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10 Best Finish Nailers 2025 in the UK

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Ryobi R18GN18-125SA 18V ONE+ Cordless 18G Nailer Kit (1 x 2.5 Ah)

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,247
Weight and Ergonomics
Weight and Ergonomics
Despite its weight, it remains comfortable and easy to use.

The Ryobi R18GN18-125SA 18V ONE+ Cordless 18G Nailer Kit offers a convenient and efficient solution for those needing a finish nailer without the hassle of cords and compressors. It benefits from AirStrike Technology, which ensures you don't need a noisy compressor, air hose, or gas cartridges. This model fires 18-gauge nails ranging from 15 to 50mm, making it versatile for various projects.

Its tool-less depth adjustment is a handy feature for protecting your work surface and ensuring nails are set correctly, and the dry-fire lockout prevents the tool from working when it's empty, which helps extend its lifespan and protect your work materials. Additionally, the tool-less jam release makes it easy to clear nail jams, reducing downtime during your projects. The nailer is also quite ergonomic, weighing 4.52 kg, which is relatively lightweight and easy to handle for extended periods.

It comes with a 2.5 Ah lithium-ion battery, which is included in the kit, ensuring you’re ready to get started right away. However, it's worth noting that at 4.52 kg, it might be slightly heavier than some other models on the market, which could be a consideration for prolonged use. Additionally, while it excels in cordless convenience, it may not be suitable for very heavy-duty tasks compared to pneumatic nailers. This finish nailer is best suited for DIY enthusiasts and hobbyists looking for a reliable and easy-to-use tool for lighter to medium-duty projects.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,247
Weight and Ergonomics
Weight and Ergonomics
Despite its weight, it remains comfortable and easy to use.
#2

DEWALT DCN680N Brushless XR 18 Gauge Brad Nailer 18V Bare Unit

The DEWALT DCN680N Brushless XR 18 Gauge Brad Nailer is a versatile tool suitable for various finishing tasks. It uses an 18-gauge nail, which is ideal for detailed woodworking and trim work, providing a balance between strength and discretion. The nailer operates on an 18V battery, offering cordless convenience, although it's worth noting that the battery is not included with the unit, which could be a drawback if you don’t already own compatible DEWALT batteries.

With a weight of 2.4 kilograms, it’s moderately heavy but portable enough for extended use without too much strain. The brushless motor enhances efficiency and ensures longer tool life and less maintenance. One impressive feature is the depth adjustment, allowing for precise control over nail depth, essential for professional finish work. Ergonomically, it is well-designed, making it comfortable and easy to use.

This nailer is well-suited for professionals and DIY enthusiasts focused on finish work, offering reliable performance and flexibility, although as a bare unit, it lacks included batteries and charger, adding extra cost to get started.

#3

Ryobi R16GN18-0 18V ONE Plus Cordless 16 Gauge Nailer Bare Tool, One Size, Hyper Green

Rating
9.6
Depth Adjustment
Depth Adjustment
Leaves a clean punch hole, easily fixed with a quick fill.

The Ryobi R16GN18-0 18V ONE Plus Cordless 16 Gauge Nailer stands out with its cordless convenience, making it suitable for various finish work without the hassle of cords. The 16-gauge nailer is ideal for detailed projects requiring finer nails, making it a good choice for trim work and cabinetry. Equipped with tool-less depth adjustment, this nailer offers customizability in nail setting, protecting the work surface from potential damage. Additionally, the tool-less jam release system allows for easy handling of nail jams, ensuring smooth operation, which is a helpful feature for user efficiency.

Weighing 2.7 kg, it’s moderately lightweight, striking a balance between portability and stability during use. The ergonomics are enhanced by the grip-light technology that automatically engages the LED light when the handle is grasped, improving visibility in your workspace. However, the lack of included batteries may be a drawback, necessitating additional purchase for operation, which might be inconvenient for some users.

While it ranks fairly in customer satisfaction with a 4.3 out of 5 stars rating, indicating reliability, its popularity rank suggests it's a common choice among DIY enthusiasts, though not the leader in the category. The product dimensions are compact, allowing for ease in maneuverability and storage. The nailer uses the Ryobi ONE Plus system, compatible with other Ryobi tools, providing versatility if you own multiple Ryobi devices. However, users seeking higher magazine capacity or varied nail length options might find it limited in scope. This product is best suited for home users and DIY enthusiasts who value cordless flexibility and detailed finish work.

Rating
9.6
Depth Adjustment
Depth Adjustment
Leaves a clean punch hole, easily fixed with a quick fill.

Buying Guide for the Best Finish Nailers

Choosing the right finish nailer can make your woodworking or carpentry projects much easier and more efficient. Finish nailers are used for detailed work like trim, molding, and cabinetry. When selecting a finish nailer, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best tool for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and pick a finish nailer that suits your specific projects and preferences.
Nail GaugeThe nail gauge refers to the thickness of the nails that the finish nailer can handle. This is important because different projects require different nail sizes. Finish nailers typically use 15-gauge or 16-gauge nails. 15-gauge nails are thicker and provide more holding power, making them suitable for heavy-duty tasks like installing door frames. 16-gauge nails are slightly thinner and are better for more delicate work like trim and molding. Choose the gauge based on the type of projects you plan to undertake.
Nail LengthNail length is the range of nail sizes that the finish nailer can drive. This is crucial because different materials and project requirements will need different nail lengths. Finish nailers usually accommodate nails ranging from 1 inch to 2.5 inches. Shorter nails are ideal for thin materials and delicate work, while longer nails are better for thicker materials and more substantial projects. Consider the thickness of the materials you'll be working with to determine the appropriate nail length range.
Power SourceFinish nailers can be powered by air (pneumatic), battery (cordless), or gas. The power source affects the tool's portability, convenience, and power. Pneumatic nailers are powerful and reliable but require an air compressor, which can limit mobility. Cordless nailers offer greater portability and convenience but may have less power and require battery charging. Gas-powered nailers are also portable and powerful but need gas cartridges. Choose the power source based on your need for mobility, convenience, and the availability of power sources.
Magazine CapacityMagazine capacity refers to the number of nails the finish nailer can hold at one time. This is important because it affects how often you'll need to reload the tool. A larger magazine capacity means fewer interruptions during your work. Finish nailers typically have a magazine capacity ranging from 100 to 120 nails. If you have large projects or prefer fewer reloads, opt for a nailer with a higher magazine capacity. For smaller projects, a lower capacity may be sufficient.
Weight and ErgonomicsThe weight and ergonomics of a finish nailer impact how comfortable and easy it is to use. A lighter tool is easier to handle and reduces fatigue during extended use, while good ergonomics ensure a comfortable grip and better control. Finish nailers can vary in weight, with lighter models being around 4 pounds and heavier ones up to 6 pounds. Consider how long you'll be using the tool and your comfort level to choose a nailer that feels right in your hands.
Depth AdjustmentDepth adjustment allows you to control how deep the nails are driven into the material. This is important for achieving a professional finish and preventing damage to the work surface. Some finish nailers offer tool-free depth adjustment, making it easy to fine-tune the nail depth on the fly. If you work with different materials and need precise control over nail depth, look for a nailer with an easy-to-use depth adjustment feature.