What's inside
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Quick verdict
For most trim installers who already use DeWalt 18V XR batteries, the DCN680 is the more flexible buy: it runs on a rechargeable battery, has no gas cartridge, and is easier to use for scattered repairs. The Paslode IM65A makes more sense when low weight and fast, sustained work matter more than charging convenience. Its fuel-and-battery system adds consumables, but the tool is built for repeated site use.
Both are 16-gauge angled finish nailers for trim, not general framing tools. Choose based on how much you nail in a day, what batteries you own, and whether you can tolerate occasional gas-related upkeep.
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Key differences
| Feature | Paslode IM65A | DeWalt DCN680 |
|---|---|---|
| Fastener | 16-gauge angled finish nails | 16-gauge angled finish nails |
| Nail length | 32–63 mm | 32–63 mm |
| Power source | Rechargeable battery plus fuel cell | 18V XR battery; no fuel cell |
| Weight | About 1.8 kg, tool only | About 2.6 kg, tool only |
| Depth adjustment | Tool-free adjustment | Tool-free adjustment |
| Best fit | Long trim runs and lighter handling | Battery-platform convenience and intermittent work |
Weights are approximate and vary by configuration and market. The DCN680’s battery adds weight in use, while the IM65A’s fuel cell is a consumable. Check the exact regional specification and compatible nail collation before ordering.
How they perform on trim
On door casing, skirting board, and window trim, both tools can drive 16-gauge nails up to 63 mm. That length is useful for fixing trim through plasterboard into a timber stud, though the right nail length depends on the thickness of the workpiece and what lies behind it. A 50 mm nail may be enough for thin casing; thicker stock or a deeper stud bite may call for a longer fastener. Avoid firing blindly near wiring, pipes, or metal corner bead.
The lighter IM65A is easier to hold overhead and less tiring when moving room to room. That matters during a full day of fitting architrave, where every extra lift adds up. The DCN680 feels heavier once its battery is attached. In return, you avoid fuel-cell changes and can grab the tool for a short job without checking whether a cartridge is still usable.
Neither nailer eliminates the need to test the depth setting. Start with scrap of the same trim and backing, then adjust until the nail head sits just below the surface without crushing the timber. Softwood can show dents if the nose is pressed too hard; dense hardwood may leave proud nails if the depth is too shallow. A proud nail can be set with a punch, but repeated misses slow the job and can mark the face.
Power and running costs
The IM65A uses both a small rechargeable battery and a fuel cell. It can be quick to pick up and work with, but fuel is an ongoing cost and the tool needs the correct cartridge. Cold conditions can affect gas-powered nailers, and a cartridge that is empty, poorly seated, or past its useful life can cause inconsistent firing. Keep a charged spare battery and a compatible fuel cell on hand if stopping mid-installation would be costly.
The DCN680 avoids fuel and is the simpler option if your workshop already runs on DeWalt 18V XR batteries. Battery capacity affects runtime and adds bulk; a larger pack may reduce charging interruptions but makes overhead work more tiring. If you own no compatible batteries or charger, include those costs before comparing purchase prices. A DeWalt 18V XR battery and charger is a practical add-on only when it fits your wider tool setup.
For occasional trim work, the cheaper option can be perfectly adequate. If the IM65A is available at a clear discount and you are comfortable keeping fuel cartridges in stock, there is little reason to pay extra for battery-only operation. Conversely, the DCN680 is easier to justify when its battery can also power other tools.
Jams, handling, and upkeep
Both nailers have tool-free jam-clearing features, but clearing a jam still interrupts work. Disconnect the power source as directed in the manual before opening the nose; on the Paslode, remove the battery and fuel cell, and on the DeWalt, remove the battery. Never put a finger near the nose while the tool is powered. Use the specified nails: incorrect angle, gauge, or collation can cause feeding problems or damage.
The Paslode has more routine items to manage because it has a fuel system as well as a battery. Keep its nose and magazine clean, and follow the maker’s maintenance schedule rather than spraying lubricant into a tool that is not designed for it. The DeWalt has no gas parts, but it still needs a clean nose, a healthy battery, and protection from dust and moisture. Either can misfire if the magazine is dirty, the nails are wrong, or the battery is weak.
Which one should you buy?
Choose the IM65A if you install trim frequently, value lighter handling, and have access to its fuel and service supplies. It suits long days better when wrist and shoulder fatigue are a concern. Before buying, confirm that fuel cells and angled 16-gauge nails are readily available where you work.
Choose the DCN680 if you already own DeWalt 18V XR batteries, do mostly short jobs, or want to avoid fuel cartridges. It is also a sensible pick for a homeowner who uses the nailer occasionally and prefers a tool that can sit between jobs without a fuel supply to track.
If neither platform suits your needs, compare the 16-gauge angled finish nailers available for your market by nail range, included battery or charger, and consumable availability. For very delicate moulding, a 23-gauge pin nailer may leave smaller holes, but it provides less holding power and is not a direct replacement for these finish nailers.