails depth to suit your project. However, it doesn’t stay consistent.
That said, the NT65MA41 features a tool-free jam release, so you can quickly and easily clear any jams that may occur. Thanks to the no-mar tip, the nailer won’t do any damage to your surface.
In terms of cleanliness, the NT65MA is impressive. It has a 360⁰ fully adjustable exhaust port that sends spent air in your preferred direction. It also has an air duster for clearing away dust and debris from your workpiece surface. The nailer comes packaged with safety glasses (875769), a no-mar tip (881751), ¼” NPT male plug (190001), and a carrying case (884340).
Benefits
- This finish nailer is sturdy and perfect for any job you can think of.
- It has an ergonomic design that makes it very easy to use.
- The nailer comes packaged with safety glasses, a no-mar tip, ¼” NPT male plug, and a carrying case.
- It has features that will keep your environment clean.
Drawbacks
- The depth setting doesn’t stay consistent.
- Nails misfire due to the magazine’s poor spring tension.
- It doesn’t have a belt hook.
5. MILWAUKEE Cordless 15-Gauge Finish Nailer
The Milwaukee ELEC TOOL 2743-21CT 15-gauge angled finish nailer is a powerful cordless finishing nail gun that can help you complete a variety of projects around the house. It functions with the MILWAUKEE patented POWERSTATE brushless motor which provides more power and longer motor life.
The motor runs on the REDLITHIUM battery for more runtime and enhanced durability. With its REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence, you will experience unmatched driving power, speed, and efficiency without overheating.
The 15 gauge angled finish nailer is designed for a variety of applications. Its bottom load magazine accommodates 110 34⁰ 15-gauge 1¼”- 2½” nails. The magazine has markings (100, 75, 50, & 25) to tell you the number of nails left in it so that you don’t fire empty. Plus, there’s a dry-fire lock-out feature that prevents the nailer from firing when no nails are remaining.
The MILWAUKEE 2743-21CT 15 gauge angled finish nailer has a tool-free depth adjustment and jam clearing, making it easy to use and maintain. With its sequential and contact firing mode, this tool fully sinks nails into solid oak with zero ramp-up time. It comes equipped with LED lights to help you see your work area. And an integrated belt hook so you can keep it close by when not in use.
The kit includes the nail gun, M18™ & M12™ multi-voltage charger, M18™ REDLITHIUM™ CP2.0 battery, and a contractor bag.
Benefits
- It is powerful enough for different applications and light enough to use in tight and high areas.
- This cordless nailer has a LED light.
- It comes with all you will need to get started on any project right out of the box.
- The nailer’s magazine has markings (100, 75, 50, & 25) to tell you the number of nails left.
Drawbacks
- None we could find.
6. Senco 4G0001N 15 Gauge Finish Nail Gun
Looking for a professional-grade finish nailer for your next furniture-making project? The Senco 4G0001N FinishPro 42XP might be just what you need. This 15 gauge nailer is a workhouse that drives nails from 1¼” to 2½” in length, making it perfect for a wide range of applications. With its 104 nails capacity magazine, you can work for longer without having to stop to reload, which is always a plus.
This finish nailer is pneumatic and requires an operating pressure of 70 – 120 (PSI) @ 3.87 (SCFM) air consumption. Note that it will only accept ¼” NPT air inlet. Senco made it with magnesium so that it is sturdy while remaining lightweight for extended use. Handling it is smooth thanks to the over-molded rubber grip for comfortable all-day operation. Plus, the included belt hook lets you keep it close by.
The Senco 4G0001N FinishPro 42XP nailer comes with a sequential actuation trigger for increased safety and an adjustable 360⁰ exhaust deflector that lets you direct the air away from your work area.
Thanks to the no-mar tip, your workpiece surface won’t get dented. It also has a depth adjustment dial that lets you control the depth of each nail, so you can customize your results to match the material you’re using. And its EZ-CLEAR LATCH helps clear out jams in little time. Senco has a five-year warranty on it.
Benefits
- It is a very lightweight nailer due to its magnesium housing.
- It is comfortable to use for hours without any hand fatigue.
- There’s a five-year warranty on it.
- The nailer hardly jams.
Drawbacks
- This nailer tends to misfire quite often.
- It may not last long.
7. 3PLUS HDA1564SP 15 Gauge Angled Finish Nailer
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly finish nailer that can handle any job, the 3PLUS HDA1564SP 15 gauge angled finish nailer is perfect for you. The nailer specializes in installing crown and base moldings, window casings as well as doorcases. It also does some minor trimming on stairs or exterior surfaces! However, it is not ideal for hardwood, such as ¾” oak or hickory flooring.
This 3PLUS finish nailer is made with durable aluminum, steel, and rubber construction that withstands even the most strenuous jobs. Its magazine uses 1¼” to 2½” 15-gauge “DA” style angled finish nails. The magazine has an angled design that makes it easy to reach tight spaces. But the magazine angle is slightly off, making it hard to find nails that will fit into it.
Thanks to the work contact element, you won’t experience accidental firing. You will have the option to interchange triggers for a single shot or bumper fire function. The included no-mar tip protects the work surface from any unwanted damage.
In addition, this finish nailer has an ergonomic handle that fits comfortably in your hand and a 360° fully adjustable rear exhaust port that directs fumes away from your face. Plus, it comes with a depth adjustment knob to control how deep the nails are driven into the wood. Best of all, it cost below $70.
Benefits
- This nailer has a heavy-duty aluminum, steel, and rubber construction.
- It is a budget-friendly option.
- It drives 1¼” to 2½” 15-gauge “DA” style angled finish nails.
- Its easy-to-use design makes any project a breeze.
Drawbacks
- The nailer doesn’t work on hardwood, such as ¾” oak or hickory flooring.
- Its magazine angle is slightly off.
- This nailer doesn’t last long.
8. Ryobi P330 18V ONE+ Finish Nailer
The Ryobi P330 is a battery-operated finish nailer that drives 1” to 2½” 34⁰ 15 gauge nails. It features Ryobi’s innovative AirStrike technology to shoot 60 nails per minute without the help of a compressor and bulky hose.
This finish nailer will help you install crown molding, hanging doors, stair treads, and exterior trim. It is powered by the P108 4Ah high capacity LITHIUM+ battery that shoots 750 nails per charge. However, you’d have to buy the battery and charger separately.
Furthermore, the Ryobi P330 finish nailer offers you total control of its nailing operation by giving you the option to use a single sequential or contact actuation for your projects.
With its depth adjustment knob, you can control the depth of the nails to suit different materials. This tool also has a dry-fire lockout feature to prevent damage to the workpiece or fastener. Its LED light will help you see clearly when you’re driving nails.
Overall, the Ryobi P330 is a well-built tool that feels solid in the hand. It’s not as powerful as some of the more expensive models on the market but it’s still a decent tool for light to medium duty applications. Plus, Ryobi has a three-year warranty on it.
Benefits
- This finish nailer is easy to use and delivers accurate results without the hassle of corded nailers.
- It has all the features to make your project a success.
- It has well-thought-out ergonomics, making it very easy to use.
- It is very durable and reliable.
Drawbacks
- It doesn’t come with a battery and charger.
9. Freeman 15-Gauge 34 Degree Angle Finish Nailer
The Freeman PFN1564 is a great pneumatic finish nailer for anyone looking to do some serious woodworking. It shoots tape or glue collated 1¼” to 2½” 34⁰ 15-gauge nails, making it perfect for installing baseboard, crown molding, trim, doors, etc., in tight spaces. Its magazine holds 100 nails for continuous operation without interruption. Plus, the no-mar safety tip eliminates damage to your workpiece surface.
This lightweight and durable nail gun will significantly increase your productivity at home or on the job site with its quick jam release and dual-mode trigger that’s easy to use for sequential firing modes as well as bump fire capabilities.
With the nailer’s toolless adjustable depth setting, you can customize the depth of your nails to ensure a perfect finish every time. An air filter/anti-dust cap protects the internal components from debris.
Freeman built it with an anodized aluminum cylinder and a hardened steel one-piece drive for durability. They also equipped it with a comfortable grip handle that reduces fatigue and increases control.
There’s a 360⁰ adjustable exhaust, so you can direct the fumes away from your face. Its operating pressure is 70 to 110 PSI, so ensure your air compressor can power it adequately. This nailer comes with a belt hook and a carrying case for easy storage and transport.
Benefits
- This nailer has the quality, features, and price for the small DIY kind of projects.
- It comes with a belt hook and a carrying case.
- The nailer has a solid build.
- It is comfortable to use for an extended period.
Drawbacks
- This nailer does jam.
10. Ridgid Pneumatic 15-Gauge Finish Nailer
The Ridgid 15-Gauge 2½” angled finish nailer is a great addition to any workshop. It’s easy to use and well-built, making it a great choice for both professionals and hobbyists alike. This nailer is compatible with 1¼” to 2½” 34⁰ 15-gauge nails. Its rear-loading magazine has a by-pass pusher for fast reloading with just two-step. With its adjustable depth control, the nailer can be easily set to the desired depth, ensuring precise results every time.
This Ridgid 2½” angled finish nailer, like most nailers we have reviewed, has a tool-free selectable trigger for changing between contact and sequential firing modes.
With its adjustable depth control, the nailer can be easily set to the desired depth, ensuring precise results every time. You won’t go through any stress to release jammed nails with its tool-free jam clearing door. Moreso, it doesn’t require oil to function and it has a dry-fire lockout feature to prevent misfires.
Ridgid equipped this nailer with its patented Hex grip handle made with a micro-texture for maximum comfort and a secure grip. They also added a no-mar pad to keep your workpiece surface clean. The recommended pressure for this nailer is 170 PSI with SCFM @ 90PSI.
Benefits
- It is a powerful and ergonomic finish nailer.
- Its magazine is easy to reload.
- The nailer Hex grip handle provides a comfortable user experience with less hand fatigue.
- It features an oil-free design.
Drawbacks
- None we could find.
How to Choose the Best 15 Gauge Finish Nailer?
Still not sure which one to buy? In this section, we will discuss the different features of the best 15 gauge finish nailers on the market and help you decide which one is right for you.
Pneumatic vs. Electric
The first thing you need to decide is whether you want a pneumatic or electric finish nailer. Pneumatic finish nailers are powered by air, while electric finish nailers are powered by electricity.
Pneumatic finish nailers are more powerful and can drive nails into harder materials, but they also require an air compressor. Electric finish nailers are less powerful but can be used without an air compressor.
Electric models are convenient and pretty straightforward to use. If you are not a professional, you may not need a Pneumatic nailer.
Depth Adjustment
Most 15 gauge finish nailers have a depth adjustment setting, which allows you to control how deep the nails sink into the material.
The deeper the nails sink, the stronger the bond will be between the material and the nails. However, if you set the nails too deep, they may be difficult to remove.
Select a finish nailer with a depth adjustment setting that will allow you to get the desired results without going too deep.
Magazine Capacity
The magazine capacity is the number of nails that the finish nailer can hold at one time. If you are working on a large project, you will want a finish nailer with a larger magazine capacity.
However, if you are only working on a small project, a smaller magazine capacity will be sufficient.
This becomes a deciding factor if you are working alone high up to the ceiling or in some of the hard-to-reach spots where it’s not convenient to load up the magazine.
Weight and Size
Another thing to consider when choosing a 15 gauge finish nailer is its weight and size. You will want to choose one that is easy to handle and not too bulky or heavy.
This is especially important if you plan on using the finish nailer for an extended period of time.
Price
Finally, you will want to consider the price of the finish nailer before making a purchase. Make sure to compare prices and find one that fits your budget.
Final Thoughts
A high-quality 15-gauge finish nailer can save you a lot of time and energy when working on your next carpentry or DIY project. We have taken the time to review ten high-quality 15 gauge finish nailers on the market so that you can make an informed purchase. Our reviews include a comprehensive look at the features offered by each tool.
In conclusion, we hope that this information will help you select the perfect 15 gauge finish nailer for your needs and get started on your next woodworking masterpiece! Have you chosen a favorite from our list? If so, be sure to click through to purchase it today. Thanks for reading!