Are there disadvantages to an angled finish nailer?

An angled finish nailer will:

1. Typically use a heaver gauge nail (15 gauge vs. 18. gauge)

2. Typically shoot a longer nail. (1.25" to 2.5" in an angled nailer vs. 5/8" to 2" in a straight nailer. *Though there are some exceptions)

3. Allow you to nail crown molding without hitting the wall with the end of the nailer (when held vertically) or turning the nailer sideways.

I would fathom a guess that the biggest reason and angled nailer is angled in the first place is so the larger nail heads can "stack" on one another much like a framing nailer. They quite possibly also hold a greater number of nails so require less reloading. I'll see if I can find something to substantiate this guess and update later.

A disadvantage is they are typically much longer and heavier than a straight finish nailer. They offer no advantages with leverage; after all, only the nail feed is angled and not the nailing handle or mechanism.

Angled Vs Straight Finish Nailer

Paslode Angled Finish Nailer

Depends on the gun. Porter-Cable, as well as some others, make a 15 gauge angle nailer, as opposed to 16 gauge on the straight nailer. The bigger nail can split the end of the board on an inside corner. Paslode's angle nailer is a 16 gauge, same as the straight. I usually just use my straight nailer, unless i have a lot of inside corners to do, and even then only if I'm laying base. Otherwise I use the straight nailer and a brad nailer (18 gauge).

Another plus for the straight nailer is that it shoots nails from 3/4" to 2-1/2". The angle nailer takes nails from 1-1/4" to 2-1/2". Hope this helps.

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RE:

Are there disadvantages to an angled finish nailer?

The advantage seems to be that it fits in tighter spots. Are there disadvantages? Are the nails more expensive?

I wouldn't recommend it for flooring unless its small one!! Flooring nailers and staplers have a head to grab the wood keeping it from loosening if floor is a bit unlevel and just wear and tear.You could rent a nailer or stapler (which ever they have)and a compresser relatively cheap.maybe about $60.00 a day they will have nails or Staples to buy. If you don't do alot of work around the house Id get a cheaper model of finish nailer don't get me wrong ,Dewalt,excellent!!

No offense to you or others, but the INTENT of the design is for more leverage. Anything beyond that benefit isn't the major purpose.

Steven Wolf

Just my 2 "sense"