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Hammer vs nail gun—what's your go-to?

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jaken56
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(@jaken56)
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"Might have to look into a cordless myself..."

Yeah, cordless nailers are handy, but I'm still on the fence. Are they reliable enough for bigger projects? I've had mixed luck with battery tools holding up long-term...wouldn't mind ditching the compressor though.

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Posts: 7
(@aviation360)
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I've had pretty decent luck with cordless nailers for framing and trim work, but honestly, it depends on the brand and battery system you're invested in. I've run into a couple issues where batteries drain quicker than expected on bigger jobs, especially in colder weather. Still, not dragging around hoses and compressors is a huge plus... Have you looked into any of the newer brushless models? Curious if anyone's found those noticeably more reliable over time.

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breeze_cyber
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(@breeze_cyber)
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Totally agree on cordless nailers being a game changer, especially when you're working on higher-end homes where dragging hoses around can be a nightmare with finished floors and detailed trim already in place. I've noticed battery life issues too, particularly in the winter months—seems like cold weather just zaps them quicker no matter what brand you're loyal to.

I've actually switched over to brushless models recently, and from my experience, they're noticeably better. The power delivery feels smoother and more consistent, and the battery efficiency is definitely improved. I did a whole day of crown molding recently without swapping batteries once, which was pretty impressive compared to my older model.

That said, I still keep my pneumatic setup around for really heavy-duty framing jobs or when I'm working outdoors in freezing temps for extended periods. But honestly, if you haven't tried brushless yet, it's worth giving them a shot... might just change your mind about reliability long-term.

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bbiker22
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I've been tempted by the brushless models myself, but haven't pulled the trigger yet—do you find the extra cost noticeable in terms of performance, or is it mostly just battery efficiency you're seeing improved? Curious if it's worth upgrading from my older cordless setup.

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history_dobby
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I've been using a brushless nail gun for about six months now, and here's what I've noticed:

- Performance-wise, there's definitely a noticeable bump. It drives nails more consistently, especially into tougher materials like hardwood or dense framing lumber. Less misfires, too.
- Battery efficiency is the biggest improvement though. I can get through an entire afternoon of framing without swapping batteries, which wasn't possible with my older brushed model.
- That said, if your current cordless setup still holds charge decently and you're mostly doing lighter tasks (trim work, occasional DIY projects), the upgrade might not feel dramatic enough to justify the cost.
- Personally, I upgraded because my older gun was starting to struggle with bigger jobs and battery life was getting frustratingly short. If your setup isn't giving you headaches yet, maybe wait until there's a sale or your current one starts acting up.

In short...the brushless is great, but whether it's "worth it" really depends on how much heavy-duty use you're planning.

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