Ken wrote in, asking when Dewalt would get a move on with their 20V Max cordless nailer lineup.
Actually… they do have a 20V Max brushless finish nailer in the works and nearing release. I briefly discussed it in my recent Dewalt 20V Max preview post, after having a chance to demo that and other new and upcoming tools at a recent media event.
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Ken asked:
Could you do an article on what is taking so long for Dewalt to come out with cordless brad and finish nailers for their 20V Max line?
I have all 20V max tools but may be forced to buy another brand for these cordless nailers. I would hate to have to carry another set of batteries and chargers to the jobsite.
Okay, so right now there’s Dewalt’s 20V brushless framing nailer, and the new DCN660 finish nailer. But what about a brad nailer? Extending Ken’s question, where’s the pin nailer and stapler?
Here’s the thing… cordless nailers are big. I haven’t received a DCN660 finish nailer for testing, and I didn’t remember to compare it directly against an air nailer at the media event. But as soon as I saw, handled, and tested the nailer at the event, I felt it to be a little bulkier than the finish nailers I’m used to. Maybe my senses deceived me.
I’m thinking that Dewalt hasn’t come out with a cordless or brushless 20V Max brad nailer, pin nailer, or stapler because they cannot get the tool’s sizes or ergonomics just right. There’s more to cram inside the tool, and if the size and balance is off, pros are not going to be happy.
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Would you rather work with the hassle of an air compressor and air hose, or an under-performing or otherwise lacking cordless nailer?
Or maybe the cost is a hurdle, but I don’t think that would be it. As mentioned in my other Dewalt preview post, they’ve got a whole new line of air nailers on the way. I think that there would have been a strong incentive to offer an expanded selection of cordless nailers side by side the air nailers. They did show off their brushless finish nailer alongside the air nailers, but nothing smaller.
Makes sense, right? The are either engineering or strategic reasons for a lack of 20V Max cordless nailers. There could be both, but I think that, strategically, there’s strong motivation for Dewalt to come out with such tools as quickly as possible.
Makita has come out with an 18V cordless brad nailer that they say provides “air-like” performance. But look at the size of the thing.
Ryobi has been expanding their line of 18V “Aistrike” cordless nailers, and Ridgid has come out with their Hyperdrive brushless nailers. There’s also the Senco Fusion line.
It’s possible to engineer smaller cordless nailers, either with self-contained air power, or brushless electric motors. But they’re larger than air nailers.
With larger sized nailers, users might be more forgiving of added size and bulk, in favor of the cordless vs. pneumatic convenience. But the performance also has to be there. With smaller nailer styles, size or performance differences are probably going to be more noticeable. What would you notice more – 20 ounces added to your compact cordless drill, or 20 ounces added to your cordless rotary hammer?
Would you rather Dewalt came out with whatever they can, now, or properly develop the best tool they can? Ideally, they would come out with the best tool possible right now, but it doesn’t look like that’s happening.
I’ll update the post if/when I learn anything from Dewalt. With questions and topics like this, there’s a limit as to what they could share.
There are certain tools that Dewalt isn’t interested in coming out with. Engineers and product managers have been pretty clear about these things in the past. But with cordless nailers, I don’t think they’re holding back on smaller sizes because they want to. They’re simply waiting until they can come out with winning designs.
The Dewalt cordless miter saw is a good example of this. We saw evidence of a prototype in one of their promo YouTube videos years ago, and speculations popped up every so often since then. Finally, a couple of months ago, it became a reality, and it was worth the wait.
If you need a small gauge nailer now, it might not be worth waiting around for Dewalt. If smaller nailers are on their roadmap, it might be months if not years before we see them. I have a feeling that we’ll see new smaller sized Dewalt cordless nailers within the next 2 years, but that’s just what my gut – and no credible information – is telling me.
Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on how much you want a smaller cordless nailer right now, this is one case where I don’t think Dewalt is simply saying “our users don’t want this.” I think they’re taking the time to do it right.
Chance
I am on both sides of the fence.
I want the best tool possible, but not having the tool at the moment doesn’t help my productivity. I had an older Senco cordless nailer that crapped out and I have been waiting patiently for the new DeWalt DCN660 to be released, but last my sources told me was an October release date and I couldn’t wait, so I bought another Senco.
Even if Dewalt released their 16 ga nailer tomorrow, what good is it? I need an 18 ga AND a 16/15 ga nailer to install trim.
Some tools like the DeWalt cordless miter saw were worth the wait, granted I got one early to prototype, but waiting for these cordless nailers has gotten ridiculous and has pushed my choice back to Senco.
Some of the other cordless tools DeWalt is working on surprises me, especially when their is not a complete line of nailers which should be top priority, at least in my book.
Travis C
I too have been baffled by this. They have the 18v 16ga/18ga nailers that people loved, althought are bulky. I have been using mine for years with little to no problems! Why not just change the batter hookup and sell it in 20v as well. It is a tried and true product that people like and want. Then they can still develope the brushless, lighter, and smaller updates. This seems like the best way to go about things.
They need to quite dragging their feet.
Ps – I also bought the 20v miter saw bare tool. Love it.
Travis C
I forgot about the 15ga 18v nailer. I haven’t used this one but I am sure the quality is on par with their others. Include this one in my opinion above.
Greg
Travis,
The older 18v nailers are HUGE compared to what is in the market for cordless nailers now. Put one of them along side an air strike and you’ll be shocked how big it is. I think dewalt would take a pounding of criticism for putting out a gigantic air nailer that is sub par to any of the competition.
I own the 20v cordless framer and it’s a staple in my truck. I also own all the air strikes and keep at least one trim nailer on the van at all times. When dewalt does come out with a smaller nailer I’m sure I will get it and bill it to one of my jobs. But in the mean time I’ll keep with my Ryobi and keep my production up.
Travis
I agree Greg. If they released it now, they would catch flack. I was more insinuating that they should have released them soon after they went over to the 20v line. That way there was a product out there and they could build a smaller brush-less improvement. Can’t wait to try out the new trim gun myself.
Bob Lee
I’d be interested in an air driven Dewalt 23ga pin nailer, but I haven’t seen anything on this. Don’t know why they would leave out the 23ga air nailer in their new lineup .
Aaron
At work we use the 18v makita 23gauge nailer it works good, it would be nice to get a dewalt one though so 8 don’t have to carry around makita charger and battery just for one tool. It gets the job done though better than carrying a compressor and airhise
fred
I have several Makita 18V tools – but have not yet seen the Makita 18V cordless 23ga. pin nailer – and it seems to be only available via Canadian or UK sources so far. I’ve been using pneumatics in this size range – a Grex 23ga and a Cadex 21ga- but would love to try a cordless to get rid of the hose. Now that I’m retired – working out of home shops – my wife has become sensitive to noisy machinery and is not a fan of the compressor cycling – somehow finding it more annoying than many other power tools. When I worked for a living, we had several Paslode impulse 18ga “cordless” brad nailers – but I never loved them or their smell.
Skippy_chippy
A bloke at work imported an 18v 23g makita headless pinner from the uk down here to Australia because they weren’t available locally. It was junk. Whilst it was built ok, it seriously lacked power to sink the pins into softwood (pine) if you held it down hard it went better but ended up denting/damaging the timber with the nose of the gun. I was only fixing 12mm pine into pine joists. Think it was model no btp351. For what it cost him (near on $500 aud landed) you could buy a hitachi pinner and small compressor, and have no problems.
fred
Thanks for the observations. I guess I’ll stay with my Grex 650 23ga and Cadex 21ga pneumatics – which have no problem sinking pins in most of the hardwood I use (no lignum vitae for me) like maple, cherry and oak
john
I have had this nailer for around 3 weeks and it is a very good bit of kit. Accurate and a good weight.
Chance
Does it feel as big as it looks? Is it sinking 2 1/2″ in solid wood?
john
It feels a lot smaller than the previous XRP Dewalt nailer. I have only done 32mm and 50mm nailing so far I will do a bit of test nailing tomorrow.
john
Ran a few tests this afternoon. I will sink 63mm nails fully into softwood and into tulipwood and also will fix 18mm MDF and 18mm oak to softwood and tulipwood fully sunk
Solid oak it will sink a 51mm fully but a 63mm it wont.
But to be honest that’s exactly what the spec of the nailer says. 63mm into softwood and 51mm into hardwood.
Size wise its smaller than the XRP it replaces. I have some photos of them side by side but I don’t know how to post them on here. Its considerably lighter and much better balanced.
Chance
Thanks for the reply! It’s nice to know what I can expect of it if/when I get one!
john
No problem mate. Its a nice nailer, definitely better balanced than the previous model.
I think gas nailers will be phased out gradually and there will just be air and gasless.
JoeM
I’m swinging toward “They don’t want to screw this up like they did the DCT418 Radar Scanner” as the reason they haven’t released the smaller nailers.
DeWalt has been screamed at for years on the Facebook page regarding the Tacker/Nailer/Stapler thing. If you look at that Makita, it’s huge. DeWalt doesn’t want that for a SMALL stapler. They’re probably trying to do it right, AND do it within reason. In a way that won’t result in a recall that they can’t afford.
SteveR
I have nothing constructive to add about when it will or won’t be available in the marketplace. “It” is whatever is vexing you at the moment because you can’t obtain it. I will offer the advice that, given the choice of do you want it done fast or do you want it done right, a lifetime of experience tells me to opt for the second choice.
DeWalt may have teething problems with the product, or parts from suppliers haven’t been delivered or whatever. Maybe they’re re-thinking capabilities or have pushed back distribution for any number of reasons. Bottom line, it’s not ready to be sent to stores, so it’s not available yet. If you can wait, fine; then wait for it. If you have other options, or you just can’t wait, then act on that. Your life, your marriage, your children (the things in life that really matter), will not be affected by this, so don’t sweat it.
I have found that, from time to time, I wanted something and couldn’t obtain it no matter what I did. I later found that it turned out for the best; that I would have been worse off, not better. Perhaps you missed an important business flight, then hear later that the plane crashed. Or a vehicle you wanted to buy but didn’t was subject to a recall for having bad brakes. So, assume someone’s trying to tell you something, and go a different way. Count your blessings and be thankful that you dodged a bullet.
Just a little perspective on the matter.
john
The nailer is made and working. I know because I have the 18v XR UK one sitting in my van! The only reason its not on the shelves over there is a marketing reason.
Same reason you guys have the 20v Max Miter Saw and we are waiting on the 18vXR Mitre Saw!
Jeremy
I actually do lots of trim work for a living and i use senco cordless nailers. I had an old 18v 16g dewalt that was a beast in a couple of ways. Shot great and sank nails perfectly but left big holes and was the size of a volkswagon. After the move in platforms forward i went exclusive milwaukee and mainly 12v.
I bought a ryobi 18v 18g just on the off chance it would be a good tool. It wasnt. Too weak and overall what youd expect.
I bit the bullet and now use 18v, 18g and 15g senco cordless nailers and have said goodbye to hoses and compressors except when using staples. These guns have performed flawlessly to this point. Only question i have at this point is lifespan of the tool.
I would welcome a dewalt nailer in 20v since my last performed so well but for me its mostly too little too late. Now if milwaukee would expand their line and be more woodworker friendly that would be awesome. Some nail guns, a jobsite table saw, more miter saws. Thats what would be really sweet.
MHIS
When is the 16ga supposed to be released…. almost all the other tools have been.
mizzourob
It is interesting that DeWalt releases updated pneumatic tools about a year ago ( that can be found in select big blue box stores) so I wonder if that is the hold up? 20v max cordless nailers would cut into their compressor and pneumatic sales.
What I am curious is which tools Dewalt isn’t interested in coming out with. Stuart, can you elaborate more on this?
Hugh
I have the 18v 16 gauge dewalt. It’s a great cordless nailer. It’s the only one that can drive a 2 1/2 inch nail into maple/oak.
I don’t think Dewalt is as hung up on the size of the gun as long as it can preform like a pneumatic. Cordless nail guns are always going to be bigger than pneumatic because of the motor or cylinder and battery.
I like the portability of the cordless guns, I don’t mind the size or weight. I don’t miss the hose and compressor.
john
New one struggles with 63mm nails into oak. Will sink a 51mm every time but 63mm not really. Capacity of gun is 51mm hardwood, 63mm softwood.
Hugh
That is concerning that the new one isn’t as strong as the older model.
Patrick
I’m just waiting patiently. I have a pastlode cordless finish nailer that works well. Every time I need my brad I have to get the hose and compressor out. It will come out sooner or later and I’ll be the first in line to grab both the Brad and finish nailer. I have the cordless miter box and framer . Love them both. Maybe in time for Christmas. I’m not going to be impatient and buy some other cordless junk. Based on how well the framer works I will wait till the 20v finish guns cone out.
Chance
It will be out this month.
steve kostro
It’s still not out and its 2016 now!!!!
Chance
It is out and it has been for quite awhile. I have handled them and seen them on the shelf in stores.
Rankin Canada
Dewalt needs to get ahead of the game on in this area and have a chance to become renovators dream brand if they’d come out with a lineup of nailers and even a 20v flooring stapler with 1/2 and 3/4 adjustments, dragging compressors and heavy flooring staplers around a new hardwood floor gets sketchy sometimes and with hoses running everywhere it’s even worse… Another tool should be a 20v sander that uses mesh sanding pads and can be attached to a 20v dust collector… 100% wireless is the future
steve kostro
What about the 20v 18 gauge brad nailer? When is that coming out?
Luis Rios
Like many here I already invested my money elsewhere, bought the Senco Fusion Brad Nailer and Angle Finish Nailer, most of my cordless tools are Dewalt, so I have a lot of batteries and chargers, it is disappointing that you become invested in a tool line and they don’t deliver, I hate having to carry multiple chargers and batteries to one job site, I’m thinking on buying Milwaekee tools instead, if they come up with the cordless brad and finish nailer that would be the way to go, I tested a Fuel reciprocating Saw and impact driver, they feel better than Dewalt’s The saw cuts much faster and vibrates a lot less than the yellow one, the impact driver doesn’t wobble all over the place. like mine ( DeWalt), One thing I do love is their new cordless miter saw, it is Awesome , portable, affordable and a great performer.
Most finish Carpenters I know will always have a brad nailer and finish nailer, they go together, most times you will need both .
Job and Knock
I’ve been using my16ga and 18ga straight XRP brad nailers for about 8 years in trade use (I’m a carpenter), and whilst they are heavy, I got sort of used to the weight. They have been far more reliable than the two Paslode nailers they replaced, having only ever had a few sets of “rubber bungees” and a couple of drive pins over that time. The downside was always that they are a bit awkward to service – but the new DCN692 1st fix nailer seems to have resolved that issue and will be really easy to deal with. That being so I was hoping that DW would come up with replacements for my existing brad nailers – or at least a battery conversion kit to allow me to use Li-Ion batteries in the short term. I’m on my second set of batteries and these are beginning to die slowly but surely. To me going gas is no alternative (can’t stand the smell, the constant maintenance and the problems you always get with gas being out of date/cold/unavailable, etc) but neither is compressed air (not portable enough for starters). So c’mon DW, pull your finger out!
B
Is dewalt coming out with a 20v Brad nailer any time soon?
Stuart
I haven’t heard or seen anything yet, but there’s high demand I believe. I’d guess one is in development.
Chance
The 18 gauge and 15 gauge nailers are shipping in June.
Ric
Yes Dewalt has a 20v brad nailer available soon just don’t know how soon. Home depot website has listed t the DCN680D1 20v 18 ga Brad Nailer on May 1 but it is not in stock.
Link “http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-20-Volt-Max-Lithium-Ion-18-Gauge-Cordless-Brad-Nailer-Kit-DCN680D1/301354095”