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 2019 Pneumatic Tools and Nailers Awards!
Winner – Cap Nailers/Staplers
National Nail STINGER CN100B Cap Nailer
What they said:
The newly-enhanced STINGER CN100B Cap Nailer from National Nail Corp features an innovative design that improves performance with an improved cap magazine for added durability. The original CN100 is a recognized leader in time-saving roofing tools and part of the GAF Hire a Hero training program for military veterans.
Weighing just 4.9 lbs., the lightweight STINGER CN100B features effortless loading, upgraded tool life, and utilizes full, one-inch collated plastic caps. It is capable of firing 200 caps and nails before reloading. The Electro Galvanized ring shank nails are 1” x .083” full round head.
What we say:
National Nail’s Stinger CN100B cap nailer is all about improving an already excellent tool. The larger 200 cap/nail capacity means you have to stop less often to reload. You’re also going to see longer service life from the nailer thanks to some durability improvements. At the end of the day, you’ll see better productivity from your crew.
Price: $294.95
For more information, click here.
Winner – Finish Nailers
DeWalt DWFP2350K 23GA, 2″ Pin Nailer Kit
What they said:
Users can eliminate current frustrations when using 23ga pin nailers. These include difficulty adjusting for different nail depths, clearing nail jams from the tool, & dealing with oil stains on work surface resulting from the nailer. The new DeWalt DWFP2350K pin nailer features a tool-free depth adjustment mechanism for precise countersinking of the nail, tool-free jam release mechanism for easy nail removal, and oil-free operation that reduces the risk of oil stains.
What we say:
We’ve been seeing a revival in pin nailers over the last couple of years and DeWalt throws their hat in the ring with an ergonomic model that’s very well-rounded. Our team likes the combination of easy depth adjustments, tool-free jam clearing, and oil-free design. It’s ready to go toe-to-toe with any other pneumatic pinner out there!
Price: $149
For more information, click here.
Winner – Cordless Finish Nailers
GREX GCP650 Cordless 23-ga. Gas Pin Nailer
What they said:
The Grex GCP650 is the:
- FIRST and ONLY cordless 23 gauge pin nailer that drives pins up to 2″ long
- Close in size and ergonomics to a traditional air operated 23 gauge pin nailer
- Lightest weight, best-balanced design
- Has the power to sink 2” 23 gauge pins into 2” thick of red oak
- Uses 2 AAA alkaline batteries that last at least 50,000 shots
- Lowest cost of fuel per shot
- Requires minimal maintenance and the least cost of ownership
In short, the Grex GCP650 is the closest uncompromising thing there is to getting a tool like an air-operated pinner in every way, but without the air hose.
What we say:
With the plethora of cordless nailers out there, it seems like the pin nailer would be the easiest to make considering its small nail size. But that’s not the case and most cordless pinners fall short of a pneumatic’s ability to drive 2″ nails. The Grex GCP650 uses a gas cartridge system alongside a pair of AAA batteries. Because it doesn’t use its batteries to fire nails—merely ignite fuel—this hose-free 23-gauge nailer closely resembles the diminutive size of a pneumatic pinner. A truly cordless pin nailer that isn’t gigantic or heavy? Where do we sign up!
Price: $438
For more information, click here.
Finalist
Milwaukee 2746-21CT M18 FUEL 18-ga. Brad Nailer
Winner – Flooring Nailers
BOSTITCH BTFAFOOTG2 Rolling Base Flooring Attachment
What they said:
The BTFAFOOTG2 – Rolling Base Flooring Attachment lets you move quickly through flooring installations without lifting the tool between fastenings. It features tool-free depth adjustment for easy transition between flooring thicknesses, from 1/2 – 3/4 in. This attachment works with all Bostitch mallet-actuated flooring tools, including the MIIIFN, MIIIFS, BTFP12569, and BTFP12570. Built for everyday usage using long-life components for durability and reliability. The Non-marring wheels are designed to roll smoothly across all types of flooring materials and finishes.
What we say:
Thank you, Bostitch! The job of flooring is a highly physical task that can seem like an all-day Crossfit workout with the need to quickly move across the floor on your knees, set flooring/sub-flooring, and lift/strike the nailer. Bostitch’s Rolling Base Flooring Attachment relieves us of part of the hassle by letting the nailer roll across the floor from one nailing point to the next. It’s a sub-$100 accessory that your body will thank you for using.
Price: $99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Framing Nailers
BECK Fastener Group Fasco F58A RHN20-90B SCR Low Profile
What they said:
- Compatible with 17° and 20° Plastic Strip Nails, 20° Plastic Strip SCRAIL° (fine and coarse threads), 20° BeckDeck double-threaded SCRAIL and 20° Plastic Strip Collated Concrete Pins
- Reduced weight thanks to low tool cap
- Copyright-protected design with good ergonomics and excellent tool balance
- Magazine with two insertion points and different loading systems
- New, easy jam-clearing system: total release of the complete magazine
- Plastic protection against wood chips and splinters
- Includes a patented sequential-fire / bump-fire device
- Reduced weight thanks to low tool profile
What we say:
Fasco’s latest update takes their popular RHN20-90 series Scrailer and drops its length and weight down further, making it easier to get into tight spaces for nailing. Its capacity and range are the same, and you still have the ability to fire nails, Scrails, and concrete pins—all with one excellent tool!
Price: $199
For more information, click here.
Finalist
Freeman G22183CLW 21° Compact Lightweight Framing Nailer
Winner – Cordless Framing Nailers
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 21/30º Framing Nailers
What they said:
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.
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!
What we say:
Milwaukee’s new M18 Fuel Framing Nailers generated a ton of excitement at NPS19 and nearly all of us wanted to know the same things. Did they solve the firing delay? Can it drive in LVL? Yes and yes! Milwaukee’s first cordless nailer comes out of the chute as an immediate leader in the class thanks to its speed and power. As a bonus, optional extended-capacity magazines help you reload less often than the current crop of “single-stick” cordless framers.
Price: $449
For more information, click here.
Winner – Cordless Metal Connector Nailers
BECK Fastener Group Fasco F70G Cordless Joist Hanger Nailer
What they said:
• Powerful cordless nailer for joist hanger nails and anchor nails
• Positive placement nose for metal connector plates
• Rubber comfort grip ensures a non-slip handling
• Belt hook
• Single-shot actuation
• Works with Fasco fuel cells
• Powerful NiMh battery
• Lights indicate battery charge
What we say:
Fasco goes with a gas/battery combination to get the most out of their Cordless Joist Hanger Nailer. It’s capable of firing 2 to 3 nailer per second sequentially with the power to deal with this kind of high-accuracy nailing. It swaps out a standard framing nose for a much more visible one to help you set each nail precisely in your joist hanger. When it comes to fastening joist hangers, hurricane straps, connector straps, and other framing hardware, there’s no need to deal with a hose and compressor when you have Fasco on your side!
Price: $769
For more information, click here.
Winner – Stapler
Everwin Pneumatic Corp. SN50S5-A Full-Auto Heavy Wire Stapler
What they said:
The SN50S5-A is the industry’s first speed-adjustable, full-automatic 16/17 gauge stapler available to general contractors. Three qualities that make the SN50S5-A unique are Productivity, Versatility, and Reliability.
The SN50S5-A’s Auto-Cap enables any user to shoot staples rapidly with ease. Its adjustable speed dial allows users to set the firing speed to accommodate their work pace, at any rate between 1~20 staples/second. The SN50S5-A helps make the output of veteran operators more consistent and helps boost the efficiency of operators new to the industry, whether it be on a construction site or in a manufactured housing factory.
The secret of the SN50S5-A lies within its full-automatic firing valve, which comes as an assembled cap unit called the “AUTO-CAP”. By simply replacing traditional cylinder cap units of any Everwin heavy wire stapler with the Auto-Cap, one can convert his/her Everwin stapler to full-automatic mode. This provides full flexibility according to the needs of each job site
The all-metal construction of the SN50S5-A paired with its hidden jam-clearance mechanism and depth adjust dial cover makes the Everwin stapler more durable compared to competitor tools. On a 3’ steel plate drop test, competitor staplers in the market broke after 300~700 drops whereas the SN50S5-A survived 3,573 drops. This helps minimize tool repair downtime needed in harsh environments.
What we say:
Some Pros need their staplers to be impossibly fast compared to what you expect from a framing or roofing nailer. Everwin’s Full-Auto Heavy Wire Stapler lets you work as fast as your skill level lets you by firing up to 20 staples per second. Obviously, it takes years of experience to develop that kind of speed, and we love that Everwin packed adjustable speed into this one. By setting the speed that you’re most comfortable getting quality results with, the stapler doesn’t get out of control. Then, as your skill improves, you’re free to bump up the speed.
Price: $469
For more information, click here.
Winner – Cordless Staplers
DeWalt DCFS950 20V MAX Agricultural Fencing Stapler
What they said:
The DCFS950 is the first gas-free cordless solution for agricultural fencing. This tool fires a proprietary 9-gauge staple ranging from 1-1/2” to 2” in length for agricultural fencing application such as woven wire, high tensile wire, barbed wire, etc., allowing fencing installers to staple up to 3X as fast as manual driven stapling, saving time and money.
Features include a multi-position contact trip and a bare tool weight at 8.8lbs. This tool also features a tool-free jam release design, as well as tool-free mode and power select to achieve the desired depth of drive in varying material densities while firing up to 590 staples on a single charge with a 5Ah pack.
What we say:
Cordlessly firing 9-gauge staples has been out of reach for most companies, making it just a pipe dream for agricultural fencing jobs. However, DeWalt finds a way with their DCFS950 Agricultural Fencing Stapler and does it without the need for gas. That’s a big deal considering its major competition is $600 more expensive and requires gas cartridges that close in on $20 each. If you’re looking for a way to speed up fence installs and repair, DeWalt has the most promising stapler available.
Price: $799
For more information, click here.
Winner – 12V Cordless Staplers
Milwaukee 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 new 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 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 ($99 bare)
For more information, click here.
Winner – Electric Air Compressors
Estwing E5GCOMP 5-Gallon Silent Compressor
What they said:
The Estwing 5-gallon Quiet Oil-Free Compressor represents the cutting-edge, with a state-of-the-art design that allows it to dampen sound without sacrificing power or efficiency. Motors in traditional compressors are so loud that it’s difficult to communicate on the worksite and can even cause permanent hearing damage. Compare that to the Estwing 5 Gallon compressor, which runs at just 68 dBa – that’s quiet enough that you can run it indoors or in enclosed rooms and easily have a conversation without needing to raise your voice.
The 5 gallon, 180 max PSI tank provides 50 percent more useable air than traditional models. Cutting in at 135 PSI, the compressor recovers to 180 PSI in just 20 seconds to deliver enough airflow to power multiple tools at the same time. High-pressure output combined with quick recovery time helps maintain the desired pressure in a job site. With 3,000 hours of continuous run-time, you get the same amount of use out of this one compressor as you would burning through 10 standard compressors.
What we say:
Quiet compressors are all the rage for MRO crews and remodelers that need to work in occupied spaces. Heck, we love them for any job just because it keeps the overall noise level down. But going quiet sometimes means giving up power, and that’s not the case for Estwing. Their 1.6 HP, 5-gallon quiet compressor is still capable of hitting 180 PSI and recovers from 135 in just 20 seconds.
We also really like the build quality on this model. Its oil-free design is rated for 3000 hours of continuous use, which should pay for itself several times over compared to the cost of replacing less expensive models.
Price: $399
For more information, click here.
Winner – Specialty Pneumatic Tools
Noracore EMBSX Easy Mower Blade Sharpener
What they said:
The EMBSX is the only tool in the world that can sharpen the blades on any mower by simply rolling it underneath the machine, so not requiring jacking or blade removal.
It saves tons of time, money, and effort by sharpening the mower blades in minutes, plus it’s much safer than any other method currently used.
What we say:
Sharpening mower blades is a pain, sometimes literally. However, the Noracore EMBSX Easy Mower Blade Sharpener can save you a ton of time and frustration. Using air to power what is essentially a die grinder at the end and your smartphone as a screen for the camera, you can roll the EMBSX across your blades to sharpen them without having to kneel down or crawl underneath.
Since you can adjust the angle of the grinder, it doesn’t matter which blade you like to use. The only question is why you’re not already checking out the video on Noracore’s website!
Price: $399
For more information, click here.