Flex 24V Nailers and Staplers: Which Ones Should You Buy?

Flex is a relatively new brand in the cordless power tool scene, with its 24V lineup launching just a few years ago in 2021. Since then, they have steadily expanded to offer most of the core tools that Pros use on a regular basis. One of the newest categories is cordless nailers, and Flex now offers four nailers and two staplers on their 24V platform. These tools do share many of the same characteristics, so I’m going to break down the key highlights and features to help you decide which ones are right for you.

Flex 24V Nailers: Key Features

Firing Modes

Just like the rest of Flex’s 24V lineup, these nailers sport brushless motors that gives them the ability to fire up to 3 shots per second with zero ramp up. In fact, we tested all of these tools with a range of hard and soft woods and experienced Pro-quality results across the board.

With the exception of the 3/8-inch stapler and 23-gauge pin nailer, Flex’s nailers also feature single and bump fire modes. This allows you to work quickly and increase your productivity.

Depth Adjustment

Adjusting the depth of drive is quick and easy on all of these tools. For the finish and brad nailers, Flex utilizes a small thumb lever on the side of the housing as well as positive detents that help keep it in place. The pin nailer features a more traditional style thumb wheel underneath the top latch, and the 3/8-inch stapler uses a larger wheel located at the back of the housing.

Tool-free Jam Clearance

While I didn’t experience any jams during our testing, it’s bound to happen sooner or later. If a nail does jam, simply flip the latch cover forward and lift it up to access the top of the magazine. Once you free the offending nail and close the latch, you can be back to work in a matter of seconds rather than minutes.

Dry Fire Lockout

The dry fire lockout kicks in once the nailers have around 10 fasteners remaining in the magazine, helping avoid increased wear on the drive system and unnecessary downtime.

Rubber Overmold and Bumpers

Flex is usually good about protecting their tools with rubber pads and overmolds, and these nailers are no exception. This adds an extra layer of durability to help them stand up to the rigors of the jobsite while protecting your work surfaces.

LED Work Lights

One of the more standout features on these nailers are the multiple LED lights. Excluding the 3/8-inch stapler and 23-gauge pin nailer which have two LEDs, the finish and brad nailers all have three. While it may not sound like a big deal, the multi-LED system provides a tremendous amount of light coverage on your work piece.

Additional Features

• LED lights
• Reversible integrated belt hook
• Replaceable no-mar tips with onboard spare storage
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

Final Thoughts

For a set of first-generation tools, I think Flex hit the nail on the head…so to speak! These nailers displayed Pro-grade driving performance in both hard and soft woods, and are supported by a solid feature set that rivals top-tier competitors. If you’re thinking about ditching your old pneumatic nailers without sacrificing power, Flex might just have the right one for you.

15-Gauge Angled Finish Nailer FX4311B

The Flex FX4311 offers plenty of driving power for heavy-duty trim and paneling jobs where a little extra holding power is needed. At 3 nails per second, this nailer is definitely no slouch, plus, the 34° magazine makes it easy to work in tight corners and cabinets.

16-Gauge Finish Nailers FX4321 & FX4321A

18-Gauge Brad Nailer FX4331

If you’re looking to make the switch over to a cordless brad nailer, this is a great place to start! While it is slightly heavier than comparable pneumatic models, it has plenty of driving power without the hose and compressor, and fires up to 3 nails per second with zero ramp up.

18-Gauge Narrow Crown Stapler FX4511

Upholstery, cabinet assembly, trim, and paneling installation are on the table for the Flex 18-gauge narrow crown stapler. Its narrow nose profile offers plenty of visibility and the tri-LED arrangement provides a ton of light when working in enclosed spaces.

23-Gauge Pin Nailer FX4341

If precision is key for your next woodworking project, look no further than the Flex 23-gauge pin nailer. It’s more than capable of driving fasteners into hardwoods, and its smaller profile is easy to maneuver around your workpiece.

3/8-Inch Stapler FX4521

The Flex 3/8-inch cordless stapler is highly versatile and works well for DIY projects, light construction tasks, upholstery, and installing insulation. It’s convenient, portable, and allows you to tackle a variety of tasks with the pull of a trigger.