Milwaukee 7120-21 3/4- to 1-3/4-Inch Coil Roofing Nailer

This coil roofing 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. But a close second is the clever inclusion of a magnet that holds onto the nails... 

Hitachi NT65MA2 1-1/4- to 2-1/2-Inch 15 Gauge Angled Finish Nailer

Long nails into hardwood? No problem. Working overhead? It’s only 4.2 pounds. Hate having the exhaust in your face? Tool-free, 360-degree adjustment takes care of that. No time for jams? Clearing takes no more than a couple of seconds because of the quick-release nose. The magazine is made of nylon, but it seems as rugged to us as any metal magazine out there. That’s also why this nailer is so easy on the hands. Add to that a nicely padded... 

DeWalt D51238K 5/8-Inch to 2-Inch 18-Gauge Brad Nailer

Light as a feather and mean as a junkyard dog, DeWalt’s 18-gauge brad nailer is a heck of a tool. We like the fit and feel of it, and DeWalt wins points from us for putting low-nail indicators on the side and the top of the magazine. The sliding depth adjustment is fantastic: just unlock it with your index finger, slide the adjustment with your other hand, and you’re ready to fire. Like DeWalt’s other nail guns, this model has a... 

Makita MAC700 The Hotdog 12.4 Amp 2 Horsepower 2-1/2 Gallon Oiled Single Hotdog Compressor

This one’s a bit of a paradox: The do-it-yourselfer might pass by this compressor in favor of an oil-free, no-maintenance model, but it’s actually one of the best on the market for the homeowner, hobbyist and weekend warrior. There are three factors that made us form this opinion. First, it’s the quietest compressor we’ve ever encountered. It’s a remarkable departure in a genre of tools that normally force you to suspend conversation while... 

Porter-Cable FN250B 3/4-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch 16-Gauge Finish Nailer

With this 2-1/2-inch, 16-gauge finish nailer, Porter-Cable continues to make good on their reputation as one of the top pneumatic toolmakers. The gun’s straight magazine is well thought out, made from aluminum, and top loading. This is a sturdy, compact nailer that shoots a conveniently wide range of 16-gauge nails, from 3/4 to 2-1/2 inches. The nailer has a good balance and a nice, thin grip made of porous rubber. (You don’t have to... 

Porter-Cable PIN100 1/2-Inch to 1-Inch 23-Gauge Pin Nailer

This model from Porter-Cable is one of the newest additions to a vast line of pneumatic nailers. The PIN100 is perfect for hobbies, intricate work, or just using the pin as a “hold-down” while your glue dries. The hole produced with the pin is so small that a wipe with a damp rag makes the hole virtually invisible to the naked eye. Although this unit is small and lightweight, it is not lacking on performance or features. The PIN100 will...