Nail Guns Buying Guide
| Average Rating | Average Price | Reviews | Products |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
$235.39 | 2832 | 327 |
A hammer does the job of a small project with a few nails. But what happens when you have a larger project with over a hundred nails, maybe more? A hammer doesn’t look too appealing. That’s when you should consider buying a nailer. Sometimes referred to as a nail gun, a nailer is a tool that is used to drive nails into wood or some other kind of material. It gets the job done quickly and more efficiently than any hammer.
Rather than using individual nails as hammers do, the nails, or fasteners, are either mounted in long strips (similar to a stick of staples) or collated in a carrier, depending on the nail gun design. There are two basic types of nail guns - stick and coil. Stick nail guns hold the fasteners together by wire or plastic to form an average line of 20 to 40 nails per stick. Coil nail guns, on the other hand, can store up to 300 nails in a magazine. In addition to these basic designs, there are a wide variety of nail guns with many performing specific tasks better than others. This brings us to an important factor to consider when purchasing your nailer - determining its specific purpose.
There are lots to choose from, and a lot of them look pretty similar. So how do you know which one you need? Which one to buy? Let us help!
As with most tools, nail guns are specialized for different uses. First, let’s discuss the different types of nailers that are out there:
Brad Nailer - These can also be found in 18-gauge nailer category. Accepting 5/8" to 1-1/4" brad nails, these are great for small jobs, like tacking down thin wallboard. A brad nail is a small, thin, finishing nails with a narrow head that protrudes slightly to one side; this allows the nail sink into the wood so that it doesn’t show. However, some brad nails are headless. When speed, power, and dependability is necessary, a pneumatic brad nailer is your tool. The compressed air ensures a clean shot, and you can shoot out several nails in a row. There are cords attached to this model, however, which can be somewhat limiting. A cordless electric model doesn't have the same amount of power and doesn't work as fast, but this nailer will get into high or difficult spots much more easily.
Finishing Nailer - Finish nails are much larger than brads, but also have small heads, and are also specially coated to not bleed rust after they are painted over. Similar to brads, they sink into wood and easily hidden with the use of finish, putty, or paint. If you’re looking to do light remodeling, furniture building, and basic woodworking projects, check out the finish nailers. You should ook these up by gauge size. The average finishing nailer will accept 3/4" to 2-1/2" finishing nails and are perfect all-purpose nailers.
Framing Nailer - These are heavy duty nailers, generally used to frame houses or build a deck, when thicker pieces of wood are joined together. These types of nailers sink 3-inch nails into dense wood with ease, and typically accept 2" to 3-1/2" size nails.
Roofing Nailer - Specially designed for installing roof shingles, most of these nailers will load 7/8" to 1-1/4" roofing nails. Roofing nailers have a pretty tough job. They are pretty much abused, having to withstand rooftop heat sometimes multi-story roof falls, and crude environment. So if you’re looking for a roofing nailer, keep in mind it will have to endure tough jobs!
Flooring Nailer - Floor nailers use pneumatic pressure to drive the nail into the flooring planks. Air tanks are rented where you rent your nailer. An electric motor keeps the tank filled with air, which is transferred to the nailer through a rubber hose. The nailer itself is a generally triangular tool that is designed to sit on the edge of each new course of tongue-and-groove flooring, so the nail can be driven in and down at an angle.
Palm/Impact - Palm/Impact nailers are a variation of the nail gun. It is a lightweight, handheld pneumatic nailer and is convenient for working in tight spaces where a conventional nailer won't fit. These little powerhouses fit right in the palm of your hand. Unlike the other nailers we have discussed, these are the only ones that use regular nails. The purpose palm nailer is to nail where other tools can’t typically reach. They are small tools that effectively perform specific. However, sometimes even these are not small enough, that’s when you start checking out the impact nailers. Theses are constructed to drive common bulk nails in tight spaces.
Specialty Nailer - Just like it sounds, a specialty nailer is best when you’re doing a particular type of job or project. These types of nailers are designed for a specific purpose and will be the most efficient for that type of work.
When determining the length of the nails you will be using, also keep in mind the gauge (thickness). Since nailers vary in the length and gauge of nails they can drive, you want to make sure that the nails are the right length and strong enough to get the job done. Again, our categories include:
16-15 gauge – Generally referred to as "finish nails" these come in lengths between ? and 2½ in. (16 to 64 mm) and are used in the general fixing of much softwood and trim work (such as baseboard/skirtings, architraves, etc) where the holes are filled and the work painted over.
18 gauge – Often referred to as a "brad nail" these fastenings can also be used to fix mouldings. Their strength is used in trim carpentry on hardwoods if some hole filling is acceptable. Most 18 gauge brads have heads and lengths range from ? in to 2 in. (16 mm to 50 mm)
24-22 gauge – These are the smallest size of fasteners. Generally, they have no head and are can be used for attaching beadings and mouldings to furniture. Lengths range from around ? to 1¼ in. (10 to 32 mm)
Most commonly, nail guns are driven by compressed air (pneumatic), but others can be powered battery, gases such as butane or propane, or a small explosive charge. However, it is important to remember that all kinds of nail guns can be dangerous. Safety precautions similar to those for a firearm are recommended for their use and should be kept away from children.
Pneumatic nailers, of course, are powered by compressed air. This means that rather than using a spring coil, air powers the hammer cock and release. Relatively low in cost and widely available, pneumatic nailers are very powerful. When it comes to safety, the most important thing you can do is read and understand the product manual, and use your nailer correctly! It’s not uncommon to hear of someone “accidentally” shooting themselves or someone around them because they weren’t being careful. Hold and use it properly! And, at the very least, buy yourself some OSHA-approved safety goggles, earplugs and gloves.
Here’s another thing to consider: Will you be using the nail gun only on flat surfaces? Some nailers are designed to nail either on a flat surface or at an angle. If you decide you need an angled gun, you’ll be able to do “toe-nailing” – this means you can connect perpendicular boards by nailing at an angle. Great feature!
If you don’t already own one, you’ll need to purchase an Air Compressor. Compressors range widely in type, size and price. Check out our buying guide to learn more!
So before you make your purchase, be sure to consider all of these things. Happy shopping! And don’t forget your safety guidelines!
Types of Nail Guns
16-15g Nailers
Generally referred to as "finish nails" these come in lengths between ? and 2½ in. (16 to 64 mm) and are used in the general fixing of much softwood and trim work (such as baseboard/skirtings, architraves, etc) where the holes are filled and the work painted over.
| Group | Average Rating | Average Price | Reviews | Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nail Guns | |
$235.39 | 2832 | 327 |
| 16-15g Nailers | |
$183.50 | 427 | 45 |
The average rating of the 45 products in 16-15g Nailers is 4 and the average price is $183.50. The 327 products in Nail Guns have an median ranking of 4 and an median price of $235.39. Click on the 16-15g Nailers product links for more information on the models.
18g Nailers
Often referred to as a "brad nail" these fastenings can also be used to fix mouldings. Their strength is used in trim carpentry on hardwoods if some hole filling is acceptable. Most 18 gauge brads have heads and lengths range from ? in to 2 in. (16 mm to 50 mm). These accept 5/8" to 1-1/4" brad nails and are great for small jobs, like tacking down thin wallboard.
| Group | Average Rating | Average Price | Reviews | Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nail Guns | |
$235.39 | 2832 | 327 |
| 18g Nailers | |
$93.51 | 560 | 69 |
There are 69 products in 18g Nailers with an median ranking of 4. The median price is $93.51. The median ranking of the 327 products in Nail Guns is 4 with an median price of $235.39. Click on the individual 18g Nailers product links for more reviews and information on the single models.
Framing Nailer Combos
| Group | Average Rating | Average Price | Reviews | Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Compressors | |
$773.47 | 2053 | 394 |
| Framing Nailer Combos |  |
$537.88 | 18 | 9 |
There are 9 products in Framing Nailer Compressor Combos with an median ranking of 4.5. The median price is $537.88. The average ranking of the 394 products in Air Compressors is 4 with an average price of $773.47. Click the Framing Nailer Compressor Combos product links for detailed reviews and information on the seperate models.
Brad Nailer Combo
| Group | Average Rating | Average Price | Reviews | Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Compressors | |
$773.47 | 2053 | 394 |
| Brad Nailer Combo | |
$257.55 | 180 | 25 |
The median rating of the 25 products in Brad Nailer Compressor Combos is 4 and the median price is $257.55. There are 394 products in Air Compressors with an median rating of 4. The median price is $773.47. product links have detailed reviews and information on the models.
Finish Nailer Combo
| Group | Average Rating | Average Price | Reviews | Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Compressors | |
$773.47 | 2053 | 394 |
| Finish Nailer Combo | |
$206.89 | 174 | 15 |
The 15 products in Finish Nailer Compressor Combos have an average ranking of 4 with an average price of $206.89. There are 394 products in Air Compressors with an median rating of 4. The median price is $773.47. Click on the individual Finish Nailer Compressor Combos product links for more information on the specific models.
24-22g Nailers
These are the smallest size of fasteners. Generally, they have no head and are can be used for attaching beadings and mouldings to furniture. Lengths range from around ? to 1¼ in. (10 to 32 mm)
| Group | Average Rating | Average Price | Reviews | Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nail Guns | |
$235.39 | 2832 | 327 |
| 24-22g Nailers | |
$218.74 | 140 | 13 |
The 13 products in 24-22g Nailers have an average ranking of 4 with an average price of $218.74. The 327 products in Nail Guns have an average rating of 4 and an average price of $235.39. Click on the individual 24-22g Nailers product links for detailed information on the models.
Flooring Nailers
Flooring nailers use pneumatic pressure to drive the nail into the flooring planks. Air tanks are rented where you rent your nailer. An electric motor keeps the tank filled with air, which is transferred to the nailer through a rubber hose. The nailer itself is a generally triangular tool that is designed to sit on the edge of each new course of tongue-and-groove flooring, so the nail can be driven in and down at an angle.
| Group | Average Rating | Average Price | Reviews | Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nail Guns | |
$235.39 | 2832 | 327 |
| Flooring Nailers | |
$266.41 | 357 | 21 |
The median rating of the 21 products in Flooring Nailers is 4.5 and the median price is $266.41. The average rating of the 327 products in Nail Guns is 4 with an average price of $235.39. Click the individual Flooring Nailers product links for additional data on the single models.
Framing Nailers
Framing nailers are your best bet when doing heavy work, like building the frame of a house or a deck. These types of nailers sink 3-inch nails into dense wood with ease.
| Group | Average Rating | Average Price | Reviews | Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nail Guns | |
$235.39 | 2832 | 327 |
| Framing Nailers | |
$255.39 | 561 | 74 |
The 74 products in Framing Nailers have an average rating of 4 with an average price of $255.39. The median ranking of the 327 products in Nail Guns is 4 with an median price of $235.39. Click on the individual Framing Nailers product links for detailed reviews and information on the seperate models.
Roofing Nailers
Roofing nailers have a tough job! These types of nailers, specifically, are abused from having to withstand rooftop heat sometimes multi-story roof falls, and crude environment. So if you’re looking for a roofing nailer, keep in mind it will have to endure tough jobs!
| Group | Average Rating | Average Price | Reviews | Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nail Guns | |
$235.39 | 2832 | 327 |
| Roofing Nailers | |
$187.51 | 159 | 21 |
The median rating of the 21 products in Roofing Nailers is 4 and the median price is $187.51. The median rating of the 327 products in Nail Guns is 4 with an median price of $235.39. Click on the individual Roofing Nailers product links for more reviews and information on the specific models.
Palm/Impact Nailers
These little powerhouses fit right in the palm of your hand. Unlike the other nailers we have discussed, these are the only ones that use regular nails. The purpose palm nailers is to nail where other tools can’t typically reach. They are small tools that effectively perform specific. However, sometimes even these are not small enough , that’s when you start checking out the impact nailers. Theses are constructed to drive common bulk nails in tight spaces.
| Group | Average Rating | Average Price | Reviews | Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nail Guns | |
$235.39 | 2832 | 327 |
| Palm/Impact Nailers | |
$115.85 | 118 | 8 |
There are 8 products in Palm/Impact Nailers with an average ranking of 4.5. The average price is $115.85. There are 327 products in Nail Guns with an median rating of 4. The median price is $235.39. Click the Palm/Impact Nailers product links for additional data on the individual models.
Specialty Nailers
A specialty nailer is best when you’re doing a particular type of job or project. These types of nailers are designed for a specific purpose and will be the most efficient for that type of work.
| Group | Average Rating | Average Price | Reviews | Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nail Guns | |
$235.39 | 2832 | 327 |
| Specialty Nailers | |
$266.06 | 138 | 27 |
There are 27 products in Specialty Nailers with an median rating of 4.5. The median price is $266.06. The 327 products in Nail Guns have an average ranking of 4 and an average price of $235.39. Seperate product links have more information on the models.