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A nail gun is a convenient power tool that reduces the manual effort needed to perform tasks like framing a home, tacking on a new roof, or installing baseboards. Nail guns come in a variety of models specialized for several construction and DIY jobs.
In this review, we take a look at some of the best nail guns on the market, dig into the many applications and benefits that nail guns offer, and answer some common questions. You can also find more important information on shopping for home products in our guide to buying tools.
Top 6 Nail Guns
- Best Roofing Nailer: Metabo HPT Roofing Nailer
- Best Brad Nailer: DEWALT Brad Nailer Kit
- Best Framing Nailer: NuMax Pneumatic Framing Nailer
- Best Cordless Nailer: PORTER-CABLE Cordless Brad Nailer Kit
- Best Starter Kit: BOSTITCH Air Compressor Combo Kit
- Best Light-Duty Nailer: Arrow Fastener Staple and Nail Gun
Compare Top Nail Guns
| Product | Type | PSI Range | Weight | Limited Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metabo HPT Roofing Nailer | Pneumatic | 70 to 120 | 5.5 pounds | 5 years |
| DEWALT Brad Nailer Kit | Pneumatic | 70 to 80 | 5.1 pounds | 3 years |
| NuMax Pneumatic Framing Nailer | Pneumatic | 70 to 115 | 8.6 pounds | 1 year |
| PORTER-CABLE Cordless Brad Nailer Kit | Battery-powered | N/A | 5.9 pounds | 3 years |
| BOSTITCH Air Compressor Combo Kit | Pneumatic | 75 to 80 | 42 pounds | 1 year |
| Arrow Fastener Staple and Nail Gun | Battery-powered | N/A | 3 pounds | Not listed |
| Product | Type | PSI Range | Weight | Limited Warranty |
Best Roofing Nailer
Metabo HPT Roofing Nailer
- $232.2
- $299
- 22% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Includes a side-loading magazine for simple nail replacement
✔ Offers a tool-less depth adjustment
✔ Easy to handle at just under 6 pounds
✘ Some customers experienced the gun misfiring during use
✘ Doesn’t include an air hose
What Customers Are Saying
This roofing nailer from Metabo received an average rating of 4.7 stars out of 5 from over 200 customer reviews, which is in line with the average rating across all products recommended in this review. When we considered customer reviews from other leading e-commerce sites, this nailer’s average rating increased to 4.8 stars. Additionally, 94% of customers rated this product 4 stars or above.
Positive customer reviews centered around the product’s durability, with one user applauding the gun’s bump-fire mechanism and resistance to jams. Other positive reviews focused on the gun’s overall ease of use. The Metabo roofing nailer only received a single one-star review on Amazon, in which a customer expressed frustration over constant misfiring.
Best Brad Nailer
DEWALT 2-Inch Brad Nailer Kit
- $89.54
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Offers a tool-free jam release to remove nail blockages
✔ Contains a rear exhaust to remove dust and debris safely
✔ Equipped with an adjustable belt hook for simple transportation
✘ Some users experienced air leaking out of the gun’s handle
✘ Doesn’t include any nails
What Customers Are Saying
The DEWALT Brad Nailer Kit received an average rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from around 1,340 customer reviews, which is slightly below the average customer rating of 4.7 across all top recommendations. When we factored in customer reviews from other top e-commerce sites, the brad nailer’s average customer rating increased to 4.7.
Positive reviews for this DEWALT nail gun praised the product’s quality and manageable size. Additionally, many positive reviews harped on the gun’s affordable price. More critical reviewers described their frustration at the nail gun’s jamming, which put a halt to their work. Some unhappy customers also explained that their nail gun would randomly cut out during repeated use.
Best Framing Nailer
NuMax Pneumatic Framing Nailer
- $78.03
- $130
- 40% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Contains a scuff-free tip that helps prevent surface marking
✔ Supports single-fire or bump-fire triggers
✔ Includes an adjustable air exhaust
✘ Some users’ guns jammed during use
✘ Some customers experienced a lack of consistent firing with their gun
What Customers Are Saying
The NuMax Pneumatic Framing Nailer received an average customer rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from over 2,500 reviews. When we averaged in customer ratings from other top e-commerce sites like Home Depot and Walmart, the nail gun’s average rating slightly decreased to 4.5. Although the NuMax nailer received the lowest customer rating on Amazon, only 5% of customers rated the product 2 stars or less.
Many positive reviews focused on the gun’s affordability, which some customers explained as the reasoning behind their purchase. In addition to the nail gun’s reasonable price, many users were pleased with the driving power and overall ease of use the framing nailer provided. Negative reviews centered around the nailer’s heavy frame, which increased fatigue and slowed work speed.
Best Cordless Nailer
PORTER-CABLE Cordless Brad Nailer Kit
- $245.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Features a tool-free jam release
✔ Comes with a three-year warranty
✔ The unit is lightweight and has an optimal center of gravity designed for comfort during use
✘ Runs out of power as the battery is drained, unlike pneumatic nail guns, which have consistent power
✘ The nail gun has a slight warmup time before it shoots nails
What Customers Are Saying
Most customers who reviewed this nail gun enjoyed that it was battery-powered and free from cables or cords. They also stated that the nail gun was lightweight and comfortable to operate and quick and easy to load brads. On the other hand, dissatisfied customers said the unit kept misfiring after relatively minimal use, and others received a faulty battery right out of the box.
Best Starter Kit
Bostitch Air Compressor Combo Kit
- $297.5
- $348.99
- 15% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Includes a compressor, brad nailer, finish nailer, crown stapler, and air hose
✔ Protected under a one-year limited warranty
✔ Doesn’t require oil, eliminating the need for daily maintenance
✘ Included nail guns don’t come with carrying cases
✘ Some customers experienced the air compressor leaking during use
What Customers Are Saying
This BOSTITCH Air Compressor Combo Kit received an average of 4.7 stars out of 5 from over 1,700 customer reviews, which aligns with the average customer rating of 4.7 stars across all six recommended nail guns. When factoring in reviews from other leading customer review sites, the BOSTITCH kit’s average customer rating increased to 4.9, showing a lift in customer satisfaction outside of the Amazon platform.
Many positive reviews praised the kit’s affordability and the quality of the three included nail guns, while most of the negative reviews indicated that the air compressor was inefficient inefficiency, with one user experiencing the air compressor giving out in a matter of days.
Best Light-Duty Nailer
Arrow Fastener Staple and Nail Gun
- $68.79
- $72.99
- 6% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ The lithium-ion battery fires over 1,000 shots per full charge
✔ The color-coded guide helps users select the correct fasteners for different projects
✔ Can fire T50 staples, JT21 staples, T25 staples, 18-gauge brads, and 18-gauge pin nails
✘ Not strong enough to reliably nail through thick or deep materials
✘ Several customers said that it was too weak for their carpentry projects
What Customers Are Saying
Positively, customers appreciated that this fastener staple and nail gun was lightweight, cordless, compact, and easy to use. They added that the battery lasted a long time between charges and could fire plenty of nails and staples on a single charge. Negatively, some customers reported that the staples and nails didn’t drive far enough into the objects they were stapling or nailing into.
Nail Gun Buying Guide
Before purchasing a nail gun, it’s important to understand the differences between available models to find the right type of nailer for your needs. In this buying guide, we explain how the design, power source, firing modes, and nail capacity affect how a nail gun operates.
Design
Nail guns come in various designs, with some of the most popular being framing nailers, roofing nailers, brad nailers, and finish nailers.
A framing nailer has a heavy-duty build designed to simplify the process of fastening wood for projects like fence building and new construction. Framing nail guns typically work with large, 3.5-inch nails called 16-penny nails. Like framing nailers, roofing nail guns are heavy-duty tools professionals use to secure shingles, tar paper, and insulation boards.
Brad nailers are used to fasten detailed wood-like trim, moldings, and cabinetry inconspicuously. As the name suggests, this type of nail gun fires brad nails, also known as brads, made of small-diameter steel wire.
Finish nail guns are similar to brad nailers in that they use fine nails to secure detailed pieces of wood. However, finish nailers can fire nails that are larger in diameter and are built to secure larger pieces of wood.
Power Source
A nail gun typically comes with one of two power sources: battery or pneumatic. Battery-powered nail guns may be a good choice for DIYers who want a cordless and mobile tool. Although battery-powered nailers are convenient, they’re often more expensive and less powerful than their pneumatic counterparts.
Pneumatic nailers are powered by an air compressor that allows the user to fire continuously as long as the tool is loaded with nails. Pneumatic models are more powerful and less expensive than battery-powered nailers but require an air compressor and additional set-up time.
Firing Modes
Some nail guns come with various firing modes that allow you to customize how you use the tool. For example, some models allow you to fire a nail simply by bumping the nose of the gun, while others possess a safety feature that requires the nailer’s tip to be engaged before pulling the trigger.
Nail Capacity
When selecting a nail gun, consider its nail capacity, which refers to the number of nails the gun can hold and fire before requiring a new set.
How to Operate a Nail Gun Safely
- Wear safety gear: When operating a nail gun, it’s essential to wear protective equipment, including safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris and ear protection, such as earmuffs or earplugs, as nail guns can produce loud noises. You should also consider wearing reinforced work gloves, steel-toe work boots, and a hard hat to provide additional protection
- Inspect the nail gun before use: Before using the nail gun, inspect it thoroughly for any signs of damage or defects. Check for loose or damaged parts, ensure the safety features are functional, and confirm that the nail gun is clean and properly lubricated.
- Secure the workpiece: Make sure the workpiece is securely held or clamped in place before firing the nail gun. This helps prevent movement or shifting, reducing the chance of accidental nail discharge.
- Use a proper and firm grip: Maintain a firm and secure grip on the nail gun while operating it. Keep your hands away from the nail discharge area to avoid accidental contact with the fasteners. Only place your finger on the trigger of the gun when you’re ready to fire.
- Maintain a clear work area: Ensure that the work area is clear of any obstacles, debris, or tripping hazards, and don’t operate the gun around children or pets.
- Pay attention to the gun’s hose and power cable: If you’re using a pneumatic nail gun, be aware of the air hose and ensure it is properly connected, free from kinks, and out of the way to avoid tripping hazards or accidentally severing the hose with the nail gun.
- Disconnect the power or air supply: Before performing any maintenance, clearing a jammed nail, or changing settings, disconnect the power source or air supply to prevent accidental firing.
Nail Gun FAQ
What is the most reliable nail gun?
For the most reliable nail gun, we recommend a pneumatic product with a wide PSI range and a sturdy air compressor to provide the nail gun with even and stable power. This should provide amateur and professional carpenters alike with consistent performance when securing roofing shingles, siding, or doing other kinds of work.
What is the best nail gun for around-the-home use?
The best nail gun for home use is usually a cordless nail gun. Cordless brad nailers remove the hassle of purchasing an air compressor by utilizing rechargeable batteries that are capable of accurately driving nails for light-duty home improvement projects, such as building a deck.
Overall, cordless brad nailers are convenient and user-friendly. Eliminating the need for air hoses and an air compressor, this battery-powered brad nailer makes securing trim work and other fine carpentry quick and simple. In addition to its hoseless design, the gun is equipped with tool-free depth settings for fast adjustments while on the job.
Why is my nail gun jamming?
A jammed nail gun can be caused by a number of factors, including an inadequate amount of oil, a misshapen coil, or an improperly sized fastener. Oil your nail gun prior to each use to prevent jamming. Additionally, make sure that your fasteners fit your nail gun’s specifications.
How often should I oil my nail gun?
The frequency with which you oil your nail gun depends on how often you use the tool. If the nailer is being used throughout the day, you may need to apply oil multiple times to maintain its efficiency. If you use the tool occasionally, you may only need to apply oil prior to each use.
Check the owner’s manual to learn about your specific nailer’s oil requirements.
How We Selected the Best Nail Guns
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of nail guns with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published numerous tool reviews, from cordless drills and impact drivers to tape measures and laser levels.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Questions or Comments?
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