Milwaukee 2744-20 M18 FUEL Framing Nailer: 8 Reasons It’s the Best Choice in 2025
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 21-Degree Framing Nailer Review – A Game-Changer for DIY Projects
We’re going to break down the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 21-Degree Framing Nailer Kit, model 2744-20, which you can find right here on Amazon https://amzn.to/4dxRzVk combo pack or just the nailer https://amzn.to/4emHCLV. Now, this baby is an absolute powerhouse for framing projects on the homestead and around the house. First off, let me say, using a framing nailer without the hassle of cords and gas canisters is a dream come true! And with this Milwaukee model, I had a blast testing it out with some home improvement projects.
Table of Contents
For this review, I’ve also included a general overview video where you can watch me and my trusty assistant (or victim of peer pressure) give it a go firsthand. From assembling the nails to firing away, we had a lot of fun getting things done.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Right out of the box, the Milwaukee 2744-20 M18 FUEL Framing Nailer comes packed with the usual high-quality gear you’d expect from Milwaukee. The heavy-duty bag they give you is no joke; you could probably carry around a small dog in there if needed (not recommended, but hey, possibilities are endless!). But just a heads-up, if you’re buying this nailer as a stand-alone tool, it doesn’t come with the battery unless you get the full kit. If you’re already in the M18 family, this is no big deal because those batteries work across their tool range.
It comes with a standard magazine, and you can buy the extended one separately if you don’t want to keep refilling. But even the standard size is solid for most jobs.
Performance and Features
One of the standout features of the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Framing Nailer is the brushless motor. It’s smooth, powerful, and provides great efficiency when you’re working all day. With no gas canisters and no air hoses to trip over, it’s super easy to set up and get to work quickly. Plus, less noise—so your neighbors won’t hate you after those weekend projects!
The tool-free depth adjustment is awesome. You can make adjustments quickly without having to break out any other tools, making it perfect for on-the-fly tweaks as you go. The no-mar tip is great for those delicate pieces where you don’t want to leave marks, which means you can use it on finer projects like installing trim or baseboards without worrying about damage.
It has two firing modes, sequential and bump-fire. The sequential mode is pretty standard—just press the nose to the surface, pull the trigger, and boom, one nail is in. The bump-fire mode? Oh man, this is where it gets fun! You can crank out three nails per second just by holding down the trigger and bumping the tool against your work surface. It’s fast, efficient, and perfect for when you’re doing big framing jobs like roofing or decking. In the video, we put it to the test, and let me tell you, it’s almost too easy.
Battery Life
With the 5.0Ah battery pack, this framing nailer can fire up to 750 nails per charge. That’s a lot of nailing before you even need to think about swapping batteries. The battery life on this thing is fantastic for those larger jobs. No need to be constantly running back and forth to recharge or swap batteries.
And since this tool runs on the Milwaukee M18 platform, if you’ve got other M18 tools (like I do), the batteries are all interchangeable, which is a huge bonus for any homesteader or DIY enthusiast. Just slap in a fresh battery, and you’re good to go again.
Handling and Usability
Weighing in at around 9.6 pounds, this nailer is in the middleweight category, but it feels balanced in hand. Even if you’re working on framing an entire room or putting together a new chicken coop, it’s light enough to use for extended periods without feeling like you’re dragging around a ton of bricks.
The onboard belt hook and rafter hook are lifesavers, especially if you’re working on a ladder or scaffold. You can hook it right onto your toolbelt or hang it up on a rafter if you need to free your hands. This came in handy during our review project, and in the video, you’ll see me putting that hook to good use.
Safety First
As always, safety is key. One of the things I love about the Milwaukee 2744-20 M18 FUEL Framing Nailer is the dry fire lockout, which keeps the tool from firing if you’re out of nails. This feature saves you from unnecessary wear and tear on the nailer itself, and, of course, saves you from firing blanks. And, just like I always tell folks—never leave a battery in a tool if you’re walking away from it. The easy battery removal feature on this tool lets you take the power out of it quickly to avoid any accidental firings.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
In short—heck yes! The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 21-Degree Framing Nailer is hands down one of the best tools you can get for framing without the fuss of gas or cords. It’s reliable, powerful, and built to handle pretty much any job you throw at it, whether you’re working on a full home renovation or tackling smaller projects on the homestead.
A few customers out there have mentioned that it’s heavier than a pneumatic nailer, but honestly, the freedom of no hoses or compressors more than makes up for the extra weight. Plus, Milwaukee’s build quality and their fantastic customer support make this a no-brainer. I’d highly recommend it if you’re in the market for a top-tier cordless nailer.
If you want to see it in action, be sure to check out the video I put together for Backroad Reviews, where I walk you through the unboxing and put this nailer to the test. Spoiler alert: it does not disappoint!
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