Milwaukee 15ga Finish Nailer

Milwaukee has a reputation for delivering high-quality power tools, and their 15ga Finish Nailer, model 2743-20, is no exception. As someone who regularly works with finish carpentry, I was excited to test out this cordless finish nailer and see if it lived up to the hype.

Right off the bat, the convenience of a cordless system is a game-changer. No more dragging around a compressor and dealing with the hassle of air hoses. The 15ga Finish Nailer operates on Milwaukee's M18 battery system, which is compatible with a swath of other Milwaukee tools I already own. This compatibility is a significant plus, as it means fewer batteries and chargers to manage on the job site.

The tool's brushless motor provides plenty of power and efficiency. I tested it on several materials, including solid oak, and was impressed by its ability to drive 2 ½” nails without breaking a sweat. The brushless motor not only increases power but also extends the tool's runtime, which is a crucial factor when working on larger projects.

One of the standout features of this nailer is its zero ramp-up time. The moment you pull the trigger, the nail is driven into the material, making it feel as responsive as a pneumatic nailer. This immediate action is particularly useful when working on detailed finish work where precision and speed are essential.

The tool-free depth adjustment is another highlight. Adjusting the nail depth is as simple as turning a dial, allowing for quick and easy changes on the fly. This feature proved invaluable when switching between different types of wood and thicknesses. The depth control was consistently accurate, which saved me a lot of time that would have otherwise been spent on manual adjustments.

Milwaukee also incorporated an advanced electronic system to prevent overheating. During extended use, the tool remained cool to the touch, and I never experienced any performance drop-offs. This reliability is crucial for professional use, where downtime due to overheating can be costly.

The 15ga Finish Nailer is well-balanced and weighs in at 6.3 lbs. While it’s slightly heavier than some pneumatic nailers, the added weight is offset by the lack of an air hose tethering me to a compressor. The tool’s ergonomic design made it comfortable to use for extended periods, and the adjustable belt hook was a nice touch for keeping it within easy reach.

One minor issue I encountered was with the magazine capacity. With a capacity of 110 nails, I found that the tool would occasionally fail to fire when there were about five nails left in the magazine. This was due to the tension on the feed spring. However, this was a small inconvenience in an otherwise flawless performance. Simply loading a new strip of nails when nearing the end of the current strip mitigated this issue.

The inclusion of an LED light was a thoughtful addition, particularly useful in dimly lit workspaces. Paired with the dry fire lock-out feature, which prevents the tool from firing when out of nails, these features helped maintain accuracy and reduce the risk of damaging the work surface.

On the downside, the belt hook could use some improvement. There isn’t enough room between the hook and the magazine, making it a bit challenging to hang the tool comfortably from my tool belt. Additionally, the placement of the power and mode selection buttons could be more intuitive. While these are minor gripes, they are worth mentioning for those who might prioritize ease of use and accessibility.

Battery life is another area where this nailer excels. On a fully charged 3.0 Ah battery, I was able to fire through several strips of nails without needing to swap out the battery. Milwaukee claims up to 750 nails per charge with a CP 2.0 battery, and my experience was consistent with these claims. For even larger projects, having an additional battery on hand ensures continuous operation without significant downtime.

Clearing jams, which can be a common issue with nailers, is a breeze with the tool-free jam release mechanism. Although I didn't encounter any jams during my testing, knowing that the tool is designed for easy maintenance adds peace of mind.

The build quality of the 15ga Finish Nailer is robust, and it feels durable enough to withstand the rigors of professional use. The rubber pads on the tool prevent it from marring finished surfaces, which is a thoughtful detail for finish carpentry work.

Overall, the Milwaukee 15ga Finish Nailer is an impressive tool that delivers on its promises. It combines power, convenience, and precision in a cordless package, making it an excellent choice for both professionals and serious DIYers. While it has a few minor shortcomings, such as the magazine tension and belt hook design, these are easily outweighed by its numerous strengths.

I highly recommend the Milwaukee 15ga Finish Nailer for anyone looking to streamline their finish carpentry workflow. Its cordless convenience, powerful performance, and thoughtful features make it a worthy addition to any tool collection. Whether you’re installing crown molding, baseboards, or intricate trim work, this nailer will help you get the job done efficiently and effectively.