As technology advances, wireless nailers are being more common and relevant. Framing nailers, for example, have experienced limited development in this field. It’s no secret that bigger nails pose some challenges.
The most important thing is the capacity in driving a 3-inch nail to a 0.131-inch diameter. To term it as a nailer is a waste of time if you can’t deliver on that promise. You can use 3.5-inch nails with the DeWalt 20V frame nailer (DCN692).
Fortunately, this framing nailer is an option for those who wish to do away with the gas and hose altogether. There are two options for you to pick from at this time. The DCN690 models only have a fixed speed setting, whereas the DCN692 has two modes of speed.
To construct a lithium-ion nailer, both have brushless motors. Having tested the single-speed unit, we wanted to check if the DCN692’s dual-speed offered any substantial improvements in terms of performance and functionality. Both nailers, in regards to speed selection, are nearly identical.
Features
DeWalt’s DCN692 features a brushless motor that provides the efficiency and power needed to drive nails used in framing. Paper tape nails with either an offset full head or a clipped head can be used. The diameters range from 0.113′′ to 0.131′′, while the lengths range from 2′′ to 3-1/2′′.
If you live in a hurricane or earthquake-prone area, you’ll want to stick with offset full heads instead of cut nails, because construction standards restrict their use. Finding trimmed head nails is currently a fruitless endeavor, even with the help of online retailers. In addition, it was difficult to track down any physical stores that have a stock of this equipment.
Depth Driving Adjustment
There are many things to tackle when it comes to its features. The depth driving adjustment wheel is located near the end of the tool. There are 11 affirmative clicking positions that assist you to measure your current position, and you can quickly alter it with your thumb.
Jam Clearing
One screw on the base and two screws located on its nose must be loosened to unclog the blockage. It is now possible to free the magazine from the traffic gridlock. Release stall level located at the top of the nailer can be used to restart the driving cycle if the nailer has stalled while hammering into hardwoods.
This, however, disables the device, and you’ll have to remove and reinstall its battery to restore functionality. A light indicator next to the battery indicator will flash on the tool’s rear if it jams or stalls.
Firing Modes
Bump or sequential action is selected from the side menu. The switch on its own is really difficult to shift. I was afraid I’d cause damage when I initially flipped it, although it’s supposed to prevent inadvertent mode switching. I’m hoping that as far as I’m using this tool, it will become easier. Alternating between different motor speeds is the other option.
When it’s tucked away, you’ll discover this at the back of the rafter hook. 2′′ to 3′′ nails should be shot at a lower speed, whereas 3-1/4′′ to 3-1/2′′ nails must be fired at a higher one. The battery’s efficiency should improve if the nails that are smaller are driven at a slower speed. However, if you require a higher driving force in harder materials, you may surely drive them in a high-speed setting.
Additional Features
There’s a safety feature that prevents the trigger from firing when the gun is not in use or the vehicle. Also included is a rotating rafter hook that is useful. It appears to be quite sturdy because of its heft and rigidity. It’s broad enough to hang two pieces of material on either side, and it can be rotated 360 degrees.
Performance
Speed, power, and execution time were the three pillars of my performance goals. I was able to fire nails as long as 2-3/8′′ with no problem. I can drive every nail to its full length at the advisable low-speed mode. In softwoods like pine, I can simply sink the nail underneath the surface by increasing the speed of the nail gun. Things are different when it comes to LVL and hardwoods.
You’ll notice a change in terms of speed. When using the DeWalt 20V Nailer in a bump-fire setting, finding a rhythm was not difficult. However, it was more cumbersome than using some compressor-powered models. Sequential fire mode also has a large speed difference. You have to be patient for the engine to spin up the flywheel prior to every shot, so that’s why it’s slower.
Recommendations
Therefore, the professional user who needs an occasional frame nailer will gain the most out of this product. Workers who spend most of their day nailing framing or working at heights prefer traditional compressor- or gas-powered nailers because they are lighter and operate more quickly.
Even so, we appreciate the Metabo HPT wireless framing nailer’s speedy operation the most. Rather than using the battery to power a flywheel, it charges a high-pressure gas chamber instead. Thus, its responsiveness has been much improved.
Keep in mind that this isn’t going to affect your overall performance. My DeWalt 20V Nailer performed admirably. In my role as an occasional frame nailer user, the DCN692 has got a spot in my toolbox.
Its shortcomings are outweighed by the fact that I no longer have to lug around a hose and compressor, nor do I have to replace the gas cartridges. Cordless framing nailers like this are ideal for professionals who only need a framing nailer on occasion.