Milwaukee 16ga Straight Finish Nailer

As a long-time user of Milwaukee tools, I was eager to get my hands on the Milwaukee 16ga Straight Finish Nailer (model 2741-20). This tool promises a lot: cordless convenience, a brushless motor, and no need for gas cartridges. My experience with Milwaukee's M18 line has generally been positive, so I had high expectations for this finish nailer. However, my time with this tool has been a mixed bag, to say the least.

Initial Impressions

Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the robust build quality. The nailer feels solid in hand and has a well-balanced weight distribution, though at 6.3 lbs, it's heavier than some other finish nailers I've used. The belt clip is a nice touch, making it easy to carry around the job site.

The tool operates on Milwaukee's M18 battery system, which is a huge plus for those already invested in their ecosystem. I used both the 3.0Ah and 5.0Ah batteries during my testing. The brushless motor is designed to offer increased efficiency and zero ramp-up time, allowing for immediate use.

Performance

I started off with some basic trim work using 2.5-inch nails. The tool performed admirably in driving nails into pine and MDF, but I quickly noticed some inconsistencies. About 10% of the nails failed to sink fully when using the sequential mode, and this issue became more pronounced when I switched to bump mode. The delay in firing after pulling the trigger was enough to cause misfires, especially when working on trim.

The tool's nosepiece is another area that could use improvement. The spring is quite stiff, making it difficult to use the nailer in awkward positions. Additionally, the tip is bulkier than I'd like, which made it challenging to install doors where the slab had to be opened at a 90-degree angle.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of this nailer is its battery life. I was able to run the entire weekend on a single 3.0Ah battery, and it still had two bars left by the end. However, I did encounter issues with Milwaukee's 2.0Ah batteries, which seemed to drain quickly and inconsistently. I found that using the 5.0Ah battery mitigated many of the performance issues, such as nails not sinking fully.

Usability

Loading nails into the magazine is not as straightforward as it should be. The mechanism requires you to hold the nails in place while pulling the spring back, which can be cumbersome. In comparison, other nailers allow you to pull the spring back, load the nails, and then release the spring, making for a more user-friendly experience.

The on/off switch is another point of contention. It requires holding a push pad for five seconds, which is awkwardly positioned and offers no tactile feedback. This can be frustrating, especially when you need to turn the tool on and off frequently.

Durability

Durability is where this tool both shines and falters. On one hand, I dropped the nailer from a six-foot ladder twice, and it continued to work without any issues, which is impressive. On the other hand, some parts, like the follower that pushes the nails, are made of low-quality pot metal and are prone to breaking. I had the follower snap off after relatively little use, which is disappointing for a tool in this price range.

Final Thoughts

The Milwaukee 16ga Straight Finish Nailer offers a lot of potential but falls short in several key areas. Its battery life is excellent, and the build quality is generally robust. However, the tool's performance is inconsistent, especially when it comes to sinking nails fully. The stiff nosepiece spring and cumbersome nail loading mechanism also detract from the overall user experience.

Would I recommend this tool? It's a tough call. If you're already invested in Milwaukee's M18 system and need a cordless finish nailer for occasional use, this might be a good addition to your toolkit. However, if you're a professional who requires consistent performance and ease of use, you might want to look elsewhere. The issues with nail sinking, the stiff nosepiece, and the awkward on/off switch make it hard to recommend this tool wholeheartedly.

In summary, while the Milwaukee 16ga Straight Finish Nailer has some strong points, its inconsistencies and design flaws make it a less than stellar choice for demanding applications. If Milwaukee addresses these issues in a future iteration, this tool could become a top contender in its category. For now, though, it's best suited for light to moderate use rather than heavy-duty professional work.