Milwaukee 7140-21 1-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch 15 Gauge Angled Finish Nailer

This angle finish nailer is one of seven new heavy-duty air-powered nailers from the venerable Milwaukee, and the whole series is another testament to the red label’s unflagging quality.

Our first impression was how incredibly light this nailer is, and its compactness makes it a cinch to tote and use, especially in awkward positions and at the tail end of a long day of trim or floor installation. Still, it’s a heavyweight in the power department, effortlessly driving 2-1/2″ 15-gauge nails and, best of all, its reload indicator even alerts you when your magazine’s nearly empty, preventing wasted firings. Loading more fasteners takes a couple of seconds at most, and that means more money in your pocket. Another big tip of the hat to Milwaukee for incorporating both sequential and bump firing modes, accessible just by turning a knob, so when speed is a need, you’re ready to go, but precision is at your fingertips too. We like the quality built into this tool, from the magnesium housing and easily adjustable air deflector and muffler all the way down to small details like the sturdy belt hook. The removable non-marring nosepiece won’t deface your work surface, and there’s even a self-cleaning air filter in the tool handle, keeping dust and dirt out of the tool’s workings – and that means longer tool life. In hand, this nailer feels great: light, comfortable, agile, beautifully balanced, and dare we say, fun to use. Tool-free depth adjustment is on-the-mark reliable, fast and easy. And should the nails jam, clearing is a snap with the tool-free jam release. Remodelers, contractors, cabinetmakers and the smart do-it-yourselfer will love this nailer.–Kris Jensen-Van Heste