The 2024 Pro Tool Innovation Awards encompass both pneumatic and battery-powered cordless nailers. As battery density increases and brushless motor technology improves, these tools get smaller and more powerful. Runtime remains almost a non-issue, though weight continues to dog battery tools compared to their much smaller pneumatic counterparts.
Pneumatic nailers also continue to nail more quickly. Corded and cordless air compressors, as well as other related products and accessories, contribute to advancing innovation in this category. Carpenters, roofing, and siding professionals will benefit from checking out the 2024 Pro Tool Innovation Awards Winners for pneumatic tools and nailers.
WINNER – Electric Air Compressors
FNA Compressors DeWalt DXCMS20045US
What they said:
This DEWALT XTREME Quiet 2-stage quiet workshop compressor packs all of our latest innovations to deliver performance, ease of use, ultra-long life, and super quiet operation all in one unit. One of two new DEWALT 2-stage compressors, this 2-stage oil-free unit delivers 5.0 CFM at 90 PSI with a max tank pressure of 200 PSI.
Previously reserved for large commercial stationary oil-lubricated compressors, 2-stage compression is more efficient than single stage at operating pressures, meaning faster recovery from cut-in pressure back up to cut-out pressure. Of course, bearing the DEWALT name means this compressor has to be GUARANTEED TOUGH®, which is why we’ve tested it to a life of over 4,000 hours.
This compressor runs at an ultra-quiet 60.3 dB(A), making it perfect for indoor use without having to hide it in a closet or garage. The compressor can be operated and stored vertically or horizontally, giving you more flexibility on the jobsite and when transporting, and the ability to store in more places.
What we say:
The DeWalt Xtreme Quiet 2-stage workshop compressor delivers an impressive 5.0 CFM at 90 PSI and supports a maximum tank pressure of 200 PSI. This compressor seems ideal for professionals who need a high amount of air volume without the noise typically associated with the regular runtimes of a smaller compressor. How quiet is it? It runs just 60.3 dBA—quiet enough for indoor use in all but the most discriminating locations. You can also store this rolling 4.5-gallon compressor vertically or horizontally, making it convenient for tight spaces and easy to transport.
Price: $350
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Finish Nailers
EVERWIN Pneumatic Corp. FN1665 16 Gauge 65mm Finish Nailer
What they said:
When you buy a drill bit, you want a precise hole. When you buy a nailer, you want hundreds of nails driven into wood. But when you buy an EVERWIN, you’re investing in a tool capable of driving hundreds of thousands of nails into wood. The new industrial 16-Gauge Nailer is designed for factories, high production jobsites, and for those that understand the value of their time. With so many choices, having an EVERWIN in your hand is the decision to get more done.
During a cycle, the nail is driven down as the tool recoils upward. Conventional tools often slip, causing dents in the wood. However, the EVERWIN FN1665 features a patented safety design that forms the critical side of the nail-driving channel and is spring-loaded to maintain contact with the wood throughout the drive. This mechanism locks the tool onto the nail until it’s fully driven, reducing driver marks by 90% and eliminates the need to fill secondary holes.
We all know the rubber tips on finish tools wear off or get lost, leading to dents or gouges in the wood. With the FN1665 even when the tip is worn to nothing, the broader more permanent surface area will help distribute actuation force and minimize damage. This also means it withstands rough handling and drops common on the job. Additionally, the FN1665 nose is 30% more compact, providing a superior line of sight for precise shots every time.
Built for factory abuse, this tool is an industrial-grade nail driving machine, constructed from premium materials, reinforced where it matters. This ensures exceptional durability and the ability to handle heavy use beyond typical DIY tools. In real-world testing, the FN1665 demonstrated a lifespan 2-3 times longer than the average finish tool.
What we say:
The Everwin FN1665 16-gauge nailer features a patented safety design that ensures consistent contact with the wood while significantly reducing driver marks and eliminating secondary hole filling. The nailer also features durable construction and handy features like an adjustable depth control and a quick-release mechanism to clear jams. This nailer will pair well with professionals looking for a precision finish nailer that minimizes extra post-nailing work.
Price: $199
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Cordless Finish Nailers
Milwaukee 2541-20 M12 FUEL™ 18 Gauge Compact Brad Nailer
What they said:
Our M12 FUEL™ 18 Gauge Compact Brad Nailer delivers peak productivity at the jobsite, providing users with unmatched nailing performance & access to tight spaces with the compact, lightweight, ergonomic design. Leveraging a nitrogen air spring mechanism, this brad nailer enables our users to sink 5/8” – 1-½” brad nails to the proper depth in both hard and soft materials while leaving clean, consistent nail holes.
Because of the compact design, our M12 FUEL™ 18 Gauge Compact Brad Nailer delivers the most access of any cordless brad nailer in the lightest weight design at only 4.6lbs when paired with our M12 REDLITHIUM™ 2.0 battery. When paired with an M12™ CP2.0 Battery, the M12 FUEL™ 18 Gauge Compact Brad Nailer provides over 700 nail fires on a single battery charge. For additional run time, the M12 FUEL™ 18 Gauge Compact Brad Nailer is fully compatible with all Milwaukee® M12™ REDLITHIUM™ Batteries.
What we say:
The Milwaukee M12 Fuel 18 gauge compact brad nailer is, by far, the most compact and lightweight cordless 18-gauge brad nailer on the market. It also uses a nitrogen air spring mechanism, which delivers instantaneous firing when you pull the trigger. So how light is it? The 2541 weighs just 4.6 lbs with an M12 RedLithium 2.0 battery (which is capable of firing up to 700 nails on a single charge). Perfect for accessing tight spaces while maintaining power and efficiency, this tool should appeal to professionals looking to shed some weight when fastening light trim and other molding.
Price: $249
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Cordless Framing Nailers
DeWalt DCN920 20V MAX Brushless Cordless 21° Plastic Framing Nailer
What they said:
Complete a wide variety of framing jobs with the DEWALT 20V MAX Brushless Cordless 21° Plastic Framing Nailer / 20V MAX Brushless Cordless 30° Paper Tape Framing Nailer. Designed to help minimize downtime between shots with an innovative flywheel that stays active for 6 seconds after the trigger is released, this lightweight cordless nailer removes the need for hoses and compressors. Install up to 530 sqft of sublooring per charge and complete up to 100 ft. of wall framing per charge with this next-generation tool that delivers powerful performance in a wide range of applications.
What we say:
DeWalt eliminated the firing delay in its first and second-generation 20V cordless framing nailers. The flywheel on the DCN920 stays active for 6 seconds after releasing the trigger, keeping the tool ready for the next nail without requiring the tool to spin back up. On a single 5Ah battery, you can install up to 530 sqft of subflooring (that’s over sixteen 3/4-inch OSB subfloor panels). The same battery can also help you frame 100 feet of walls. We’re pretty excited to see the continuing innovation DeWalt is putting into its cordless nailers.
Price: $479
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Duplex Framing Nailers
Milwaukee 2844-21 M18 FUEL™ Duplex Nailer
What they said:
Our M18 FUEL™ Duplex Nailer revolutionizes the assembly of concrete formwork by increasing productivity and optimizing ergonomics. By leveraging our nitrogen air spring technology, POWERSTATE™ Brushless motor, and REDLINK™ Intelligence, this nailer delivers the performance to seat nails into all wooden formwork materials at firing rates of up to 4 nails per second. Our M18 FUEL™ Duplex Nailer provides our users with a 7X Increase in productivity and a drastic reduction in muscle effort compared to driving nails with a hammer.
This nailer is equipped with user-driven features including tool-free jam clearance and depth of drive adjustment to minimize downtime on the job. Our cordless nailer is designed for compatibility with our Collated Duplex Nails (sold separately), available in two sizes: 8D (2 ¼” drivable length) & 16D (3” drivable length). When paired with our M18™ REDLITHIUM™ 5.0AH Battery pack, this nailer gives users the ability to sink up to 800 nails per charge. Our M18 FUEL™ Duplex Nailer joins the M18™ System of over 200 solutions and is compatible with all M18™ REDLITHIUM™ batteries.
What we say:
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Duplex Nailer can truly speed up concrete formwork assembly. The 2844 nailer uses advanced nitrogen air spring technology to fire instantaneously and replicate the feel and performance of a pneumatic nailer—firing up to 4 nails per second. It includes familiar features like tool-free jam clearing and manual tool-free depth adjustment. You can fire up to 800 proprietary Milwaukee 8D 2-1/4″ or 16D 3″ duplex nails per charge using a single M18 RedLithium 5.0Ah battery.
Price: $649
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Roofing/Siding Nailers
DeWalt DW46RN Coil Roofing Nailer
What they said:
Asphalt roofing installation is a grueling task that challenges tools on the jobsite. This 15° Coil Roofing Nailer tackles the challenge with lightweight and robust construction that meets the demands of professionals. Whether completing a small roof repair or installing multiple squares of shingles, this tool delivers performance and function to get the job done. Beyond traditional asphalt roofing installation, this pneumatic roofing nailer provides versatility to take on vinyl siding installation using the included vinyl siding adapter (VSA).
What we say:
DeWalt’s DW46RN 15° coil roofing nailer weighs just 5.36 lbs, making it a lightweight tool with plenty of features. It includes an adjustable shingle guide and tool-free nail depth adjustment. An included vinyl siding adapter lets you switch between roofing and siding, providing the important spacing required to allow vinyl panels to slide horizontally and deal with naturally occurring expansion and contraction. This tool clearly offers professionals a well-rounded solution for a variety of applications.
Price: $249
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Cordless Roofing/Siding Nailers
Milwaukee 2909-21 M18 FUEL™ Coil Roofing Nailer
What they said:
Our M18 FUEL™ Coil Roofing Nailer delivers cordless innovation to Roofing and Exterior Contractors through optimized performance, best-in-class runtime, and unmatched versatility. This solution is designed for small roofing jobs and repairs along with the added versatility of vinyl siding installation. By leveraging our nitrogen air spring technology, POWERSTATE™ Brushless motor, and REDLINK™ Intelligence, this nailer delivers the performance to seat nails at firing rates of up to 6 nails per second.
When paired with the M18™ REDLITHIUM™ HIGH OUTPUT™ CP3.0 battery pack, this nailer sinks up to 1100 nails per charge, providing best-in-class runtime to maximize productivity. This tool features an attachable vinyl siding tip; increasing versatility to utilize the nailer for vinyl siding installation. Our cordless roofing nailer features a pivoting belt/scaffolding hook, tool-free depth of drive adjustment, dry fire lockout, and replaceable rubber wear pads. Our M18 FUEL™ Coil Roofing Nailer joins the M18™ System of over 250 solutions and is compatible with all M18™ REDLITHIUM batteries.
What we say:
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Coil Roofing Nailer is the first battery-powered roofing nailer that seems to deliver the type of performance professionals demand from this tool. It also offers the added benefit of vinyl siding installation thanks to an included attachable vinyl siding tip that allows the proper spacing for thermal expansion and contraction. With a single M18 RedLithium High Output CP3.0 battery, this nailer can sink up to 1100 nails on a single charge. You also get handy features like a pivoting belt hook, tool-free depth adjustment, and dry fire lockout. This might just be the best punch list and small repair tool to come out for roofing professionals in the past decade.
Price: $479
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Staplers
SENCO LS61H1P 18-gauge Finish Stapler
What they said:
The 18-gauge finish stapler, perfect for woodworking, cabinetry, and both internal and external trim applications. This tool is oil-less, eliminating the need for daily maintenance, and continues SENCO’s commitment to innovation, quality, and user satisfaction. The LS61H1P is competitively priced to ensure accessibility for pros and DIY users alike.
What we say:
The Senco 1/4″ crown 1-1/2″ 18-gauge finish stapler features an oil-free design, eliminating the requirement for regular oiling. You also get tool-free depth adjustment and a rear exhaust that swivels 360 degrees to get it out of your way or away from work surfaces. The tool also weighs just 3.1 lbs, making it a great fit for trim carpenters and cabinetmakers.
Price: $119
For more information, click here.