In 2019 Milwaukee introduced their new upgraded model of 18-gauge cordless farming nailer known as the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Gauge Brad Nailer. In today’s market, battery-powered nailers are not so new anymore. And they have been getting some remarkable features.
Even two to three years ago, I did not have much of a good impression of a battery-powered cordless nailer. The reason behind that was their heavyweight, bulky construction and they were not able to generate enough power to do toe-nailing penetration.
However, this new model of cordless battery-powered nailer from Milwaukee completely changed my idea. I will explain why. So, here’s Milwaukee cordless framing nailer review.
My First Impression
On my first impression of using this new nailer from Milwaukee, I was completely blown away by the speed of its nailing process. This brad nailer can install fasteners with consistent and clean nail holes. If you have experience with the previous versions of the nailer from this brand, then the first difference you will notice in its performance is how smooth it runs.
You will also feel the reduced weight, recoil, and most notably, the improved quality of the fastener’s hole size. Milwaukee also has been able to decrease the weight and narrowed forepart of the machine. These changes have improved the line-of-sight of the work surface and will also enable you to have better access in any tight spots.
Key Feature of the M18 Fuel Gauge Brad Nailer
Milwaukee has brought some remarkable changes to their new model of a brad nailer. In this section, we will have a broad discussion about those. So, without further ado, let’s get started:
- Extra Powerful and Much Lower Tank PSI
Yeah, the previous Gen 1 nailer had also good power but, you would have to deal with too much recoil. To solve this issue, Milwaukee did a brilliant job by reducing the energy output and, you do not have to deal with much wear and tear on your tool. Also, there is no excess jumping off the material and much less recoil. Isn’t that great?
Gen 2 comes with an inner cylinder that has a nitrogen air spring mechanism and an outer cylinder. Nitrogen is filled in-between the two cylinders to a fixed PSI. I must admire Milwaukee for using nitrogen instead of air. Now you will not have to worry about any condensation and corrosion on its tank.
- Moved Depth Adjustment
A big problem with the Gen 1 was its depth adjustment used to interfere with the user line of vision. This time Milwaukee decides to move the depth adjustment from the left side to the right side also, they have recessed it. Now you have an improved line-of-sight to near about 85 percent.
As they have recessed the depth adjustment knob so, it has improved the line of the side on the right side. Gen 1 had a bulky nose which used to create a lot of problems for the user to get into corners. They have also decreased the size and weight of this model, so now it’s more compact, lighter, improved line-of-sight, and provides more accessibility. Milwaukee also advanced the tow-nailing ability.
- Improved Accuracy
Milwaukee did an excellent job in improving the contact bracket. They have reduced wobble and developed the fastener’s placement accuracy. I was truly impressed with the improved accuracy.
- Improved Contact Tips
You will get three interchangeable contact tips with the Gen 2 model. These are stored in the magazine of the tool. You will have a general-purpose tool, a small tip (perfect for small profiles), Wingtip (perfect for softwoods).
- Angled Battery
They did a clever job with the battery placement. Milwaukee placed the battery in an angled position so that the tool can sit on its magazine and battery pack.
- Relocated Belt Hook
Milwaukee relocated the belt hook to the front bottom portion. It’s been placed near the battery placement area of the tool and also enlarged to give you a good balance. Operating the tool feels a lot easier and more comfortable now.
- Increased Runtime
Milwaukee made an incredible discovery by finding out that if they reduce the PSI in-cylinder tank of the tool, it drew less energy from the 2.0 Ah battery, and that delivered an increased runtime.
- Thermal Overload Protection
Milwaukee learned some good lessons from their Gen 1. And one of them is about thermal protection controls. When fired at a fast rate consistently, Gen 1 used to hit the thermal protection at a rate of 100-150 nails. On the other hand, the Gen 2 will not hit thermal protection as long as the rate of fire stays between 700-2000 continuous nails.
- Power Switch
You will find the power tool on the lower area of the tool’s handle. You will have to keep it pressed for 2 seconds to turn on the tool. Gen 1 required the user to hold the power switch for at least 5-7 seconds to turn it off. But the Gen 2 requires you to press the switch just for 2 seconds to turn it off.
Next Read: Best Cordless nail gun for any DIYers or any professional.
What Didn’t I Like About Milwaukee Cordless Framing Nailer
There’s not much to mention that I found bad on this tool, to be honest. The only room for improvement I see is in its weight and size. Yeah, it’s much better than the Gen 1 but, still, they can make some more improvement. When holding the tool, it felt heavier like all other battery-powered nailers.
Final Verdict
Having a battery-powered cordless brad nailer can be a real blessing. It does not require any cable and electric power source to run, so; you can operate it almost anywhere you want.
But before purchasing one, just make sure it’s powerful and has a good weight balance. This will make things easier for you. If you can deal with comparatively a bit heavier weight and less power then, getting a cordless framing nailer would be a great choice.
After reading our Milwaukee cordless framing nailer review, I hope you realize this is one of the best cordless framing nailers available in the market.