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 expanded to offer most of the core tools that pros use on a regular basis. One of those categories is cordless nailers, which Flex offers four of in its 24V cordless lineup. But how do you choose the right Flex nailer for your needs? I’m going over each model to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
Finish Nailer and Brad Nailer Applications
Finish nailers and brad nailers are similar in concept and execution, but they usually differ in application.
Finish nailers are larger and can be used for heavier-duty applications, like nailing thick basebaords or trim around doors and windows. They also leave larger holes in your working material, which requires you to fill in holes with putty before painting. Finish nailers are usually not ideal for delicate projects, since they may split wood.
On the other hand, brad nailers are best suited for small joining applications. They can install thin trim and molding, and thanks to their thinner blueprint, they come in handy on small woodworking jobs. However, brad nails should be avoided on heavy-duty projects because they don’t offer the same security as their larger counterparts, which could result in damage or injury.
At the time of writing, Flex offers three 24V finish nailers and one brad nailer. Let’s dive into what each of them has to offer.
Flex 24V 16-Gauge Straight Finish Nailer FX4321
Starting with the 16-gauge designation, there are a couple of different Flex 24V cordless finish nailers to choose from. If you’re looking for a non-angled option, the FX4321-1A 16-gauge Straight Finish Nailer can drive up to 3 nails per second with zero ramp-up time, and you can choose between bump and sequential firing modes. It’s compatible with 16Ga nails from 3/4-inch to 2 1/2 inches in length. Using a 2.5Ah battery, this nailer can drive up to 1500 nails per charge.
- Model: Flex FX4321-1A
- Drives up to 3 nails per second
- Drives up to 1500 nails per charge
- Depth adjustment lever
- Tri-LED light
- Fastener length: 3/4-inch – 2 1/2-inch
- Fastener diameter: 16Ga
- Weight: 6.3 pounds
- Brushless motor
Price: $299 bare; $379 kit with a 2.5Ah battery and charger
Flex 24V 16-Gauge Angled Finish Nailer FX4321A
Angled finish nailers enable you to drive nails into corner joints more easily thanks to their angled design. They usually only differ from their straight counterparts in design and fastener size, as is the case for the Flex FX4321A 16-gauge Angled Finish nailer. Like the previous entry, this nailer can drive up to 1500 nails on a single charge using the kitted 2.5Ah battery. It drives at a rate of up to 3 nails per second and you can choose between bump and sequential firing modes.
- Model: Flex FX4321A
- Drives up to 3 nails per second
- Drives up to 1500 nails per charge
- Depth adjustment lever
- Tri-LED light
- Fastener length: 1 1/4-inch – 2 1/2-inch
- Fastener diameter: 16Ga
- Weight: 6.5 pounds
- Brushless motor
Price: $299 bare; $379 kit with a 2.5AH battery and charger
Flex 24V 15-Gauge Angled Finish Nailer FX4311B
Moving into the larger 15-gauge category, Flex’s FX4311B nailer is on the docket. Like its 16-gauge counterparts, this tool drives up to three nails per second. However, since 15-gauge nails are larger in size, they take more power to drive. This results in a marginally shorter runtime than the previous entries, at up to 1200 nails on a full charge. Like the rest of the finish nailers in Flex’s lineup, you can choose between bump and sequential driving modes.
- Model: Flex FX4311B
- Drives up to 3 nails per second
- Drives up to 1200 nails per charge
- Depth adjustment lever
- Tri-LED light
- Fastener length: 1 1/4-inch – 2 1/2-inch
- Fastener diameter: 15Ga
- Weight: 6.8 pounds
- Brushless motor
Price: $299 bare; $379 kit with a 2.5Ah battery and charger
Flex 24V 18-Gauge Brad Nailer FX4331
Finally, Flex’s FX4331 18-gauge brad nailer is the smallest of the bunch, weighing almost two pounds less than the 16-gauge models listed above. This tool can shoot up to 2200 18-gauge brad nails per charge at a rate of up to 3 nails per second. 18-gauge brad nails take less power to drive, which helps maximize runtime and enables this model’s compact design. Like the other nailers in Flex’s lineup, you can choose between bump and sequential firing methods.
- Model: Flex FX4331
- Drives up to 3 nails per second
- Drives up to 2200 nails per charge
- Depth adjustment lever
- Tri-LED light
- Fastener length: 5/8-inch – 2 1/8-inch
- Fastener diameter: 18Ga
- Weight: 4.8 pounds
- Brushless motor
Price: $279 bare; $289 kit with a 2.5Ah battery and charger
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