A nail gun is an excellent tool for all sorts of carpentry and also building construction projects that you plan to do around your home or worksite. Whether you are building a new house, doing DIY renovations, or laying a new carpet, a nail gun will get the job done a lot faster than a hammer and nail.
However, like so many tools, there are many different types of nail guns. They also require different power sources to function. So before you start looking for a new nail gun, here are some tips to help you find the nail gun that best suits your project.
The 6 Best Nail Guns
- Ryobi P854 ONE Plus Brad Nailer Kit
- DEWALT Finish Nailer (Our Top Pick)
- Makita AF601 Straight Finish Nailer
- BOSTITCH Framing Nailer
- Freeman PFBC940 Flooring Nailer and Stapler
- PORTER-CABLE PN350 Mini Impact Palm Nailer
Our Top Pick for the Best Nail Gun
Our top pick for the best nail gun is the DEWALT Finish Nailer. This superb nail gun features a top-quality design and also a high-powered driving performance. Making it a great choice for professional tradesmen and also DIY home renovation enthusiasts. Whatever type of task is on your to-do lists such as trim carpentry, cabinetmaking, or flooring, this sturdy workhorse packs a lot of power.
Its strong battery gives you that much-needed extended battery life for long-haul jobs. The DEWALT finish nailer is one of the most expensive nail guns. However, it is extremely dependable and also easy to work with. It also has a lot of smart operator features, so it is excellent value for money.
Check the price on AmazonHow to Choose a Nail Gun
The most common types of nail guns or nailers are framing nailers, brad nailers, finish nailers, flooring nailers, siding nailers, and also palm nailers.
Framing Nailers
A framing nailer can drive nails into any type of wood. You can use it for a wide range of applications such as construction projects, fixing a fence, attaching wooden siding, setting up framing for a house, room renovations, or fixing a deck.
Brad Nailers
If you plan to do some light-duty home renovations, woodworking tasks, or fixing furniture, you need a brad nailer. The brad nailer lets you drive nails in quickly. As it is smaller than other nail guns it allows you that extra maneuverability in tight spaces. You can maintain more control over the nail action, especially when you need to do fiddly jobs or work with thin wood.
If you need to do a heavy-duty job, the brad nailer may not be suited for challenging projects.
Finish Nailers
A finish nailer is solid and also sturdy and can be used with hard and soft pieces of wood. It is an excellent choice for renovations, making furniture, attaching baseboards and paneling, and also hardwood flooring. A finish nailer might not be suitable for small projects or lighter pieces of wood as it can cause the wood to split and break.
Flooring Nailers
A flooring nailer is designed for all types of flooring installation tasks. This type of nail gun is very sturdy and also tough. As most flooring nail guns are pneumatic, which means they use compressed air to function, they generate a lot of driving force to get the job done quickly.
As well as being the number one tool for hardwood flooring installation, a flooring nailer can be used for all types of flooring material.
Siding Nailers
If you need to do some renovation work outside your house or garage, invest in a nail gun specifically designed for this purpose. A siding nailer is designed to work with lighter pieces of wood and non-wood materials to use a siding nailer to attach fiber cement.
Palm Nailers
A palm nailer fits into the palm of your hand. So it is the best nail gun for working in tight, confined spaces such as attaching nails inside a cupboard, installing shelves, or a window.
As well as being relatively lightweight enough to maneuver in confined spaces and portable enough to carry it around while you work, the palm nailer is driven by compressed air which means it still has a lot of power and can be used for small and large projects inside and outside your home.
The downside of the palm nailer is that it is not suited for demanding heavy-duty jobs.
Power Sources for Nail Guns
The most common types of power sources for nail guns are battery-power or compressed air.
Battery-Powered
Nail guns that use batteries are powered by either 18-volt or 20-volt Lithium-ion batteries such as the cordless Ryobi P854 ONE Plus Brad Nailer Kit, or XRP NiCad batteries such as the DEWALT Finish Nailer. Battery-powered nail guns are quieter than pneumatic nailers and all they need is just a full charge and you are ready to go.
They also work well in confined spaces where an air compressor will not fit. The downside of battery-powered nail guns is that they lack the power of a pneumatic compressed air nail gun.
Pneumatic (Compressed Air)
A pneumatic nail gun is powered by compressed air, which comes from a separate air compressor unit. An air compressor is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch) and volume (measured in cubic feet per minute), depending on the manufacturer. Pneumatic nailers generate a lot of driving power so they are an excellent choice for heavy-duty jobs.
They also deliver a consistent amount of force each time you drive a nail into a surface.
Nail guns that use compressed air may be less expensive. However, you will have to purchase the air compressor separately from the nail gun. So the expense will probably end up being equal to other models. Still, having an air compressor is very handy as you can use it for a lot of different tasks around your home such as pumping up tires.
You can also use it for other power tools.
The downsides of using a pneumatic nail gun are that it can be very noisy, the gun will have to be oiled. It also does not offer you a lot of mobility as you have to fit the air compressor unit into your working space.
Extra Operating Specifications
As well as getting yourself acquainted with the different types of nail guns that are available and their particular power sources, some extra operating specifications will help you choose the right nail gun.
Triggers
Being able to use a nail gun safely starts with understanding the various operating mechanisms. Nail guns have two basic operating controls: a finger trigger and a contact safety tip. And two types of triggers: “contact” and “sequential”.
The best type of nail gun has two triggers like the DEWALT Finish Nailer and the Makita AF601 Straight Finish Nailer. These nail guns have a selectable drive switch that allows you to shift between single sequential or contact actuation mode. A nail gun’s trigger mechanism can vary based on 2 things:
- The order in which the controls are activated.
- Whether the trigger can discharge multiple nails in one action or does the trigger need to be released and then squeezed again to fire individual nails. This is a handy guide for safety and more detailed information on contact and also sequential triggers.
As a nail gun produces a significant kick-back or recoil when you hold the gun and fire the nail into a hard surface, it can take some getting used to. If you use it incorrectly, it can result in a misfire, which can cause significant damage to your project and yourself or your workmates.
So before you arm yourself with a nail gun, take a crash course in nail gun 101 or get some practical video tips.
Large Magazine Capacity
If you need to use a lot of nails for a large-scale project, a nail gun with a large magazine and can store many nails comes in handy. Some nail guns have a magazine that stores 110 or 120 nails while other models have an extra-large 300-400 storage capacity.
Depth-Control Adjustment
Being able to adjust the depth control of the nails is important especially if you are working with different types of materials such as hardwood or thinner pieces of wood.
If you do a lot of construction or home-based DIY renovations, a nailer such as the Ryobi P854 ONE Plus Brad Nailer Kit has an adjustable “tool-less” depth of drive that provides quick adjustment for flush driving nails.
Some nail guns have 9 depth settings so they are specially engineered for more precise flush nail action for all types of wooden surfaces. And the BOSTITCH Framing Nailer allows you to set your desired nail depth with a simple push of a button.
Tool-Less Jam Release
At some time during your construction or renovation work, your nail gun will jam. The Freeman PFBC940 Flooring Nailer and Stapler and the DEWALT Finish Nailer have a very handy “tool-less” jam release which makes it very easy to access and clear any nails that may have jammed in the gun.
Low Nail Indicator and Dry-Fire Lockout Feature
Another super time-saving feature is a low nail indicator such as the Ryobi P854 that lets you know when it is time to re-load. It also has a dry-fire lockout that prevents the tool from firing when the nail gun has run out of nails.
Nail Gun and Stapler Combination
If you have a lot of different jobs to do such as flooring installation, laying carpet, or other woodworking tasks, having one tool that can perform more than one task is an excellent time-saver.
Some nail guns double as a staple gun such as the Freeman PFBC940 Flooring Nailer and Stapler which can easily convert in just a few minutes from a flooring nailer to a flooring stapler.
Extra Ergonomic Features
Nail guns come in all different sizes. Some are large and also heavy as they are meant for tough, heavy-duty tasks. While others are compact and are designed to fit into the palm of your hand which is a great tool for when you have to work in tight, confined spaces.
Other operator features might include an ergonomic handle such as the Ryobi P854 that has a GripZone handle, which provides optimal grip and user comfort. Or the Freeman Nailer/Stapler that has a comfort grip anti-vibration handle.
Other features may include a belt hook or an adjustable rafter hook, such as the DEWALT Finish Nailer, which gives you the option to hang the nailer from the rafters during work breaks.
6 Best Nail Guns – Reviews
1. Ryobi P854 ONE Plus Brad Nailer Kit
Ryobi is one of the most trusted names in the power tool industry and its P854 ONE Plus Brad Nailer Kit has been designed with the home handyperson in mind. It has a workhorse mentality for all sorts of duties such as fixing kitchen cupboards or redesigning walls around your home.
The nailer is powered by a strong and also reliable 18-volt ONE+ Compact Lithium-ion battery, which eliminates the need for a noisy air compressor.
This super-fast nail gun is packed with a host of operator-friendly specifications: it has a selectable drive switch that allows you to choose between a single sequential or contact actuation mode. The tool-less depth-of-drive adjustment allows you to change the driving action of nails depending on the material you are working with.
The 2 non-marring pads protect the integrity of any work surface.
To prolong the life of the nailer, there is a dry-fire lockout feature, and the “tool-less” jam release makes it very easy to access nails that may have jammed in the nose of the gun. The low nail indicator lets you know when it is time to re-load.
The Ryobi nailer is very comfortable to work with and the newly improved GripZone handle provides optimal grip for user comfort and the Grip-light technology allows you to engage an LED light by just grasping the tool handle. If you need to move around your house while you are working, there is a belt hook that allows you to mount the nail gun to the right or left-hand side for that added convenience.
The nailer is compatible with 18-gauge 5/8 or 2-inch nails. The tool comes with a battery and also a battery charger.
Pros
- Very good value for money
- Ideal for light-duty DIY tasks
- High-quality performance
- Powerful, long-lasting battery
- Great design
- Two non-marring pads
- Easy to use and also load nails
- Low nail indicator
- Ergonomic Grip Zone handle
- Right or left-handed belt hook
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty jobs
2. DEWALT Finish Nailer
With a high-powered performance, smart operating features, maximum battery life, and also a very generous warranty, the DEWALT Finish Nailer will have you powering through all of your DIY projects fast.
There is a lot to love about this well-designed nail gun as it has loads of features that make it a highly sought-after tool by DIY enthusiasts and also professional tradespeople.
The DEWALT finish nailer is powered by a strong brushless motor that enables the nail gun to fire 4 nails per second. You can use it to drive nails into a wide range of surfaces: softwood, hardwood, plywood, and also metal sheeting.
Whether you are a trim carpenter, cabinetmaker, or you like to do your own home renovations such as attaching baseboards or installing hardwood flooring, this tool has a narrow nose and a 20° angled compact design that is perfect for tight spaces.
The nailer uses 16-gauge nails ranging in length from 1¼-2½-inch and the rear-loading magazine can store up to 110 nails.
You can choose between 2 operating settings: sequential triggering or high-speed (bump) contact actuation mode. Furthermore, the tool-free selectable trigger enables you to move between applications quickly and smoothly.
Weighing just 8 pounds, this tool is lightweight enough for easy maneuvering, which will minimize operator fatigue during long work sessions. The integrated LED lights provide good visibility in low-lit areas. It also allows for easy tool diagnostics.
As this is a cordless nail gun, you do not have to spend extra money on an air compressor. The rechargeable 20-volt MAX lithium-ion battery has an extended-life battery system that charges quickly due to the included 1-hour charger.
Dewalt has incorporated some user-friendly safety features such as a tool-free jam release that helps you to quickly and easily clear nail jams. And an integrated tool-free stall release lever that quickly resets the driver blade in the event of a stall.
The nail gun comes with a reversible belt hook and also a sturdy carrying case. Dewalt offers a 90-day money-back guarantee, a 3-year limited warranty, and also a 1-year free service on the battery.
Pros
- High performance
- Excellent value for money
- Sequential and bump operating modes
- Ideal for use with wood and metal
- Good size 110 nail capacity rear-loading magazine
- Compact design and a narrow nose
- Angled design equals easy maneuverability
- Extended battery life
- Fast operation
- Tool-free selectable trigger
- Tool-free nail jam release and an integrated tool-free stall release lever
- Integrated LED lights
- Three-year limited warranty
- One-year free service
Cons
- Heavy to use
3. Makita AF601 Straight Finish Nailer
Makita power tools are well-known for their high performance and user-friendly design, so whatever type of project you have to do, the Makita AF601 Straight Finish Nailer will get the job done fast. The pneumatic nail gun has a durable magnesium construction so it is designed to be a workhorse.
User-friendly safety features include a built-in air duster that minimizes dust and debris from entering the tool, which allows for a longer running tool performance. A multi-directional exhaust port directs the exhaust air away from you.
The 2-mode selector drive switch gives you quick control over the nail gun’s operation control so you can tailor its precise driving action to suit your task.
Its rear-loading magazine accepts 16-gauge 1-2½-inch straight finish nails and as the magazine’s large windows are made out of clear plastic, you can easily see when it is time to reload nails. The rubber bumpers on the housing protect any work surfaces from having any scratches. A lock-out mechanism protects the tool and work surface from dry fires, and a reversible belt hook allows you to access the gun quickly.
The contact arm and trigger are designed to be used together for controlled firing, and an integrated rubber soft grip makes the tool comfortable to use. The “tool-less” depth adjustment helps you to perform a precise flush and countersink finish work and fast nail extraction. This nailer can be used with a 70-120 PSI air compressor and the gun will not jam if you use it correctly.
If you need to work in a tight spot, the Makita nail gun is very compact and lightweight and it is one of the quietest nail guns on the market.
The finish nailer comes with 2 removable no-mar tips, air fitting, a tool case, and safety goggles. Makita offers a 3-year limited warranty on the tool.
Pros
- Very good value for money
- Well balanced
- Powerful air compression
- Easy to load
- No nail jams
- Lightweight and comfortable to use
- ‘Tool-less’ depth adjustment
- Two-mode selector switch
- Built-in air duster
- Multi-directional exhaust port
- Clear loading magazine canister
- Rubber bumpers to protect surfaces
- Reversible tool hook
- Quiet
- Three-year limited warranty
Cons
- Not enough power for extra tough hardwoods
- Sometimes shoots two nails at once
4. BOSTITCH Framing Nailer
With loads of driving power, a lightweight construction, and an adjustable push-button system, this hard-hitting BOSTITCH Framing Nailer is tailor-made for professional and also domestic framing jobs.
Whether you need to work with wood or metal, the framing nailer can be converted from a framing nailer to a metal connector in seconds with its 2 quick-change nosepieces that can accommodate plastic-collated and metal connector nails.
The BOSTITCH nailer has 1,050 pounds of driving power. However, even though it packs a lot of driving power, its magnesium housing makes it very lightweight. It has the best power-to-weight ratio in its class so it is very easy to maneuver in tight spots.
The integrated skid pads and a rubber grip handle give you that extra operator comfort, all of which make this nailer the ideal choice for all sorts of heavy-duty tasks such as framing, sheathing, subflooring, and bracing jobs.
The nailer has a lot of innovative operator features that make it very easy to use: the Patented push-button adjustable system allows you to set your desired nail depth with just a push of a button. There are 2 separate triggers, a “bump” trigger as well as a sequential trigger. They recommend that you use the tool with HurriQuake nails.
Its magazine can accommodate 60 plastic collated framing nails as well as 60 metal connector nails.
A 16-inch layout indicator is located on the magazine that indicates the correct distance between studs so that you can get the placement done right the first time. The adjustable exhaust is tool-free and the adjustable rafter hook allows you to hang the nailer on joists or rafters during work breaks.
As the BOSTITCH is driven by compressed air, it is very noisy so you will definitely have to bring out those heavy-duty safety earplugs. The plastic collated metal connector nails can sometimes cause plastic shards to go flying so you will need to wear safety eyewear. The nailer can jam up, but it is a hard-working nail that is excellent value for money.
The nailer is easy to maintain and compatible with a standard 30-gallon air tank compressor and the nailer comes with 2 quick-change nosepieces. For extra operator peace of mind, BOSTITCH also offers a very generous 7-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Value for money
- Very easy to use
- Best power-to-weight ratio
- Well balanced
- Loads of power
- Layout indicator allows for accurate stud placement
- Quick-change nosepieces
- Good magazine capacity
- Very good depth control
- Rubber grip
- Adjustable rafter hook
- Seven-year limited warranty
Cons
- Heavy
- Noisy
- Nails can jam
- Tip may slip on some surfaces
5. Freeman PFBC940 Flooring Nailer and Stapler
Whatever type of job you need to do such as installing hardwood, tongue, and groove, or bamboo flooring, or completing other woodworking tasks, the Freeman PFBC940 Flooring Nailer and Stapler is the right tool for the job. The Freeman flooring nailer/stapler is a versatile power tool as it combines 4 tools in 1.
So instead of lugging around 4 heavy power tools, all you need is the Freeman nailer/stapler and all your jobs will be done fast!
The nailer/stapler fires 2 types of fasteners and the angled head allows you to change the nailer into a flooring stapler and a flooring nailer. Once you take the attachment off, this multi-tool also becomes a 45° 18-gauge brad nailer and a standard stapler.
There is a dual anodized aluminum magazine that gives you the flexibility to switch between 18-gauge ¼-inch crown flooring staples to 18-gauge brad nails. The re-load indicator tells you when it is time to reload. The tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment gives you extra flexibility for flush-driving nail applications.
So you can customize the firing depth of the nail to suit your project. The tool-free quick-release helps you to access and release any nail jams without having to take the tool apart.
When you need to spend hours on your knees laying flooring or working in a tight spot, the nail/stapler is ergonomically engineered for user comfort with a comfort grip anti-vibration handle that also gives you a good secure grip. The 360° adjustable exhaust makes sure that any surfaces are kept clean.
The air filter and anti-dust cap keep your tool clean even when you are not using it, which also helps to extend its service life.
Even though the engine is oil-free, it includes a bottle of oil with the nailer and also a wrench. Freeman also offers an excellent 7-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Very good quality
- Good value for money
- Durable and sturdy construction
- Lightweight
- Four tools in one
- Dual anodized aluminum magazine
- Reload indicator
- Very good depth control adjustment
- Ergonomic anti-vibration comfort grip
- 360° adjustable exhaust
- Angled flooring attachment
- Quick-release nose for easy jam clearing
- Easy to set up and use
- Seven-year limited warranty
Cons
- Takes some time to get used to it
- Adjusting the nailer/stapler is finicky
- Using the incorrect PSI can result in misfired staples
6. PORTER-CABLE PN350 Mini Impact Palm Nailer
If you are looking for a nail gun that can fit into the palm of your hand, then look no further than the PORTER-CABLE PN350 Mini Impact Palm Nailer. The PN350 might be small but this little beauty has loads of driving power and it is incredibly versatile, which makes it a very handy nailer for your toolbox.
This pneumatic palm nailer is lightweight at 1.1 pounds and its compact ergonomic size makes the PN350 the perfect choice for completing DIY framing or construction projects such as building a shed or a pergola, fixing a fence, or installing composite decking. It is specially designed for working in confined spaces such as installing windows or attaching floor joists.
The PORTER-CABLE palm nailer operates at 50-120 PSI and it features a multi-blow firing mode of 2,300 BPM at 100 PSI. It has a very good depth-of-drive control that guarantees precise driving action, so you do not have to worry about driving the nail in too deep.
The best-selling user-friendly features are the front exhaust that directs air away from your palm so you can maintain a secure hold without slipping. The magnetic nose has a recessed nail slot that holds nails for accurate placement. A swivel male connector limits the twisting of your air hose, which makes the nailer easy to maneuver.
The PN350 is compatible with 10-16d common nails and 1¼-6½-inch fasteners, so you can use it for wood and metal applications.
Pros
- Very good value for money
- Very good price
- High versatility
- Ideal for working in confined spaces
- Can use it for small and large projects
- Compact and lightweight
- Powerful multi-blow firing mode
- Very good depth-of-drive adjustment
- Front exhaust directs air away
- Magnetic nose has a recessed nail slot
- Swivel male connector
Cons
- Very small
- Not designed for heavy-duty tasks
- Not ideal for fine finishing work
Our Top Pick for the Best Nail Gun
Our top pick for the best nail gun is the DEWALT Finish Nailer. This superb nail gun features a top-quality design and also a high-powered driving performance. Making it a great choice for professional tradesmen and also DIY home renovation enthusiasts. Whatever type of task is on your to-do lists such as trim carpentry, cabinetmaking, or flooring, this sturdy workhorse packs a lot of power.
Its strong battery gives you that much-needed extended battery life for long-haul jobs. The DEWALT finish nailer is one of the most expensive nail guns. However, it is extremely dependable and also easy to work with. It also has a lot of smart operator features, so it is excellent value for money.
Check the price on Amazon
