We got some great news today from Milwaukee — they are officially announcing a new lineup of M18 FUEL Brushless Finish Nailers!
Over the last couple months, there are have been rumors and leaked-pictures of M18 Nailers (mostly from non-US sources) — but sadly at the time, there was no confirmation of sizes, availability, or even that they existed officially. As with any tool manufacturer, Milwaukee does “field trials” of potential tools prior to moving forward on any new tool, which sometimes can be years in the making. The leaked pictures that you may have seen were from those — pro’s in the field using prototypes in order to give them “real world” feedback, in order to make adjustments and create the best tools possible.
Well it appears that the trials were successful, and they are moving full steam ahead! Today the confirmed that 4 new models will be released in May 2016! Rather than holding off until the yearly New Product Symposium in June — you are getting a first-hand sneak peak at them now! The 4 confirmed new models are :
Model # 2743-20 – 15 GA Angled Finish Nailer
- 1-1/4″ – 2-1/2″ Nail Length Range
- 110 Nail Magazine Capacity
- Brushless Motor
- 700 Nails per charge (2.0ah battery)
- Dry Fire Lockout
- Single Shot and Bump-Fire Modes
- Belt Hook
- LED Light
Model # 2740-20 – 18 GA Brad Nailer
- 5/8″ – 2-1/8″ Nail Length Range
- 110 Nail Magazine Capacity
- Brushless Motor
- 1,200 Nails per charge (2.0ah battery)
- Dry Fire Lockout
- Single Shot and Bump-Fire Modes
- Belt Hook
- LED Light
Model # 2741-20 – 16 GA Straight Finish Nailer
- 3/4″ – 2-1/2″ Nail Length Range
- 110 Nail Magazine Capacity
- Brushless Motor
- 800 Nails per charge (2.0ah battery)
- Dry Fire Lockout
- Single Shot and Bump-Fire Modes
- Belt Hook
- LED Light
Model # 2743-20 – 16 GA Angled Finish Nailer
- 1-1/4″ – 2-1/2″ Nail Length Range
- 110 Nail Magazine Capacity
- Brushless Motor
- 800 Nails per charge (2.0ah battery)
- Dry Fire Lockout
- Single Shot and Bump-Fire Modes
- Belt Hook
- LED Light
All 4 nailers listed have the option of being sold as a “bare tool” (with the “-20” product number) — or as a kit with one 2.0ah Battery, charger, and case (replace with “-21CT” product number).
Right off the bat, the first thing that is very noticeable is how sleek they are. Judging from the size of the grip compared to the motor housing, these are going to be the slimmest and most lightweight cordless nailers on the market. In fact, if you compare the standard M18 grip size to a drill for example — these are roughly the same size! Looking at other cordless nailers on the market that have similar specs — the M18 FUEL nailers will be a lot more maneuverable.
Having the option of angled and straight finish nailers at the same time is going to be a big plus also. Many people hate straight nailers, and just as many hate angled — this wont force anyone into getting a design that they dont like. Along with that, they are using standard nail sizes that everyone already uses…..whether that is 18ga, 16ga, or 15ga.
We would HIGHLY EXPECT to see a crown stapler coming soon behind these —- and hopefully a pin nailer! No one makes a cordless version (yet) and that is definitely needed!
Previously we have done full video reviews (with runtime testing) on the competition — Ryobi Airstrike Brad Nailer, Ryobi Airstrike Finish Nailer, RIDGID Hyperdrive Nailers, and the Dewalt DCN660 Brushless Nailer. It will be exciting to see how these perform side-by-side against those!
Check out the slideshow below to see everything we have been able to find about them so far!
