Metabo HPT NR90AES1 Framing Nailer vs Milwaukee M18 FUEL 21-Degree Framing Nailer

Buy the Metabo HPT NR90AES1 if you already run a compressor and want the lightest, most proven framing nailer for all-day work. Buy the Milwaukee M18 FUEL if you frame on sites without air, on roofs or in tight spots where a hose gets in the way. The Metabo is 7.5 lbs versus 10 lbs for the Milwaukee, and its 64-nail magazine beats the Milwaukee's 51. The Milwaukee sinks full round-head nails into dense engineered lumber and fires 3 nails per second with no ramp-up, but you pay for batteries and it is heavier. Owners rate the Metabo higher at 4.8 from 776 ratings against 4.6 from 2,741 for the Milwaukee, though the Milwaukee's larger sample still reads strong.

• Choose the Metabo HPT NR90AES1 if you have a compressor and want a light, reliable pneumatic framer with a big magazine and a long track record.
• Choose the Milwaukee M18 FUEL if you need to frame without a hose and want cordless power that sinks nails into engineered lumber.