Addressing both pneumatic and battery-powered cordless nailers, these Awards recognize all forms of innovation. While pneumatic tools provide the speed and reliability for framing and finish work, cordless battery-powered tools have stepped up their game, bringing tools that we thought impossible just a few years ago. Manufacturers are also now introducing more products and expanding the capabilities of these tools for carpenters, roofing & siding professionals, and more. Check out the Pro Tool Innovation Awards Winners for the 2020 Pneumatic Tools and Nailers Awards!
Winner – Air Compressors
Metabo HPT EC914S 6-Gallon Pancake Compressor
What they said:
This ain’t your average Pancake! Don’t be fooled by appearances. The EC914S 6-Gallon Pancake Compressor changes the game for pancake compressors. The EC914S delivers 30% more air and 25% more PSI than its predecessor, the EC710S. “The Tank” can run 2 framing nailers, 2 roofing nailers, or a combination of finish nailers at once, increasing jobsite productivity and saving time in a lighter weight body.
With the body of a pancake compressor, this tool is lightweight and portable, while producing an impressive 200 max PSI for longer run times – comparable to a twin stack compressor without the weight. Its oil-free motor ensures reliable start-ups and can produce an industry-leading 4 CFM @ 90 PSI. With 1.3 running horsepower, this compressor’s motor delivers high performance in a compact body, with a low-amp draw for easy start-ups every time. This unit has a 79dB operational noise level, which is great for jobsites that require a quieter work environment. The industrial regulator and gauges allow for easy, accurate PSI adjustments and are factory installed on the unit so it is ready to go right away. At 41 lbs with an all-metal handle, this compressor’s solid build ensures reliability for years to come. Metabo HPT’s Pro Preferred pneumatic nailers now have a compressor to match!
What we say:
Metabo HPT’s new Tank 6-gallon air compressor redefines what you should expect from a pancake compressor. It boasts a monster 4 CFM at 90 PSI and maxes out at 200 PSI. It runs at levels other pancakes can’t keep up with. Our judges were very impressed with its ability to run a pair of framing or roofing nailers on a model this size. While you could always grab a larger compressor, we’ll take the effort savings and use the Tank instead.
Price: $199
For more information, click here.
Finalist
Winner – Cordless Air Compressors
Milwaukee Tool 2840-20 M18 FUEL 2 Gallon Compact Quiet Compressor
What they said:
Our M18 FUEL 2 Gallon Compact Quiet Compressor is designed for the professional carpenter and remodeler. This quiet air compressor is only 68dB(A), making it the quietest cordless compressor on the market and quieter than most corded options. We’ve designed this 2-gallon air compressor to be high performing while reducing the noise professionals deal with on jobsites. Its low profile and stackable design allow our portable air compressor to be easily stored and transported on, around, and back off the jobsite. It has run-time professionals need to stay productive, giving you up to 1,600 18ga brad nails per charge. It is compatible with all Milwaukee M18 REDLITHIUM batteries making it easy to swap packs and keep running to finish your job.
What we say:
Milwaukee pushes the cordless air compressor market further forward with a 2-gallon design. At 90 PSI, it’s capable of delivering 1.2 CFM and it gives you a maximum of 135 PSI. The big deal for remodelers and carpenters who find themselves working in occupied spaces is the noise level. Producing just 68 decibels, it stakes its claim as the quietest cordless compressor currently on the market. Even when the job isn’t in occupied homes or offices, the reduction in noise might just help bring you some of the peace you’ve been missing.
Price: $349
For more information, click here.
Winner – Cordless Finish Nailers
Milwaukee Tool 2540-21 M12 23ga Pin Nailer
What they said:
The M12 23GA Pin Nailer is the most compact cordless pin nailer that combines precision and power to deliver the performance that professional carpenters and remodelers demand, without the hassle of a compressor hose or gas cartridge. The 23 gauge pin nailer provides unmatched productivity and accessibility into tight spaces and confined corners through a lightweight, ergonomic design. Our nitrogen air spring mechanism allows the nailer to consistently sink pin nails at proper depth into hard or soft woods while leaving small, clean nail holes.
The double-action trigger and non-marring precision point tip allow for sequential driving and accurate pin placement into delicate trim pieces. The dry-fire lockout feature prevents misfires and workpiece damage. The M12 23 Gauge Pin Nailer drives 23-gauge headless pin nails ranging in length from 1/2” to 1-3/8” and features all-day run time with up to 750 pin nails per charge when paired with our M12 REDLITHIUM CP1.5 battery pack. The pin nailer also features a magazine reload indicator, tool-free drive depth adjustment, reversible belt clip, LED light, battery fuel gauge, secondary work contact tip, and carries our industry-leading 5-year limited power tool warranty.
What we say:
It doesn’t take a ton of power to drive pin nails compared to other sizes. That lets Milwaukee do two things with the M12 pin nailer: run with a 12V battery and deliver a truly compact design. This is the most compact cordless pinner we’ve yet seen. It’s about the same size as the M12 crown stapler. The M12 power source helps its cause as well, keeping both the footprint and weight to a minimum. Of course, Milwaukee also tackles the nailer’s function well with no firing delay, a precision nose tip, and dryfire lockout.
Price: $249
For more information, click here.
Finalist
Winner – Framing
Everwin Pneumatic Corp. FSN3490 3 1/2″ Framing Nailer
What they said:
EVERWIN’s new paper-collated 34-degree 3-1/2” (90mm) framing nailer, the FSN3490, is the most powerful nailer in its class with comparable weight to that of other brands. The three qualities that make the FSN3490 unique are POWER, MANEUVERABILITY, and SPEED.
POWER: With cross-laminated timber (CLT) becoming one of the more popular materials used in today’s construction markets, its popularity also creates a demand for nailers of higher energy values in order to drive fasteners into such materials as CLT holds denser properties compared to traditional natural timber. Using traditional framing nailers with CLT often results in users hammering in nails that stand proud as these tools are not geared for such dense material. The FSN3490 provides an answer to this problem; with a boosted energy of 1,000 in-lbs. (17%+ higher than average tools of the same class), it makes it easier for users to sink nails up to 3-1/2” on the first go even with CLT, which in turn saves time and increases efficiency.
MANEUVERABILITY: With a superb driving power of 1000 in-lbs., the FSN3490 does not compromise on weight as compared to other tools of the same class. Holding the best power to weight ratio in class, the FSN3490 weighs in at 7.9 lbs., matching an average of 8.0 lbs. amongst its competition. The FSN3490’s compact size makes the tool easy to maneuver, a 13.4” (340mm) height allows as easy fit in between standard C-C studs. An ultra-slim nose compared to that of conventional tools further provides users with a better line of sight for optimal operation.
SPEED: Different from most “price-driven” framing nailers in the market today that utilize economic actuation valves, the FSN3490 is geared with EVERWIN’s “production-grade” speed boosted actuation valve. The aforementioned economic valves have an average maximum speed of 7~10 cycles per second while EVERWIN’s “production-grade” valve brings the maximum speed of the FSN3490 up to 18 cycles per second. This makes the tool ideal for framers who drag-fire rapidly as it can keep up with such operation speed even with occasional air pressure drops in most job site settings.
What we say:
As engineered lumber gains more traction across the country, having enough power to fully drive framing nails is more important. Everwin’s FSN3490 is the perfect nailer for the job, delivering higher power to each nail without sacrificing the speed you need. You can build it stronger and faster, but that means it has to be big a bulky, right? That’s the case for Everwin. The FSN3490 still comes in under 8 pounds, making it one of the best framing nailers you can buy for working with engineered materials.
Price: $265
For more information, click here.
Winner – Cordless Framing
Milwaukee Tool M18 Fuel Framing Nailers
What they said:
Milwaukee Tool continues to expand its line of cordless solutions from frame to finish with the introduction of their very first cordless framing nailers, the M18 FUEL 21° Framing Nailer and M18 FUEL 30° Framing Nailer. Delivering the power to sink nails in engineered lumber, these framing nailers can also fire up to 3 nails per second with no gas cartridges.
“For years our users have demanded a Milwaukee cordless solution to their framing nailer frustrations. Unwilling to settle for subpar performance, we continued to advance our technologies until we could provide a truly game-changing solution for these users,” said Sean Kelley, Product Manager for Milwaukee Tool. “This year we’re proud to finally unveil our first lineup of cordless framing nailers. With no gas cartridges necessary, the power to sink nails in the most demanding materials, and the fire rate to keep users productive throughout their day, these new framing nailers were worth the wait!”
With best-in-class power, the M18 FUEL Framing Nailers deliver a fire rate similar to pneumatic to keep users productive. The nailers have also been optimized with the size necessary to fit between studs and balanced weight to limit fatigue. An optional Extended Capacity Magazine accepting two strips of nails is also available for these tools, allowing users to work longer before needing to reload. With no gas cartridges, a POWERSTATE brushless motor, and no cleaning required, the nailers are designed to deliver durability and reliability to the most demanding users with very little maintenance. Coupled with the fact that the tools fire up to 3 nails per second, users will experience greatly reduced downtime and maximized productivity.
What we say:
Milwaukee solves several major concerns with their M18 Fuel framing nailer. First, they ensured it has enough power to fully drive nails in engineered lumber. Second, they eliminated firing delays, letting it bump-fire at a reasonable clip. Finally, the product team also took care of capacity concerns. Other cordless framers only hold one stick of nails. By offering an extended magazine, Milwaukee gets two sticks in their framing tools, letting you nail longer between refills. Overall, Milwaukee has the most capable cordless framing nailer on the market.
Price: $449
For more information, click here.
Winner – Duplex Framing Nailers
Metabo HPT NR3675DD 36V MultiVolt Brushless Duplex Nailer
What they said:
Metabo HPT introduces the newest tool in the MultiVolt platform, the industry’s first cordless Duplex Nailer. The NR3675DD 36V MultiVolt Duplex Nailer is here to revolutionize the commercial concrete jobsite. Concrete forming sites have never been the ideal place for dragging around air hoses, but thanks to Metabo HPT’s Air Spring Drive System and 36V MultiVolt battery, you can leave the hoses behind and save valuable time. By combining the reliability of Metabo HPT’s proven cordless nailer technology, along with the power of the battery technology, this cordless Duplex nailer can drive Duplex fasteners all day long. It accepts 6D, 8D and 16D Duplex Nails. This tool is capable of driving up to 900 3-1/2” Duplex nailers per charge using the 2.5Ah MultiVolt battery. For longer days, it can be powered by the 4.0Ah MultiVolt battery, driving up to 1,200 Duplex nails on a single charge!
This ground-breaking cordless Duplex nailer produces high output energy that can drive 2 nails per second with a pneumatic-like feel due to Metabo HPT’s unique Air Spring Drive System. This tool provides ultimate jobsite freedom with no gas, no hose, and no compressor. The NR3675DD features a brushless motor for longer runtime, increased power, and extended durability with essentially no maintenance. With zero ramp-up time, there’s no waiting for the tool to warm up – simply turn on the tool on the simplified control panel, and you’re ready to go.
The MultiVolt Duplex Nailer is equipped with a dry-fire lockout system and tool-less depth of drive adjustment for a professional finish in a variety of materials. Selective actuation lets the user decide between bump and sequential modes for added flexibility. For increased user safety, this tool features a pivoting belt hook and a side lock switch to prevent accidental firing. At 10.8lbs, the cordless Duplex nailer can be relied upon to last, and Metabo HPT’s Lifetime Lithium Ion tool body warranty makes it a safe bet for the long haul.
What we say:
Concrete forming just got easier with Metabo HPT’s MultiVolt Duplex Nailer. Simply entering the space is a significant accomplishment, and Metabo HPT adds some convenience on top of it. Dry fire lockout and selection between bump and sequential modes give the nailer familiar functions. With two batteries available, you can choose to drop a little weight or make sure you have all the nailing you need for the entire day. And if you happen to get in a pinch with your batteries, you can always switch over to the AC adapter until it’s resolved.
Price: $599.97
For more information, click here.
Finalist
Winner – Cordless Roofing/Siding
DEWALT DCN45RND1 20V Max Brushless 15 Degree Cordless Roofing Nailer
What they said:
Ideal for service repairs and small jobs, this 20V MAX 15° Cordless Coil Roofing Nailer delivers cordless convenience. There are absolutely no hoses, compressors, or gas cartridges required. It’s 100% battery-powered so the pro can show up and get to work right away. The 20V MAX 15° Cordless Coil Roofing Nailer can drive the full range of roofing fasteners from 3/4 in. to 1-3/4 in. Get the job done quickly and efficiently with bump actuation mode and tool-free depth adjustment that provides precise nail placement.
What we say:
DeWalt broke through the cordless roofing nailer barrier with the 20V Max DCN45RND that doesn’t need help from a gas cartridge. It has a very familiar design that makes switching from pneumatic to cordless easy without having to think too much about it. It’s a great tool for knocking out repairs, punch list items, and hitting the more awkward areas of a roof install. Because there’s no hose and compressor to set up, those jobs get started quickly and wrap up just as fast.
Price: $399
For more information, click here.
Winner – Cordless Staplers
Milwaukee Tool 2447-21 M12 3/8″ Crown Stapler
What they said:
Manual staplers are used for a variety of applications across a number of different trades. This includes the installation of insulation and polyethylene vapor barrier to the installation of Thermo-Pan sheeting for return air ducts. The repetitive motion and excessive force required to operate these staplers translates to considerable fatigue and can even cause injury to a user after years of use. Unfortunately, the powered solutions currently available are either too bulky, underpowered, or require the user to wrestle with cords. The M12 3/8” Crown Stapler provides performance and run-time that rivals the leading cordless solution, at a fraction of the size and weight, and requires much less muscle effort to operate.
What we say:
There are times when a tool really lights up the room. With the ability to drive 3/8″ crown staples with almost no effort compared to hand staplers, this is one of those “take my money” kind of tools that you won’t regret adding to your toolbox. The M12 stapler’s usefulness with securing house wrap, installing a radiant barrier in the shop, or putting up insulation can’t be overstated. The fact that we now have an M12 version makes it that much sweeter.
Price: $169
For more information, click here.