Today, I will be comparing two popular nail guns, the DeWalt and the Milwaukee. The DeWalt kit has a 2 Amp Hour battery, charger, and bag, while the Milwaukee is a bare tool.
The DeWalt nail gun uses a flywheel system and can easily shoot up to 2-inch nails. It has an easy jam-clearing mechanism and comes with three tips, two of which can be stored on the side.
The adjustment depth is located on the side, and there is a selector switch for bump fire or single shot on the bottom. The DeWalt also has two LED lights and a metal clip for hanging off your belt.
On the other hand, the Milwaukee M18 18 gauge nail gun shoots the same length nails as the DeWalt, up to an inch and an eighth.
It has a similar magazine and jam-clearing mechanism, with the same amount of tips and a depth adjustment wheel.
However, the Milwaukee has more of a compressed air chamber inside and is, therefore, quieter than the DeWalt. It is also slightly heavier.
Key Takeaways
- DeWalt and Milwaukee nail guns are great options with unique features.
- The DeWalt uses a flywheel system and has two LED lights, while the Milwaukee has a compressed air chamber and is quieter.
- The decision between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the platform you are on.
DeWalt Nailer Overview
Flywheel System
The DeWalt nailer operates on a flywheel system and can shoot nails up to two inches in length. It also has a jam clearing mechanism that is easy to use by simply pulling the nose open.
Nail Size Capability
This nail gun can shoot nails up to two and an eighth inches, but the standard size is two inches. It comes with three tips and has two storage areas on the side for extra tips.
Jam Clearing Mechanism
The jam clearing mechanism of this nailer is simple and efficient. The nose can be easily opened to clear any jammed nails.
Extra Tips and Storage
The DeWalt nailer comes with three tips and has two storage areas on the side for extra tips.
Depth Adjustment
This nailer has a depth adjustment wheel on the side for easy adjustment of nail depth.
Firing Modes
The DeWalt nailer has a selector switch on the bottom for both bump fire and single shot firing modes.
LED Lights
This nailer has two LED lights that are activated as soon as the battery is inserted and the trigger is pressed.
Safety Considerations
It is important to ensure that the trigger is not held down while carrying the nailer around for safety reasons.
Belt Clip and Ergonomics
The DeWalt nailer comes with a metal clip for hanging off a belt and has a good rubber over-mold for comfortable grip.
Jam Clearing Button
This nailer has a jam clearing button located at the top to reset the flywheel if it gets jammed.
Overall, the DeWalt nailer is a great tool with efficient jam clearing, depth adjustment, and multiple firing modes. The LED lights and metal clip add to its convenience and safety features.
- 100% battery power of the cordless brand nailer eliminates need for compressor, hose or costly gas cartridges
- Micro nose of the battery brad nailer improves line of sight and accuracy of nail placement (Compared to DEWALT DC608)
- Tool-free jam release to quickly and easily clear nail jams
Milwaukee Nailer Features
M18 18 Gauge Specification
The Milwaukee M18 18 gauge nail gun shoots nails up to an inch and an eighth in length, making it suitable for most nailing tasks. It has a magazine that can hold up to 100 nails.
Jam Clearing and Tips
The nail gun has a jam clearing mechanism that is similar to that of the DeWalt nail gun. It also comes with three tips, one on the front and two stored on the side.
Depth Adjustment
The depth of adjustment wheel is located in the same position as the DeWalt nail gun. It is easy to use and allows for precision nailing.
Belt Clip Versatility
The Milwaukee nail gun has a metal clip that can be attached to either the left or right-hand side, providing versatility for users.
Power and Mode Selection
To turn on the nail gun, hold down the power button. It has a mode selector that allows for both single shot and bump fire modes.
Compressed Air Technology
One of the biggest differences between the Milwaukee and DeWalt nail guns is the compressed air chamber inside the Milwaukee nail gun. This technology makes the nail gun quieter than the DeWalt nail gun.
Noise Level Comparison
The Milwaukee nail gun is quieter than the DeWalt nail gun, making it a more suitable option for those who work in noise-sensitive environments.
Weight Consideration
The Milwaukee nail gun is slightly heavier than the DeWalt nail gun, which may be a consideration for users who plan to use the nail gun for extended periods of time.
Overall, both the DeWalt and Milwaukee nail guns are excellent options for users.
The choice between the two largely depends on the user’s personal preference and the platform they are already invested in.
- This cordless finish nailer that is 100% battery powered eliminates need for a compressor, hose or costly gas cartridges
- Brushless motor of the 16 gauge finish nailer maximizes runtime and durability
Performance Comparison
Nail Hole Size and Quality
Both the DeWalt and Milwaukee nail guns shoot up to 2 and 1/8 inches, but in reality, 2 inches is the largest nail you will likely use. The DeWalt nail gun has a flywheel system inside, and it leaves a very nice hole that is easy to fill. The Milwaukee nail gun, on the other hand, has a compressed air chamber inside, which makes it quieter than the DeWalt. However, the hole size and quality are pretty much the same for both nail guns.
Shooting Speed and Sound
The DeWalt nail gun has a selector switch on the bottom for bump fire or single shot, which allows you to hold down the trigger and shoot nails one after the other. It also has two LED lights that turn on as soon as you press the button, making it easy to see where you are shooting. The Milwaukee nail gun has a mode selector between single shot and bump fire, and you have to hold down the power button to turn it on. It is quieter than the DeWalt, but it has a little bit of recoil. Overall, both nail guns shoot nails at a similar speed and make a similar sound.
In conclusion, both the DeWalt and Milwaukee nail guns are great tools, and they both have warranties behind them. The main difference between them is the platform you are on and the tools you prefer to buy. If you are mostly on DeWalt, then the DeWalt nail gun is a great option for you. However, if you prefer Milwaukee tools, then the Milwaukee nail gun is a good choice. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
Conclusion
Kit versus Bare Tool
In this comparison between DeWalt and Milwaukee, we have seen that DeWalt offers a kit that includes a 2 Amp Hour battery, a charger, and a bag, while Milwaukee offers a bare tool. So, if you already have Milwaukee batteries and charger, it might make sense to go with the bare tool, but if you don’t, then the DeWalt kit is a better choice.
Warranty and Reliability
Both DeWalt and Milwaukee offer warranties for their nail guns. However, the reliability of these tools is also an important factor to consider. Based on the comparison, both guns have flawless nail holes and sink nails equally well, making them reliable options.
Personal Platform Preference
When it comes to choosing between DeWalt and Milwaukee, personal platform preference plays a big role. If you are already invested in one platform, it might make sense to stick with that brand. However, if you are just starting out, it might be a good idea to try both brands and see which one you prefer.
Weight and Handling
In terms of weight and handling, the DeWalt nail gun feels lighter than the Milwaukee, making it a better option for those who will be using it for extended periods of time. However, the Milwaukee is still a great option, especially if you prefer its platform.
Size Comparison
Both DeWalt and Milwaukee nail guns are similar in size, with the Milwaukee being slightly narrower on the top. However, in terms of height, they are pretty much the same.
Final Recommendations
Overall, both DeWalt and Milwaukee nail guns are great options. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and platform choice. If you are already invested in one platform, it might make sense to stick with that brand. However, if you are just starting out, it might be a good idea to try both brands and see which one you prefer.
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