The first Milwaukee M18 Fuel finish nailers enjoyed some initial success but left some room for improvement. There’s a big update to the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 16-gauge cordless finish nailer that deals with some of the biggest complaints professionals have with the earlier models.
Pros
- Narrower, more visible nose
- Better access in tight areas
- No firing delay
- Stands up on its battery
- Improved belt hook design and location
- Replaces the 2741
Cons
- Slightly heavier than the previous model
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 16-Gauge Cordless Finish Nailer Performance
Immediately, you’ll see the Milwaukee 2841 has a much longer and narrower nose section. As I fired into an oak test block grid, it was obvious how much easier it was to see my shots and improve my accuracy over the 2741. The tip design also makes it easier to fire into tight corners.
The power and firing rate wasn’t a huge issue in the last model and it’s still excellent. I was able to easily sink nails into our oak test block using both nailers and they fired at a faster pace than I would ever work on a job, leaving clean nail holes behind.
There was a difference in the sound of the 2841’s nitrogen air spring drive system, though. While it didn’t seem to make a noticeable difference in driving power, I noticed less recoil, and that’s always a win.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 16-Gauge Cordless Finish Nailer Design Highlights
- Tool-free depth adjustment thumbwheel with positive stops
- Sequential and bump fire modes with separate mode indicator lights
- Tool-free jam clearing by accessing the magazine through a latch system
- Additional tips store on magazine
- Improved reversible belt hook is more durable and mounts on a better position
- LED light has a more direct angle to the nailer tip
- Only needs a battery for power—no gas cartridge required
- Compatible with all 16-guage finish nails 1 1/4 inches to 2 1/2 inches
- Compatible with all Milwaukee M18 batteries (2.0Ah compact battery recommended)
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 16-Gauge Cordless Finish Nailer Price
The updated Milwaukee 2841 replaces the 2741 without a big price increase. The bare tool retails for $329 or you can grab the kit with a 2.0Ah battery and charger for $399.
Milwaukee backs the nailer with a 5-year warranty and the battery for 2 years.
The Bottom Line
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 16-Gauge finish nailer’s biggest improvements are its visibility and accuracy. It’s a big enough deal for finish work that the upgrade is worth it. Other minor changes simply seal the deal in my opinion. If you’ve been on the fence about pulling the trigger on a cordless finish nailer, I heartily recommend getting your hands on a Milwaukee M18 Fuel model.
Discover more Milwaukee cordless nailers here.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 16-Gauge Cordless Finish Nailer Specifications
- Model: Milwaukee 2841
- Power Source: Milwaukee M18 battery
- Nail Length: 1 1/4 – 2 1/2 inches
- Nail Gauge: 16
- Angle: 20°
- Weight: 6.5 pounds bare, 7.4 pounds with 2.0Ah battery
- Length: 12.75 inches
- Price: $329 bare, $399 kit
- Warranty: 5 years
