My Top 5 First Fix Framing Nailers
When you’re smashing through stud walls, fixing roof timbers, or hanging joists, a good first fix nailer turns heavy lifting into quick progress. Power, penetration, and consistency matter – but so does ease of use when you’re up a ladder all day.
Here’s my honest top 5 for first fix framing nailers – with quick specs, real-world pros and cons, and why each one sits where it does.
5) Makita GN900SE 1st Fix Gas Framing Nailer
“Plenty of power and very reliable – does exactly what you expect every time.”
Why it’s number 5: A proven first fix nailer that delivers consistent power and dependable performance on site, making it a familiar choice for framing and structural timber work. While it uses gas, many trades still rate it highly for its reliability, strong drive, and no nonsense approach that just gets the job done.
- Nail type: 34° paper-tape, clipped head
- Length range: 50–90mm (typical)
- Highlights: Compact nose, depth adjustment, ergonomic rubber grip
- What people say: “Solid performance – gas is the only niggle.”
- Best for: Crews already running Makita who don’t mind gas
4) Paslode IM350+ First Fix Gas Framing Nailer
“The benchmark that most other first fix nailers get compared against.”
Why it’s number 4: It remains one of the most trusted first fix nailers on site, known for its speed, balance, and all day reliability in structural timber work. It’s a familiar favourite for many crews, delivering consistent performance that’s kept it a go to framing nailer for years.
- Nail type: 34° paper-tape, clipped head
- Length range: 51–90mm
- Highlights: Slim nose, great balance, massive trade following
- What people say: “Still the benchmark brand for first fix nail guns on site.”
- Best for: Crews with established Paslode setups and stock
👉 Shop the Paslode IM350+ here
3) HiKOKI NR1890DC 18V Brushless Framing Nailer
“Punchy, no gas, and surprisingly refined.”
Why it’s number 3: Great value battery-only nailer with consistent depth and quick recovery thanks to its air-spring drive. It’s excellent, but the ergonomics and polish aren’t quite as slick as the top two.
- Nail type: 30–34° paper-tape, clipped head
- Length range: 50–90mm
- Highlights: Brushless motor, tool-free jam/clear, selectable fire modes
- What people say: “No gas, no nonsense – gets the job done.”
- Best for: Value hunters who still want modern cordless tech
2) Milwaukee M18 FFN-0C FUEL Framing Nailer
“Sinks 90mm like it means it – bit hefty, but a beast.”
Why it’s number 2: A powerhouse with near-instant firing and excellent drive in dense timber. Loses out on the top spot only because the DeWalt edges it for all-round balance and user comfort across a full day.
- Nail type: 30–34° paper-tape, clipped head
- Length range: 50–90mm
- Highlights: Ready-to-fire tech, consistent sink, robust build
- What people say: “Absolute weapon – you feel the weight by home time.”
- Best for: M18 users who want maximum performance
👉 Shop the Milwaukee M18 FFN here
1) DeWalt DCN930N-XJ 18V XR Brushless Framing Nailer
“Balanced, reliable, and just easy to live with.”
Why it’s number 1: The best all-rounder for most crews. Two power settings for different timber, solid battery life, and consistent drive without gas. It’s the one I’d grab when there’s a full day of framing ahead.
- Nail type: 30–34° paper-tape, wire-welded
- Length range: 50–90mm
- Highlights: Brushless motor, sequential or bump fire, tool-free depth & jam access
- What people say: “Rock steady – barely touches the toolbox charger most days.”
- Best for: Anyone wanting the most balanced first fix cordless
👉 Shop the DeWalt DCN930N-XJ here
Final Thoughts
Battery-first framing nailers have come a long way – the top three here ditch gas without losing punch. If you’re after heritage and widely available nails, the Paslode delivers; if you want modern convenience, DeWalt, Milwaukee, and HiKOKI are the move.
Pick based on what matters most to you: balance (DeWalt), raw power (Milwaukee), value (HiKOKI), or familiarity (Paslode/Makita).
👉 See all Framing Nailers at ITS
👉 Compare all First Fix Nail Guns here