The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless Framing Nailers (2744-21 and 2745-21) will be available June 2020. They come out with 21 degree and 30 degree models which work the same except for the nails they use. We only hope it shows up in time for our best framing nailer shootout ever.
advantage
- Zero lag, even in bump-and-shoot mode
- Sinks nails with every shot, including when you shoot quickly in collision mode
- Optional extended magazine holds 2 full nails
- Conveniently located depth adjustment knob for easy adjustment
- Worked well in our tests with paper and wire-trimmed strips
- Launch full head offset and shear nails
- Simple electronic switch to change from sequential to bump ignition
- Includes folding rafter hook and separate belt clip
shortcoming
- Weight — 11.3 lbs with magazine and 5.0Ah battery
- Slightly larger than pneumatic framing nailers
- More plastic used in construction, no metal backsplash
recommend
Because drive power and nailing speed are no problem, the only question is how often you want to take your Milwaukee Cordless Framing Nailer. Its weight is its main limitation, and we know of a few contractors out there who tweak it to use it as their primary framing nailer.
From our perspective, it did its best with remodeling contractors, repairs, and punch list work. When you're working fast or moving around a lot, not having a compressor and hoses saves time and really frees you up while you work.
first impression
We first got our hands on a Milwaukee battery powered nailer at NPS 2019, then went to town to drive 3 inch nails into laminate engineered lumber. They can fire up to 3 nails per second—which feels close to what we want from an air-powered framing nailer.
As soon as we pulled the trigger, it fired the nail into our workpiece. There is absolutely no delay with these pegs. It's a lot like using an air tool.
raise the roof
Once we got a model that would last longer, we used it for roofing. We needed to completely replace it with plywood and found out that there were a few areas that needed new wood as well.
Using code approved patterns and fasteners, we need to lay the plywood with 2 3/8 inch ring shank nails. Initially, the nails were a bit cocky, but a quick depth adjustment fixed that.
The metal knurled knob is on top and is very smooth compared to many other framing nailers we've used. It can be easily transferred from one position to another, and it works with or without gloves.
With the size nails and materials we tighten, we don't anticipate any issues with power or drive consistency. The nailer did a great job at this job with zero jams or misfires.
Milwaukee Cordless Framing Nailer Freedom
Our roofing projects really highlighted the cord-free freedom this nailer offers. Once the bad wood was found and removed, we were able to get started quickly and move around without installing a compressor or dragging hoses.
Since the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless Framing Nailer runs completely off the M18 battery platform, you don't need to use an air cartridge. This results in all-day usability, as you can swap out a pack while charging. You never have to run to the store to buy ink cartridges.
We also like how compact this nailer is. The head is 14.1 inches across and fits easily between studs for close-up nailing. While the extended magazine adds some bulk and length, it's no worse than a compact air nailer. With no hose trailing behind, you can quickly move from one section of stud to another without worrying about getting tangled.
Milwaukee 2744-21 and 2745-21 Extended Capacity Magazine
Milwaukee added an optional extended capacity magazine for more nails. As far as we know, no one else has done this – most battery powered nailers use short magazines.
It represents the real strength of these nails. Both the 21 degree and 30 degree models have enough capacity to hold two nails by changing the magazine.
The cost of this optional component is $69, but given the ergonomics and speed of work of this tool, we would choose it at the beginning. On a 21-degree framing nailer, the standard magazine holds up to 45 nails, while the 30-degree holds 51.
With extended magazines, the Milwaukee 2744-21 21° Nailer and 2745-21 30° Nailer each hold up to 83 nails – two full nail strips. This allows you to get more nails home before reloading than any other cordless nailer on the market.
It's worth noting that magazines are not interchangeable between angles. Driver systems are specific to each style. Make sure to buy the one that matches the angle of the nailer.
Battery Life
In terms of battery life, both the Milwaukee 2744-21 and 2745-21 can sink 500-700 nails on a single 5.0Ah battery. While this will vary depending on the nail size and fastening material you use, it's enough to cycle a few batteries and get your day going without interruption.
weight
Without a doubt, this is a heavy duty tool for a framing nailer. With a 5.0Ah battery and magazine, it weighed 11.3 lbs on our scale.
It's something you'll notice, especially if you're putting a nail in the head. The good thing is that the weight is well balanced.
Other Milwaukee Cordless Framing Nailers Field Notes
Power on and mode change
There is a separate electronic power button on the back of the tool. You need to hold it down for a second to activate the tool, so an accidental bump in the truck box won't activate it.
The mode switch button is just below it. Just like the power button, you need to hold it down for a second to prevent an accidental press from changing your mode.
toe nails
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless Framing Nailer is a great toe nailer. It fits easily between the studs and it's easy to get shooting angles. Visibility around the nose is also great.
The nose sting isn't very aggressive, though. This tends to make the nose slip off from time to time.
blockage removal
If it gets stuck, you can use needle-nose pliers to grab the offending nail. If you still don't get it, an Allen key is conveniently stored along the right side of the nailer to remove the magazine.
Belt Hooks and Rafter Hooks
The Milwaukee offers a great treat as the nailer comes with belt hooks and rafter hooks. Depending on how you use it, the leash hook can be damaged or lost. It was slightly dented from the magazine and we ended up using the rafter hooks more often.
The rafter hooks are large and strong and easily hang from joists or ladder rungs. It rocks when you don't need it.
Both hooks are removable if you don't want them.
led lights
Both the Milwaukee 2744-21 and 2745-21 cordless framing nailers have an integrated LED light on the bottom to illuminate where you're hitting. It's not something you get with a pneumatic nailer, and we don't want it to be a make-or-break feature, but it's nice to have, especially on remodeling jobs.
Additional features
- When you put (throw) the tool down, rubber bumpers protect it.
- dry fire lock
- Includes No-mar tip
Price
Regardless of which nailer angle you prefer, expect a bare tool price of $349. You can also pick up the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless Framing Nailer for $449, which includes a 5.0Ah battery and charger.
the bottom line
Because drive power and nailing speed are no problem, the only question is how often you want to take your Milwaukee Cordless Framing Nailer. Its weight is its main limitation, and we know of a few contractors out there who tweak it to use it as their primary framing nailer.
From our perspective, it did its best with remodeling contractors, repairs, and punch list work. When you're working fast or moving around a lot, not having a compressor and hoses saves time and really frees you up while you work.
Milwaukee Cordless Framing Nailer Specifications
Milwaukee 2744-21 21° Framing Nailer
- Models: 2744-21 (kit), 2744-20 (tool only)
- Nail Size: 2" – 3-1/2"
- Nail Diameter: 0.113" – 0.148"
- Magazine capacity: 45 staples
- RedLithium XC5.0 battery 700 nails per charge
- Sequential and contact drive modes
- Dry fire lockout, leash hook, rafter hook and LED work light
- KIT INCLUDES: M18 FUEL 21° Framing Nailer, M18 RedLithium XC5.0 Battery Pack, Charger and Carrying Case
- Price: $349 (tools only), $449 (kit)
M18 FUEL 21° Framing Nailer Extended Magazine
- Model: 48-08-2744
- Magazine capacity: 83 staples
- Nail Size: 2" – 3-1/2"
- Nail Diameter: 0.113" – 0.148"
- Price: $69
Milwaukee 2745-21 30° Framing Nailer
- Models: 2745-21 (kit), 2745-20 (tool only)
- Nail Size: 2" – 3-1/2"
- Nail Diameter: 0.113" – 0.131"
- Magazine capacity: 51 staples
- RedLithium XC5.0 battery 700 nails per charge
- Sequential and contact drive modes
- Dry fire lockout, leash hook, rafter hook and LED work light
- Kit Includes: M18 FUEL 30° Framing Nailer, M18 RedLithium XC5.0 Battery Pack, Charger and Carrying Case
- Price: $349 (tools only), $449 (kit)
M18 FUEL 30° Framing Nailer Extended Magazine
- Model: 48-08-2745
- Magazine capacity: 105 staples
- Nail Size: 2" – 3-1/2"
- Nail Diameter: 0.113" – 0.131"
- Price: $69