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Everything You Need To Know About Cordless Nailers
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March 24, 2015
Are you looking for a cordless nailer, stapler or screw gun? Maybe you don't like the noise or cord restrictions that come with an air compressor? While pneumatic tools will always have a place in the construction industry, several contractors and DIYers have come to adopt cordless fastening tools over their air-powered counterpart. The biggest benefit to cordless, it goes anywhere you need it to. No hoses, no compressor, no hassle - as long as you have the tool charged that is. Find out what types of cordless nail guns, staple guns, and screw fastening systems are available, when you visit the Nail Gun Network.
Cordless technology in the fastening industry is improving daily. As battery technology and tool engineering continues to enhance itself, nailers are becoming more powerful, holding a longer charge, yet building the same reputation for durability and ruggedness that pneumatic tools have earned. With cordless framing nail guns, finish nailers, carton closing staplers, and screw guns available - there are several cordless options to choose from.
Nail Guns
Cordless nailers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. From framing nailers such as the Paslode CF325Li (replaced by Paslode CF325XP), to finish and trim nailers such as the Senco Fusion, contractors and DIYer's have come to love these tools for their increased versatility and quiet operation. One big thing to remember if you are considering a cordless nailer - several models require the use of a fuel cell in addition to a battery pack. A fuel cell is a small canister of compressed gas that releases energy in conjunction with the tool's trigger being fired. This is especially necessary in larger nailers that require more energy to fire. Taking it one step further, keep in mind that one size doesn't fit all when talking about fuel cells. Each manufacturer will specify the correct fuel cell for their tool. Smaller finish and trim nailers, such as the Senco Fusion line, do not require fuel cells since they do not require as much energy to sink a nail to its proper depth.
Spoiler Alert: Grex has announced the launch of an all-new 18 gauge cordless brad nailer, powered by battery and long-life fuel cell. This tool is lightweight and nimble - we anticipate it to be extremely competitive with other similar models currently on the market. Expect an official release sometime in 2015.
Staple Guns
Cordless staple guns are growing in popularity, but are not as common as their not-so-distant relative, the nail gun. Bostitch recently released three new cordless carton closing staplers, the DSW-3522, the DSW-3519 and the DSC-3219. These cordless staplers run on a 12 volt lithium-ion battery, capable of securing 800 staples per 45 minute charge. In general, these Bostitch tools are particularly useful in high-production packing and shipping facilities. For those looking to avoid a power supply completely, there are also several manually operated models.
Screw Guns
Quite possibly the most popular cordless option of the three types of fastening tools we've covered, cordless screw gun sales are growing at a rapid pace. In particular, Senco's DuraSpin cordless screw system(s) are among the most recognized collated screw guns in the industry. Senco DuraSpin cordless models are powered by the same 18 volt battery pack that can be found on the Senco Fusion, designed to drive between 500 and 700 collated DuraSpin screws per charge. Simpson Strong-Tie also recently partnered with Fein, to release the first cordless screw gun motor for their Quik Drive auto-feed screw system. The Fein motor is compatible with all Quik Drive auto-feed attachments.
In wrapping things up, it's only fair to cover the counterpoints in going cordless too. The biggest downside to cordless - the cost. Plan to spend anywhere from $100 to $300 more for a cordless nailer, stapler or screw gun, over the cost of its pneumatic or electric counterpart. If you are only using cordless tools, part of this cost can be offset by eliminating the need for an air compressor. The other point to consider before switching to cordless, be sure to plan for enough battery charge to keep your tool running throughout the duration of your project. Keep a car charger or spare battery on hand for larger projects, especially if you are planning to use the cordless tool for extended periods of time. If required, keep an extra fuel cell handy too.
All that's left to decide, are you ready to cut the cord?
~ The Nail Gun Depot Team