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Milwaukee M18 FUEL Crown Stapler 2749-20 Review

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/4" Narrow Crown Stapler 2749-20

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Milwaukee Tools
Model number: 2749-20 bare tools and 2749-21CT kitted
Power source: 18 vole
Motor size: Brushless -0-1200 RPM, 4,500 BPM and 2.2 Joules
Weight: 5.4 lbs

Because the staple leaves a larger mark on the work surface, we only used it in areas that were hidden or covered by trim and face frames.

On the job site, I learned that crown stapler was useful to install that dreaded aluminum soffit that I hate, flooring underlayment, drywall corner bead, and many other applications where thin material is fastened to a wood substrate.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18 Gauge ¼” Narrow Crown Stapler

We recently took a close look at the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18 Gauge ¼” Narrow Crown Stapler and used it on a bookcase project here in the shop.

This 18-volt stapler accepts all 18 gauge ¼” narrow crown staplers between 3/8” and 1-1/2” regardless of brand. In my shop, I used my Bostitch 18GA 7/32” SX Narrow Crown Staples. These staples have a true measurement of 6mm which fits and works with Milwaukee staple magazine.

Milwaukee Crown Stapler Features

• Staple Size: 3/8”-1½”
• Capacity: 108 Staples
• 1,500 Staples Per Charge on a REDLITHIUM™ CP2.0 Batter Pack
• Sequential and Contact Actuation Mode
• Dry-Fire Lockout [locks at 4 staples]
• Reversible Belt Hook
• LED Work Light
• Length 11″ 
• Width 3.4″ 
• Weight 5.4 lbs 
• Height 10.7″”

Run-time

On a CP2.0 Ah battery pack this nailer is rated for 1,400 staples. That’s probably more staples than I install in a year.

Internal Nitrogen Air Spring Mechanism

We tested the stapler’s speed and recorded approximately 4-5 staples per second, which is pretty much the same result as our pneumatic stapler.

We were impressed that this tool has zero-ramp up time and fires instantly when the trigger is pulled which is due to its internal mechanism is a nitrogen air spring mechanism. There is an inner cylinder, where the piston and driver blade (or striker) rides, and an outer cylinder.

The area between the two cylinders is filled with Nitrogen to a specified PSI.

Milwaukee chose to use Nitrogen over the air for two reasons.

1. First, nitrogen is not impacted significantly by swings in temperature as the air. This means tank pressure varies far less due to temperature, resulting in more consistent stapling performance regardless of the working environment (hot or cold).
2. Second, nitrogen is less likely to result in condensation and subsequent corrosion of the inside of the tank.

Using the Milwaukee Crown Stapler

What I liked about the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18 Gauge ¼” Narrow Crown Stapler was that I was able to get consistent crown staples set. It has the power to drive 1-1/2” staples sub-flush into hardwood applications. We tested it in plywood, maple, poplar Oak and Mahogany with no negative issues. Once the depth of drive was dialed in, we were able to achieve consistent staple depth of drive depending on length staples and wood density.

The Milwaukee nailers tip is small and similar to my pneumatic Bostitch Smart Point noses. The Milwaukee nose movement is small, eliminating the need to push against the work surface to actuate fastening. I found that this improves visibility for nail placement and ease of use.

The Milwaukee stapler has an angled battery to allow to sit securely on the battery. The reversible belt clip lets the tool hang straight down off my tool belt – which I like.

Milwaukee Crown Stapler Controls

The Milwaukee crown stapler has two buttons. On / Off and a mode button that controls sequential and bump-fire selections. One nice feature of this nailer is the auto-off feature. The nailer once turned on will stay on for 60-minutes. This eliminates you having to turn it on every time you set it down for a few minutes.

Improvements To the Milwaukee Crown Stapler

The Milwaukee Cordless 18 Gauge ¼” Narrow Crown Stapler has excellent corner access but it’s still significantly larger than a pneumatic nailer. Personally, I’d like to see the weight and size of this tool come down a bit.

The second improvement to this nailer is the LED. It’s located on the right side of the tool and illuminates the right side only. The other side of the tool is completed cast in a shadow. Milwaukee could address this by installing dual LEDs up on the motor housing, below the depth of drive area.

Cost

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18 Gauge ¼” Narrow Crown Stapler sells for $279.00 as a bare tool and $399 kitted. A kit includes a bag, battery, and charger.

• 2749-20 M18 FUEL™ 18GA ¼” Narrow Crown Stapler – Bare $279.00
• 2749-21CT M18 FUEL™ 18GA ¼” Narrow Crown Stapler – (1-battery Kit $399.00

Overall Thoughts On Milwaukee Crown Stapler

Impressed!  The power, fire-rate, and ergonomics make this nailer feel like I’m using a pneumatic stapler. I’m always impressed when a battery-operated tool fires instantly once trigger is pulled, with no ramp-up time this tool will fire over 4 staples/sec for high fire rate. Guys that’s fast!!

We were impressed with the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18 Gauge ¼” Narrow Crown Stapler. There is no sacrifice from a pneumatic performance and the end of the day, that’s what we all want! I’m pretty this tool will become a staple in our tool trailer!

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18 Gauge ¼” Narrow Crown Stapler Video Review

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