The cordless tools boom over the last years has really been incredible. It seems that both DIY'ers and professionals alike have entirely turned to rechargeable battery technology. The trend is so dominating that corded tools can soon become a thing of history.
For this reason, I’m here today to talk about a battery-powered framing nailer. As cordless nailers are not exactly a new thing and have been out for a couple of years, there is an array of units worth giving a try. Dewalt 20V framing nailer is one of them.
Is the Dewalt framing nailer worth the money? Does it have enough power to drive a nail? How does it perform?
You are about to find out all the answers in the Dewalt 20V framing nailer review that follows.
Dewalt 20V Framing Nailer Features
Cordless nail guns do not require air compressors, fuel cylinders, or oil; there are no restricting cables either- all you need are a rechargeable battery and some good old nails. Other types of framing nailers have their advantages too.
Pneumatic nailers are famous for their speed while gas ones are deemed reliable; however, battery-operated ones are undoubtedly the most portable and easy to use. Their only drawback might be that they are a bit slower, but nothing beats their convenience.
Cordless nail guns do not require air compressors, fuel cylinders, or oil; there are no restricting cables either- all you need are a rechargeable battery and some good old nails. Other types of framing nailers have their advantages too.
Pneumatic nailers are famous for their speed while gas ones are deemed reliable; however, battery-operated ones are undoubtedly the most portable and easy to use. Their only drawback might be that they are a bit slower, but nothing beats their convenience.
The Dewalt 20V framing nailer (model DCN21PLM1) brings about all the advantages of the cordless framing nailers. First of all, it does not require air nor gas cartridges as its 20V battery is quite sufficient to drive nails up to 3-1/4″ long in a wide range of materials. This 21° nailer is powerful, and you can see it right off.
Source: toolsinaction.com
Packaging
The package contains the nailer, the charger and a 4 Ah battery. You receive a practical bag to store the unit too although a hard case might have been a better option for protection.
Size and Weight
This tool is a bit heavier than the average air-powered, pneumatic nailer - it weighs 8.5 lbs. It is, nonetheless, easy to manage and not too bulky (13.25 Inches long and 16.5 inches high).
Capacity
This Dewalt cordless nailer has an aluminum magazine that can hold up to 49 plastic collated nails. It can manage nails from 2 to 3-1/4″ with a diameter of 0.113″ to 0.148″. The pusher latch is easy to operate.
Motor
This model of Dewalt nailer features a brushless motor. It has proven to be not only highly efficient but also able to run for long. The dual-speed motor is very versatile as well as it is optimized to drive a wide range of fasteners.
Grip
source: toolsinaction.com
Dewalt 20V has a typical grip and if you have used their tools before you are likely to be able to assume what to expect. It is an over-molded, quite soft, and comfortable rubber grip.
Settings
First of all, there is a control twist nob located on the front of the nailer that allows you to adjust the depth of fire. In case of the nail jams, you will have to use a hex key to open the front of this tool and take it out, and that can sometimes represent a nuisance, especially if you are prone to forgetting where you have placed your tools.
Second, you have the settings on the base of the nailer that enables you to alternate between bump and sequential fire according to your current preference. For this, you will not require any additional tools.
The speed selector is located in this section as well - the lower speed should be used for nails of up to 3”, while higher speed mode is reserved for 3-1/4″ nails. When working with harder materials you can increase the speed to increase power, but in any other case stick to the lower speed to get the most out of battery life.
Additional features
- The built-in rafter hook that can be easily tucked away when you are not using it.
- Stall release lever that enables you to reset the driver blade in the event of a jam.
Warranty
Besides the three-year limited warranty that guarantees a free repair of any defects that occur due to faulty materials or workmanship, Dewalt tools are covered by a one-year free service contract that obliges the company to maintain the tool and replace worn parts caused by normal use free of charge during the first year after purchase.
The 90-Day Money Back Guarantee, on the other hand, enables you to change your mind if you are not entirely satisfied with the Dewalt 20V nailer performance. You can return the tool and receive a full refund – no questions asked.
Dewalt 20V Framing Nailer Performance
The performance is highly satisfying, especially considering the fact that Dewalt 20V nailer is a cordless tool. The results are very consistent even when you run multiple nails in a row. You can also adjust the depth of the nail quite precisely.
The speed can be a bit disappointing, especially for those of you who have gotten used to the compressor-powered nailer. The sequential fire mode is notably slower than the bump fire mode as the motor needs to spool up the flywheel prior to every shot.
Runtime is quite satisfactory. In fact, you can get as much as 500 shots out of single charge. Jamming is rare.
It is an ideal tool for framing projects in your home, but professionals can find it highly useful for occasional projects too. Pros that use the framing nailer for most of their work might find the compressor nail gun more suitable due to the higher speed and lighter weight.
Dewalt 20V Framing Nailer Value for Money
Although Dewalt 20V framing nailer might seem expensive at first glance, especially in comparison to some pneumatic counterparts, but if you consider all you get for the money spent, it is really not so.
First of all, there are no additional costs - you receive both the battery and the charger to use the nailer right out of the box. The freedom of movement is also an advantage worth paying a few extra dollars for.
Conclusion
The Dewalt 20V framing nailer is a highly efficient and convenient tool worth owning. It can make your life much easier as it frees you from restricting cables.
It will rarely cause any problems as it is both easy to manage and reliable.
Is it perfect though? Of course not, no tool is.
There are two prevailing issues - the weight and the higher cost per shot. I would say that it is more compatible with an occasional user than a professional framer that require it to operate all day long.
Is it worth buying? Yes, if it corresponds to your needs and you are the only one who can be a judge of that.
