Milwaukee M18 FUEL 21 Degree Framing Nailer Extended Capacity Magazine

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 21 Degree Framing Nailer Extended Capacity Magazine is an essential upgrade for those who find themselves frequently reloading their nail gun during large-scale projects. As someone who's spent countless hours on framing jobs, I can attest to the frustration of constantly stopping to reload. This accessory promises to reduce downtime by doubling the magazine capacity, and it largely delivers on that promise.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the extended magazine is both practical and robust. Made from lightweight magnesium, it adds minimal additional weight to the nail gun, which is already on the heftier side. The bottom-loading design is intuitive and allows for quick and easy reloading, a significant advantage when you're in the middle of a job. The installation process is straightforward, requiring only the removal of a few screws, and can be completed in just a few minutes.

Performance

In terms of performance, the extended magazine does exactly what it sets out to do—it holds two full strips of nails. This significantly reduces the frequency of reloading, allowing you to maintain a steady workflow. The magazine accepts nail lengths ranging from 2 inches to 3.5 inches and diameters from .113 inches to .148 inches, making it versatile enough for various framing tasks.

However, it's worth noting that not all nail strips fit perfectly. I encountered some issues with certain brands of nails not fitting as advertised. This can be a minor inconvenience but is something to be aware of if you use a variety of nail brands.

Portability and Weight

One of the trade-offs with the extended magazine is the added bulk. While the magazine itself is lightweight, it does make the nail gun more cumbersome to transport, especially if you're used to carrying it in a large packout. The extended size makes it difficult to fit into standard carrying cases, which can be a hassle if you frequently move between job sites.

In terms of weight, the extended magazine adds a bit more heft to an already heavy tool. When fully loaded with nails and a 5.0 ah battery, the nail gun weighs around 12.5 pounds. This can be tiring during extended use, especially if you're working overhead or in other awkward positions. However, the added weight does help balance the tool better, making it more comfortable to use for prolonged periods.

Usability in Different Conditions

I had the opportunity to use this tool in various weather conditions, including extremely cold temperatures. The magazine performed reliably, and the tool never jammed, even in -20°C conditions. This speaks volumes about the durability and build quality of Milwaukee tools, which are designed to withstand harsh job site environments.

Value for Money

One of the most significant points of contention with this accessory is its price. At around $100, it's not a cheap add-on. Given that it's almost a necessity for making the most out of the M18 FUEL framing nailer, it feels like something that should have been included with the original tool. The high cost can be a deterrent, especially when you consider that the standard magazine is somewhat inadequate for large-scale projects.

Recommendations for Improvement

While the extended magazine is a valuable addition, there's room for improvement. Firstly, Milwaukee could consider including this as a standard feature with the nailer, offering the smaller magazine as an optional accessory instead. This would provide better value for money and reduce the need for additional purchases.

Secondly, a carrying case designed to accommodate the nailer with the extended magazine attached would be a welcome addition. This would make it easier to transport and protect the tool, addressing one of the main portability issues.

Lastly, slight modifications to the magazine's length could ensure it accommodates all standard nail strips without any issues. This would eliminate the minor but annoying problem of certain nail brands not fitting perfectly.

Conclusion

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 21 Degree Framing Nailer Extended Capacity Magazine is a highly functional and practical accessory for anyone who frequently uses a framing nailer. It significantly reduces downtime by doubling the magazine capacity, allowing for a more efficient workflow. The build quality is excellent, and the tool performs reliably even in harsh conditions.

However, the added weight and bulk, along with the high price, are notable drawbacks. Despite these issues, the benefits of reduced reloading times and increased productivity make this accessory a worthwhile investment for professionals and serious DIY enthusiasts.

Would I recommend this tool? Absolutely. Despite its few shortcomings, the extended magazine enhances the overall functionality of the Milwaukee framing nailer, making it a more efficient and effective tool for large-scale projects. If you're serious about your work and looking to minimize downtime, this accessory is well worth the investment.