Milwaukee Tool released their M18 Gen I 16ga Finish Nailer several years ago, and although the tool has been a solid performer, Milwaukee did what they do best: reached out to the users of their tools and listened. The 3020-20 M18 FUEL Gen II 16ga Straight Finish Nailer results from a fantastic partnership between Milwaukee Tools and tool users.
Who are the primary users of a 16ga Finish Nailer?
Finish Nailers are common in most tool users’ inventory, but they were designed to offer functionality to Finish Carpenters, Remodelers, General Contractors, and Facilities Maintenance & Repair specialists. The size of the 16ga nail offers these trades superior holding power without leaving a large hole that needs to be filled.
What improvements were made?
Users let Milwaukee know that they wanted specific improvements to allow them to do their jobs more efficiently while maintaining their level of quality. Here is what they asked for and how Milwaukee responded.
Consistent Nail Driving
Milwaukee responded by redesigning the driver mechanism to match the nail head more closely, resulting in a best-in-class nail hole size. Along with the redesigned driver, the Gen 2 nailer has a Nitrogen Air Spring Mechanism that offers pneumatic-like nailing power and speed with a total driving range of 1″ through 2-1/2″ in soft and hardwoods.
Increased Performance
The redesigned head of the Gen 2 16ga Straight Finish Nailer allows the user to get into corners better than any cordless 15ga or 16ga finish nailer. The redesigned contact bracket gives a more accurate nail placement, allowing you to get the tool where you need it more quickly. The device’s weight has been slimmed down, and by pairing this tool’s improved motor and firing system with the Compact Line of M18 batteries, users will notice the reduction in weight and better overall feel.
Increased Speed
Cordless Nailers often suffer from deficient performance because of tool ramp-up. The 3020-20 Finish nailer fires instantly once the trigger is pulled, thus eliminating ramp-up time. This new tool can fire at three nails per second, which is not a typical application, but it is nice knowing that the tool will be ready when you are. Milwaukee designers also assisted in the speed of nailing by incorporating the tool’s design into the formula. The Precision Point Tip gives users a clear line of sight to the material and where the nail will go, reducing the time before you pull the trigger.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Milwaukee 3020-20 M18 FUEL Gen 2 16ga Straight Finish Nailer will fire any well-made Collated 16ga Straight Finish Nail 1″ through 2-1/2″ long.
No, 16ga nails come in a straight or angled configuration. This nailer will only take the straight configurated nails.
The 16ga finish nailer will shoot nails that are at least 1″ long and as long as 2-1/2″.
The tool is best suited for the M18 REDLITHIUM CP2.0 Battery, but ANY Milwaukee M18 battery will fit on it. The CP2.0 battery will shoot seven hundred nails, and although larger batteries will allow you to shoot more nails between charging or changing the battery, they will also add extra weight.
Like other Milwaukee Finish Nailers, this tool will turn off after 120 minutes (2 hours) of inactivity to preserve battery life.
As with many nailers, an occasional jam may occur. Please follow the nail jam-clearing guide in your owner’s manual for assistance.
No, the Milwaukee 3020-20 is a fully cordless nailer that runs on an M18 Battery and is oil-free. You only need the nailer, nails, a battery, and occasionally a charger to charge your battery.
