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The short answer: To set up the DEWALT DCN680B, insert a fully charged 20V battery, load a strip of 16 gauge finish nails into the magazine, adjust the depth dial for your material, and you’re ready to fire. For best results, practice on scrap wood first and always follow the safety instructions in the manual.
The DEWALT DCN680B is a cordless 16 gauge finish nailer powered by a 20V MAX lithium ion battery (sold separately). It’s designed for trim work, crown molding, baseboards, and other finishing tasks. Unlike pneumatic nailers, there’s no compressor or hose, giving you freedom to move around. The tool uses a brushless motor for efficiency and features a tool free jam release, making on the job fixes quick.
Before you start, make sure you have the right nails. The DCN680B accepts 16 gauge straight finish nails from 3/4 inch to 2 1/2 inches. Use only quality nails from reputable brands to avoid jams and misfires. Also, ensure your battery is DEWALT compatible and fully charged.
First, slide a charged DEWALT 20V MAX battery into the base of the handle until it clicks. If the battery is new or hasn’t been used for a while, charge it fully for optimal performance. Next, to load nails, press the magazine release button and pull the magazine out. Insert a strip of nails into the channel, pointing the nail heads down and the points up (for 16 gauge finish nails, they typically load with the points facing the nose). Push the magazine back until it locks. Check that the nails feed smoothly by pressing the driver blade and advancing the strip manually if needed.
Now, adjust the depth of drive. The DCN680B has a tool free depth adjustment dial near the nose. Turn it to set how deep the nail goes. For soft woods, you might want a shallower setting; for hard woods, deeper. Always test on scrap wood first.
To fire, you need to press the tip against the workpiece and pull the trigger. The DCN680B uses a sequential operation: you must first depress the contact tip, then pull the trigger each time for one nail. This helps prevent accidental firing. Keep the tool perpendicular to the surface to avoid bent nails.
For best results, use a smooth, even pressure. If the nail doesn’t sink to the desired depth, adjust the depth dial. If you experience jams, release the jam latch located on the nose, remove the jammed nail, and clear any debris. Then close the latch and reload if necessary. Always disconnect the battery before clearing jams.
Regular maintenance keeps your DCN680B running smoothly. After each use, wipe down the exterior with a dry cloth. Keep the magazine and nose area free from dust and debris. Occasionally, apply a drop of oil to the driver blade area as recommended in the manual (some users recommend using a specialty tool oil). Store the nailer in a dry place.
For battery longevity, don’t expose the battery to extreme temperatures, and store it partially charged if you won’t use it for months. Over time, if you notice reduced power or frequent jams, it might be time to replace the battery. Always use DEWALT original batteries for optimal performance.
If you’re considering the DCN680B, it’s wise to compare it with other models to see if it fits your needs. For instance, pneumatic nailers are cheaper but require a compressor. Cordless nailers offer portability but are heavier and cost more. The DCN680B is praised for its consistent driving power and low maintenance, but it’s not the lightest on the market. For a broader look at nail guns, check out our top rated selection at best nail guns. That page breaks down different types and budgets so you can make an informed choice.
If your DCN680B fails to fire, check the battery charge and the nail loading. If the motor runs but no nail comes out, there may be a jam or the nails might be empty. If nails are bending, the depth might be set too deep or the angle of approach is off. Always use proper technique.
It’s also important to note that this tool is designed for finish work, not for framing or heavy duty tasks. Pushing it beyond its limits can cause damage. If you experience persistent problems, consult the manual or contact DEWALT customer support.
The DCN680B is engineered for 16 gauge straight finish nails, typically with a 20 degree angle or straight collation, depending on the specific nail strip. Always check that the nails you buy are labeled as 16 gauge and within the 3/4 inch to 2 1/2 inch length range. Nails outside this range may not feed properly or could damage the magazine. The magazine holds one strip of nails, usually 50 to 100 nails depending on the length. For best performance, use nails with a smooth shank for trim work, as they provide good holding power without splitting the wood. If you need to use a different brand, ensure the nail heads are the correct size and shape to fit the magazine channel. Some users report that off brand nails can cause feeding issues, so sticking with reputable manufacturers is recommended. Also, consider the head type: most 16 gauge finish nails have a small head that can be set below the surface with a nail set if needed. For outdoor projects, look for stainless steel or galvanized nails to resist corrosion, but note that these may be harder to find in 16 gauge and could be more expensive. Always test a few nails in scrap material before starting your project to ensure compatibility and proper depth setting.
While the DCN680B is a versatile tool, it’s not the right choice for every situation. If you’re on a tight budget and already own an air compressor, a pneumatic finish nailer will cost significantly less and provide similar performance for stationary work. If you need to drive nails larger than 2 1/2 inches or into very hard woods like dense oak or engineered lumber, a 15 gauge or 16 gauge angled nailer might be more appropriate, as the DCN680B may struggle with longer nails in tough materials. For heavy framing or structural work, you’ll need a framing nailer, not a finish nailer. If you rarely do trim work and only need to drive a few nails occasionally, a manual hammer and nail set might suffice, saving you the cost of a dedicated tool and battery platform. Additionally, if you’re already invested in another battery system, such as Makita or Milwaukee, buying into DEWALT’s 20V MAX line just for this tool may not be cost effective unless you plan to expand your collection. Finally, if you require a tool that can fire nails rapidly for production work, a pneumatic nailer with a bump fire mode might be faster, though the DCN680B’s sequential trigger is safer for precision work. Consider your project scope, frequency of use, and existing tools before making a purchase.
Yes, you can use other brands as long as they are 16 gauge straight finish nails and the correct length. However, to ensure smooth feeding and reduce jams, it’s best to use nails that are recommended by DEWALT or high quality brands like Grip-Rite or Hitachi.
There is a tool free depth adjustment dial near the nose of the nailer. Turn it left for shallower, right for deeper. Test on scrap wood to get the desired flush or countersunk result.
Some models have a dry fire lockout, but the DCN680B may not. To prevent damage, avoid dry firing. If the magazine is empty, the tool may still cycle, but it can wear the driver blade. Always reload promptly.
In summary, the DEWALT DCN680B is a versatile and reliable cordless finish nailer that, with proper setup and maintenance, will serve you well for many projects. Remember to read the full manual and practice safety first.
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