Makita MUR195SD Review: Japanese Engineering in a Cordless String Trimmer
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Makita FN350D Review: Japan’s Secret Finish Nailer You Can’t Buy in the USA
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There’s something fascinating about tools that exist in one market but not another. The Makita FN350D is one of those mysterious tools – a professional-grade cordless finish nailer that’s ubiquitous on Japanese construction sites but completely unavailable in the United States. As a Japanese DIY enthusiast, I’ve watched countless professionals use this tool for years, and today I’m pulling back the curtain on why this Japan-exclusive nailer exists and what makes it special.
If you’re reading this from the USA, UK, or Australia, you might be wondering: “Why would Makita make a tool just for Japan?” The answer lies in Japanese construction methods, specifically something called mengi (面木) – beveled wooden strips used in concrete formwork. The FN350D was purpose-built for this application, and it represents Makita’s philosophy of designing tools for specific regional needs rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.
🌏 Model Compatibility at a Glance
This review covers the Japanese model FN350D. USA equivalent: Not available (Japan-exclusive).
Quick Compatibility Check
✅ Battery: Compatible with 18V LXT system globally
⚠️ Charger: NOT compatible (100V vs 120V)
❌ Tool Availability: Japan only
⚠️ USA Alternative: XNB02Z or XNB05Z (16-gauge finish nailer)
Regional Availability
- 🇯🇵 Japan: Available at Amazon.co.jp, Bildy (~¥36,036 body + case)
- 🇺🇸 USA: Not sold – closest alternative is XNB02Z (~$399)
- 🇪🇺 Europe: Not sold – use DFN350 or similar models
- 🇦🇺 Australia: Not sold
Why Japan-Exclusive?
The FN350D is designed specifically for concrete formwork construction using mengi (beveled wood strips). In Japanese construction, these strips create clean edges on poured concrete. The tool’s center-firing mechanism and omnidirectional spike drive make it perfect for this application. Since this construction method is primarily used in Japan and a few Asian markets, Makita doesn’t sell the FN350D elsewhere.
For USA readers: If you need a similar tool, the XNB02Z (older brushed motor) or XNB05Z (newer brushless) are your best options. They’re 16-gauge straight finish nailers that can handle similar applications, though they weren’t specifically designed for formwork.
⚡ Quick Verdict
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 4.5/5
✅ Best for: Japanese construction professionals, concrete formwork specialists
💰 Price: $$ (Mid-range – ~¥36,000/$250 equivalent)
🔋 Platform: 18V LXT (350+ compatible tools)
🎯 Bottom Line: Purpose-built excellence for a specific application. If you work with concrete formwork or need precision finish nailing with center-firing, this is unmatched. USA users should consider XNB02Z/XNB05Z instead.
Product Overview & Specs
The Makita FN350D (充電式面木釘打) launched in March 2019 as a cordless solution for Japanese construction professionals. The name literally translates to “rechargeable mengi nailer,” signaling its intended purpose from the start.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 18V | 18V |
| Nail Type | Finish nails | Finish nails |
| Nail Length | 15-35mm | 5/8″ – 1-3/8″ |
| Magazine Capacity | 100 nails | 100 nails |
| Weight | 2.3kg | 5.1 lbs |
| Nails Per Charge | 4,800 (6.0Ah) | 4,800 (6.0Ah) |
| Dimensions | 290×100×280mm | 11.4×3.9×11″ |
Professional Grade Tool
The FN350D sits in Makita’s professional construction lineup. This isn’t marketed to DIYers – it’s a specialized tool for commercial contractors working on concrete structures. In Japan, you’ll find this on high-rise construction sites, bridge projects, and commercial building foundations.
The tool uses a traditional brushed motor (not brushless like newer Makita models), which was the standard when it launched in 2019. While brushless would offer longer runtime, the brushed motor keeps costs reasonable for a specialized tool with limited market size.
🔋 Battery Platform Deep Dive
Here’s the silver lining for international tool enthusiasts: even though the FN350D itself is Japan-exclusive, it uses the 18V LXT battery system that’s identical worldwide.
Universal Battery Compatibility
If you somehow acquire an FN350D from Japan (through import or travel), your existing 18V LXT batteries from anywhere in the world will work perfectly. I’ve personally tested batteries purchased in Japan with USA-market Makita tools and vice versa – they’re 100% interchangeable.
The catch: chargers are NOT compatible. Japanese chargers run on 100V, while USA chargers need 120V. If you import a Japanese tool, you’ll need either:
- A voltage converter for your Japanese charger
- To buy a USA-market charger separately
- Stick to charging batteries in other USA-market Makita tools
Battery Performance
With the recommended BL1860B (6.0Ah) battery, the FN350D delivers approximately 4,800 nail shots on a single charge. For context:
- Average formwork job: 500-1,000 nails
- Full day of finish carpentry: 2,000-3,000 nails
- One 6.0Ah battery = 1-2 full workdays
The battery charges in about 55 minutes with Makita’s DC18RF rapid charger.
Key Features & Japanese Engineering
Center-Firing Mechanism
The FN350D’s standout feature is its center-firing system. Most finish nailers fire from the nose tip, which can make precise placement tricky in tight spaces. The FN350D fires from the center of the tool, giving you a clearer line of sight to your target.
In Japanese construction terminology, this is called 中央射出 (chūō shashatsu). It’s particularly valuable when nailing beveled strips (mengi) because you can see exactly where the nail will land before you pull the trigger.
Omnidirectional Spike Drive
The tool features 全方向スパイク (zenhoukō supaiku) – omnidirectional drive spikes. These provide grip regardless of the angle you’re holding the tool. Whether you’re working horizontally, vertically, or at an awkward angle on formwork, the spikes ensure consistent nail placement.
This is crucial for formwork applications where you might be reaching into tight spaces or working overhead.
Low Recoil Design
Makita engineers implemented a counterweight mechanism that neutralizes forward and backward vibration during firing. Japanese professionals call this 低反動機構 (teihando kiko). The result is less fatigue during extended use and more accurate nail placement.
I’ve used both the FN350D and comparable air nailers, and the recoil difference is immediately noticeable. The cordless version feels more controlled, especially on repetitive tasks.
Narrow Nose Adapter
The included narrow nose adapter (細径ノーズアダプタ) allows access to tight spaces. Combined with the center-firing mechanism, you can nail into grooves and recesses that would be impossible with standard nose designs.
Dust and Water Resistance
The FN350D features APT (All Weather Protection Technology) – Makita’s dust and water-resistant design. This is critical for construction sites where concrete dust and weather exposure are daily realities.
Real-World Use Cases
Concrete Formwork (Primary Use)
This is what the FN350D was born to do. In Japanese construction, mengi (beveled wood strips) are attached to formwork before concrete is poured. After the concrete cures, the strips are removed, leaving clean, beveled edges.
The FN350D’s center-firing and omnidirectional spikes make quick work of this repetitive task. Professional formwork teams can complete an entire high-rise floor in a day with battery-powered efficiency.
Interior Trim & Finish Carpentry
Despite being designed for formwork, the FN350D excels at traditional finish carpentry. Installing baseboards, crown molding, door casings, and window trim are all within its capabilities. The 15-35mm nail range covers most trim applications.
Japanese finish carpenters appreciate the precision and cordless convenience, especially in occupied buildings where compressor noise would be disruptive.
Cabinet Installation
The narrow nose and center-firing make the FN350D excellent for cabinet trim work. Face frames, panel molding, and decorative trim all benefit from the precise nail placement.
Not Ideal For
The FN350D cannot use super finish nails (超仕上釘, chō shiage kugi) – ultra-fine headless nails used in high-end cabinetry. If you need that capability, Makita recommends their pneumatic AF552H or AF502N models.
The tool also struggles with very hard exotic woods. The brushed motor has adequate power for construction-grade lumber but may require multiple strikes on dense hardwoods like ipe or teak.
Pros & Cons
Pros
✅ Purpose-built excellence: Unmatched for formwork applications
✅ Center-firing precision: Clear sight line to nail placement
✅ Omnidirectional spikes: Works at any angle
✅ Low recoil: Reduces fatigue, improves accuracy
✅ Excellent battery life: 4,800 nails per charge
✅ 18V LXT compatibility: Works with 350+ tools globally
✅ Narrow nose adapter: Access to tight spaces
✅ APT weather protection: Dust and splash resistant
Cons
❌ Japan-exclusive availability: Cannot purchase in USA/Europe/Australia
❌ No super finish nail support: Limited to standard finish nails
❌ Brushed motor: Older technology vs newer brushless models
❌ Depth dial stiffness: Some users report tight adjustment dial
❌ Regional charger incompatibility: 100V Japan vs 120V USA
❌ No 40V XGT version: Stuck on older 18V platform
❌ Specialized use case: Less versatile than general-purpose nailers
Competitive Comparison
Within Makita’s Lineup
PT353D (23-gauge pin nailer): Much finer pins (0.6mm) for invisible fastening. Choose this for delicate trim where you don’t want visible holes. The FN350D’s finish nails provide more holding power.
XNB02Z (USA 16-gauge): The closest USA equivalent, but heavier (6.9 lbs vs 5.1 lbs) and lacks center-firing. Handles longer nails (up to 2.5″) and has brushed motor like FN350D.
XNB05Z (USA brushless): Newer brushless technology with 1.5x faster firing and lighter weight (6.6 lbs). Better performance but still no center-firing mechanism.
Versus USA Competitors
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 16-gauge: Brushless motor, nitrogen gas drive system, excellent reviews. More powerful but heavier and more expensive. No center-firing.
DeWalt DCN660B: 20V MAX, flywheel drive, lighter than Makita XNB02Z. Good balance of power and weight but USA-only availability.
Metabo HPT NT3640DA: 36V powerhouse with impressive drive depth in hardwoods. Overkill for formwork but excellent for heavy finish work.
Why Choose the FN350D?
Choose the FN350D if you:
- Work in Japanese construction (formwork/concrete)
- Already own 18V LXT tools
- Value center-firing precision
- Need omnidirectional spike capability
- Work in dust/water environments
- Can source the tool in Japan
Choose alternatives if you:
- Live outside Japan (practical necessity)
- Want latest brushless technology (go XNB05Z)
- Need super finish nail capability (go pneumatic)
- Prefer lighter weight (go 12V options)
- Want maximum power (go 36V Metabo HPT)
Who Should Buy This?
Ideal User Profile
The FN350D is perfect for:
Japanese Construction Professionals: If you’re a Japanese contractor working on commercial concrete structures, this tool is purpose-built for you. The formwork efficiency alone justifies the investment.
Finish Carpenters in Japan: Even if formwork isn’t your primary work, the precision and cordless convenience make this a solid choice for traditional finish carpentry.
Makita Ecosystem Members: Already invested in 18V LXT? Adding the FN350D makes sense – you already have batteries and chargers.
International Tool Collectors: If you’re fascinated by region-specific tools and can source one through import or travel, the FN350D is a unique addition that works with your existing battery platform.
Not Ideal For
USA/European Contractors: You literally can’t buy this tool in your market. Go with XNB02Z or XNB05Z instead.
DIY Weekend Warriors: This is a specialized professional tool at professional prices. Casual users should consider pneumatic options or less specialized cordless nailers.
Super Finish Nail Users: The inability to use ultra-fine headless nails is a dealbreaker for high-end furniture makers.
Budget Shoppers: At ¥36,000+ (~$250), this is premium pricing for a specialized tool.
Final Thoughts from Japan
Living in Japan gives me a unique perspective on tools like the FN350D. In Western markets, there’s often an expectation that manufacturers should make every tool available everywhere. But Japanese companies like Makita take a different approach – they design tools for specific regional needs, even if that means limited market size.
The FN350D represents this philosophy perfectly. It’s not trying to be all things to all people. It’s a laser-focused solution for Japanese construction methods, and it excels at that singular purpose.
For American readers wondering “why can’t we get this?”, the honest answer is market economics. The USA construction industry doesn’t use mengi formwork methods that drove the FN350D’s development. The XNB02Z and XNB05Z serve the American market’s finish nailing needs adequately, even without the center-firing mechanism.
But here’s what’s worth appreciating: Makita’s commitment to the 18V LXT battery standard means that even region-specific tools remain part of the global ecosystem. If you’re an international contractor who works in both Japan and the USA, your batteries work in tools from both markets. That kind of standardization is rare and valuable.
My Honest Assessment
As someone who’s used both the FN350D and comparable USA-market finish nailers, I’ll say this: the center-firing mechanism is legitimately better for precision work. Every time I nail trim, I appreciate seeing exactly where that nail will land. It’s one of those features you don’t know you’re missing until you experience it.
The omnidirectional spikes are equally impressive. I’ve nailed at ridiculous angles during renovations, and the FN350D grips surfaces that would cause other nailers to slip.
However, the lack of brushless technology is starting to show its age. Newer models fire faster and run longer on the same battery. If Makita releases an updated version (FN350D v2 with brushless motor?), that would address the tool’s main weakness.
My rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. It loses half a star for being Japan-exclusive (limiting its utility for international readers) and for lacking brushless technology. But for its intended purpose, it’s nearly perfect. If you’re in Japan or work with Japanese construction methods, this tool delivers exactly what it promises: precise, efficient cordless finish nailing with features you won’t find anywhere else.
For USA readers seeking alternatives, start with the XNB05Z if you want the latest technology, or save money with the XNB02Z if brushed motors don’t bother you. Neither will give you center-firing, but they’re solid performers that you can actually buy.
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ABOUT ME
Hi, I’m Aki, a Japanese DIY enthusiast who loves building, repairing, and improving things with Makita tools.
Living in a small house in Japan taught me how to be creative with limited space and tools.
On this blog, I share honest reviews, simple project ideas, and the Japanese way of enjoying DIY life.