I am trying to get advice from the carpenters on this site. Anyone have any experience with battery operated finish nailguns? I am contemplating replacing an air nailer with a battery-operated unit.

Lowes has a unit made by Black & Decker for 199 buks. It uses the 18 ga nails. The package includes two batteries and also a drill. 18 volt batteries. This unit will get limited use, but I want it to be able to do finish work and hold up. Anyone out there that can offer advice on this unit?? I cannot afford the Paslode gun for this unit

Look at what the rating is for the longest nail it will shoot and that'll give you an idea on the power it'll have to countersink the nail and how thick of a piece of moulding you'll be able to install.

Never used those, have used Paslodes for quick work but definately prefer my compressor and my Porter Cables.

Good luck.

I've used the dewalt cordless nailgun, nice, but I'd stick with pnumatic guns if the job was more than a few dozen nails. The battery operated guns are heavy and bulky, and inconsistant as the battery wears out. I haven't used one in 2-3 years so they may be better, but I'm sticking with pnumatic.

I've use the DeWalt battery nailer too and its real handy for quick jobs, repairs etc. No problem setting 18 ga. For sustained nailing the pneumatic is more pracitical and economical. The cordless is a good supplement but not really a primary tool.

charge more money ...or do a side job just to pay for your tool..

here's a way to shave $100+ off the paslode price by buying a

gun rebuilt by paslode matching the B&D price at lowes

http://stores.ebay.com/Paslode-Factory-Refurbished-Outlet

My uncle uses a passload battery operated framing nailer and brought it up to do a deck when visiting the last time. He loves it and uses it quite a bit. I have a Rigid 18v reciprocating saw and drill. The battery life of the drill is great - much better than the Ryobi cordless that I have, so the manufacturer of the tool may play a bit into how well and long a charge will work. BTW - not a carpenter, but did a lot of home remodeling when we bought a real fixer-upper.

Love the (gas) Paslodes, but they are finicky if you do not clean and maintain religiously. Bought two at Lowes at half price, rebuilt or returns. Finish is an angled gun, more tempermental. Framer is a workhorse. Glue on finish nails can clog the gun if heated up by too many nails in short timeframe. Pneumatic guns have more depth adjustment via the gun or pressure gauge, acording to softness of wood/length of fastener needed. Quick hit jobs= Paslode. All others=pnuematic. New lightweight hoses make it so much easier too. Took four of the old heavy hoses to the swap shed this summer. If you haven't gotten these hoses, do yourself a favor... four new hoses are the same weight of one old one! Battery powered tools are too dependent on their charge level which can effect consistent performance. Get the old finish gun rebuilt for 50 bucks and enjoy the portable gun for the smaller stuff.

Thanks to all -- I think I will stick with the air!!:btu: