Even after trying Cadex’s new top-of-the-line nailer, I’m still unconvinced that I would need to shoot 23-ga. pins that are more than 2 in. long. I did, however, find numerous other things to love about the V2/23.55 ($300). Like its 18-ga. cousin, which I reviewed in FHB #245, the V2/23.55 is decked out with features: impeccable machining, a super-smooth magazine, a swivel air fitting, a belt hook, a dry-fire lockout, and numerous well-placed rubber bumpers for protecting delicate surfaces. The nailer is also coated in a high-tech silicone paint that is very grippy, even in sweaty hands, and has so far worn quite well. The V2/23.55 also has a couple of features that are unusual for 23-ga. nailers: a built-in blow gun and a contact safety. Though I liked both features, they proved somewhat troublesome during the testing period. The blow gun started leaking after a few weeks of moderate use (and some time cooking in the sun in the back of my truck). When I contacted Cadex about the problem, the company immediately shipped me a new tool, which has remained trouble free. I did run into another snag that users should be aware of: The nailer will not work without the rubber guard that goes on the contact safety. My suggestion is to keep a spare handy, or to fix the guard in place with a drop of cyanoacrylate glue, or both.

 
Overall, this is an excellent nailer, with a full menu of features and the ability to shoot both headless and headed nails from 1/2 in. to 2-3/16 in. It might be my imagination, but I feel like headed nails have a little more pull than the headless variety, so I especially appreciate that the tool accepts these nails. I like the nailer so much that it has replaced an older Grex model as my everyday pinner.