Milwaukee 7145-21 3/4-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch 16 Gauge Straight Finish Nailer

This straight finishing 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.

At the top of our list is how incredibly light Milwaukee’s nailers are, even fully loaded, and their compact size makes them a cinch to tote and use, especially in awkward positions and at the tail end of a long day on the job. But it’s crowded at the top of the list: Despite their light weight, these nailers are heavyweights in the power department. The 7145-21 effortlessly drives 3/4″ to 2-1/2″ finishing nails and, best of all, its reload indicator even alerts you when your magazine’s nearly empty. 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 to the easily adjustable air deflector and muffler, as well as the convenient rafter hook for storage. The 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, and beautifully balanced. 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. Bravo, Milwaukee.–Kris Jensen-Van Heste