Nail Guns - Choosing the Best



Choosing the Best Power Nailer for Framing


We'll be adding more content later on this week.  We have our team doing research about the best nailers on the market for framing.  We are reviewing all the criteria related to each of the models so we can provide you with the best reviews.

For now, we have analyzed the current models available to construction professionals and here are the top FOUR models.  When your job depends on it, you must have a great and durable nailer for framing because it is an investment in your future.

If you have any tips, tricks, comments, or questions, please let us know.  We love to hear from guys out there on jobs, in the field, and what you think about professional grade equipment.

Thanks,
Billy



Definition:

A nail gun is a tool that allows you to nail large or tough pieces of material together quickly and accurately. Think of a nailer as a high powered hammer. Using a nailer will allow you to complete a job more quickly and accurately. 

Now if your job only requires a small number of nails, you wouldn’t notice a big difference between a nailer and a hammer. However, consider the job that requires hundreds of nails – a nail gun will have a huge impact for you. Even if you only do the occasional large project, this piece of equipment is a great investment to have in your toolshed. 

By owning your own one (or two depending on the variety of your projects), you will become comfortable handling the tool and you will see the result in your finished projects.

Below are some items to consider when purchasing your nail gun:



Purpose:

Just as there are many different types of nails, there are also different types of nailers. A brad nailer is used with small thin nails that won’t show in the finished product. 

The benefit is the final appearance, but they don’t offer a lot of support. Contrast that with a roofing nailer, which you may have guessed is designed to nail asphalt shingles to a roof. The traditional nail gun used for framing is the type of tool you would use to build a deck when you need support and the ability to quickly drive nails into thick wood. 

As you can see, it is important to match the right nailer to your job. A good tip when shopping for your nailer is to look what kinds of nails go with it, and that will give you an idea if the nailer is right for your job.



Features:

This tool utilizes either use a coil or a stick to load the nails. In general, the coil loaders can hold more nails, so if you are working on very large projects that will probably be a better selection. 

Otherwise, it is a matter of personal preference. Keep in mind that nails have weight as well, so more nails in your stick or coil also equals more weight.

Your model, whatever you choose, will only accommodate certain types of nails. Make sure this is the type of nail you want to use. Also, you should pay attention to any safety regulations or building codes for your project (for example, some building codes require the use of round head nails). 

Another item to pay attention to is the nail angle. Some nailers are designed to nail on a flat surface and some can do a flat surface or an angle.

If you are investing in a nail gun, you most likely are looking to gain efficiencies in time, which means the little “extra” features of your nailer could add up. 

How difficult is it to clear a jam? 

Are you able to adjust the depth of the nail firing? 

How difficult is it to adjust nail size? 

A tool isn’t going to keep you happy if the air cord keeps getting tangled, either (if you are in a confined space, it might be worth it to use the cordless in these situations).

How much does your nailer weigh? 

Can you pick it up comfortably, not once, but many times? Does it feel comfortable in your hand? 

Don’t underestimate the importance of these features. You are buying a nailer because you intend to use it – so you want to enjoy using it. 

The more comfortable you feel, the better your job will turn it out and the safer it will be. Speaking of safety, does your nailer have features that help prevent you from shooting accidentally shooting a nail? 

Think about all these items and weigh their importance as you shop.


Accessories:


So you’ve bought a nail gun – great! Wait, can you use it? Many versions are powered by an air compressor. 


It is important to have the right air compressor for your nail gun; check the specifications on your nailer to make sure that your air compressor can provide adequate power. The air compressor is an additional purchase, but you will be happy with the resulting power, and the fact that you don’t have to regularly charge it. 

If your nailer is cordless, you will need to make sure you have gasoline or batteries (see previous sentence – nothing is worse than being ready to start a job only to find you need batteries). A cordless nailer is probably fine for occasional or smaller jobs or jobs where you know your air compressor can’t reach. 

Don’t forget about safety equipment such as goggles, glove and ear protection. Lastly, of course, you will need the nails!