DEWALT D51256K 1 1/4 Inch to 2 1/2 Inch 16 Gauge Finish Nailer

Customer Reviews

I don't know that I'm in love with this...

2003-11-07
...shooter, but after ten months of moderate use it has completed all that has been asked of it. I have not experienced any problems with this gun in the capacity of crown molding, cabinet making or woodworking. I clean and care for this tool as I do all my other tools while running Porter Cable brads and it has not failed me. This is my most reliable pneumatic nailer to date.

Good choice

2002-12-13
I've had this nailer for about a year and a half. I have used nails from 2" to 1 1/4", and have had no problems. The gun is light, smooth, and easy to adjust. I even use it to make cabinets, and it works flawlessly. I've never used other brands, so I can't compare, but I am definetely glad I chose this one.

Kind of a let down...

2002-05-07
I bought this gun with high hopes and have had some pretty frustrating work days because of it. The first time out of the kit I tried to use it and got nothing but misfires, double nails, no fires and jams. I took it to the guys I bought it from and they found the driver was put in the wrong direction, so back to work I went. Well when I tried to use 2.5" nails it does nothing but miss fire and jamb. I have spent more time in the last two days re-shooting the base moulding then I have anything else. I took it in to the shop again today and had them look at it and of course it works just fine at 120 psi, but when the compressor kicks in at 90 how is it going to be working??? Not really sastified with the gun, DeWalt has some great features like the depth adjustment, and the tool-free jamb clearing, trigger lock and belt hook, but I think they still need to do some work one the driver assembly. I wish I could say I have had such good luck like the other reviewers, but at least I know there is one other carpenter who I have spoke with that has has the same troubles I have.

good, but...

2002-03-01
I've had this gun for about 2 months now, two issues. It's been working well, maybe sometimes too well as it even works with no nails loaded ie; it dry fires. I read somewhere that it has a dry fire lock out, but apparently not? Another beef I've had is you can only shoot two clips worth of nails. Load any more and the pusher spring can't keep the strip of nails pressed tightly against the driver blade and it dry fires. This especially happens when shooting overhead into a verticle surface when the pusher spring would need to hold 3-4 clips worth of nails against the force of gravity. Sideways it's OK, I'm a little disapointing because I really love DeWalt. F.Y.I. they don't say but yes, it is made in Taiwan. Hopefully they will do something about the spring issue, then I'll report back.

The Perfect Finish Nailer

2001-10-23
The Dewalt D51256K is the third fininsh nailer that I have used. This one is by far the most adjustable, stable and easy to use. It has a larger magazine capacity than any other that I am aware of. The PSI needs do not require the compressor to continually cycle. It is easy to angle into tight corners and I have not had any misfires. I recommend this item to anyone that wants a dependable and easy to use fininsh nailer. You will not go wrong with this unit.

major disappointment

2008-01-06
I bought this to supplement my 15 gauge nailer. I would shoot doubles repeatedly from the start. I tried a different brand of 16 gauge nails, and different lengths too, didn't matter. I took it back and they sent it in for repair. A few weeks later the dealer called and said my gun was back. We took it in the back and fired it four times. Three of them were doubles. Long story short I was finally able to make it work by removing the nose piece and filing it down so as to reduce the size of the nose opening. It was so large it could pass two 16 gauge nails easily. I will not purchase another!

Great Trim Nailer!

2006-09-25
I own my own contracting company and use this gun in the field. I must say, it is a great gun. I previously have used Porter Cable and that was a great product also. Several great things about the DeWalt. 1. It has a tool belt clip so you place it at easy acess when putting up trim. 2. It also has a multi positon exhuast head, so no more dust in the face.3. Its lightweight and also has a bump trigger. Great for driving multiple nails quickly. 4. Great line of sight for intricate wood work. Only down fall is the loading mechanism. If you load 3 clips of nails, the last clip has be pulled down past the lock. In time it may slide easier with a little wear, but brand new, its a little tight on the clips.

Good reliable tool

2006-08-01
I bought this gun to build a cedar fence. I have morticed all ballusters into the rails, and using the gun to pin all the joints. Over 1,000 fires already, and not one problem.

Dewalt D51256K 16-Gauge Finish Nailer Kit

2006-02-26
Right out of the box this nailer has worked great..

bob the builder

2004-02-09
i have owned this nailer since it was first introduced. i've loved it since the moment i started using it. i have the angled and brad nailers as well. i have my own remodeling business and we're constantly using these nailers. i've never had any misfires or jamming issues. i would have to say that the top notch detail to this gun is that they all come with belt hooks. i'd say that dewalt has a niche with that one idea alone.