8 Best Nail Guns Reviews & Buying Guide 2024
Nail guns are powerful hand tools that help you finish your professional or DIY project faster. They are a convenient, time-saving power tool that prevents inaccurate hammer targeting, the main reason for smashed-finger and drive more nails accurately on wood and other material surfaces at a faster rate. Check out the ultimate nail gun buying guide to learn more about nail guns.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST NAIL GUN
We aim to provide the best nail gun buying guide, complete nail gun reviews, and find proper information on various kinds of nail guns and best-suited nail guns for your project.
Selecting the best nail gun for your project and nailing requirements depend on what kind of project you are into, the type of wood you are planning to use (i.e., chemically processed wood, hardwood, and wood thickness), project size and location, budget, estimated project completion time, safety issue and other influencing factors concerning your project.
We spent much time studying reviews and industry-related blogs by professionals with years of experience in construction, woodworking, DIY, and the power tool industry to gather and organize all the information provided here. Combine your answer on your project with our ultimate nail gun buying guide and nail gun reviews to pick the right nail gun for you.
Types of Nail gun Reviewed:
Not all nail guns are the same
Let’s say you would like to buy a lawnmower; whatever your choice may be based on brand, model, or specification, all do the same thing: cut grass. Suppose we apply the same principle for a nail gun. In that case, its primary purpose is to drive the nail into the work surface (wood or some material surface). So you can just buy anything that says nail gun. Unfortunately, it is not that simple.
Nail guns were first developed to speed up aircraft manufacturing and introduced in 1950 for commercial and household use. Market demand and persistent development in power tools for woodworking and construction paved the way for different types of nail guns based on usage.
Different types of nail guns
As many as eight distinctive types of nail guns are available right now. Finding the best nail gun for you will be a herculean task. We would like to help you to find one. An easy way of grouping these eight nail guns into a few categories is to understand what each nail gun is used for and the overlapping function that enables them to do the same thing using different nailers.
The most common is the Finish nailer, which can be used for any fastening job, either professional or DIYer. Brad and Pinners are also Finish nailers that use small gauge fasteners for delicate trim work that is impossible with large 15 or 16-gauge Finish nailers.
There are purpose-build nailers such as Framing nailers for extensive homebuilding and construction projects, Roofing nailers for nail shingles and insulation board installation, Siding nailers for siding and sheathing installation, and Flooring nailers for hardwood and exotic floor fitting. Finally, the Palm nail gun is a specialized fastening job that no other nail gun can do.
Research and buying guide
We dedicated our research to summarizing nail gun features and specifications from where you will find nail gun details to understand specific functionality to match your project needs.
If you already know your nail gun, then jump to a particular nail gun section for more information. Take a quick view of the following chart to understand nail gun usage in woodworking and project consideration.
As you learn more from our nail gun buying guide and reviews, you will get familiarized with Nail Gun Power Sources, Nailer Firing Method, and Key Features to consider. You can navigate to these sections by clicking the corresponding links.
BEST NAIL GUN REVIEWS AND COMPARISON CHART
Don’t have time to read all the details and compare among the best nail guns in their category? Or you know your stuff and are just looking for quick tips on whether you should choose it for your next project or not? Jump into the different nail guns comparison below and pick your next tool.
Finish Nailer
Our pick: Hitachi NT65MA4 1-1/4 Inch to 2-1/2 Inch 15-Gauge Angled Finish Nailer with Air Duster
Score: 8.70/10
- Operating PSI 70-120 psi
- Magazine Capacity 100
- Weight 4.2 lbs.
Best Suited for
- Window, Door Casing, Paneling
- Baseboard, Staircases,
- Cabinetry & Chair Rails.
- Crown, Base, Cap & Shoe Molding.
- Interior & exterior Finish and Trim.
- Furniture & Windows Trim
Buying Consideration
- Drive 15 or 16-gauge fasteners
- Use in corners and tight spaces
- Cabinets
- Use putty for concealing holes
Brad Nailer
Recommended Model:
BOSTITCH BTFP12233 Smart Point 18GA Brad Nailer Kit
Score: 8.57/10
- Operating PSI 70-120 psi
- Magazine Capacity 100
- Weight 3.1 lbs.
Best Suited for
- Light trim work and assembly with thin wood & plywood
- Window beading, Cabinet and Picture frame assembly
- Small scale home repair & craft
- Fine woodworking cabinetry, upholstery, paneling and interior trim
Buying Consideration
- Drive 18-gauge fine wire nails ranging from 5/8-inch up to 1-1/2 inches in length
- Has less holding strength and require less touch-up afterwards
Pin Nailer
Recommended Model:
Hitachi NP35A 1-3/8″ 23-Gauge Pin Nailer
Score: 9.43/10
- Operating PSI 64-100 psi
- Magazine Capacity 100
- Weight 2 lbs.
Best Suited for
- Delicate trim work without damaging the wood
- Attaching rope & bead trim and narrow quarter-round molding
- Glazed bead, Muntin Bars and small picture frames
- Fine trim work – Cabinetry and Decorative Trim
Buying Consideration
- Drive tiny 23-guage headless or slight headed fastener
- Require very little or no putty for concealment
- Very little holding strength better use glue before fastening
Framing Nailer
Recommended Model:
Freeman PFR2190 21-Degree Full-Head Framing Nailer
Score: 8.28/10
- Operating PSI 70 – 115 psi
- Magazine Capacity 55
- Weight 8.5 lbs.
Best Suited for
- House framing (stud walls, posts and beams, truss assembly)
- Wall & construction framing, Installing metal connectors and Wood to masonry
- Roof Decking, Strapping, Bridging, Wood Fencing and Sub Floors
- Pallet, Crate and Furniture Manufacturing
Buying Consideration
- Use clipped head or roundhead nails
- For best result use pneumatic framing nailer
Roofing Nailer
Recommended Model:
BOSTITCH RN46-1 3/4-Inch to 1-3/4-Inch Coil Roofing Nailer
Score: 8.11/10
- Operating PSI 70-120 psi
- Magazine Capacity 120
- Weight 5.8 lbs.
Best Suited for
- Asphalt & fiberglass roofing shingles, insulation board, Cement board
- Roofing felt, Vapor barrier and waterproof tar paper installation
- Wall Sheathing, Exterior drywall and Underlayment installation
- New or re-roof applications and Composition roofing
Buying Consideration
- Identical exterior like framing nailer
- Mostly run coil roofing nail
- Specialized nailer for roofing job
Siding Nailer
Recommended Model:
Makita AN611 1-1/4-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch Coil Siding Nailer
Score: 7.90/10
- Operating PSI 65-120 psi
- Magazine Capacity 300-400
- Weight 4.9 lbs.
Best Suited for
- Wood, Fiber cement & concrete siding and shingle installation
- Wood sheathing to light gauge steel
- Wall and roof sheathing
- Soft cedar, hard Oak, plywood and OSB
Buying Consideration
- Shoot almost identical nails used in framing nailer
- Accept wire and plastic collated nail ranging from 1-1.25 to 2-2.5 inch
- Some model can drive aluminum nail for aluminum siding
Flooring Nailer
Recommended Model:
Freeman PFL618BR 3-in-1 Pneumatic Flooring Nailer
Score: 7.73/10
- Operating PSI 70-115 psi
- Magazine Capacity: 100 T- or L-cleats or 120 crown staples
- Weight 12 lbs.
Best Suited for
- Solid Tongue and Groove flooring
- Solid and engineered hardwood flooring installation
- Exotic hardwood flooring
Buying Consideration
- Flooring nailer also called flooring cleat
- Be sure about using a flooring nailer or a flooring staple
- Power source can be manual or pneumatic
- Some model can drive T- & L-cleats and staples
Palm Nailer
Recommended Model:
PORTER-CABLE PN650 Palm Nailer Kit
Score: 7.29/10
- Operating PSI 50-120 psi
- Fastener Range 1-1/4 to 6-1/2 in
- Weight 1.38 lbs.
Best Suited for
- Joist Hangers, Metal Connectors
- Driving bulk finish, framing and timber nails
- Anchors & Straps, Decking, Fencing, Remodeling
- Installing Metal Framing Hardware
Buying Consideration
- Fit in the palm of your hand
- Ideal for narrow spaces
- Drive nail ranging from 1.5 to 6 inch in length and feed single nail at a time
FINISH NAILERS
Finish nailers, the real anchors of the pneumatic-trim-nailer family, may look similar to brad nailers to the untrained eye, but in reality, they are utilized for different purposes. Finish nailers help professional carpenters in large, bulk wood trimming. It runs a 15 or 16-gauge nailer larger than a brad nailer, giving them better-holding strength. Nailer firing capacity up to 2-1/2 inches long makes Finish nailer the most versatile power tool for interior carpentry.
16-gauge nailer is the most popular Finish nailer for its application in various woodworking. However, the 15-gauge nailer feature, collated at an angle, allows the nose of the nailer to reach into tighter spaces. The bad thing is you need putty to conceal appearances as nails are thicker in cross-section, leaving big holes. There is also the possibility of splitting trim and forming imperfections if used on a thin surface.
A 16-gauge nailer can serve your small projects and big projects. Taking on large projects like home remodeling, making furniture and upholstery, but you really can’t decide which to choose, consider getting both Finish and Brad Nailer at your disposal.
Finish nailers best suited for:
Our Recommendation for best Finish Nailers:
NT65MA4 2-1/2 in. 15-Gauge Angled Finish Nailer with Air Duster
OVERALL SCORE
Ideal for installing crown and base moldings, window and door casings, chair rails, cabinets, exterior trim and staircases. Its compact body and 34-degree angled magazine with rear loading fit in tight corners and awkward spaces with ease. Integrated air duster clears debris from the work site, allowing for faster and cleaner job completion. It accepts finish nails from 5/8 in. in length up to 2 in.
Pros
Cons
The NT65MA4 15-gauge angle air-powered finish nailer integrates Hitachi’s new industrial design for durable, reliable, and effective installation of crown and base moldings, window and door casings, chair rails, cabinets, exterior trim and staircases. Hitachi NT65MA4 magazine can hold 100 nails and accepts 15-gauge 34-degree angle finish nails from 1-1/4 inch to 2-1/2 inch long for use on various projects. It works on a minimum of 70 psi to a maximum of 120 psi air pressure.
Hitachi builds NT65MA4 housing with lightweight aluminum for durability. Equipped with an easy clear nose, tool-less adjustable depth of drive, 360-degree fully adjustable exhaust, and selective actuation (sequential or contact trigger) to reduce downtime and offer convenience to the user. The coolest part of this nailer is the unique integrated air duster for clearing debris from the work surface where you need to place the nail by simply pressing the button quick and easy. 34-degree angled magazine with rear loading allows NT65MA4 to fit in tight corners and awkward spaces with ease. A Toolless, easy-to-clear nose ensures quick nail extraction if a nail jams during use. This finish nailer has tool-free depth adjustment for simplicity and flexibility when fastening various types of wood and also features a removable no-mar tip to protect the delicate workpiece from damage.
Hitachi hit the sweet spot for finish nailer by blending useful features, an attractive package that includes safety glasses, a no-mar tip, a handy carrying case with a five-year warranty, and a reasonable price. Hitachi NT65MA4 Angled Finish nailer made a loyal customer base among other finish nailer brand users. Most customers declared Hitachi NT65MA4 is the best finish nailer in their review, with very few bad reviews.
Innovative Hitachi delivered many firsts and is a leader in research and development in the power tool industry. If you are looking for a quality finish nailer with a user-friendly design and features at a bargain price, then the NT65MA4 Angled Finish Nailer will definitely be on the top of your list.
Budget Finish Nail Gun:
NuMax SFN64 Straight Finish NailerChoosing a right finish nailer is bit tricky as 15-gauge and 16-gauge finish nailer have quite a bit of overlap in terms of application and are commonly used for installing baseboard, chair rail, door and window casing, crown molding, door frames, and other finish nailing work. We found NuMax SFN64 16-Guage Straight Finish Nailer build, feature, specification and package and warranty make them a perfect choice for budget finish nailer. Click here to know more.
BRAD NAILERS
Brad nailers are designed to drive 18 high-gauge fine wire nails required for the finest, most delicate woodworking project, making them a good choice for stop and cove moldings or, baseboard shoe molding and small craft work. Driving tiny nails with a hammer requires tremendous physical effort and may not achieve the desired wood crafting. Brad nailer is your perfect tool for home renovation, smaller projects like crafting dollhouses for kids, or furniture upholstery.
Brad nailers give a nice finish on wood, and you might need little or no carpenter putty to conceal appearances as nails are thinner in cross-section, leave a smaller hole, and are less likely to split narrow trim and molding. Based on different manufacturer models, brads support nails ranging from 5/8-inch to 1-1/2 inches long. The downside is unlike other fasteners Brad nails have less holding strength, which is inadequate for larger, heavier projects like extensive crown molding or baseboards. Brad Nailer’s capacity to handle light trim work and requirement of less touch-up after installation is your best choice.
Brad nailers best suited for:
Our Recommendation for best Brad Nailers
BOSTITCH BTFP12233 Smart Point 18-Gauge Brad Nailer Kit
OVERALL SCORE
Designed for accurate nail positioning and depth, BOSTITCH BTFP12233 Smart Point has no match. Smart Point 18-gauge nailer can drive 5/8 in. to 2-1/8 in. brad nails are ideal for cabinetry, upholstery, and paneling, which require working in tight spaces and corners. Contact or sequential trigger, tool-free jam release, and oil-free operation make it equally suitable for novice woodworkers and professional tradesmen. Other features include a 1/4 in. air fitting, rear air exhaust, and a belt hook with an integrated pencil sharpener for easy accessibility.
Pros
Cons
We present Bostitch Smart Point technology 18-gauge brad nailer model BTFP12233 for cabinetry, upholstery, paneling, interior trim, baseboards, door & window casings, furniture, and kitchen crown molding work. BTFP12233 oil-free design pneumatic brad nail gun works at 70-120 psi air pressure with a magazine capacity of 100 nails ranging from 5/8-inch to 2-1/8 inches (15mm to 55mm) in length. It supports BT13XX Series brad nails.
Brad is all about accurate nailing on a delicate surface with less touchup afterward, and Bostitch Smart Point technology makes it true for carpenters and DIYers. The innovative micro-nose design eliminates the need to compress contact trip against the work surface to actuate the nailer. A smaller nose provides improved visibility to the user and allows easy nail placement even in narrow and tight spaces, with a 60% smaller nose footprint to reduce work surface damage.
A 3.1 lbs. lightweight body uses magnesium housing to achieve the durability of aluminum with an over-molded comfort handle for a secure grip. The selectable trigger system allows sequential or contact operation with a trigger lockout feature for added safety control. BTFP12233 user-friendly design includes a tool-free jam release mechanism (open drive channel architecture) for easy nail removal without using an Allen wrench and a depth of drive adjustment dialer [Dial-A-DepthÔäó] conveniently located under the trigger for precise countersinking of nails. Bostitch also equipped 1/4-inch air fittings with a swivel air connector to prevent the air hose from getting twisted around the work site, a rear air exhaust, and an adjustable belt hook for easy carrying with an integrated pencil sharpener for convenience.
Bostitch Smart Point is a smart nailer considering overall features and technology integrated into one small piece of power tool. To sweeten the deal, Bostitch gave a seven-year limited warranty and added 1/4″ Air Fitting, Sample Fasteners, Carrying Case, Extra No-Mar Tips, and Owner’s manual with the package.
BTFP12233 received mixed customer reviews with more satisfied users. Comparing different brands’ prices, features, and package offerings, we found Bostitch Smart Point has a great price advantage over other brands.
Budget Brad Nail Gun:
Hitachi NT50AE2
Our choice for budget brad nailer is a 2.2 lbs. lightweight aluminum body Hitachi NT50AE2 18-Gauge 5/8-Inch to 2-Inch Brad Nailer with dual firing option for precise or continuous driving, tool-less depth-of-drive adjustment, 360-degree adjustable exhaust and package that include five years limited warranty, safety glasses, nose cap (mounted on tool), and protective case. Check the price here.
PIN NAILERS
Pin nailers use a very tiny 23-gauge fastener ideal for attaching delicate trim, fastening small, and stain-grade moldings that Brad nailer cannot handle without splitting. Pin nailers available in headless and slight-headed versions are handy as they require very little or no putty for concealment. Tiny nail used in Pin nailer are extremely thin, comes with barely noticeable head or no head at all, and is small enough to vanish under a coat of paint. However, it offers little strength to hold delicate trim or thin wood on the surface. Better use glue before fastening with Pinners.
Most pinner models accept headless pin nails, and some models support both types of nails. Slight-headed pins have more holding power than headless pins and will help your delicate trim to be firmly griped with the surface. You will also notice most pneumatic Pinner’s depth adjustment is controlled by the pressure of the air supply, and some models provide high/low switches to adjust the depth of the drive.
Pin nailers best suited for:
Our Recommendation for best Pin Nailers:
Hitachi NP35A 1-3/8 in. 23-Gauge Pin Nailer
OVERALL SCORE
The NP35A offers an excellent finishing solution for trim work or cabinetry with a nearly invisible small fastener. Professional woodworkers, homeowners, or DIYers will find this nailer ideal for trim work, molding, cabinetry details, paneling, glazed bead, and any fine finish application without spending time filling nail holes with putty and splitting delicate pieces of material. Compact design and lightweight, magazine auto adjusts to 5/8-in to 1-3/8 in. fastener lengths, removable nose plate for easy jam clearing, no-mar tips, rear exhaust, and a reload indicator to avoid dry firing.
Pros
Cons
Professional woodworkers, DIYers, or craftsmen working with delicate trim work, molding, paneling, glazed bead, or cabinetry details look for small fasteners that are nearly invisible after sinking. Hitachi NP35A Pin Nailer offers an excellent solution for avoiding splitting delicate work pieces to achieve a fine finish without spending time filling nail holes. It fires a 23-gauge headless pin with a magazine capacity of 100 pins and works on 64-100 psi operating pressure.
Hitachi designed NP35A pinner to be lightweight and compact for convenient use on a variety of trim work and cabinetry projects. Its magazine support range of fastener length that automatically adjusts to 5/8, 3/4, 1, 1-3/16, and 1-3/8 inch pins, and the reload indicator gives low nail alert to avoid dry firing. NP35A comes with two no-mar tips, one added at the base of the handle and another installed on the tool that protects delicate wood material from denting, marring, or scratching. Dual trigger added for safety and accuracy in fastener placement with removable nose plate offer easy jam clearing.
Depth of drive adjustment is possible by loosening two screws that secure the nose and move up and down using a hex bar wrench for various wood types like hard and soft woods and exotic woods. Also, we need to adjust PSI pressure to get the desired depth based on material density. The rear exhaust prevents any excess oil, dirt, or debris from hitting the user or damaging the work surface.
With Hitachi NP35A, you not only get a feature-rich pinner but also a five-year limited warranty and the package includes a blow-molded plastic case for convenient carrying and storage, safety glasses, no-mar tips, and a 3mm hex bar wrench.
Users will find this pinner is quick and efficient, and clamping is not required for properly joining multiple glued workpiece as NP35A generate enough pressure for various trim work. Also, the range of fastener sizes it supports is more than sufficient. In terms of price, no other brand comes close to Hitachi.
Budget Pin Nail Gun:
PORTER-CABLE PIN138
We had a hard time finding a budget pin nailer that we could suggest as an alternative to our pick. Our research suggests that low-priced pinner do not offer enough product build and feature to label them as budget pinners. Instead of a budget model, we recommend PORTER-CABLE PIN138 as an alternative to Hitachi NP35A.
PIN138 impressive design with durable aluminum body and magazine construction is ideal for cabinet makers, cabinet installers, furniture builders, and mantle builders. Convenient side loading magazine can hold 130 pins and has an option for headless and slight head pin nails from 5/8 inch to 1-3/8 inch length. Like Hitachi, the magazine automatically adjusts to different fastener lengths, and a reload indicator alerts the user about low nails. The only pinner model with a dry fire lockout mechanism prevents the user from firing when there is no nail remaining in the tool, which eliminates the witness mark on a work surface, and a narrow nose design offers better visibility and accurate nailing. PIN138 delivers maximum power in each shot that can easily countersink a 1-3/8-inch nail into hard materials, such as oak. The maintenance-free long-life motor on Porter-Cable PIN138 ensures oil-free operation. For user comfort and ease of use, Porter Cable has an integrated rubber grip handle and a reversible belt hook that allows the user to move the tool conveniently.
A three-year limited warranty backs the Porter-Cable PIN138 pin nailer kit, includes one year of free service, and a ninety-day money-back guarantee. The nailer kit includes the PIN138 pin nailer, 2000 headless pin nails, one 1/4-inch plug with cap, one wrench for internal access, and one carrying case.
FRAMING NAILERS
Framing nailers can handle large projects of building decks, constructing room additions, or framing houses involving heavy-duty work. Framing nailers are intended for quick framing and construction projects. Best framing nailers can be used for nailing large pieces of material together and eliminate the use of hammers, saving time and money no matter whether you are a DIYer, woodworker, or professional contractor.
Any wood, including posts and beams, can be nailed using tremendously powerful Framing nailers with 2.8 mm nails. Next, consider your project completion time, location, and power source. Select a cordless nail gun, typically fuel or battery-powered, for DIY or occasional projects. A pneumatic nailer, powered by an air compressor, is more suited to high-volume nailing requirements in a short time. Depending on the models, framing nailers either use clipped head nails or roundhead nails. You may be interested in buying a clipped head nailer for faster reloading time instead of a roundhead framing nailer. Please review the local building code before making an actual purchase, as many building code bar clipped head nails are used on construction sites.
Smaller nail guns are designed for precision work, and framing nailers work best for quick projects requiring large nails. Whatever your choice, pneumatic or cordless, framing nailers are the best time and money-saving power tools.
Framing nailers best suited for:
Our Recommendation for best Framing Nailer:
Freeman PFR2190 21-Degree Full-Head Framing Nailer
OVERALL SCORE
Equipped with many premium features Freeman PFR2190 21-degree full-head framing nailer can be used for a variety of applications and is excellent for homeowners and contractors alike. PFR2190 is made of die-cast magnesium for lightweight, tool-free depth adjustment and 360 Degree exhaust port; power to tackle any framing job using 2″ to 3-1/2″ nails, and a 7-year warranty is what you are looking for in a quality framing nailer.
Pros
Cons
Freeman PFR2190 pneumatic framing nailer is ideal for wall framing, subfloors, roof decking, and wood fencing. It uses 21-degree Freeman Plastic Collated Full-Head Framing Nails as well as compatible Hitachi, Dewalt, Porter Cable, Duo-Fast, Senco, and generic brand plastic collated 21-degree full round head framing nails and can hold 55 pcs nails.
Designed for heavy-duty framing projects, it sports a magnesium-constructed body for low weight and durability. The driver blade is constructed of very tough heat-treated one-piece hardened steel and anodized aluminum cylinder and magazine with oil-less Teflon o-rings to ensure extended life. It shoots 21-degree full head nails ranging in size from 2 to 3 1/2 inches and features a tool-free depth adjustment with a no-mar tip feature to protect your surface from dents to ensure a professional finish.
PFR2190 safety features include an interchangeable trigger for single or contact firing and an ergonomic grip with an anti-dry fire locking mechanism to stop firing if nails are low. It also has a 360-degree adjustable exhaust, air filter, and anti-dust cap to keep internal parts clean.
Freeman PFR2190 stands out as the best value framing nailer in the market for its seven-year limited warranty and packaging that includes safety goggles, hard plastic carrying case, and other accessories that no other brand offers. User review suggests it is easy to operate and gives a solid performance, with one drawback of the nailer stopping firing when 2-3 nails are still loaded.
Freeman is known for their impressive power tool full of features and great product packaging. Freeman PFR2190 is an excellent framing nail gun at a bargain price that promises the same level of dependability as the most expensive gun in the market. Professionals and DIYers will find great value for money and the best feature-packed framing nail gun in Freeman PFR2190.
Budget Framing Nail Gun:
NuMax SFR2190 21-Degree Framing Nailer
However, you may choose Best Seller NuMax SFR2190 21-degree framing nailer instead of Freeman PFR2190 for framing projects. It offers most of the features and nail gun construction but is less expensive. You can find NuMax SFR2190 detail specifications and a comparison of top framing nailers in the Top Framing nailer section. Check the latest price here.
ROOFING NAILERS
Roofing nailer has an identical exterior to framing nailer but is specifically designed to drive nails appropriate for most types of asphalt and fiberglass shingles, waterproof tar paper, and insulation board. A significant feature shared by different roofing nailers is to run coil nails. You do not need to climb off a rooftop to refill the nailer’s magazine as coil roofing nailer can hold more nails. Its design also provides better tool ergonomics to help you easily move around on the roof. The nature of the task performed by Roofing nailers classifies it as a specialized nail gun that may only be an essential tool if you plan to do some roofing job.
Roofing nailers best suited for:
Our Recommendation for the Best Roofing Nailer:
Bostitch RN46-1 15-Degree 1-3/4 in. Coil Roofing Nailer
OVERALL SCORE
Bostitch patented side-loading canister, zero nail lock-out, tool-free depth of drive adjustments, and top-of-the-line performance; the RN46-1 is built for professional construction workers, builders, roofers, and anyone looking for long-lasting performance from a coil nailer. Constructed of tough aircraft-grade aluminum for comfort and durability, the high-capacity quick-load magazine reduces downtime and is backed by a seven-year limited warranty.
Pros
Cons
We pick the Bostitch RN46-1 Coil Roofing Nailer as an ideal tool for roofing, exterior drywall, insulation board, and fiber cement applications and great for shingle work on large areas with an integrated, tool-less gauge to control shingle spacing. Incredibly powerful, the RN46-1 is capable of delivering 410 in./lbs. of force at 100 psi, can drive up to 100 nails per minute. This pneumatic coil roofing nailer best performs at 70-120 psi operating pressure.
Bostitch constructed RN46-1 with tough aircraft grade lightweight aluminum, so it is easy to carry on your arms and durable yet lightweight magnesium housing and carbide tips give the nailer long life. Among many useful features, a zero-nail lock-out feature to eliminate dry firing when the magazine is empty and indicate when it is time to reload caught our eyes particularly.
Moreover, RN46-1 boasts a patented single-action side-load canister for quick and easy nail loading by simply sliding the magazine door to open and load new coils and closing the magazine door.
The RN46-1 high-capacity magazine reduces downtime and holds up to 120 coil nails with a shank diameter of 0.120 and a length of 3/4 inch to 1-3/4 inch. With the bouncing motion of contract trip firing, the user can drive up to 100 nails per minute. A tool-free depth of drive adjustment with its integrated depth dial gives the user the ability to find perfect driving depth by changing five different settings on the dial, including flush mount driving, shallow driving, and countersinking. Lastly, over-molded grips provide the best gripping in any weather condition with maximum comfort.
A seven-year limited warranty backs the Lightweight 5.8 pounds Bostitch RN46-1 coil roofing nailer and comes with wear guards and skid pads that protect the user from damage caused by working on rough surfaces.
We found Bostitch RN46-1 coil roofing nailer is an essential tool for professional construction workers, builders, homeowners, roofers, and DIYers looking for long-lasting and aggressive performance from a coil nailer that features a patented side-loading canister, zero nail lock-out, easy depth of drive adjustments.
Budget Roofing Nailer:
WEN 61782 Pneumatic Coil Roofing Nailer
WEN 61782 is an ideal coil roofing nailer for nail shingles, insulation boards, waterproof tar paper, fiber cement roofing, siding and vinyl. This powerful yet affordable nailer needs 70-120 psi operating pressure and can generate 430 in./lbs. of force at 100 psi, making sure your roofing stays in place. The WEN 61782 adjustable magazine design accepts 11-gauge 7/8 to 1-3/4-inch coiled roofing nails and can hold 120 nails with a quick release for easily fixing jams. WEN 61782 has an adjustable shingle guide similar to Bostitch RN46-1 that makes shingle spacing easy during the job and a depth-setting wheel on the head of the nailer for depth of drive adjustment. For user comfort, WEN added a rubber grip handle while a 360-degree adjustable exhaust keeps output air away from the workpiece and the user. To sweeten the deal, a one-year warranty backs the 61782 and includes a blow-molded carrying case for easy transportation, oil, and hex wrenches.
SIDING NAILERS
A siding nailer, as the name implies, is designed to attach wood siding to the exterior of a house. You may get mixed information on using Framing nailers for your exterior wood siding job instead of Siding nailers as they shoot almost identical nails, but the outcome will be less desirable. Framing nailers are designed for high-impact framing for rough millwork and are specially made to get into tight corners and to toenails with high-impact velocity. When installing a siding, you want to go upright and need a light power tool.
You may choose from 1-1.25 inches to 2-2.5 inches siding nails, considering your project need. Some models even use aluminum nails for aluminum siding. Siding nailers are lightweight and come with adjustable triggers. By adjusting the depth of the nail, you can have a uniform shot into your siding. Another great feature is it is protected in the front, so if you are dealing with a softer wood, you will not need a touchup after nailing. Almost all siding nailers available in the market accept plastic-collated and wire-collated nails. Our study revealed that wire-collation is more durable than plastic. To get more info on siding nailers, read our top best siding nailers review.
Siding nailers best suited for:
Our Recommendation for best Siding Nailers:
Makita AN611 15-Degree 2-1/2 in. Coil Siding Nailer
OVERALL SCORE
Designed to withstand wear and tear from frequent use by professionals, it combines rugged construction with durable aluminum with a user-friendly feature for improved performance. The AN611’s easy-loading canister with nail size adjustment has a 300-400 magazine capacity. A 3-mode selector switch ensures user control and convenience. Tool-free depth adjustment with 9 depth settings, built-in air filter, and sharp spurs grip the work surface at an angle for increased control.
Pros
Cons
Makita AN611 1-1/4-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch Coil Siding Nailer combines rugged construction and proven features to give the best performance in siding installation. Ideal for installing fiber cement, wood shingle siding, and other siding materials with great comfort. The AN611 accepts 15-degree plastic and wire collated 1-1/4 inch to 2-1/2 inch nails (.080 – .099 shank diameter) with a magazine capacity of 300-400 nails. You can operate this nailer with 65 PSI air pressure, and the max air pressure is 120 PSI.
With AN611’s versatile design and construction, professionals and DIYers are guaranteed to get the best siding installation experience. Makita engineered AN611 for increased user control and convenience, added a 3-mode selector switch (contact, sequential, lock) for smooth user control over nailing options, and an easy-loading transparent canister with nail size adjustment. Users can conveniently use “tool-less” numbered depth adjustment with 9 depth settings for precise flush nailing and sharp spurs that grip the wood for increased control at an angle.
360-degree Multi-directional exhaust port directs exhaust air away from the operator, an intelligent built-in air filtering system keeps the tool clean, and the rubber bumper protects both the work surface and tool housing. The high-end AN611 Coil Siding Nailer is pricy. But with a three-year limited warranty and packaging that includes Pneumatic Nailer Oil, Hex Wrench, Tool Case, Safety Goggles, and Air Fitting and superior build from Makita, it is worthy enough to be considered as the best siding nailer in the market.
AN611 received positive customer reviews for its well-balanced construction and features perfectly matching user needs. Makita AN611 is the right choice for professional contractors, but DIYers and homes may find it expensive.
Budget Siding Nail Gun:
Freeman PCN65 Coil Siding Nailer
Freeman PCN65 magnesium body, anodized aluminum housing, useful features, and a seven-year warranty with a low price tag will be an excellent selection for DIYers and home users. Find more details on the Freeman PCN65 Coil Siding Nailer and siding nailer comparison in Top Siding Nailer (link to top nail gun). Check the price and customer review here.
FLOORING NAILERS
You can understand what Flooring Nailer does from its name. Yes, Flooring nailers are used for hardwood floor installation. Sometimes contractors refer to Flooring nailers as flooring cleat nailers. If you need to replace your old floor with a hardwood floor that matches your home remodeling, install your new hardwood floor using either a manual floor nailer or a pneumatic floor nailer. Depending on your choice, a pneumatic floor nailer generally costs more than a manual one, but if you consider ease of use and time saving, then a pneumatic floor nailer is your best choice.
Manual floor nailers require considerable physical strength for fastening your hardwood floor. Pneumatic floor nailers use air pressure to do the job. Nowadays, flooring nailers are mostly pneumatic as they generate an ample amount of force for nailing and require less time. You will also need to be sure about using a flooring nailer or a flooring staple. Many first-time buyers make mistakes in differentiating floor nailers and staplers. Both may have similar functionality but are fundamentally different.
Flooring nailers best suited for:
Our Recommendation for best Flooring Nailers:
Freeman PFL618BR 3-in-1 2 in. 15.5/16-Gauge Flooring Nailer/Stapler
OVERALL SCORE
Versatile flooring nailer 3-in-1 design that shoots both 16-gauge T cleats and L cleats and 15.5-gauge staples. 2 interchangeable base plates provide stability and protect flooring surfaces from scratches. Durable die-cast aluminum build for frequent use, hardened steel driver blade, aluminum cylinder, and high-quality rubber O-rings. Wrenches, oil, a rubber mallet, and a plastic carrying case are included.
Pros
Cons
Buying flooring nailers presents a unique challenge for first-time nail gun buyers as there are flooring nailers and flooring staplers for installing hardwood floors, so which one should you buy? What if you can drive both cleats and steples with the same flooring nailer? Freeman PFL618BR can drive three types of fasteners without changing magazine T-cleats, L-cleats and staples. Ideal for 1/2 inch – 3/4 inch solid Tongue and Groove Flooring, including Hickory, Maple, Oak and other hardwood flooring. PFL618BR magazine can hold 100 T-cleats, L-cleats, or 120 crown staples. It can drive all brand 16-Guage glue collated flooring T & L cleats ranging from 1-1/2 inches to 2 inches and 15.5-Guage 1/2 inch crown, glue collated flooring staples. This 3-in-1 flooring nailer/stapler runs on 70 – 115 psi operating pressure.
Revolutionary 3-in-1 Design PFL618BR body is constructed of durable high-strength die-cast aluminum and heat-treated steel parts for frequent use at the job site with dependability and anodized aluminum magazine for lightweight.
The nailer drive blade is constructed of tough one-piece hardened steel, high-quality rubber o-rings, and an internal air filter. It comes with a non-marring rubber mallet and two interchangeable composite non-marring base plates that allow installation of 1/2- to 3/4-inch Tongue and Grove flooring with added stability and protection from scratch to the flooring surface. 23″ tall extended handle with anti-vibration comfort grip help user conveniently install flooring without the fear of an achy back after work. Additionally, the PFL618BR features an anti-dust cap to keep internal parts clean for increased longevity and a pre-installed fittings with 1/4″ NPT that fit with most air hose couplers.
Freeman PFL618BR package includes a durable plastic carrying case, oil, wrenches, goggles, and a no-mar white rubber mallet. A 7-year limited warranty from Freeman also backs it. This model received a good reception from professionals and DIYers for design and application.
Like all other Freeman power tools, the PFL618BR flooring nail gun combines affordable pricing with high-quality products for the ultimate value in a tool. Freeman included all the necessary features associated with an ideal nail gun build and application that woodworkers and homeowners seek.
Budget Flooring Nailer:
NuMax SFL618 3-in-1 Pneumatic Flooring Stapler/Nailer
NuMax SFL618 3-in-1 Pneumatic Flooring mailer’s ability to shoot 15.5-Guage flooring staples and 16-Guage T- and L-cleats is an excellent choice for professionals and homeowners alike. NuMax designed this nailer to penetrate 1/2″ – 3/4″ solid tongue and groove hardwood flooring with two interchangeable non-marring base plates for convenience and easy operation. The SFL618 is built from durable die-cast aluminum with a comfortable rubber grip design to reduce user fatigue, and the long-reach handle reduces back strain. Like all other NuMax nailers, it includes an Air Filter, an Anti-Dust Cap, and a more extended magazine for additional nail capacity. Inside the box, you will get a wooden no-mar rubber mallet, air connector, Adjustment tool, lubrication oil, Anti-dust cap, 0.315 footplate. It also comes with a one-year limited warranty. It is an all-around flooring nailer from NuMax that combines affordable pricing with high-quality products for the ultimate value in a tool. Visit to know the price and product details.
PALM NAILERS
A palm nailer, also called a mini palm nailer, is a handy nail gun used for specialized tasks that other nail guns cannot perform. As the name suggests, a Palm nailer literally fits in your palm. Depending on lighter and heavy-duty models, it can drive 1.5 inches to 3.5 inches and 2 inches to 6 inches nails, respectively. Designed to fit into tight spaces, a Palm nailer works perfectly where a conventional nailer or hammer fails to reach.
While a Palm nailer can drive frame nails, joist hanger nails, or other bulk nails of similar size, it is altogether a different kind of nail gun. Unlike other air-powered nail guns that feed collated gun nails, commonly known as strip nails and coil nails, Palm nails feed a single nail at a time. So, what is the purpose of a Palm nailer? Large and heavy-duty collated nailers are a perfect tool for continuous nailing in quick strokes. Palm nailers will come in handy, whereas other nailer sizes often make them too bulky to fit in tight and hard-to-access spaces.
Palm nailers best suited for:
Our Recommendation for best Palm Nailers:
Porter-Cable PN650 Palm Nailer Kit
OVERALL SCORE
The Porter-Cable PN650 Palm nailer features a compact, lightweight design for impressive control and balance. Accept 1-1/4 to 6-1/2 inch nails (3d to 70d), and it comes with four different nose tips, including finishing tip, magnetic tip, wide nail tip, and steel hammer tip. Depth-of-drive control, front exhaust, and non-marring finish tip make PN650 your best choice for the palm nailing job.
Cons
Pros
Labeling a palm nailer model as best or recommended is an arduous task as this specialized nailer category drive various type of nail ranging from high-strength framing nail to finish nail. However, we could recommend the PORTER-CABLE PN650 Palm Nailer Kit as the best palm nailer. Drive into details to find out why.
Porter-Cable emphasis on versatility while designing the PN650 palm nailer is evident from the gun build, associated features, and packaging. This heavy-duty pneumatic nailer design ensures user comfort, and the nail gun kit includes four different nose tips or nail guides for numerous applications. Powerful PN650 can drive fasteners ranging from 1-1/4 to 6-1/2 inch (3d to 70d) with preinstalled with magnetic nail guide that drives 6d to 16d common flat head nails and other guide included are finish nail guide for 1-1/4″(3d) to 2-1/2″ (8d) finish nails with non-marring finish up to 3d, standard guide and bushing for 4″ (20d) to 6-1/2″ (70d) common nails/spikes and hammer tip capable of driving task not suitable for other three tips such as moldings, dowels, automotive bodywork.
Unlike other palm nailer model, PN650 operates at 50-120 psi and feature a multi-blow firing mode – 2,300 BPM at 100 psi and depth-of-drive adjustment for sinking nail correctly.
Easy to use PORTER-CABLE PN650 comes with a palm nailer kit that is manufactured in the United States. Kit includes four types of tip: magnetic tip, non-marring finish tip, wide nail tip, hammer Head Tip, 1/4″ air fitting with dust cover, oil, wrench, carrying case., a glove with padded Velcro strap for comfort grip, and one-year limited warranty.
Budget Palm Nailer:
Freeman PMPN Mini-Palm Nailer
Freeman PMPN is a lightweight but mighty hammer that can drive fastener for decking, fencing, joist hangers, and hard-to-reach places. PMPN weighs just 1.38 lbs and has an ergonomically designed body with durable construction for a long-lasting, reliable tool. Freeman includes a rubber grip, an Air filter/anti-dust cap that keeps interior components debris-free, extends tool life, and a magnetic nail holder that accepts nail from 6d – 20d and drive up to 4-inch nails. This pneumatic nailer works at 80 – 100 psi operating pressure. Freeman PMPN Mini-palm nailer is the best palm nailer that is economical and backed by a seven-year limited warranty. Check the latest price here.
POWERING YOUR NAIL GUN
The next big question in your endeavor to find the right nail gun is, “What kind of power source is required to run your Nail Gun?”. There are three different options of power sources for your nail guns: fuel, battery-powered, and pneumatic. It offers a process of elimination to identify nail guns that best fit your project situation. The mobility of your nail gun will largely depend on the power source it requires. Advantages and disadvantages of different nail gun power sources:
| Nail Gun Type | Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Pneumatic powered | Reliable, powerful | Air hose tangling, slow start-up, requires air compressor |
| Fuel Cell or Gas powered | Cordless, convenient, suitable for heavy-duty job | Carry extra fuel cell |
| Battery powered | quieter than gas and pneumatic nailers, offer better mobility, less maintenance | Expensive, heavier than pneumatic and gas powered |
Fuel Cell or Gas Powered:
Fuel cell or gas-powered nailers are the newest addition to the cordless nailer family. In fact, Cordless nailers are either gas-powered or battery-powered. Gas-powered nailers use a fuel canister containing propane, butane, and propylene or a disposable gas cartridge and a battery to create a spark for the fuel. These cordless nailers generate incredible force with internal combustion achieved by sparking fuel that drives the piston to push the nail into the surface.
Things you should consider:
- Gas-powered nailers are suitable for heavy-duty jobs that require incredible force.
- If you need mobility, then choose a fuel-powered cordless nailer.
- They are lightweight compared to pneumatic guns, making them a good choice for a whole-day job.
- Ensure you have an extra fuel canister and a fully charged battery for uninterrupted nailing.
Battery Powered:
As more DIYers and professional contractors adopt cordless nailers, power tool industry leaders have invested heavily in the constant development of built-in power sources. The remarkable development of Li-Ion (Lithium Ion) batteries enabled tool manufacturers to deliver battery-powered cordless nailers of various categories. 18-volt or 20-volt Li-Ion battery-powered nail guns now have enough power and longer charge, making them a viable alternative for the durability and ruggedness of a pneumatic tool.
Things you should consider:
- Eliminate noise generated by power tools as they are quieter than gas and pneumatic nailers.
- Convenient for any environment. Carry only a charger; forget about any other equipment like hoses, compressors, or fuel cells.
- It offers better mobility than a pneumatic nailer as you do not need a long hose line and bulky compressor.
- It is best suited for small spaces where you cannot use a bulky pneumatic nailer with a compressor.
- Run on low maintenance as fewer moving parts.
- Rapid development in Li-Ion batteries ensures longer charge and more power.
- Battery-powered will be heavier and costlier than pneumatic ones.
Pneumatic powered:
Pneumatic or air-powered nailers, used mainly by professional contractors, are the power horse of the power tool industry. The nailing power of the pneumatic nail gun comes from the air compressor that sends compressed air to the holding area of the pneumatic nailer by the attached hose. When Compressed air pressure in the holding area is greater than in the piston chamber, it creates sufficient force to drive the piston down and push the nail into the work surface. A major indicator of air pressure is PSI (pound per square inch) and volume CFM (cubic feet per minute).
Things you should consider:
- Pneumatic nail guns are best fit for large projects with heavy nailing requirements. It may not be a good choice for DIYers and small projects.
- Air-powered nail guns work very well at driving thick nails through hard material. With a reliable power source, you can work all day.
- Air-powered nailers will last longer for a more straightforward design and fewer breakable and wear out able components.
- They are less expensive, but you need to buy the air compressor separately.
- Pneumatic nailers are loud and create high noise where they operate. Earplugs are advisable to prevent hearing loss and noise reduction.
- They are somewhat cumbersome tools. You need to carry the air compressor where you are nailing and offer less mobility as the air hose needs to be connected to the air compressor all the time for nailing power.
- Pneumatic nailers have a simpler design. However, you need to look out for leaking hoses. The couplers are solid, and the compressor is running smoothly. Also, you need to keep oiling your nailer and check the compressor oil level on a regular basis.
NAIL GUN FIRING SYSTEM
You’re ready to buy your first nail gun after familiarizing yourself with various types and their applications in woodworking and home improvement projects.
It is time to pick a firing method for your nailer. Understanding the nailer firing method is essential not only for choosing the right nail gun for your project but also for safety concerns. Every year, a lot of people rush to emergency rooms with nail gun injuries. The good news is rapid R&D in the power tool industry helped nail guns to be safer than before. The nail gun firing mechanism involves two basic controls: a trigger and a safety contact tip that is depressed against the working surface. There are four firing methods now in use based on variations of how trigger and contact tip function in the firing sequence.
Contact Trip Trigger / Actuation
Contact actuation (commonly referred to as bump fire or bounce fire) enables rapid nail driving into the working surface. Contact trip trigger design permits the tool operator to fire the nail when the trigger is squeezed, and the safety contact tip at the nose of the gun is depressed with the work surface. Contact trigger design allows the trigger and contact tip to be activated in any order. The contact trigger safety mechanism ensures that accidentally activating the trigger will not fire any nail when the safety contact tip is not in contact with the work surface. They are best for high-speed firing but difficult to control.
Full Sequential Trigger / Actuation
When the trigger and safety contact tip are activated in a specific order, the full sequential actuation fire nail is released. It will only fire a single nail when the safety contact tip is pushed into the working surface first, then squeezing the trigger makes it the safest type of nail gun. To fire another nail, you need to reactivate the safety contact tip and the trigger and repeat the firing sequence. Full sequential nailers do not offer quick nailing like Contact triggers but are less likely to fire unintentionally.
Single Sequential Trigger / Actuation
Single sequential trigger drive nail when safety contact tip and trigger activated in a specific order like the full sequential trigger. The operator needs to push the safety contact tip into the workpiece and then press the trigger to drive the first nail. To fire another nail, the user just needs to release the trigger, and the safety contact tip can remain pressed to the work surface, whereas a full sequential trigger requires releasing both controls. Power tool safety research indicates sequential triggers can reduce the risk of acute injury by half linked to contact triggers.
Single Actuation Trigger
Single actuation is a rather unique trigger mechanism that is derived from a separate selection of two or more of the following actuation systems.
- Full-Sequential Actuation
- Single-Sequential Actuation
- Contact Actuation
It is a combination of trigger styles that works when basic controls, the trigger and the safety contact tip are activated in any order to fire the first nail. For additional nailing, the user only needs to release and reactivate the trigger and keep the safety contact tip pressed to the working surface.
Firing mechanisms employed by tool manufacturer for actuation system is unique to each tool and manufacturer. Please carefully read the User Manual to understand your tool trigger mechanism before applying it to your project.
MAJOR FEATURES TO CONSIDER WHILE BUYING NAIL GUN
You will be amazed to see the market is full of nail guns with tons of features and applications, “so how do you choose what is best for you?” Luckily, all the best nail guns share some standard features that set them apart from other nail gun. You now know the type of nail gun required for your project; try to match the following features to get the most suitable nail gun.
Clearing Jams
Even with a well-designed nail gun, you may experience jamming at any point in your project. It may happen due to the fastener or loading mechanism; whatever may be the case, look for a simple jam-clearing option to disassemble the feeding mechanism to remove faulty nails and clear the jam in the shortest possible time.
Depth Adjustment
Depending on the work surface, you may need to nail at different depths to achieve a high strength or quality finish. With the depth adjustment feature, you can control how deep a nail goes into the working surface. Based on the model, you can adjust the depth by hand, commonly known as “tool-free depth-drive adjustment”, while some models require tools for the depth setting. You will find depth adjustment features are very handy with projects that need variable nailing depth.
Support various nail sizes
Most professional carpenters probably own a range of pneumatic nail guns for doing all sorts of nailing projects, so nail size adjustment may be optional for them. But homeowners and DIYers probably look for a single nail gun that supports multiple gauge nails. Search for a nailer that can hold different nail sizes and easy switching between nail sizes.
Trigger Size
While running a nail gun, large triggers are easy to operate and play a crucial role in work safety and ergonomics. Trigger size also influences the maneuverability of the nailer when the user is wearing heavy-duty protective gloves. A large trigger can accommodate gloved fingers to comfortably and smoothly fire nails in any direction.
Directional Exhaust
Directional exhaust helps you to guide the tool’s exhaust away from you while working in a dusty environment. Like the depth drive adjustment feature, directional exhaust can be adjusted by hand or may require a special tool.
Replaceable Protective Guards
Well-designed nail guns in the market now feature protective guards to prevent tool damage and protect the users from flying debris. Look for a model with an easy replacement option, as guards will wear out over time.
Swiveling air connectors
A pneumatic nail gun feature that prevents the air hose from getting twisted while moving around the project area. Swivel air connectors give you more flexibility and mobility with a corded nail gun.
Carrying Case
Having a carrying case for your nail gun not only makes travelling easy but also ensures nail gun durability and keeps it clean. It also helps you to keep manual and nail gun accessories in one place for better tool management. Look for brands that offer good quality cases.
NAIL GUN SAFETY
Nail guns are a leading source of occupational-related injuries for residential and professional carpenters. CDC assessments indicate nail gun-related accidents cause 37,000 emergency visits each year . Puncture wounds are the most common type of injury, while more severe injuries may cause death.
Common Cause of Nail Gun Injuries
All nail guns can cause severe injuries as their primary purpose is to discharge nails at high speed. CDC study found nail gun injuries are so common that 2 out of 5 residential apprentices experienced a nail gun injury over a four-year period. Extensive research on nail gun injury by CDC has identified seven risk factors that act as the most common catalyst behind nail gun injuries. They are:
- Double firing with CONTACT triggers, resulting in unintended nail discharge.
- Unintended nail discharge from CONTACT and SINGLE ACTUATION triggers by knocking the safety contact while the trigger is squeezed.
- Nail penetration through lumber work piece due to wrong nail size or thin work surface.
- The nail bounce back (ricochet) in any direction as the fired nail is unable to penetrate the hard surface or metal feature.
- Missing the workpiece.
- Firing nail from an awkward position.
- Bypassing safety mechanisms.
How to Prevent Nail Gun Injuries?
Reviewing safety reports and guidelines from different government agencies like CDC, NIOSH and OSHA and power tool industry associations like International Staple, Nail and Tool Association (ISANTA) helped us to understand nail gun safety best practices. We selected a broad spectrum of safety tips for owners and users to follow when using power nailers and staplers. Next time you use a nailer or stapler, please take the following measures to prevent nail gun injuries.
Get to know your Nail Gun
Understanding your nail gun is the single most important step to prevent nail gun injury. Get proper information on how the trigger mechanism of your nailer works. You may wrongly identify a contact trigger as a sequential trigger. Read the tool operating and safety manual before using it.
Safety Gear
Never forget to wear the proper protective equipment – including eye protection – when using the nail gun. Safety goggles and any other safety equipment can have a positive effect on you. If you are a contractor, ensure strict safety guidelines for your workers and vigorously monitor that guidelines. When working alone, check for recommended safety gear for your specific project.
Understand work surface
Nail guns are powerful tools that generate enough force to drive nails in various wood and metal surfaces and other surfaces that cannot be penetrated at all. If your nailer is not compatible with the surface, it can either penetrate through a thin work surface or deflect from a hard surface and become a projectile that can go in any direction, injuring yourself or your coworker. Before starting nailing, carefully examine work surface properties.
Nailing target and working position
While working in tight places and awkward positions, ensure you can hold the nail gun comfortably, and the working surface is within reach. Many nail gun injury occurs as the operator fire the nail from an uncomfortable position, and the nailer recoil effect move them from their position, or they lose grip, and the nail is discharged unintentionally.
Use nail guns with the safest trigger
Most safety guidelines recommend using Sequential-trip triggers as studies show it can cut injury rates in half in terms of contact triggers without affecting productivity. Contact trip triggers tend to fire accidentally if the nailer recoils or the user bumps against a surface. Professional carpenter may have no problem running contact trip trigger for quicker and more convenient nailing without any incident. For DIYers and homeowners, a sequential trip trigger will be the best choice.
Popular Safety Measures
You can prevent a nail gun injury without even knowing anything about a nail gun by applying common sense safety measures that are obvious to anyone using a power tool. So, in case you forgot how to prevent yourself from nail injuries, apply the following safety measures to prevent nail gun injuries.
- Always follow the tool manufacturer’s operating and safety instruction manual.
- Always use compatible nails in the gun.
- Always keep your other hand and fingers away from the nail’s path. Use a clamp if you feel it is necessary.
- Never carry a nail gun with your finger on the trigger. Always keep your hands away from the trigger when not using your nailer.
- Do not modify the nail gun safety feature or bypass it under any circumstances, such as tying or wiring the nose contact in the activated position.
- Only point the nail gun to the intended work surface. Do not point the gun at another person or yourself.
- Disconnect the nail gun from the power source, i.e. fuel cell, battery and air hose, before doing any maintenance like oiling, clearing jams or reloading.
- Activate trigger safety or disconnect the gun from its power source while not in use.
- Refrain from overreach when using the tool – only fire the nail when you firmly hold it in your hand.
- Do not engage untrained people to operate nail guns.
- A nail gun is not a toy; keep it away from children.
You’re ready with the Best Nail Gun Guide.
Do you feel confident? Our nail gun guide with the best nail gun review, product listing and specifications will give you a proper understanding of nail guns. You are now ready to start browsing and find the best nail gun for you.