NuMax vs. Freeman vs. Dewalt vs. Bostitch vs. Estwing Floor Nailer
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The best floor nailer will help you set your floors with minimal effort. It will also last for a long time, and guarantee your safety. An ideal unit should have an ergonomic handle, which ensures comfortable work and protects you from back pain.
This floor nailer comparison, featuring NuMax vs. Freeman vs. Dewalt vs. Bostitch vs. Estwing, looks into some of the leading products in the market. It compares these units’ longevity, builds, ease of use and efficiency in getting your floor nailed in to help you find an ideal model for your DIY project.
1. NuMax SFL618 Floor Nailer
- Construction Applications: Perfect for the installation of tongue and groove hardwood flooring
- 3-in-1 Flooring Nailer / Stapler: Multi-purpose design allows nailing and stapling with just one tool, saving time and money (16 gauge T-cleats and L-cleats, and 15.5 gauge 1/2" crown staples from 1-1/2" – 2" L for all three types of fasteners)
- Built to Last: High strength and lightweight aluminum body and heat treated steel parts result in a durable pneumatic tool resistant to damage
- Semi-Quick Jam Release: Upgraded to allow faster access to the drive blade in the event of a jammed fastener
- Ergonomic Handle: Reduces fatigue and provides ease of operation during long shifts
This NuMax floor nailer combines comfort and convenience. Features a great construction and practical design. It is a pneumatic flooring nailer which is made with a durable aluminum build. The great build helps make it easy to use and can be used for DIY projects even without prior floor nailing experience.
Aside from the sturdy design, it has well-detailed instructions that will make the installation process easy. Even though the model might experience jamming, this is usually rare and can be easily corrected by removing the nosepad. You can even reduce the low likelihood of jamming by oiling your unit’s plunger shaft to keep every part of the nailer moving smoothly.
The nailer is powerful and features an interchangeable base plate to nail floors with different thicknesses effectively and evenly. It can be used with both cleats and staples. And will include wrenches and oil. It is ideal for heavy-duty work and can be used on hardwood floors.
Specs
- Operating Pressure: 70 – 110 PSI
- Fastener Gauge: Cleats 16 GA / Staples 15.5 GA
- Staple Crown: .5″
- Fastener Length : 1.5″ – 2″
- Magazine Capacity: 120 Staples, 100 Cleats
Pros
- Lightweight body and streamlined design
- Ergonomic design for easier and more comfortable uses
- Great quality materials for durability
- Interchangeable base plates allow you to nail floors with different thicknesses
- Tough, dependable and convenient for use with heavy duty work
- Easily accessible nosepad to remove jammed nails
Cons
- No a case
2. Freeman PFL618BR Floor Nailer
- Construction Applications: Perfect for the installation of tongue and groove hardwood flooring
- 3-in-1 Flooring Nailer / Stapler: Multi-purpose design allows nailing and stapling with just one tool, saving time and money (16 gauge T-cleats and L-cleats, and 15.5 gauge 1/2" crown staples from 1-1/2" – 2" L for all three types of fasteners)
- Built to Last: High strength and lightweight aluminum body, anodized aluminum magazine, and heat treated steel parts result in a durable pneumatic tool resistant to damage
- Semi-Quick Jam Release: Upgraded to allow faster access to the drive blade in the event of a jammed fastener
- Ergonomic Extended Reach Handle and Light Strike Bumper: Reduce fatigue and provide ease of operation during long shifts
This pneumatic 3-in-1 floor stapler is efficient, well designed and available with additional accessories. The model includes a carrying case, wooden mallet, wrenches, safety goggles, and connecting wrenches. It is compatible with floor staples, T-cleats and L-cleats without needing a magazine change, ensuring that you can floor different parts of your floor to suit your needs.
You may experience infrequent jamming, but this will be even less frequently if you oil your nailer, as well as clean and maintain it. The nose pad is easily accessible, which will help you get rid of any jammed nails within a matter of minutes. You may be required to maintain it more often after several hours of work.
The Freeman PFL618BR also features an ergonomic design, with a comfortable padded handle for a hassle-free experience. The handle is detachable, which ensures easy nailing. It also features interchangeable base plates, which makes it ideal for use across surfaces with different thicknesses.
This model can be a little bulky, which makes it hard to use efficiently in small spaces. However, it has a high capacity magazine which ensures users can get the workload done quickly before needing to switch magazines.
Specs
- Operating Pressure: 70 – 115 PSI
- Fastener Gauge: Cleats 16 GA / Staples 15.5 GA
- Staple Crown: .5″
- Fastener Length: 1.5″- 2″
- Magazine Capacity: 120 Staples, 100 Cleats
Pros
- Multifunctional 3-in-1 nailer for convenient use
- Lightweight and durable aluminum body
- Interchangeable base plates allow you to nail floors with different thicknesses
- High capacity magazine for efficient use
- Extended and comfortable handle for less strain
- Long warranty for guaranteed durability
- Included a storage case
Cons
- Tough to use in extremely tight spaces
3. Dewalt DWFP12569 Floor Nailer
- Lightweight at 10.6 lbs for better balance and control
- Optimized for the most popular solid flooring fasteners, 15.5ga Staples and 16ga “L” Cleat Nails
- Interchangeable, Non-marring base plates adjust to all sizes of flooring
- Ergonomically designed with longer handle and comfortable rubber grip for ease of use
- Lower CFM requirements for less compressor run-time
The Dewalt DWP12569 is made of a high-quality aluminum cast, which is both lightweight and durable. It has great balance, even when the interchangeable baseline is fixed. If you are looking for a model that can offer multifunctional ability, this unit should be in consideration. It can be sped up for larger patches of work or slowed down for a precise nailing task.
The model will not jam regularly, with users noting that it can work for long hours without experiencing even a single stoppage. In the event that it does, the nosepad can be easily accessed to remove the nail. In order to maintain this high level of efficiency, you may need to create a maintenance schedule and remember to oil your nailer. If neglected for long periods of time, this unit could start to leak air and be ineffective.
Specs
- Operating Pressure: 70 – 100 PSI
- Fastener Gauge: Cleats 16 GA / Staples 15.5 GA
- Staple Crown: .5″
- Fastener Length: 1.5 – 2″
- Magazine Capacity: 100
Pros
- Lightweight for better balance
- Durable even when used for heavy duty work.
- Ergonomic design featuring a long foldable handle
- Long warranty for guaranteed durability
- Dual speed mode for efficiency and precision
- Interchangeable base plates allow you to nail floors with different thicknesses
Cons
- Does not include belt or rafter hook for carrying
4. Bostitch MIIIFN Floor Nailer
- 1-1/2-inch to 2-inch pneumatic flooring nailer for driving L-shaped flooring cleats
- High-speed; extra-wide composite base; high-capacity magazine; 420 inch-pounds of driving power
- Constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum
- Includes rubber-tipped mallet. Fastener Type / Gauge: 16 GA Cleat
Bostitch’s floor nailer is great for heavy duty work and can be used on bamboo and hardwood tasks. It is an effective and highly efficient model with a great design. It also has a high capacity and may hold 100 18-gauge staples.
This unit is easy to use and set up, but may be difficult for first-time users to put together because it has no manual. It has protective no-mar caps to prevent flooring damage and also includes a muffled rear exhaust for noise-free nailing.
Specs
- Operating Pressure: 70 – 120 PSI
- Fastener Gauge: Cleats 16 GA / Staples 15.5 GA
- Staple Crown: .5″
- Fastener Length 1.5 – 2″
- Magazine Capacity: 92
Pros
- Long warranty for guaranteed durability
- Made from aircraft-grade aluminum
- Includes rubber-tipped mallet for fine finish
- Interchangeable base plates allow you to nail floors with different thicknesses
- Comfortable design for use in a stable and natural position
- Lightweight for easier mobility during use
- Padded handle for better grip
Cons
- May cause an operator error when used too quickly
5. Estwing EFL50Q Floor Nailer
- Nailed It: This versatile flooring nailer uses 16 gauge L-cleats and 15.5 gauge 1/2" crown flooring staples. Two interchangeable base plates let you install 1/2" to 3/4" solid hardwood including cherry, oak, maple, walnut, and other nail down tongue and groove flooring.
- Pro Design: This nailer features a durable and lightweight aluminum body, tool-free quick release to clear jams quickly, no-mar feet, light strike bumper, and interchangeable base plates. It comes with a fiberglass mallet, padded bag, air tool oil and adjustment tools.
- The Right Tool for the Job: We're committed to providing outstanding value, top tier customer service and long lasting, high quality products. We make nailers and staplers for every purpose, from roofing to siding to flooring and everything in between.
- Quality and Durability: We manufacture tools with the most durable materials under strict quality control guidelines, suitable for professional contractors and do-it-yourselfers alike. Our tools are sold, distributed, serviced, and warrantied in the USA.
- Tough and Dependable: We make an array of durable construction tools and accessories, including staplers and nailers for siding, flooring, framing, finish, and roofing. Compare our products to similar items by Makita, Hitachi, Bostitch, Senco, Paslode, and Dewalt.
The model is made with a high-quality aluminum material, which increases its durability. The material is also lightweight, helping to reduce the effort required when nailing. It has interchangeable base plates, which help you nail surfaces with different thicknesses. It also includes non-mar feet, which are designed to protect softer surfaces from scratching and damage.
While this floor nailer doesn’t include a carrying case or additional accessories, it comes with a long warranty. It is also designed for easier use, featuring an ergonomic design and padded handle. The long rubber handle, which can be folded, will ensure that your work is comfortable and effortless. Some users have complained that the floor nailer can tip forward, and may be likely to fire a nail because it does not have a safety trigger.
Specs
- Operating Pressure: 70 – 115 PSI
- Fastener Gauge: Cleats 16 GA / Staples 15.5 GA
- Staple Crown: .5″
- Fastener Length: 1.5 – 2″
- Magazine Capacity: 120
Pros
- High-quality materials for increased durability
- Lightweight for easier mobility and efficient nailing
- Padded grip handle helps secure the unit when working
- Features non-marring feet to protect the flooring from damage
- Includes a quick release jam to take out any blockages
- Interchangeable base plates allow you to nail floors with different thicknesses
Cons
- Does not have a safety trigger
Conclusion
All these models offer comfort and convenience, as well as the ability to do heavy duty work. From NuMax vs. Freeman vs. Dewalt vs. Bostitch vs. Estwing nailers, the Freeman PFL618BR stands out because it provides all the necessary features of a great quality floor nailer while adding the 3-in-1 compatibility.
This nailer is made of a durable but lightweight aluminum mold and features a comfortable handle. It can be used on different floors, thanks to the interchangeable base plate. While it may be tough to use in small spaces, the floor nailer offers comfort, convenience, and durability, which makes it my pick from this floor nailer comparison.