Common Problems With Milwaukee Framing Nailers (According To Owners)

Whether you are a pro or a serious DIYer, there are some essential tools you'll want in your toolbox. These include basics like pliers, screwdrivers, and even hammers. However, while these tools might come in handy for basic tasks and repair emergencies, there will come a time when you'll want to leave them behind and find power tools that are essential for advancing your woodworking skills. A great option that you might consider is replacing a hammer with a framing nailer.

A model like the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 30-Degree Framing Nailer will certainly come in handy if you need a nail gun that can handle most outdoor jobs. It features a cordless design, offering more freedom and less hassle. Plus, it can shoot full round head nails that are between 2 inches and 3 ½-inches in length. This means that it's the perfect tool for building decks, constructing wall frames, or putting up fences, since it can perfectly hold heavy pieces of lumber in place.

However, as much as we appreciate the freedom and performance of Milwaukee framing nailers, there are a few crucial factors you'll want to consider before committing to one. No power tool is perfect. And while these nailers might be real assets for various woodworking projects, owners in reviews and forums claim that many things can go wrong with them. Some issues are quick fixes, but others might point to long-term durability and design limitations. Either way — from troublesome misfires to battery issues — here are some common problems owners of Milwaukee framing nailers experience.

The Milwaukee line of framing nailers might be a true example of how good modern Milwaukee power tools are. But it's not without its shortcomings. Longtime users have experienced problems with the nailers losing pressure (something that happens naturally with regular use). This issue, which results from air leaks in the pressurized cylinder, often shows up as weak nail drives or inconsistent firing and is quite common in heavily used models. To remedy this issue, a few Reddit comments suggest sending it in to Milwaukee or a third-party repair service for a professional recharge. Alternatively, if you're handy, you can go the DIY route and repressurize your Milwaukee framing nailer. Just remember that it can be tricky to attempt this fix at home.

Along with pressure loss, users report other glaring issues, such as nail misfires and jams, which can make even small woodworking projects frustrating. One user on Reddit commented, "Currently I'm building a shop so it's getting quite a bit of use, but I notice that while the clip is anymore than 1/3 full, it will miss fire every other shot unless I keep my spare hand on the clip, manually pushing the nails up." If this happens, you'll want to check the nails you use; the wrong type and size could be the main culprit. You'll also want to clean the circle spring and magazine, and spray some corrosion protector (for instance, WD-40) over the moving parts to help restore smooth operation.

Some Milwaukee customers report that the framing nailer is multi-firing without driving nails. This mainly happens when the tool clicks several times without shooting a single nail. In this case, one user on Just Answer suggested, "Multi-firing in the Milwaukee M18 framing gun usually stems from a worn or damaged trigger assembly or a faulty contact trip mechanism. Inspect the trigger for wear and clean any debris around the firing pins."

A nailer that won't fully sink nails, even in soft wood, is another common issue that users often complain about. And while most owners might claim that the issue is down to the magazine, you'll want to check your battery before you think of the worst. In most cases, a low-charged battery is to blame. Sometimes, the issue might be as small as a wrong depth-of-drive setting.

While on it, some users often run into battery issues. After all, Milwaukee's list of framing nailers often relies on 18V batteries, which are not immune to some of the most common problems affecting power tool batteries. Among the most reported issues are an overheating battery, one that can't hold a charge, and one that fails to charge at all.

To identify the most common problems with Milwaukee framing nailers, instead of seeking help from third-party reviews, we've explored a range of online forums to see what actual owners think. All information was found through various sources, including complaint threads and customer reviews from platforms like Reddit, Just Answer, and Milwaukee's official tools site. We also relied heavily on YouTube videos demonstrating the common problems affecting tools like the Milwaukee M18 Fuel framing nailer. And to decide which problem made the cut, we highlighted each problem based on severity, frequency, and consistency across multiple sources.