Milwaukee M18 Fuel 30 Degree Framing Nailer Review
As part of The Home Depot’s ProSpective program this quarter, I got to check out the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 3 1/2” 30 Degree Framing Nailer, model # 2745-20
More info on the light here at Home Depot:
http://homedepot.sjv.io/c/1285960/1208524/8154
Quick Overview
M18 Battery Platform
Nitrogen Spring Firing Mechanism
POWERSTATE Brushless Motor
Zero ramp-up time(instant fire)
Nail Sizes 2”-3 1/2”
Nail diameter: 0.113 in. – 0.131 in
Electronic on/off power button and mode selector between sequential or contact actuation firing mode
Both a Belt & Rafter Hook
LED Light
No-mar tip included as well as on-tool hex key storage
Extended Magazine Available
9.4 lbs. Bare Tool
If I had to guess the most requested tool ever for Milwaukee, it would be the battery powered framing nailer. It’s been out for a while now and I was stoked to finally get my hands on it. All that time Milwaukee spent before releasing a framing nailer, I think they were just taking their time to perfect it. Will it replace a pneumatic nailer though? Do you need or want one? Let’s dive in.
First off, let’s take a look at some of the specifications. This is the 30 degree model and will shoot 30-34 degree nails with a diameter between 0.113 in. – 0.131 in. 2”-3 1/2” long. Clipped or full offset head nails. It’s worth mentioning Milwaukee also released a 21 degree model at the same time. Which version you need can actually vary depending on your local building codes and what nails they want you to use, so that’s something to look into before purchasing a framing nailer. In my area we can use either one, but the 30 degree nails are more easily accessible here so that’s what we’ve always used. Besides the nails and at what angle the gun shoots, all the other features on the 2 guns are the same, so regardless of which one you’re needing, the rest of the article will still apply.
Now let’s just get to really the only complaint I’ve heard about the nailer since it was released and my thoughts on it. The pneumatic nailer I’m used to using is spec’d at 8.4 lbs. Depending which battery you’re using on this, it could be roughly 11 lbs, give or take some ounces. So it is heavier, and yes it’s noticeable. But I think you really have to consider everything to determine if that’s a deal breaker.
Weight can be very subjective to begin with because to be frank, some people are stronger than others. For my uses, I’m loving it. No more breaking my back loading and unloading a heavy air compressor. You also have to consider the weight and resistance of an air hose dragging behind you, which isn’t included in the spec’d weight of a nail gun. Not to mention constantly getting caught on stuff. I will say, the Milwaukee nailer is balanced really well too, so there’s not a ton of strain on your wrist trying to hold it where you want.
This right here is one of the biggest wins for Milwaukee compared to other battery or gas fired nailers on the market. Up until now, a huge drawback of these nailers compared to pneumatic was the capacity of nails it’ll hold. Milwaukee offers an extended capacity magazine, model # 48-08-2745. This allows the tool to hold 2 full strips/105 nails. The magazines are easily swapped out by removing 3 bolts using the supplied hex wrench that’s stored on the tool. If you need the extra capacity, this allows you to be more productive with less down-time reloading. This is a big plus for me, and a great option to have.
The nailer features a nice and robust rafter hook on the right side of the tool. Easily fits on 2x material or a ladder rung and is great for any up-high work. Folds out of the way when not needed and seems to be quite durable.
Electronic on/off and single or contact(bump) mode selector near the back of the handle. Have to press and hold the buttons for a second which helps prevent from any accidental firings with the nailer turning on by just getting bumped.
I’ve had more aggressive nose spurs, and I’ve used worse. I’d call the tip on the Milwaukee, medium. No problems really with the gun slipping when trying to toe nail. A no-mar tip is included as well if you need to protect your material from damage.
Drive depth adjustment right near the tip of the gun. Super smooth and easy to adjust.
LED light near the base of the tool on the front. Another feature you’re not going to get with a pneumatic or gas nailer. Can definitely be useful when working indoors. I was actually just doing some work up in an attic and it was a really nice feature to have in the low light.
A belt hook on the left side to pair with the rafter hook on the other.
I just couldn’t complete this overview without doing the rapid fire test to really check the consistency and power. 3” ring shank nails into a scrap 4x4 post. Had no problem whatsoever and fired as fast as I could move the gun in bump fire mode. Every single nail fully set. They were actually over set and in real life I’d want to dial the depth adjustment back.
In Summary
The power is there. The runtime is there(up to 700 nails with a XC5.0 battery). The fire rate is there and on par with a pneumatic. Don’t have to worry about buying and keeping gas cartridges on hand. It’s a bit heavier no doubt, but that’s an area you have to measure the pros and cons.
For me, I have been very impressed with it. I’m not a production framer throwing tract homes up as fast as I can, although I do know some and quite a few are on the Milwaukee nailer train. I have a couple custom home builds under my belt but my primary use is more in a remodel situation, framing up a basement, building garages, and stuff like that.
The freedom is what I like most. Being able to move around freely without being tied to a hose is great. Something I haven’t heard mentioned enough is the safety factor as well. Up on a roof nailing off sheathing, a lot can go wrong trying to manage and roll over an air hose. I legitimately see a cordless jobsite in future and this is one step closer for me.
Check the M18 30 Degree Framing Nailer out here at Home Depot!
http://homedepot.sjv.io/c/1285960/1208524/8154
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