๐ง Product Review
Best Cordless Nail Guns UK 2026
Cordless nail guns have gone from luxury to essential in UK workshops. No compressor, no hoses, no noise - just load a battery and fire. We compared five models across three price brackets to find which ones actually earn their place on your bench.
- Ryobi R18GN18-0 - Best for most DIYers: reliable 18-gauge brad nailer on the ONE+ platform, tool-only so you use existing batteries
- Einhell TE-CN 18 Li - Best value with battery: comes with charger and 300 nails, solid for occasional use
- Makita AF506 - Best build quality: 18-gauge brad nailer with consistent depth adjustment and jam clearing
- Makita-Compatible 2-in-1 - Best budget option: nails and staples in one tool, works with Makita 18V batteries
- Einhell TE-CN 18 Li-Solo - Best tool-only Einhell: PressAir mechanism, part of the Power X-Change range
Suggested Reading: Best Cordless Angle Grinders ยท Best Workbenches ยท Best Circular Saws
Quick Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Gauge | Battery | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryobi R18GN18-0 | ~ยฃ90 (tool only) | 18ga | ONE+ (tool only) | General DIY |
| Einhell TE-CN 18 Li | ~ยฃ108 (with battery) | 18ga | PXC (included) | Occasional use |
| Makita AF506 | ~ยฃ120 (tool only) | 18ga | LXT (tool only) | Frequent use |
| Makita-Compatible 2-in-1 | ~ยฃ45 (tool only) | 18ga + staples | Makita 18V (tool only) | Budget buyers |
| Einhell TE-CN 18 Li-Solo | ~ยฃ65 (tool only) | 18ga | PXC (tool only) | PXC owners |
In-Depth Reviews
1. Ryobi R18GN18-0 ONE+ 18 Gauge Nailer
~ยฃ90 (tool only) | 18-gauge | AirStrike technology | 25mm max nail length
The Ryobi R18GN18-0 uses AirStrike technology - a built-in compressed air mechanism that eliminates the need for a separate compressor or gas cartridges. It fires 18-gauge brad nails up to 25mm deep into softwood and MDF with consistent force. The depth adjustment wheel lets you dial in flush or countersunk finishes without swapping tools.
If you already own Ryobi ONE+ tools, this is a no-brainer. The same 18V batteries power your drill, circular saw, and now your nailer. An Amazon reviewer noted the nailer "drives brads cleanly into pine skirting boards without splitting" and praised the tool-free jam release for clearing the occasional misfire. The tool-only price means you're not paying for a battery you already have.
โ Pros
- AirStrike - no compressor or gas needed
- Huge ONE+ battery ecosystem
- Tool-free jam clearing
- Consistent depth adjustment
โ Cons
- Tool only - no battery included
- 25mm max nail length limits heavier tasks
- Heavier than pneumatic equivalents
2. Einhell Power X-Change TE-CN 18 Li Cordless Nail Gun
~ยฃ108 (with battery & charger) | 18-gauge | PressAir tech | 32mm max nails | 20 shots/min
The Einhell TE-CN 18 Li is the only nail gun in this comparison that ships with a battery and charger. For UK DIYers who don't already own a cordless tool platform, that makes it the cheapest way to get started. The PressAir mechanism drives brad nails up to 32mm into softwood - longer than the Ryobi's 25mm limit - and the 2-in-1 design handles both nails and staples.
At 20 shots per minute it won't keep up with a pneumatic nailer on a decking project, but for trimming skirting boards, fixing panelling, or assembling workshop jigs, the speed is perfectly adequate. An Amazon reviewer called it "great value for the money" and noted the depth adjustment works well across different wood densities. The included 300 nails and 300 staples get you working straight out of the box.
โ Pros
- Battery and charger included
- 32mm max nail length (longer than Ryobi)
- Nails and staples in one tool
- Part of Power X-Change ecosystem
โ Cons
- 20 shots/min - slower than premium options
- Battery quality average for heavy use
- Plastic housing feels less robust
3. Makita AF506 18 Gauge Brad Nailer
~ยฃ120 (tool only) | 18-gauge | Depth adjustment | 50mm max nail length | Tool-free jam release
The Makita AF506 is the professional's choice. Where the Ryobi and Einhell are aimed at DIYers, this nailer is built for tradespeople who fire hundreds of nails per day. The all-metal body and precision-machined firing mechanism deliver consistent results across softwood, hardwood, and MDF. The 50mm maximum nail length is the longest in this comparison, making it capable of heavier trim work that smaller nailers struggle with.
Makita's tool-free jam clearing system is genuinely one-handed - you flip a lever, clear the jam, and resume. No fiddling with allen keys or second tools. An Amazon reviewer highlighted the "rock-solid depth adjustment" that stays put between sessions, unlike cheaper nailers that drift. If you already own Makita LXT batteries, the AF506 slots right in. The price premium pays for itself in durability and consistency.
โ Pros
- 50mm max nail length - longest in comparison
- All-metal body, professional durability
- Precise, stable depth adjustment
- One-handed tool-free jam clearing
โ Cons
- Tool only - needs Makita LXT battery
- Most expensive option
- Heavier than plastic-bodied competitors
4. 2-in-1 Nail/Staple Gun for Makita 18V
~ยฃ45 (tool only) | 18-gauge nails + staples | Makita 18V compatible | Adjustable depth
At roughly a third of the Makita AF506's price, this 2-in-1 nailer-stapler does double duty. It fires 18-gauge brad nails and 18-gauge narrow crown staples, all powered by Makita 18V batteries you might already own. For occasional DIY tasks - pinning trim, tacking fabric, securing thin paneling - it covers the basics without the premium price tag.
The build quality is noticeably lighter than branded options, and the depth adjustment requires a hex key rather than a tool-free wheel. But at this price point, those compromises are expected. An Amazon reviewer described it as "surprisingly good for the price" and noted it handles softwood and MDF without issues. If you're not sure whether a cordless nailer will earn its place in your workshop, this is the lowest-risk way to find out.
โ Pros
- Under ยฃ50 - lowest entry cost
- Nails and staples in one tool
- Works with Makita 18V batteries
- Good for light trim and craft work
โ Cons
- Lighter build, less durable long-term
- Depth adjustment needs a hex key
- Less consistent firing force
5. Einhell TE-CN 18 Li-Solo Cordless Nail Gun
~ยฃ65 (tool only) | 18-gauge | PressAir tech | 32mm max nails | 20 shots/min
The TE-CN 18 Li-Solo is the tool-only version of Einhell's cordless nailer. If you already own Power X-Change batteries from other Einhell tools (drill, grinder, saw), this saves you the cost of a second battery kit. The PressAir mechanism is the same as the battery-included version - 20 shots per minute with consistent depth across softwood and MDF.
At ~ยฃ65 it sits in an interesting middle ground: cheaper than the Ryobi but with the same 32mm nail capacity. The trade-off is a smaller ecosystem - Einhell's PXC range is growing but nowhere near as broad as Ryobi's ONE+. An Amazon reviewer praised the "solid build for the price" and noted the LED work light is useful in dim corners. If you're already in the Einhell ecosystem, this is the sensible add-on.
โ Pros
- Good price for tool-only
- 32mm max nail length
- LED work light included
- PressAir mechanism, consistent firing
โ Cons
- Smaller battery ecosystem than Ryobi
- 20 shots/min limits volume work
- Plastic construction
How to Choose a Cordless Nail Gun
Picking the right cordless nail gun comes down to three questions: what are you nailing, how often, and what batteries do you already own?
Gauge matters more than brand
18-gauge (brad nails) is the sweet spot for UK DIY. It handles skirting boards, architraves, thin panelling, and craft projects without splitting softwood. 16-gauge nailers fire thicker nails for structural trim, but they're overkill for most home projects and more likely to split thinner timber. If you only buy one nailer, make it 18-gauge.
Battery platform is the real decision
Every cordless nailer works best within its manufacturer's battery ecosystem. If you already own Ryobi ONE+ tools, a Ryobi nailer uses the same batteries - no extra cost. Same goes for Einhell Power X-Change and Makita LXT. Buying into a new battery platform just for a nailer rarely makes financial sense unless you plan to expand your toolkit. Check what you own first.
Tool-only vs kit
Tool-only nailers are cheaper but assume you have compatible batteries. Kits cost more upfront but include battery and charger - the Einhell TE-CN 18 Li at ~ยฃ108 with battery is the only complete kit in this comparison. If you're starting from scratch, a kit saves you from buying batteries separately. If you're adding to an existing collection, tool-only is the smarter buy.
Depth adjustment
A nailer that can't adjust depth is a nailer that leaves proud heads or overdrives nails below the surface. Look for tool-free depth adjustment (a wheel or lever you can turn by hand) rather than hex-key adjustment. The Ryobi and Makita both have tool-free systems. The budget 2-in-1 requires a hex key - workable but slower.
For more on building a complete workshop, see our Complete Home Workshop Setup Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Verdict
For most UK DIYers, the Ryobi R18GN18-0 is the right call. It's reliable, uses batteries you probably already own, and AirStrike means no compressor fuss. If you don't own any cordless tools yet, the Einhell TE-CN 18 Li with its included battery and charger is the cheapest way to get started - and you can expand the Power X-Change range later. For tradespeople or anyone who fires nails daily, the Makita AF506 justifies its premium with bulletproof build quality and the longest nail capacity in this comparison.
James Walker
Tools Writer, MakerUK
James compares power tools, hand tools and workshop kit. He has a fully equipped home workshop and has been building furniture for over 12 years.
Last reviewed: August 25, 2026 ยท Evidence-based review ยท Contains affiliate links