The DeWalt DCN692M1 is a 20V lithium ion battery-powered framing nailer that promises to offer convenience, ease of use and power on the worksite. Despite being a fairly new framing nailer introduced in mid-2014, it has garnered a lot of rave reviews from beginners and experts alike. If you are on the market for a framing nailer, let’s find out if this product is worth the money or not.

One important point to note. This nailer is not as powerful as pneumatic nailers like the Bostitch F21PL or Porter-Cable FR350B. Even if DeWalt advertises this unit to work with 3.5 inches nails, in reality, you will need a hammer to drive it all the way through. It’s simply because it lacks the power required to drive 3.5 inches nails in tough material, unlike pneumatic nailers. Realistically, this model is better suited to work with nails in the 2 - 3 inches range. It drives 3 inches nails in any type of material ranging from engineered lumber to hardwood, no problem. Past that 3 inches limit, you may need to resort to a hammer to drive it further down. It’s just something to keep in mind.

​One welcome feature in this unit is the dual speed brushless motor. This means that it will automatically adapt the firing force to the nail size. This feature is highly convenient if you frequent change nail size as it does all the power calibration automatically for you.

Capacity:

Additionally, making nail replenishments is very easy thanks to the Lock and Load mechanism of the magazine. This convenient feature allows you to refill this model in a matter of second and makes the fairly small magazine size of 55 nails an even smaller caveat.

User-friendly:

User-friendliness is a big attraction in this framing nailer. We can see how DeWalt went the extra mile to make this nailer very user-friendly, whether it is for casual use or professional purposes.

The handle is very comfortable and made from a rubbery plastic compound that is a recurring feature is almost all premium DeWalt power tools. It even has the finger contours and textured grips that make it even more comfortable and maneuverable. Best, the 7.8 lbs weight of this device makes it feel well-balanced and agile when nailing. At this weight, it can comfortably be held in one hand without any issues of hand fatigue, even when used for extended periods of time.

By not having to use an air compressor at all, you get a lot of maneuverability and portability with this cordless framing nailer. There are no air compressor hoses or wires to get in the way making it very easy and safer to use on the job.

The lock and load refill mechanism is equally easy to use. Simply push a button to unlock the magazine tray and pop it back in when reloaded. It’s that easy. Furthermore, the nosepiece makes it very seamless to remove a jammed nail.

Lastly, we’re relieved to see the trigger lock-off mechanism. It allows you to lock the trigger and prevent firing. It’s a great security feature that absent-minded users will come to appreciate.

Price of DeWalt DCN692M1

The DeWalt DCN692M1 is not a cheap framing nailer. It was never meant to be as battery-powered framing nailers are generally more expensive than their pneumatic counterparts. Taking into account the features, power and versatility, we conclude that it is not over-priced. It is only a little bit more expensive than the Paslode 902600 with a little bit better versatility and ease of use. If you are uncertain about which model to get, we think that the DeWalt DCN692M1 is the superior purchase here.

Expert Review

It is always good to get a second opinion, especially before buying an expensive product like a framing nailer. Tool Boss made a detailed and hands-on review on his YouTube channel. The reviewer covers every detail of this power tool, including what you get out of the box. It should give you a good idea of what to expect with this nailer. Those framing nailer reviews are always very useful, especially that he gives a hands-on demonstration in his video. You can check out his video below:

Pros/Cons of DeWalt DCN692M1

• Does not need an air compressor.
• Cordless model. More portable and maneuverable.
• The brushless motor delivers excellent power and should last a long time.
• Lightweight at 7.8 lbs and comfortable to hold. It is well-balanced.
• 20V Lithium-Ion Battery recharges quickly.
• Does sequential and bump mode with the push of a button.
• Decent capacity of 55 nails. Lock and lock mechanism makes it easy to refill.
• Delivered with a sturdy plastic case.

Cons:

• Not delivered with a spare battery.
• Lacks power when nailing 3.5 inches nails in tough material.

Who Should Buy?

The simplest answer is - It will depend on your use. The DeWalt DCN692M1 offers plenty of power with its 20V battery as long as you do not use long 3.5 inches nails on high-density material. It is versatile and works with both clipped and round heads. It is also very user-friendly and extremely portable. All those features make it a very attractive battery-powered framing nailer. We recommend this model over the Paslode 902600 because there is no upfront fuel-cell cost with the DCN692M1. However, if you need a very powerful framing nailer for heavy-duty nailing on tough material, and plan to work mostly with 3.5 inches nails, models like the Bostitch F21PL or Porter-Cable FR350B are more sensible options. If not, go right ahead. It offers great value for money.