Makita Nailers & Staplers: Professional-Grade Fastening Solutions
As a Japanese DIYer who’s watched Makita’s fastening tools evolve from pneumatic workhorses to cordless powerhouses, I can confidently say that their nailer and stapler lineup represents some of the best engineering in the industry. Whether you’re installing trim, building decks, or tackling professional drywall projects, Makita’s cordless fastening tools deliver the power and precision that once required compressors and air hoses.
Why Makita Nailers & Staplers?
Makita’s transition from pneumatic to cordless fastening tools hasn’t just been about cutting the air hose—it’s been about reimagining what these tools can do. Their 18V LXT and 12V CXT platforms offer genuine compressor-free solutions that deliver consistent driving power, impressive runtime, and the freedom to work anywhere without dragging equipment.
The Japanese manufacturing philosophy shines through in these tools: every mechanism is engineered for reliability, every feature serves a practical purpose, and the build quality ensures years of dependable service. In Japan, where Makita is the professional’s default choice, these fastening tools are trusted on construction sites from Tokyo to rural villages.
📌 Pin Nailers (23 Gauge)
XTP02Z – 18V LXT Cordless 23 Ga. Pin Nailer (1-3/8″)
USA Model: XTP02Z | Japan Model: PT353D
The XTP02Z represents Makita’s premier cordless pin nailer, engineered for precision trim work and delicate installations where minimal nail holes matter. This 23-gauge pin nailer drives headless pins from 5/8″ to 1-3/8″, making it ideal for crown molding, baseboard installation, and cabinet trim work.
Key Features:
- Drives up to 6,400 pins on a single 6.0Ah battery charge
- Magazine capacity: 120 pins
- Low reaction force mechanism for high-quality finish
- Anti-dry fire mechanism prevents damage to work surface
- Tool-less depth adjustment for flush or countersink finish
- Slim nose design for precise fastening in tight spaces
- Contact arm mechanism enables continuous nailing and drag nailing
Best For: Finish carpentry, trim installation, cabinet making, picture frame assembly, decorative molding
TP03Z – 12V max CXT Cordless 23 Ga. Pin Nailer
USA Model: TP03Z | Japan Model: PT354D
For professionals who prioritize ultra-compact size and lighter weight, the 12V CXT pin nailer delivers impressive performance in a smaller package. It’s perfect for overhead work, tight access areas, and extended use where fatigue matters.
Key Features:
- Drives up to 1,250 pins on a single 2.0Ah CXT battery
- Weighs only 4 lbs with battery
- Drives six different pin lengths (5/8″ to 1-3/8″)
- Battery fuel gauge for charge monitoring
- Improved balance and ergonomics with slide-style battery
- Spring-loaded driving mechanism reduces tool size and weight
Best For: Cabinet installation, electrical trim work, tight-space applications, overhead finishing
commin soon!
🔨 Brad Nailers (18 Gauge)
XNB01Z – 18V LXT Cordless 18 Ga. Brad Nailer (2″)
USA Model: XNB01Z | Japan Model: Similar to DFN350Z
Makita’s original 18V cordless brad nailer remains a solid choice for narrow trim and molding installation. While not brushless, it delivers reliable performance with proven technology that professionals trust.
Key Features:
- Drives 18 gauge brad nails from 5/8″ to 2″
- Magazine capacity: 100 nails
- Drives up to 1,660 nails per 5.0Ah battery charge
- Built-in LED light illuminates work area
- Rubber bumpers protect tool and work surface
- Tool-less depth adjustment
- Weighs 7.7 lbs with battery
Best For: Narrow trim installation, molding work, light finish carpentry
commin soon!
XNB04Z – 18V LXT Brushless 18 Ga. Brad Nailer (2″)
USA Model: XNB04Z | Japan Model: Similar to DFN350Z (Brushless version)
The brushless upgrade brings improved runtime, reduced maintenance, and enhanced durability. This is Makita’s current flagship 18-gauge brad nailer, combining modern brushless motor technology with refined ergonomics.
Key Features:
- Brushless motor for extended runtime and tool life
- Drives up to 2,300 nails per 5.0Ah battery charge
- Zero ramp-up time for immediate full power
- Compact center height for tight corner access
- XPT (Extreme Protection Technology) for dust and water resistance
- Silent operation compared to pneumatic equivalents
Best For: Professional trim carpentry, baseboard installation, continuous production work
commin soon!
🔩 Finish Nailers (16 Gauge)
XNB02Z – 18V LXT Cordless 16 Ga. Straight Finish Nailer (2-1/2″)
USA Model: XNB02Z | Japan Model: FN350D
The 16-gauge straight finish nailer handles heavier trim work, baseboard installation, and crown molding with authority. It’s the workhorse of finish nailers, offering more holding power than brad nailers while still delivering clean results.
Key Features:
- Drives 16 gauge straight finish nails from 1″ to 2-1/2″
- Magazine capacity: 110 nails
- Drives up to 1,000 nails per 5.0Ah battery charge
- 2-mode selector switch for versatile applications
- Anti-dry fire mechanism
- Trigger lock button for safety
- Weighs 7.5 lbs with battery
Best For: Baseboard installation, crown molding, door casing, heavier trim work, flooring
XNB05Z – 18V LXT Brushless 16 Ga. Straight Finish Nailer (2-1/2″)
USA Model: XNB05Z | Japan Model: Similar to FN350D (Brushless)
The brushless version of Makita’s 16-gauge finish nailer brings professional-grade performance with extended runtime. This is the tool that serious trim carpenters and finish contractors rely on daily.
Key Features:
- Brushless motor delivers increased power efficiency
- Drives up to 1,400 nails per 5.0Ah battery charge
- Fast recovery time between drives
- Electronic depth adjustment for precise control
- Compact and balanced design reduces fatigue
- Compatible with all Star Protection LXT batteries
Best For: Professional finish carpentry, continuous production environments, heavy trim installation
XNB06Z – 18V LXT Brushless 16 Ga. Angled Finish Nailer (2-1/2″)
USA Model: XNB06Z | Japan Model: Similar to FN350D (Angled version)
The angled magazine design improves access in corners and tight spaces, making this nailer ideal for baseboard installation and cabinet work where straight nailers struggle to fit.
Key Features:
- 34-degree angled magazine for corner access
- Brushless motor for maximum efficiency
- Same power and runtime as straight finish nailer
- Angled nose reaches into tight corners
- Ideal for baseboard installation along walls
Best For: Baseboard installation, corner trim work, cabinet installation, tight-access applications
📍 Staplers
XTS01Z – 18V LXT Cordless 3/8″ Crown Stapler
USA Model: XTS01Z | Japan Model: ST421D / ST121D
Makita’s 3/8″ crown stapler is a true utility tool that handles everything from house wrap installation to upholstery work. It’s powerful enough to drive staples flush into hardwoods like oak and maple.
Key Features:
- Drives 3/8″ crown staples from 3/8″ to 7/8″ length
- Compatible with Arrow T50 type flat crown staples
- Magazine window shows remaining staple count
- Contact actuation for production environments
- Rugged machined aluminum magazine
- Drives staples flush into hardwood materials
Best For: House wrap installation, roofing felt, furniture building, upholstery, drywall, utility installations
XTS02Z – 18V LXT Brushless 1/4″ Narrow Crown Stapler (18 Ga.)
USA Model: XTS02Z | Japan Model: ST112D
The narrow crown stapler excels at installing thin trim, paneling, and delicate materials where larger crown staples would split the wood or show too prominently.
Key Features:
- 18-gauge 1/4″ narrow crown staples
- Brushless motor for extended runtime
- Drives staples from 5/8″ to 1-1/2″
- Ideal for thin trim and panel installation
- Compact nose design for tight spaces
Best For: Thin trim installation, panel work, lattice attachment, screen door frames
🔧 Autofeed Screwdrivers
XRF02Z – 18V LXT Cordless 4,000 RPM Autofeed Screwdriver
USA Model: XRF02Z | Japan Model: FR451D
Makita’s autofeed screwdriver transforms drywall and decking installation with collated screw technology. The integrated autofeed design eliminates bulky magazine attachments while delivering consistent driving power.
Key Features:
- 4,000 RPM for rapid fastening
- Collated screw capacity: 1″ to 2-1/8″
- Silent clutch design reduces noise
- Extension handle available for sub-floor applications
- Rugged aluminum dust-proof autofeed housing
- Screw guide prevents strip tangling
Best For: Drywall installation, decking, sub-floor attachment, production environments
XRF03Z – 18V LXT Brushless 6,000 RPM Autofeed Screwdriver
USA Model: XRF03Z | Japan Model: Similar to FR451D (Brushless)
The flagship brushless autofeed screwdriver delivers maximum speed for professional installers who need to drive thousands of screws per day. Push Drive technology reduces motor noise and extends battery runtime.
Key Features:
- Brushless motor delivers 6,000 RPM
- Drives up to 2,250 screws per 5.0Ah battery
- Push Drive Technology – motor engages only when fastener contacts surface
- Collated screw capacity: 1″ to 2-3/16″
- Lock-on mode for continuous operation
- Significant reduction in motor noise
Best For: High-volume drywall installation, professional decking, framing applications, production work
🔩 Framing Nailers
XNB07Z – 18V LXT Brushless 30° Clipped Head Framing Nailer (3-1/2″)
USA Model: XNB07Z | Japan Model: Not available in Japan market
The 30-degree clipped head version offers the same power as the 21-degree model but with angled magazine design that improves access in tight framing scenarios.
Key Features:
- Drives 30° full-clipped head nails into dense engineered lumber
- Same power and capacity as 21° version
- Angled magazine improves corner access
- 58 nail capacity magazine
- Drives up to 1,000 nails per 6.0Ah battery
Best For: Framing, structural work, tight-access framing scenarios
commin soon!
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Choosing the Right Makita Nailer or Stapler
For Trim Carpentry and Finish Work
Recommended: XTP02Z (23 Ga. Pin Nailer) + XNB04Z or XNB05Z (Brad/Finish Nailer)
Start with a pin nailer for delicate trim where nail holes must be minimal. Add either an 18-gauge brad nailer for narrow trim or a 16-gauge finish nailer for heavier moldings and baseboards.
For Cabinet Installation
Recommended: TP03Z (12V Pin Nailer) + XNB06Z (Angled Finish Nailer)
The compact 12V pin nailer excels in tight cabinet interiors, while the angled finish nailer reaches into corners that straight nailers can’t access.
For Drywall and Decking Professionals
Recommended: XRF03Z (Brushless Autofeed Screwdriver)
The 6,000 RPM brushless autofeed screwdriver with Push Drive technology delivers the speed and runtime that production installers demand.
For Framing and Structural Work
Recommended: XNB03Z or XNB07Z (Framing Nailers)
Choose the 21-degree for general framing or the 30-degree for improved corner access. Both deliver genuine pneumatic replacement performance.
For General DIY and Home Projects
Recommended: XNB01Z (Brad Nailer) + XTS01Z (Crown Stapler)
This combination handles 90% of typical DIY fastening tasks, from trim installation to upholstery repair to house wrap attachment.
Why Go Cordless with Makita?
Having used both pneumatic and cordless Makita nailers extensively, I can attest that modern cordless fastening tools aren’t just convenient alternatives—they’re often superior choices. Here’s why:
No Compressor Setup: Arrive on site, grab your tool, and start working. No dragging compressors, no running hoses through doorways, no waiting for tanks to pressurize.
Consistent Power: Pneumatic nailers lose driving force as the compressor tank depletes. Makita’s cordless nailers deliver consistent driving power from the first nail to the last.
Quieter Operation: Cordless nailers eliminate the constant compressor noise that dominates construction sites and bothers neighbors on residential jobs.
Battery Ecosystem: If you already own Makita 18V LXT tools, adding nailers and staplers means no new battery investment. Your existing batteries power everything.
Portability: Work anywhere—roof installations, outdoor decks, remote job sites—without electrical outlets or compressor access.
Reduced Maintenance: No air filters to clean, no compressor oil to change, no moisture traps to drain. Cordless nailers require minimal maintenance.
Final Thoughts from Japan
In Japan, where Makita’s reputation is built on decades of professional use, the transition to cordless fastening tools has been remarkably smooth. Contractors who once relied exclusively on pneumatic equipment now work entirely cordless, and they’re not looking back.
The key insight? Makita didn’t just remove the air hose—they reimagined what fastening tools should be. The result is a lineup that delivers genuine pneumatic replacement performance with the freedom and convenience that only cordless can provide.
Whether you’re a professional contractor building your cordless arsenal or a DIY enthusiast upgrading from manual fastening, Makita’s nailer and stapler lineup offers the power, precision, and reliability that serious work demands. Choose your tools based on your specific applications, invest in quality batteries, and you’ll have a fastening system that serves you reliably for years to come.
Ready to go cordless? Explore individual tool reviews for detailed specifications, real-world testing results, and honest assessments of each model’s strengths and limitations.