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Paslode 16GA Finish Nailer – Model IM250A-Li2

Paslode 16GA Cordless Angled Finish Nailer

5/5

Manufacturer: Paslode
Model number: IM250A-Li-2
Price: $429.00
Power source: 7.4v Lithium Ion Battery
Weight: 4.5Lbs

A part of Illinois Tool Works (ITW), Paslode is an industry leader in fastening products. Professional remodelers, contractors, and specialty tradespeople working in the residential construction industry have depended on Paslode products for decades. They undoubtedly improve workplace productivity. Paslode produces high-quality products that help us do the job properly. As a result, Paslode focuses on developing durable nailing methods that give users, whether professional contractors or do-it-yourselfers, power, productivity, and pleasure in their work.

Paslode Angled Nailer | Job Site Performance

We took this nailer on a long journey while testing it. It arrived days before we started a large 4 family finish carpentry project.  We were tasked with installing 44 new interior doors and all the trim. A total of 32 windows needed to be trimmed out, and there seemed to be endless amounts of baseboard molding that needed to be installed. Throughout this remodeling project, the nailer only had one jam. This was not a malfunction, but rather dumb luck hitting something behind the trim and jamming up.

Paslode IM250A-Li2 Specifications

• Tool Weight – 4.5lbs
• Tool Dimensions – 10-3/4″ x 3.5″ x 11-1/2″
• Tool Speed – 2-3 nails per second
• Battery – Cordless 7V Li-ion Battery
• Battery Life -12,000 shots
• Firing Mode – Sequential
• Fastener Capacity – 100 (2 strips)

Paslode IM250A-Li2 |Cordless Nailer Advantages

Owning a cordless finish nailer has the obvious advantage that you don’t have to bother setting up a compressor or being tethered to an outlet. As a result, there is no longer any risk of stumbling over air hoses or cords and getting hurt. Additionally, there’s no need to stress over selecting the fittings, hoses, or tool oil that will function with your tool.

As compared to this Paslode IM205A-Li2 gas and battery-powered nailer, a cordless nailer powered just by batteries means a single power source, which is one less thing to worry about. Of course, this means that the battery will be drained more quickly. A smaller battery, which results in a lighter tool, is another benefit of gas and battery nailers. A gas-powered nailer can often run longer than a model that relies just on batteries because it has two sources of energy at its disposal. This nailer will shoot 12,000 shots on one charge, whereas competitors with a battery-only power range from 750-1,000 shots. plus the lighter weight will be noticed if you’re working at awkward angles, like overhead.

Paslode’s Lithium-ion Battery

Paslode IM250A-Li2 runs off a 7.2v lithium-ion battery. When fully charged you have up to 12,000 shots. When completely dead, charging for 20 minutes will get you up to 80% battery life. Struggling and only need a few more shots? This nailer battery can charge for 2 minutes and that is enough to get you 200 additional shots.

There is also a secondary lock feature that allows the battery to remain engaged in the tool but does not drain it. Simply pull the battery out until it clicks and you are powered down. To engage, push the lever and push the battery forward. You will know you are ready to fire when the green LED light is flashing.

Paslode Fuel Cell

Each fuel cell, according to Paslode, can power about 1,200 nails. Paslode’s Fuel Drop-in System offers quick & simple loading. Each fire leaves behind a stench, although it isn’t overbearing, you can feel its presence but if you can ignore it or it doesn’t bother you, there are no problems.

Most big box stores sell packs of two fuel cells for roughly $20.00.It is recommended to keep a few readily available.

Paslode Fastener Specs

This Paslode nailer requires a 16 Gauge Angled finish nail. The nailer will accept nails from 1-1/4” to 2-1/2”. There are 2000 nails per container. So when you grab your nails, you probably want to grab a 2 pack of finish nail fuel cells while you’re at it. This nailer will also accept 2 strips of nails (100). Not having to reload every 50 nails is a nice feature.

Paslode IM250A-Li2 | Kit Components

The Paslode 16ga angled finish nailer comes with the following components:

• Nailer
• Charger
• 7.4V Lithium Battery
• Blow Molded Carrying Case

There is room in the case for an additional battery as well as storage for 2 containers of nails.

Belt Loop

The belt loop on this cordless finish nailer has a nice spring-loaded pivoting function that can allow you to hang it on either side. You have to push down and then turn the loop.

I love to hang the nailer on my backside while working. I do not like to hang it on my front due to constantly hitting it on whatever I am working on. This metal loop is rugged and will not have any issues down the road.

Room For Improvement | Contact Probe

One item we want to talk about is the no mar contact probe. While making a change and rotating for a better line of sight from the previous model, this thing continuously falls off. There were many times when I would have to stop what I’m doing to search for it. The orange rubber tip has grooves but does not secure well. We would like to see them come up with a better, more permanent solution.

For us, we ended up using some 2 part glue and since then it’s been fine. Additional tips would also be helpful for those that do not want to secure them with glue.

Paslode IM250A-Li2 |Ergonomics

The Paslode cordless finish nailer offers an excellent, comfortable rubber over-molded grip. The angled magazine offers better access to confined areas. The tool’s curved body offers an excellent line of sight and easy access to confined spaces. This saw is perfectly balanced and weighs 4.5 lbs.

Paslode IM250A-Li2 | Cold Weather Firing

One of the things that fuel cell nailers can experience is running sluggishly in cold weather. Paslode made some improvements about 4 to 5 years ago on this issue. The upgrades that were made were to the fuel can itself. They updated the dosing and the design of the adapter to ensure that the appropriate amount of fuel was released to the tool with each trigger pull. This will ensure that every time the trigger has been pulled a nail is shot. To get the best performance Paslode recommends using the tool in temperatures between 45°F (7.2°C) and 120°F (49°C).

Hardwood Testing

Many high-end remodeling contractors use woods such as mahogany and oak when doing trim. We tested the nailer in the shop using both of these woods. We wanted to check the depth of the nail in these materials vs the pine that we have been using it. For this test, we used a 2×4 and fired nails into the mahogany and the oak to see if we got any jams. We experienced no jams and the depth of the nail set was just below the surface of the material.

Conclusion

The concept of cutting the cord [in this case, the hose] has been around for a while now but we always hear people say “for larger trim jobs, we will still use the compressor and pneumatic nailers.” Always stating that the battery just does not last long enough. Well, Paslode has changed our thought process and it just might change yours. Firing 12,000 shots on a single charge is pretty impressive. This cordless finish nailer is worth the shot, and is highly recommended!

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