Makita cordless nail gun

Cordless freedom of movement with Makita 18V pin nailers

Battery-powered drives are also becoming increasingly popular in the field of nail guns. A battery-powered nailer offers the convenient advantage of not being dependent on either a compressor or a compressed air cartridge. Makita is one of the best suppliers in this field. A Makita cordless nail gun is characterised by high-quality workmanship and impressive power potential. The manufacturer’s 18V pin head nailers can reliably work with nails that are more than 60 mm long.

In the following, we will show you which Makita cordless nailer is recommended. You will also find out what you should bear in mind when choosing a nailer. We hope to be able to help you with this guide.

Makita cordless nail gun – 3 models in the presentation

Makita DPT353Z

In the category of cordless nailers, Makita is one of the most trusted manufacturers. The Makita DPT353Z model is particularly popular.

The nail gun works with the well-known 18V LXT system. The “Z” in the product title indicates that no battery is included in the scope of delivery, which saves money for anyone who already has one. Of course, an original battery can be ordered at the same time on most platforms. The same applies to matching Makita GA18 clamps, which can be used in lengths between 15 and 35 mm. The magazine holds up to 120 pieces, which ensures good work progress.

An LED light, the viewing window on the magazine and the battery capacity indicator, among other things, ensure a high level of convenience. In addition, the insertion depth can be intuitively adjusted. For this reason, both delicate work in connection with textiles can be carried out and thick wooden strips can be fastened. A high level of safety is also ensured by a switch-on lock and an automatic switch-off when the battery is overloaded.

Makita DFN350Z

Battery pin nailers are ideal for fast and precise nailing work. One recommendation for fast work progress is the Makita DFN350Z.

This model also has an 18V voltage. The magazine holds up to 110 GA18 series nails. Lengths between 15 and 35 mm are possible. Firing is achieved via the throttle switch and the pressure mechanism of the contact plate (the nose must be pressed against the object). The latter prevents unintentional firing. The same applies to the switch-on lock, which locks the throttle switch if necessary.

The adjustable impact depth contributes to a high degree of flexibility. Further comfort features are a viewing window on the magazine, which is unfortunately quite dark, and an LED light. The weight of the machine is not insignificant. With a 6 Ah battery, the nail gun already weighs approx. 2.4 kg. Furthermore, this device is also equipped with an automatic switch-off, which protects the battery from excessive wear.

Makita DBN600Z

A battery-powered nailer from Makita can also be powerful enough for demanding tasks. A good example in this context is the Makita DBN600Z.

This is the most powerful 18V nailer from the manufacturer. It works with nails between 25 and 64 mm long. This means that thick materials can also be joined securely. The nailer can be used for mounting roof panels, for example. The series triggering is extremely practical for long-term work. Here, the shots are fired automatically at a fixed interval without having to operate the throttle switch (the nose must still be pressed against the respective object).

Furthermore, precision in poorly lit areas is enhanced by an LED light. In order to work successfully in soft and thin materials, the penetration depth can also be adjusted here. According to Makita, you can shoot up to 800 nails with one battery charge. However, the magazine is empty after 110 shots at the latest. The clearly visible window informs you of this in good time.

Makita cordless nail gun – This is what you should look out for

Drive & design

Makita’s cordless nailers belong to either the 18V LXT series or the 10.8V-/12V max. (CXT) segment. Both battery series are considered to be absolutely proven and are used in large numbers worldwide.

While the 18V nailers are particularly suitable for thick and hard materials (e.g. copper sheet), the compact 12V max. versions promise a particularly pleasant handling. The latter are comparatively compact and lightweight. Including the battery, the weight of the handy models can be less than 2 kg.

As is familiar from many electric tools, a battery-powered nailer is operated via a handle and a throttle switch on the handle. For transport purposes, Makita nailers usually come with a metal belt clip that can be mounted as desired. In addition, some nailers come in a practical MAKPAC transport case (e.g. the PT354DSMJ model).

Because the tools are not tied to a cable, there is unrestricted freedom of movement. Only a charged battery is required for operation. This also significantly reduces the risk of tripping.

Makita relies fully on lithium-ion technology for its own batteries. This has the following advantages to offer:

• High energy density, which is why batteries with a reasonable capacity remain comparatively handy and light
• Very slowly progressing memory effect (battery capacity is still almost completely available even after many charging processes)
• Low self-discharge

Possible applications

Because Makita cordless nailers are powerful, but at the same time the driving depth can be flexibly adjusted and additional surface protection can be fitted, they can be used for a wide range of jobs.

The following applications are examples:

• Fixing skirting boards and wall mouldings
• fixing upholstery and other textiles to wood
• making plastic connections
• Fixing signs
• Making wood connections
• Mounting roof panels
• Fixing metal sheets (aluminium, copper etc.)

The so-called series release is particularly effective. Here, the nailer automatically releases the nails at a fixed interval, so you do not have to keep pressing the switch. However, the safety aspect suffers a little from this function, although the contact foot must be pressed further against the object.

Handling

Handling a Makita cordless nail gun is quite uncomplicated if you pay attention to a few things. Before using the nailer for the first time, it makes sense to read the instructions carefully. It tells you what proper handling means.

A common mistake is to use unsuitable nails or to place them incorrectly in the magazine. When the magazine is pulled out, the nails are not inserted at the back but at the front. The best way to do this is to turn the tool upside down so that the underside is facing upwards (the instructions also tell you how to fill the magazine correctly).

Depending on the model, you can fill the magazine of a Makita nailer with nails up to 64 mm long – in most cases Makita recommends GA18 nails. Accordingly, it is possible to securely fasten even thick materials if required.

To adjust the insertion depth, all you have to do is turn the relevant wheel. The nail should be flat/flush with the material. If this is not the case, the depth must be adjusted.

Shooting is achieved by pressing the nose against the respective object while pressing the throttle switch. If, in addition to the single trigger, a series trigger is also available, you only have to press the nose against the object in the latter setting – shooting is automatic.

During work, a window on the side of the magazine shows how many nails are left.

Furthermore, various devices in this category are equipped with an LED light. This promotes high precision even in dark environments.

All cordless nail guns from Makita also have a removable battery. Accordingly, it is possible to easily extend the runtime by keeping several units on hand.

Power

The power capacity is not necessarily relevant. It depends solely on the desired range of applications. The harder and thicker the material to be worked, the more important it is that the nail gun has the right power.

In the battery nailer segment, the battery voltage (in volts) is the best indicator of the power potential. The higher the voltage, the more powerful the nailer is likely to be. Makita offers a range between 10.8V and 18V. In principle, you can work on hardwood with all models and also nail into thin sheet metal with confidence. Products from other manufacturers sometimes only work with a voltage in the single-digit segment and are then only suitable for softer woods.

The specification of the nail length can also be an indication of the performance. Only really strong specimens can be used with nails longer than 60 mm.

Safety

A high level of work safety should be aimed for at all times when using a cordless nailer. Although modern nail guns are comparatively safe to use, there is always a certain risk of accidents.

The first step towards keeping the risk of injury to a minimum is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding proper handling. Proper work clothing is also relevant. Safety goggles, for example, should be worn to avoid getting splintered material in your eyes.

If you want to fill the magazine or use your hand in the area of the muzzle, remove the battery in advance. This will ensure that no shot comes loose.

Basically, a Makita battery-powered nailer is already equipped with various safety aspects at the factory. For example, because the nose has to be pressed against an object, the user cannot simply shoot around in the air, as was common practice in the past.

If there is a small button with a lock symbol near the throttle switch, your pen nailer has a switch-on lock (locks the throttle switch), which can also be called a child safety lock.

A rubberised and profiled handle also contributes to a high level of work safety. You can grip it firmly without experiencing unpleasant pressure sensations in your hand.

Furthermore, Makita’s battery technology is given a lot of protection. If there is a risk of deep discharge or other overload, the majority of models automatically switch off.

Price

The costs usually also have a certain influence on the decision. It must be clearly stated that a Makita cordless nail gun is comparatively expensive. Almost without exception, the devices in the solo version without battery cost more than 250 Pounds – the top models even more than 400 Pounds.

Makita is known for not being exactly cheap. However, if you look at the quality of workmanship, functionality and power of the manufacturer’s cordless tools, the prices often seem fair in practice. If this were not the case, the tools of the traditional Japanese company would not be so popular.

In general, the price should be based on your expectations. The more power and durability you expect from the cordless nailer, the more you should invest. Craftsmen who regularly fasten metal sheets and thick skirting boards should therefore set a higher budget than is necessary in private with moderate requirements.

Where to buy

Makita cordless nailers can be purchased through various online and offline channels. There are now also more and more “hybrid solutions”. DIY stores make it possible to reserve or pre-order the tool online and then pick it up at the nearest location.

Online, the most uncomplicated access is probably via the marketplaces Amazon and eBay. More than half of our fellow citizens have an account on at least one of these platforms. In principle, fast and secure order processing can be expected. Several traders compete with each other for the best visibility, which is why fair prices are usually achieved. There is also a high level of buyer protection with regard to returns.

Another option is online shops specialising in DIY and crafts. Well-known example is screwfix.

In stationary retail, the large DIY chains are an obvious place to start. To find the nearest local supplier, you can use the Makita dealer search.

Makita cordless nail gun – Advantages & disadvantages at a glance

A cordless nail gun from Makita has many advantages to offer. It is much more comfortable to use than a normal hammer. Not only is the work progress faster, but also the precision is always high. Thanks to the cordless freedom of movement, you can work wherever you want. However, Makita nail guns do not satisfy every demand. So that you can comfortably weigh up their pros and cons, we have created a table for you below:

Video: Makita presents the DPT353