The 10 Best Nail Guns
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Seasoned professionals and avid D.I.Y lovers understand the value of having the right tool for the job, and if you’re going to be nailing wood this means having the very best nail gun. Sure, you can try to drive nails in your project the old-fashioned way, with a hammer and nails (click here to find the right drill bits). But it’s going to take longer, require more energy, and probably involve a few smashed thumbs. That’s why, for a demanding project, there’s nothing as reliable and efficient as a high-quality nailer.
Fast and precise, a nail gun is capable of driving a large number of nails consistently and accurately – see our full guide on laser levelers. And designed to produce less impact on your work material, these low-maintenance power nailers are very simple and effective to use. Capable of sinking thousands of nails a day with no effort, a nailing gun is one of the best tools you can buy, saving you time and aggravation.
When you’re ready to buy a nail gun, there are a lot of things to consider. Reputable manufacturers like Hitachi, DEWALT, Makita, and countless other brands have great nailing models on the market. There are literally thousands of confusing reviews online. And with several distinct types of nail guns available such as framing guns, brad guns, finish guns, and pinners, and let’s not mention grease guns – figuring out which nail gun is the best tool for you can be confusing.
Luckily, we looked at all of the nailers out there and have narrowed it down to our review of the 10 best nailer guns available on the market today. After reading through our reviews, you’ll be able to decide which nailer is the best tool to add to your arsenal.
View the Best Nail Gun on the Market, Below.
- Hitachi NT50AE2
- BOSTITCH F21PL Round Head
- WEN 61721 18-Gauge
- DEWALT DWFP12231
- NuMax S2-118G2
- PORTER-CABLE PCC790LA Cordless Nailer Kit
- Freeman PFR2190 Framing Nailer
- Makita AF505N
- NuMax SFN64
- NEU MASTER NTC0040
1. Hitachi NT50AE2
The Hitachi NT50AE2 2” 18-Gauge Brad Nailer is one of the best nail guns available for detailed carpentry projects. Designed with a soft Elastomer grip that offers improved control and comfort, this lightweight nail gun is only 2.2 lbs and is remarkably easy to use. The NT50AE2 features a high-capacity, bottom-loading magazine that is capable of holding up to 100 5/8-2” brad nails. With dual-firing options, this nail gun lets easily choose between intermittent or continuous nail firing, allowing it to be used in a variety of applications.
And a built-in depth-of-drive adjustment knob lets you make accurate modifications to the driving depth of your nails with a simple turn of a dial. This nail gun was designed with a 360-degree adjustable exhaust vent for added practicality. And to protect the nailer and your workpiece from damage, it includes a no-mar nose cap. And for added comfort, this nail gun was built with a lightweight aluminum body that makes it durable while preventing user fatigue.
Lightweight and comfortable, the NT50AE2 is one of the best nail guns out there and is very easy to handle and operate. It’s perfect for any small home project or carpentry application like installing cabinets, building furniture, finish work, and picture-frame assembly. Its ability to hold up to100 nails means less reloading is required, saving you time and energy. And, priced at around $60, it’s one of the best performing and most affordable nail guns on the market, consistently receiving excellent user reviews.
Check Price on Amazon ➞2. BOSTITCH F21PL Round Head
The BOSTITCH F21PL Round Head 1 ½” to 3 ½” Framing Nailer is the next model making our best of 2022 review and is one of the best tools in its class today. Capable of performing dual roles, the F21PL Nail Gun comes with 2 nosepieces, allowing it to function as either a framer or a metal connector. Built with a sturdy magnesium construction, it’s light enough for all-day use but is durable enough to withstand years of heavy use.
At 8.1 lbs, the F21PL is a powerful nailer, offering the best power-to-weight ratio of 1,050 inches/pounds, delivering impressive nail driving force. A patented push-button adjustable depth guide lets you easily set nails to ideal depths. And the ability to quickly change nosepieces means that you can switch from plastic-collated framing nails to metal connectors in a matter of seconds.
With speed and efficiency in mind, this tool features a high-capacity magazine that allows it to hold up to 60 plastic-collated 21-degree framing nails or 60 metal connector nails, reducing the time you’ll spend on reloading. And with a 16” indicator, the F21PL Nail Gun helps you determine the correct distance between studs without ever having to put the tool down.
The BOSTITCH F21PL Round Head Nailer is one of the best nail guns on the market today. It’s the perfect tool for tackling a variety of nailing applications including framing, subflooring, bracing, and sheathing. It’s lightweight but incredibly durable and comes loaded with features like its dual performance ability, 16” layout indicator, and high-capacity magazine. Best of all, this tool is easy enough for a novice to operate while delivering the versatility and power that professionals crave.
Check Price on Amazon ➞3. WEN 61721 18-Gauge
The third nailer making our list of the 10 best nailers of 2022 is the WEN 61721 18-Gauge Brad Nail Gun is one of the best and most affordable brad nailers on the market. Priced at under $40, don’t let the sticker price fool you because this brad nail gun is capable of delivering quality results effortlessly. The 61721 can fire 18-gauge brads ranging from 3/8” to 2” in length and offers a number of features that you’d only expect to find in a more expensive model.
The WEN 61721 is deceptively powerful and once you connect an air compressor to its ¼” NPT air inlet, it is capable of operating between 60 to 115 PSI. Its large magazine can hold up to 106 brad nails, minimizing the need to frequently reload your tool. And thanks to its quick-release design, clearing a jammed nail only takes a few seconds. And a depth adjustment wheel lets you easily customize the setting depth of your nails based on your specific project needs.
For ease of use, the 61721 features an exhaust deflector and a magazine window that allows you to keep track of how many brads you have left. Its aluminum body provides durability while allowing it to weigh only 3 lbs, so it’s perfect for extended use. And with a comfortable rubber-wrapped handle, you can count on having a better grip with reduced slippage. This kit even comes with oil, adjusting wrenches, and a carrying case, making it one of the best values on the market today.
The WEN 61721 Brad Nail Gun is one of the best brad-firing options out there, especially for anyone who is on a budget. While you normally wouldn’t expect much from a nailer that can be purchased for under $40, the 61721 delivers impressive performance and is perfect for a variety of home and carpentry applications such as cabinet installation, constructing furniture, assembling picture-frames, and adding detailed woodwork trim.
With added features such as a high-capacity magazine, a depth adjustment dial, and an easy way to clear jams, it’s a very efficient and versatile tool that offers performance that is similar to some of the more expensive nail guns on the market.
Check Price on Amazon ➞4. DEWALT DWFP12231
Securing the fourth spot in our review of the 10 best nailers of 2022 is this model from DEWALT. They’re known for building high-quality, durable tools and accessories and the DEWALT DWFP12231 Pneumatic 18-Gauge 2-Inch Brad Nailer is no exception. Featuring a long-life maintenance-free motor that doesn’t require lubrication, you’ll be using this nail gun for years without ever worrying about staining your work surface. Delivering durability and performance, the DWFP12231 is a lightweight tool that is perfect for a variety of small carpentry applications.
Built with a high-capacity magazine, this nailing tool can hold up to 100 brads from 5/8” to 2” in length. And a tool-free jam release mechanism allows you to quickly clear jams while its sequential-style trigger smoothly drives 18-gauge nails into your workpiece. Plus, a tool-less depth-of-drive feature allows you to adjust the setting of your brad heads depending on your specific project’s needs.
Designed to withstand heavy use, the DWFP12231 Brad-Firing Nail Gun was built with a magnesium body that is sturdy but, at 2.7 lbs, is easy to operate even during extended use. A removable non-marring nose tip prevents damage to the tool and your workpiece. And a rubber grip provides increased comfort and stability while reducing slippage. And to ensure that your tool is never far away, it was built with an adjustable belt hook so you can keep it close by.
Whether you’re a carpenter looking for a new addition to your workshop or a homeowner interested in tackling a variety of projects, the DEWALT DWFP12231 Nailer is one of the most reliable and high-quality brad nail guns that you can buy. It’s lightweight and, with features like the depth-drive adjustment, high-capacity magazine, and tool-free jam release, it’s also versatile and easy to operate. And thanks to its sturdy construction, it can withstand heavy industrial use, so you can rest assured that it will be delivering consistent performance for years to come.
Check Price on Amazon ➞5. NuMax S2-118G2
The NuMax S2-118G2 18-gauge 2-in-1 Brad Nailer and Stapler is a versatile, high-quality home improvement tool that is one of the best options out there for taking on a variety of carpentry and home renovation projects. Capable of shooting 1/2“ to 1 5/8” narrow crown staples and 3/8” to 2” 18-gauge brads, this nail gun can tackle cabinetry, crates, baseboards, chair rails, window casings, light wire fencing, and a variety of crafts and hobbies.
The S2-118G2 Nail Gun was designed with a black oxide aluminum magazine that accepts both brads and staples while increasing durability. It features a depth adjustment dial that allows you to easily set the depth of your nail head specific to each application. And for improved accuracy, the S2-118G2 was built with a sequential firing mode which is designed to fire one nail at a time.
At 3 lbs, this nail gun was built with a lightweight die-cast aluminum body and cylinder and a large rubber grip, making it easy to operate while offering improved control. A tool-free adjustable exhaust rotates 360 degrees so that you can direct the exhaust away from your face. And an anti-dust cap keeps the nailer’s inner components dust and debris free.
The NuMax S2-118G2 Nail Gun is not only one of the best nailers on the market, it’s also one of the most affordable. While you might not expect much from a nail gun priced at under $30, this model will surprise you.
It’s built from durable materials and with an adjustable exhaust, depth adjustment dial, and smooth sequential firing mechanism, it’s capable of producing quality, efficient results in a variety of home projects. And the added bonus of it being compatible with both brads and staples means that you are essentially getting two very useful nailers in one reliable package.
Check Price on Amazon ➞6. PORTER-CABLE PCC790LA Cordless Nailer Kit
The PORTER-CABLE PCC790LA 20V MAX Lithium 18-Gauge Brad Nailer is one of the best nail guns on the market if you’re looking for a cordless model. Thanks to its rechargeable 20 volt lithium-ion battery, this nailer offers impressive performance without the need for a compressor, hose, or gas cartridges. Loaded with several useful tool-free features, it’s one of the most versatile nail guns in its class, receives consistently solid reviews, and best of all, it’s 100% battery-operated.
The PCC790LA Nailer is built to withstand heavy use and features a high-capacity nail magazine capable of accepting up to 100 5/8” to 2” brad nails. It was designed with a sequential firing mechanism and an auto-lock feature, allowing you to accurately set your nails. It also offers a tool-free jam release feature and a depth adjustment wheel to boost this nailer’s efficiency.
For improved performance, the PCC790LA Cordless Nailer has built-in dual LED lights for optimal visibility and precision. And at 5.9 lbs, including the 1.5 Ah battery, it’s the lightest nail gun in its class. Plus, the nailer’s optimal center of gravity improves comfort in any position, helping to reduce user fatigue. And with an optional 4.0 Ah battery that’s sold separately, this nailer is capable of driving 1,300 nails per charge with smooth and consistent results.
The PORTER-CABLE PCC790LA Cordless Nailer is capable of matching the performance of many of the pneumatic compressor-powered nail guns out there. With an impressive battery life, consistent driving depth, LED lights, a high-capacity magazine, and easy jam-clearing mechanism, it’s one of the best cordless finishing nailers on the market. It’s built to last and is easy for a beginner to operate while being capable of delivering the high level of performance that any professional would need.
Check Price on Amazon ➞7. Freeman PFR2190 Framing Nailer
There’s a reason that the Freeman PFR2190 21-Degree Full-Head Framing Nailer receives consistently great reviews. Durable and reliable, it’s one of the best framing nail guns on the market today. This nailer is great for anyone, whether they are a DIYer or a professional on a job site. Delivering consistent, high-quality results, some of the projects these nailers can tackle include framing, roof decking, fencing, outdoor projects, and sub-floors. The PFR2190 Framing Nailer is built with a ¼” NPT fitting for easy connection to any air hose coupler and once connected, the nail gun operates at 70-115 PSI.
It’s easy to load magazine fits up to 55 20-22 degree plastic-collated nails from 2” to 3 ½” long, for added versatility. Its depth-adjustment dial allows you to customize the setting depth for any project and the 2 trigger options give you more control, allowing you to choose from the quick-fire or single-fire action. Designed with magnesium construction, the PFR2190 Framing Nailer is lightweight enough for easy operation while still being incredibly resilient and durable. The ergonomic handle of this nail gun offers greater control and comfort while reducing vibration.
And a 360-degree adjustable exhaust vent allows you to prevent air from blowing in your face and keep your work area free of dust and debris. A removable no-mar tip prevents damage to your nailer and work surface. And if you need added stability, simply remove the nailer’s cap to expose no-slip teeth that can grip the wood’s surface for improved precision.
The Freeman PFR2190 Framing Nailer is one of the best high-quality nail guns available and is listed at a very affordable price. Built from heavy-duty materials, this framing nail gun is designed to withstand years of daily use and is backed by a 7 year limited warranty. With impressive performance and useful features, this nail gun is a great choice for both professionals and DIYers and is capable of tackling a wide-variety of applications with ease.
Check Price on Amazon ➞8. Makita AF505N
The Makita AF505N Brad Nailer is one of the best nail guns in its class today. At 3 lbs, this nailer is incredibly lightweight but durable, featuring a narrow-nose design that allows the tip of the nail gun to get into tight spaces. With a variety of features, this nailer is perfect for a variety of applications and is perfect when you need to drive a nail into baseboard and crown molding, trim, cabinetry, flooring, and other woodworking projects. The AF505N Nail Gun operates between 60 to 115 PSI and can drive 18-gauge brad nails ranging from 5/8” to 2”.
Its high-capacity nail magazine features a tool-free, cam-lock that allows you to quickly clear jammed nails and can hold up to 100 brad nails for increased efficiency. An easy-to-use, tool-free depth adjustment dial makes it perfect for a variety of finish applications. And a multi-directional exhaust port rotates 360 degrees, allowing you to fire a nail while directing the vent away from your face or blowing debris away from your work surface.
The nose piece of this nailer was cast and machined for precise contact and comes with a non-marring rubber tip that protects the wood’s surface from dents and damage when you nail. Built from durable material, the AF505N Nail Gun still weighs only 3 lbs, making it the perfect nailer for prolonged use without fatigue and a rubberized soft grip delivers more control and comfort. And with a tool hook capable of rotating 180 degrees, you can keep your nailer on-hand with minimal hassle.
One of the best and most popular brad nail guns on the market, the Makita AF505N Nail Gun is incredibly flexible and durable, capable of delivering consistent performance for years. The narrow nose, light weight, and compact design allows you to access any surface and drive nails in with ease, making it the ideal nailer for fine finishing projects.
And efficiency-boosting features like the tool-free nail depth adjustment dial, jam clearance mechanism, and rotating tool hook, make it the one of the best nailers available and suitable for just about anyone.
Check Price on Amazon ➞9. NuMax SFN64
Durable construction, useful features, and reliable performance are three of the reasons why the NuMax SFN64 Finish Nail Gun is one of the best nailers in its class. Compatible with 1” to 2 ½” 16-gauge straight finish nails, this nail gun is ideal for placing nails into baseboard and crown molding, chair rails, window and door trim, furniture, and a variety of home projects and hobbies. This air-driven nailer comes with a ¼” NPT fitting for quick connection to any air hose coupler and is capable of operating between 70-110 PSI.
A tool-free adjustable depth dial allows you to customize your nail head’s depth, ensuring that the nail head is always flush with the work surface. A high-capacity magazine, designed with a tool-free jam clearance mechanism, can hold up to 100 16-gauge finish nails, reducing your need to frequently reload. And the sequential-firing mechanism is designed to fire one nail at a time for increased placement accuracy.
The SFN64 Nail Gun is durable but, at only 4.5 lbs, it’s very light and allows you to handle trim while operating the nailer, without excessive strain or fatigue. An ergonomic handle offers improved comfort and grip strength while a 360-degree adjustable port vent allows you to direct exhaust away from your face when firing a nail. And with a no-mar safety contact, the nailer won’t drive a nail unless it’s in direct contact with your work surface and won’t ding or damage the wood.
The NuMax SFN64 Nail Gun is easy to operate and is the perfect nailer for any interior or exterior trim or finishing application. It’s built from lightweight but sturdy aluminum for increased durability without the burden of excessive weight wearing down the user. And the additional tool-free features and ability to work with any finish nail from 1” to 2 ½” means that you’ll be using this nailer in a variety on home projects. With a very affordable sticker price, it’s simply one of the best nail guns in its class.
Check Price on Amazon ➞10. NEU MASTER NTC0040
Stanley is known for making high-quality tools capable of delivering impressive results and the NEU MASTER NTC0040 Electric Brad Nail Gun is no exception. Built to withstand demanding projects, it is easy to operate and provides great efficiency and versatility. This will be your go-to tool for a variety of home DIY projects and is one of the best nailers in its class. The NEU MASTER NTC0040 2-in-1 brad gun/staple gun fires Electric Brad Nailer/Stapler drives 18 gauge brad nails up to 1-1/4'' inch and 1/4'' crown staples up to 1" making it capable of tackling a number of projects. It’s easy to load and features a slide-out magazine for easy loading and a Brad-empty indicator.
Built with a dual-power Hi/Low lever, you can quickly adjust driving power allowing you to nail into soft or hard materials. And since it’s an electric nail gun, you simply have to plug in the 6.6 ft power cord and get to work. Built with a durable plastic body, the NEU MASTER NTC0040 Nail Gun weighs only 5.34 lbs and can be used for hours without fatigue. A contoured grip provides added comfort and stability during prolonged operation.
And the nail gun’s flush-nose design is ideal for getting placing a nail into tight spaces. Efficient and reliable, this nailer is available for around $65, making it one of the most affordable nail guns that you can buy. More importantly, it delivers the performance you’d expect from many of the more expensive nailers on the market.
The NEU MASTER NTC0040 Electric 2-in-1 brad gun/staple gun is a great nailer and, for the price, is one of the best deals available. This nailer offers a durable and lightweight design and comes with enough features to make it a perfect tool for a variety of DIY projects. With an adjustable drive power lever, easy-load feature, and a Brad-empty indicator, it’s relatively hassle-free. And since this is a corded nail gun, you just have to plug it in to tackle your next project. This is one of the best budget-friendly brad nailers and is perfect for an impressive number of home projects.
Check Price on Amazon ➞Nailer Buying Guide Questions
How to Use Nail Gun with Air Compressor?
Pneumatic nail guns require an air compressor to be operated. While this might be intimidating to some people, with a little instruction, operating one of these guns is actually very easy. And once you know how to operate a pneumatic nailer, you’ll understand why they’re regarded as the finest of all nail guns for heavy-duty projects. It is very important to practice caution with these safe practices in this study here. The first thing you’ll need to operate one of these nailers is a rubber or plastic air hose which you’ll use to connect your nail gun to the air compressor.
First, connect your nailer to the hose by attaching the tool’s ¼” NPT inlet to the hose coupling. Next, you’ll just attach the other end of the hose to the outlet on the compressor. Then flip on the power switch on your air compressor. This will allow it to run and begin building up the air pressure that will be used to operate your nailer. Most nail guns will require an operating pressure between in the range of 100 to 120 PSI to drive nails but you can check your tool’s manual for the optimal operating pressure needed for your specific model.
Once the air compressor is fully charged you should test the pressure in your nail gun by using your nailer to fire a nail into a scrap of wood that’s similar to the material you’ll be using in your project. You can adjust the level by turning the compressor’s regulator. If the nail is driven in too deep, you’ll simply lower the pressure on the regulator. If the nail doesn’t go far enough into the wood scrap, you’ll need to increase the pressure. From there, you’re ready next to load the nails into the Magazine now some nail guns have different Magazine Capacity as shown below.
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While you’re driving in nails, the air pressure within the compressor will gradually diminish as each nail is fired. In order to ensure that you can continue working without the power being depleted, the compressor will turn itself back on and raise the pressure back up to your desired setting. Once you have finished operating your nailer for the day, simply turn the compressor off and open up the drain bleed valve on your compressor.
This will allow the air pressure that’s built up in the compressor’s tank to bleed out. This is also essential because it prevents moisture build-up and rust in your compressor. When the air has been totally evacuated from the compressor, you can safely (click here to read the study) detach the hose from your nail gun and pack it away until it’s time to use it again.
What is the Best Framing Nail Gun?
The Bostitch F21PL Round Head Nail Gun is one of the most popular pneumatic nailers among professionals, hobbyists, and DIYers. There’s a reason why this nailer has been a common sight on construction sites for years and has countless reviews claiming that it’s one of the greatest nailer guns on the market. It’s simply one of the most versatile and durable nail guns on the market and can be counted on to drive nails with exceptional performance.
The F21PL Nail Gun was designed with an assortment of useful features. More importantly, it delivers the best power-to-weight ratio in its class at a staggering 1,050 in/lb. And since it’s made by Bostitch, a company that’s built their reputation on designing durable, high-performance tools, you can count on this nailer being a reliable weapon in your home improvement arsenal for years to come.
With a tool-free depth adjustment feature, you can easily customize the driving power of your nailer specific to your intended project with the touch of a button. And with two interchangeable nose pieces, the F21PL Round Head Nailer is capable of firing two different types of fasteners, 1 ½” to 3 ½” plastic-collated round-headed nails and metal connector nails, This essentially transforms this versatile nail gun into a dynamic 2-in-1 tool.
Plus, it’s compatible with HurriQuake nails, which is a nail designed to provide disaster-resistant structural integrity. The F21PL Framing Nail Gun offers two firing options, sequential and bump firing, allowing you to choose between optimal accuracy or speed depending on the given application. And it was designed with a 16” layout indicator that helps you to measure out stud spacing without ever having to put the nailer down.
The F21PL was constructed with a sleek design and was built from lightweight, sturdy magnesium. Bostitch created this impressive nailer to offer superb balance and it’s noticeable as soon as you pick it up. At 8.1 lbs, it’s easy enough to handle even during prolonged use and, thanks to its rubber grip, you can count on having improved comfort and control. Capable of delivering consistent, effortless results with a minimal amount of upkeep, the Bostitch F21PL is one of the most reliable guns in its class.
Do Nail Guns Need Compressors?
There are several factors you need to consider when you’re considering which nail gun to purchase. One of the most important is the power source of the nailer. All nailers require some form of the power source in order to operate and drive nails. The power source of your nailer is a critical thing to consider since it’s going to affect your nailer’s mobility and the types of applications it will be capable of tackling. While many nail guns do in fact use air compressors as a power source, that’s not the only option available.
In fact, there are 3 styles on the market today which use different methods of generating the force required to fire a nail at impressive speed. Pneumatic guns require an air compressor to operate. The compressor provides air pressure, measured in pounds per square inch, or PSI. This pressure is used to provide the power that these guns require to fire the nails. While incredibly powerful and able to effortlessly tackle heavy-duty projects, the drawback of these guns is that being attached to a hose and the compressor can limit your mobility.
Another model is the fuel-driven nailer. These guns are cordless and use a disposable gas cartridge to fuel combustion, which provides the power to drive nails. Fuel drains into the combustion chamber of the nailer and is ignited by an electrical charge that is generated by a battery. The benefits of these guns are that, since no cord, hose, or compressor is necessary, it affords you excellent mobility and it’s capable of handling heavy-duty applications.
The third style of nailer is the cordless, battery-powered model. These guns are powered by a motor that runs on a rechargeable battery. They are easy to use and offer a quick start-up but the greatest benefit is the mobility they offer since they aren’t tied down to a hose or air compressor. The drawback to these guns is that, while very portable, they tend to lack the driving power that’s offered by pneumatic nailers.
What Nail Gun for Fencing?
If the next project you’re planning on tackling is a wooden fence, you have two options. The first is tedious and tiring and involves a manual hammer. The second option is to purchase a nail gun. With the right nailer, attaching wood fence slats is fast and easy. The best nailer for this application is a pneumatic or fuel-driven framing nailer. These guns were built to effortlessly secure large pieces of wood together, making them ideal for this task.
While there are battery-operated models available, the reason you need a pneumatic or fuel-driven model is that they provide more power than battery-powered guns. With that in mind, you need to decide which of the two styles is best for your needs. Both deliver impressive power and performance. Pneumatic nailers are powered by an air compressor that is connected to your tool by an air hose. The downside of this is that, for large fences, you’ll need to deal with extension cords and the reach of the air hose.
Since fuel-driven guns are cordless, mobility won’t be a problem. But this style of nail gun will require a lot of gas cartridge changes, which will slow you down and can cost you more money. The general rule is that you need to consider the scope of your fencing project.
If you’re planning on building a fence for a very large area, you will likely be better served by an air compressor-powered pneumatic model. While a cordless, fuel-driven gas cartridge nailer is the perfect option for small fence repairs or working in a limited area.
How Do Pneumatic Nail Guns Work?
The pneumatic nail gun is unquestionably the most popular style of nailer on the market today. These guns use the pressure of air that is compressed within an air cylinder to generate the driving force needed to fire nails. These air compressors use one of more piston cylinders to take air in from the atmosphere, building up pressure which is measured in pounds per square inch, or PSI, which is then pushed out to the gun through an air hose.
These guns enjoy a steady supply of force due to the pressure of compressed air being fed from the hose into the tool’s air reservoir, allowing for rapid use and exceptional power. With air pressure in the nailer, you simply have to pull the trigger to fire a nail into your workpiece. As you proceed with your project, the air pressure in the air compressor will slowly diminish.
To ensure that you can keep working without your operating power being totally depleted, the compressor will turn itself back on and raise the pressure back up to your desired setting, allowing you to continue driving nails without running experiencing a decrease in performance.
So Which Nail Gun Do You Need?
To wrap it up, the main thing you need to consider when choosing which nail gun to use is your intended project. For heavy-duty construction projects, a framing nailer is ideal. If the next project you’re tackling is involving installing interior door and window trim or building cabinets and furniture, then a finishing gun is your best option. And if you are working on some small-scale home projects or are planning on attaching thin strips of molding or decorative trim to larger workpieces, then you can’t go wrong picking up a brad nailer.
Top Pick
Our review of the top nailing gun of 2022 led us to choose the Hitachi NT50AE2 18-Gauge Finish Nailer as our pick for the top choice on the market today. This impressive nail gun is one of the best on the market and is a solid performer, delivers quality results, and receives consistently positive reviews. It was designed with several features that will boost user efficiency and is incredibly easy to operate. With sequential or continuous-firing capability, a tool-free depth adjusting dial, a 360-degree adjustable exhaust port, and a high-capacity magazine capable of holding up to 100 brads, it is very versatile tool and is perfect for a wide variety of uses.
Designed with Hitachi’s typical attention to detail, it’s comfortable to handle and the lightweight aluminum body is very durable but, at only 2.4 lbs, is perfect for extended use. Priced at around $60, the NT50AE2 is one of the best affordable guns in its class. Suitable for a pro or a novice DIYer, this model is budget-friendly but still delivers the high level of pro performance that we’ve come to expect from Hitachi.
Premium Choice
The BOSTITCH F21PL Round Head 1 ½” to 3 ½” Framing Nailer is our pick for best premium choice available on the market today and consistently receives glowing reviews. This reliable pneumatic-powered tool operates at 90-120 PSI and delivers the best power to weight ratio in its class with an impressive 1,050 in/lb. This means that the F21PL will drive nails up to 3 ½’ long into wood consistently and effortlessly. Its magazine can hold up to 60 1 ½” to 3 ½” round-headed nails and was designed to accept HurriQuake nails, which offer improved structural integrity.
Plus, it even accepts metal connector nails. Designed with several useful features, this versatile nail gun allows you to make depth adjustments with the touch of a button. At only 8.1 lbs, the F21PL is easy to maneuver and light enough for prolonged use but thanks to its sleek magnesium body, it’s incredibly durable and suitable for home or industrial use. This framing gun by BOSTICH is one of the best guns out there, capable of delivered impressive performance. It’s ideal for a variety of projects from large-scale building framing applications to minor home repairs and will be a reliable addition to any toolbox for years to come.
Great Value
The WEN 61721 3/8 ” to 2” 18-Gauge Brad Nailer is our pick for the best value on the market today. And with an average 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,948 reviews on Amazon, we’re not alone. It’s one of the most affordable brad nail guns available. But more importantly, it delivers impressive results that rival many of its more expensive competitors. The WEN 61721 18-Gauge Brad Nail Gun is one of the most affordable brad nailers on the market. Priced at under $40, don’t let the sticker price fool you because this tool is capable of delivering quality results effortlessly. The 61721 can fire 18-gauge brads ranging from 3/8” to 2” in length and offers a number of features that you’d only expect to find in a more expensive model.
With a high-capacity magazine designed with a tool-free jam clearing mechanism, a depth adjustment wheel, and exhaust deflector, the 61721 offers features than many pricier options provide. And with its sleek design and aluminum housing, this 3 lb powerhouse is lightweight, durable, and capable of tackling a variety of applications including trim, moldings, cabinetry, and various home renovation and hobby projects. With a sticker price of under $40, this tool is one of the best buys out there.