Whether you are a professional or not, finish nailers are one of those tools you'll need at some point in your woodworking projects. It’s considered to be the best and most versatile tool that allows you to do a lot of trimming and construction work effortlessly. However, you will find different types of pneumatic or cordless finish nailers in the market, ranging from 15 gauge to 16 gauge. An air compressor is needed to run pneumatic nailers, while cordless nails run on batteries. Still, if you're looking for more mobility and don't want to pull heavy compressors, a cordless finish nailer is the best option for you. Many cordless finish nailers are available in the market that are very potent and high performers, especially from the Makita brand, specifically the Makita XNB02Z 18V LXT 16 gauge straight finish nailer.
Makita XNB02Z 18V LXT Straight Finish Nailer is considered an ideal solution for Crown molding, baseboard, as well as flooring. The tool is small, compact, and powerful enough to perform the task in a short period of time.
With a magazine capacity of 110 nails, the XNB02Z drives standard 16 gauge straight finish nails in lengths of 1" to 2-1/2". In addition, the 18V LXT® 5.0Ah battery (sold separately) can drive 1,000 nails on a single charge.
Its anti-dry fire mechanism helps prevent blanks from being driven and damaging the work surface. Moreover, it comes with a two-mode selector switch, trigger lock button, and "tool-less" depth adjustment for precise flushing and countersinking.
Makita XNB02Z 18V LXT Straight Finish Nailer
KEY FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
4.4 / 5
Makita and Cordless Finish Nailer Model XNB02Z 18V LXT
From the discussion above, you may have already figured out which tool we are going to review today. But before we get into the details, let us know a bit about this brand.
Makita is a Japanese brand with over 100 years of history. It's renowned for manufacturing top-notch professional and DIY power tools worldwide. It started its journey in 1915 and most significantly launched its first rechargeable drill in 1978. In 2005, they were the first company who introduce Lithium-ion batteries in tools. However, they're not only the manufacturer of woodworking tools but also a very versatile brand ideal for concrete work, gardening, and much more.
As a quality power tool manufacturer, Makita has not compromised on the quality of their Finnish Nailer model XNB02Z 18V LXT as usual. It's one of the best quality cordless finish nailers on the market and is recommended by many professionals or DIY users. According to Amazon customer reviews, the overall user rating for this model is 4.4 out of 5.
Quick Overview of Makita XNB02Z 18V LXT Straight Finish Nailer
The Makita XNB02Z is a great finish nailer with some unique features that set it apart. Let's take a look at the features at a glance once again,
- For operator convenience, there is a trigger lock button
- It is cordless, so there is no need for an air compressor and air hose
- Anti-dry fire mechanism preventing blanks from being driven and causing work surfaces to be damaged
- Precision flushing and countersinking with no tools required
- The work area is illuminated by a built-in LED light
- Nail removal is quick and easy with the tool-less nose design
- A 2-mode selector switch for controlling nailing operations
- The compact center height allows you to see around the nose tip when you fasten in tight areas
- The reversible belt clip keeps the tool close at hand
- Nailing is easier in confined spaces due to the narrow nose design
- The tool includes two removable no-mar tips with convenient storage on the tool
- A soft rubberized surface provides a comfortable grip and an ergonomically designed handle
- Rubber bumpers protect the tool and surface
- An efficient motor drives straight finish nails of 16-gauge up to 1 inch to 2-1/2 inches long.
- A 5.0Ah 18-Volt LXT Battery (not included) can drive up to 1,000 finish nails.
- With a length of only 11-5/8 in, it is compact and ergonomic
- For maximum efficiency, the rear-loaded magazine holds 110 nails
- Limited 3-year warranty
All the above points indicate the superior quality of the Arrow Fastener PT23G pin nailer! So, it can be considered as an excellent pin nailer to meet your project’s needs.
Features Details of Makita XNB02Z 18V LXT
Makita XNB02Z 18V LXT is a next-generation cordless finish nailer with great features. Here are the details of the notable features that will give you more insights about this finish nailer.
Performance
If we talk about the performance of XNB02Z, then it turns out to be an efficient and powerful machine. So this gadget has a reasonable amount of power to work with.
It comes in the category of the strongest models available in the market. The tool drives 2-inch nails flush on our hardest materials and sinks them at full depth on the shallowest setting.
Even if you're pushing the 2-1/2" limit, you'll need to test the depth in scrap, especially in hardwoods. Keep in mind that you have adjusted the depth in scrap material before going into your workpiece.
Everyone related to this will know very well that it would have different densities depending on the species. The Makita 16-gauge cordless finish nailer requires a half-second to wind up before firing when you pull the trigger.
Since Hitachi figured out how to get around it and it's not an issue with pneumatic guns, it may be a deal-breaker for you. There have been no jams or misfires during the testing process.
They're going to appear eventually, as all nailers do, but it won't be because of a chronic design flaw. For a small percentage of users, nail length is an important factor. It may be possible to get down to a 3/4′′ nail with some models, but the smallest nail that Makita allows is 1′′.
Price and value of Makita xnb02z 18v lxt straight finish nailer
Makita xnb02z 18v lxt is not a cheap tool with nearly $375 for the bare tool. So keep in mind that it is a cordless straight finish nailer; the price is higher. Hitachi's kit costs $299, and Milwaukee's kit is $399, both as full kits.
Whatever the price, Makita stands out in the market with excellent build quality and performance. So if your main intention is high quality and potential tools, then the price does not matter for you.
Ergonomics
A cordless nailer is going to be heavier than a corded nailer. According to our scales, the Makita XNB02 weighs 6.9 pounds without batteries and 7.75 pounds with them. This is close to the top of the list.
Maintaining balance is very important, especially when using the tool in the vertical orientation. You can switch to the horizontal mode when you are close to a floor or ceiling, so it's still weighted forward. Despite this, the balance between top and battery is good. The weight distribution of nearly every cordless finish nailer will be similar.
If you're switching from pneumatics, you will have to get used to it.
Due to its shape and rubber over-mold, the handle is very comfortable.
Although it's a bit thicker than Makita's driver lineup, it's perfect for handling the gun's weight and balance.
Hard plastic case
Makita xnb02z 18v lxt is packed in a hard plastic storage case. In this case, it has the entire kit and stacks beautifully in your truck, shop, or trailer.
Rapid charger
The charger is not an important factor to consider while studying Makita XNB02Z. However, if the charger is high quality, you will be more productive in your work area. Makita XNB02Z 18V LXT Straight Finish Nailer has a rapid charger, just like the majority of the other Makita tools.
2.0 Ah batteries are included in this straight finish nailer to charge in roughly 25 minutes. Regardless of whether your battery is hot, the charger will actively cool it to start the cycle quickly.
Jam clearance
One of the best jam-clearing mechanisms is the Makita 16-gauge cordless finish nailer. By flipping a lever, you can access the driver area. While other systems have very similar designs, Makita's action is smoother and easier to use.
Selector Switch
There are two modes to work, and it is not a big deal. Makita is slightly different from other tools available in the market, where the switch is present at the lower left, just above the battery. Keep in mind that this switch is covered to avoid any dust or debris.
Magazine
Makita is used for a metal rear-loading magazine which adds some weight. So it is more reliable and durable as compared to plastic and also helpful in the slider action work more smoothly when you reload. Some markings are also present on the side, which tells you what size nails are required for the project. The sizes are in millimeters instead of inches.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Final Thought
Makita XNB02Z 18V LXT is one of the best professional cordless finish nailer on the market. Though it's expensive compared to most other finish nailer models, but you can consider it for its performance, build quality, and if you don't want to take the hassle of carrying a heavy air compressor.