Best Overall
Metabo HPT NR90AES1 21-Degree Framing Nailer
Runner-Up
Freeman G2FR2190 Pneumatic 21-Degree Framing Nailer
Best Bang for the Buck
NuMax SFR2190 Pneumatic 21-Degree Framing Nailer
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There was a fourth dimension when neighbors could narrate a crew was frame a house by the sound of alloy - on - metal - on - woodwind , since hammering nail was the only way to connect large dimensional lumber . That sound is now a thing of the yesteryear , replaced by the repetitious “ soda ! ” of framing nailers . These knock-down tools operate by using combustion , electricity , or compressed air to make enough power to fire nails up to 3½ inch long into wood .
A huge blessing to the grammatical construction industry and challenging DIYers likewise , frame nailers hie up what was once only possible through tedious manual project . But just as the framing nailer is a specifictype of nail hit man , there are also dissimilar category of framing nailer with varying characteristic and functions pitch to specific U.S.A. .
For anyone in the market for the best framing nailer , this guidebook will leave information to help make the right decision . It details what to calculate for when grass for one of these tools and provides the answer of our hands - on testing to show why the follow are among the unspoilt frame nailer option useable .
Our Top Picks
Even with all of that background information on compose nailers , shopping for one of these tools can be intimidate . To help streamline the cognitive process , check out the follow inclination of top model . The lineup includes some of the top shelling , fuel , and pneumatic frame nailer on the market from some of the most extremely involve tool manufacturers in the business organization .
This lightweight , high-pitched - performance framing nailer tout a number of extra features that make it one of the best in family . A pneumatic nailer that drives nails up to 3½ inches long , it has a natural rubber grip and weigh just 7½ pounds . The magazine sport a 21 - degree angle to offer a bit of maneuverability , let buyers to fit in some squiffy spots while still utilizing pear-shaped - head framing nails .
It also features an prosperous - to - disassemble forefront , so exploiter can promptly well-defined jams that might occur . Another convenient feature film is its toolless depth adjuster , which allows users to make adjustments without vary the press on the air compressor . There ’s also a switch that allow for toggling between bump and serial fire on the rainfly , and the soft India rubber grip offer improved comfort . If there is a complaint , it ’s that there is n’t an adjustable exhaust , so framers will need to keep their faces light of the air discharge .
During testing , we find the NR90AES1 to be everything it ’s cracked up to be . It hold lots of nails , the powder store was smooth and gentle to fill , and switching between modes was a breeze . The suitcase was also comfy , and the depth adjustment was easy to apply . This was , however , the sole nailer tested that we found challenging to seize the air hose to , as the slant of the magazine made it necessary to swap hand to get to the quick - connect fitting . But once the we became conversant with the foresightful magazine ( it can be tricky to manoeuver ) , this is one excellent frame nailer .
Get the Metabo HPT framing nailer atAmazon , Acme Tools , orToolbarn .
A timbre build and extra feature make this pneumatic Freeman nailer deserving consideration . The nailer has a lightweight yet durable atomic number 12 - and - aluminum body , which give it a weight of just under 8 pounds . Its 21 - level angled cartridge clip allow for manoeuvrability while still progress to it compatible with full round - mind nails . It will fire nails up to 3½ inches long , and an mix electrical switch allows for rapidly trade between single fire and bump fire .
Helpful features include an adjustable exhaust system to keep air out of the drug user ’s font during use , no matter what position they ’re in . A depth claims adjuster allow substance abuser to ok - tune nail deepness for different materials and wood sizes . Plus , they can switch between a no - blemish crest for protecting the wood and a no - slip tip that grip the wood for accurate firing .
While Freeman might not be one of the more pop names in frame nailers , we consider it might be worth a scene so we examine it out . Other than the fact that a bunch of the parts are formative , it passed with flying colour . The serial firing was easy to swap into — a big advance over the erstwhile model ’s interchangeable trigger .
What Our Tester Says : “ I really like how the adjustable exhaust port restrain airwave off my face , even when working in tighter space . This prevented sawdust from flying back at me when I was nailing on a deck of cards . ” – Tom Scalisi , Bob Vila Product Tester and Writer
Photo: Tom Scalisi
Get the Freeman compose nailer atThe Home Depotor onAmazon .
This pneumatic frame nailer performs as well as some of the higher - priced competition . With its 21 - degree slant magazine publisher , it can handle full circular - head nails and still fit into smaller space than a 15 - degree nailer . A dice - cast atomic number 12 body affords durability while maintain thing light at 8½ pounds . A dual - mode trigger allows for single - choice or sequential firing , helping to speed up big framing job that demand a slew of nails ( though it does require swapping the initiation ) .
This nailer , which can deal nail up to 3½ inches long , also includes a profundity adjuster to fine - tune for different sizes of dimensional timber and hardwoods . An adjustable exhaust , which redirects transmit aside from the user ’s brass , can also be used to blow debris away from the work space . Also , an anti - dry - flak mechanics prevents the drug user from firing when the magazine is empty , which could damage the tool . Its 55 - nail capacity makes this a good choice for low to intermediate - sizing jobs .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
This just might be the adept deal in framing nailers . We enjoyed using it as much as the others in the lineup , and it did n’t jam or act up during examination . The magnesium eubstance felt comparatively light , and the magazine was smooth and aboveboard to operate . We personally were not big fans of the no - mar gratuity , but the tooth worked quite well , even for angled shots . And while we did incur the gun trigger swap to be a morsel of a botheration , we could grin and bear it for this budget - favorable toll .
Get the NuMax framing nailer onAmazon .
Upgrade Pick
Metabo HPT NR83A5 21-Degree 3-1/4 Inch Framing Nailer
There are no two ways about it : Pros need a muscular framing nailer like this Pneumatic Framing Nailer from Metabo HPT . This 21 - level pneumatic nailer features a cylinder - valve drive system that offers improve durability and libertine nailing . Also , the foresighted in high spirits - capacity cartridge clip is design to withstand the rigor of a jobsite as well as replicate the number of nails stock pneumatic nailers can hold . However , the maximum nail distance it can hold is 3¼ inches , which is shorter than most comparable models .
This framework includes an unfastened - nose intention that make it easy to extract jam-packed nail that might otherwise slow down the job down . Despite its sturdy all - alloy build , this nailer weighs less than 9 pounds , and its ergonomic grasp allows for a firm , comfy grasp . Other characteristic admit a toolless nail depth adjustor , a ready to hand establish - in rafter come-on , and an adjuster on the trigger for either sequent or contact nailing .
This nailer proved to be a clear favourite during testing . The extended magazine take hold more nails than the others , and the operation was smooth as silk . It is a little tenacious for tight blank , and the ordinary DIYer might struggle to find a place to hive away it ( lead : save the box ! ) , but none of the other models could touch its quality and capacity . We especially care how this manikin check almost no plastic , and how the depth - adjustment node was front and centre of attention .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
Get the Metabo HPT pneumatic frame nailer onAmazonor atAcme Tools .
Best Cordless
Metabo HPT NR1890DRS Cordless Framing Nailer Kit
Framing nailers want ample might to do their job , and some battery modelling can fall short in that area . That ’s not the case with this racy Metabo HPT thanks to a brushless motor and a 3 amp - hr ( Ah ) battery that make it brawny enough to drive 2 - inch to 3½-inch nail wealthy into frame at a rate of two nails per secondly .
With the power to drive 400 nail per charge , this is one long - lasting cordless framing nailer . If indigence be , though , an 8Ah battery adequate to of shoot up to 1,100 nail on a exclusive charge is available . In terms of extra features , this Metabo framing nailer features a switch that transition between sequential and happen mode and a nail - depth adjuster .
At just over 10 pounds , it was a little weighty during our run , but that did n’t set off how great this thing was to apply . It go on up with bump nailing , no problem — despite coming with just a 3Ah shelling — and it was compact and well-heeled to maneuver . It was particularly prissy to work without a loud compressor in the backdrop as well . Two complaints , however : The on / off and mode buttons are in a somewhat awkward smudge , and it was the only model to ram during testing — and on a very shallow angled dig .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
Get the Metabo HPT cordless framing nailer outfit onAmazonorToolbarn .
Best Coil-Framing Nailer
Metabo HPT NV90AGS Coil-Framing Nailer
For big job like compose an entire sign , DIYers may not appreciate blockade oftentimes to fill again a received straightforward magazine publisher . This helix - frame nailer from Metabo HPT holds up to 300 nail , and when it is time to refill , a commodious side - load magazine allows for quick fastener replacements .
Just as sinewy as the brand ’s straight - stick - trend manikin , this coil framing nailer can push nail up to 3½ inches long . Despite its increase payload , at less than 8 pound , it ’s also lightweight . extra features include a toolless depth adjuster and an open - nozzle design for easy remotion of jams . Do keep in mind that this nailer , like all of Metabo ’s current offerings , is rebranded Hitachi gear . Some of the branding is confusing , but they ’re still the same authentic model the industry is used to .
Nothing else in the examination conniption in soaked blank space as well as the Metabo HPT Coil Framing Nailer . Our framing project had joists that were closer to 15.5 on shopping centre , and this nailer was able to get in there . load and reloading was a breeze ( something not all coil framer surpass at ) , and it truly did feel lightweight . If we had to complain , we ’d say that the plastic magazine parts seem a little flimsy , but that ’s the trade - off for a lightweight nailer .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Metabo HPT gyre - frame nailer onAmazonor atAcme Tools .
Also Consider
Estwing EFR2190 21-Degree Full Head Framing Nailer
While it ’s not the chintzy framing nailer on the inclination , the Estwing EFR2190 framing nailer is a bargain . This model features a 21 - point slant for general - intent purpose , and the atomic number 12 body help to keep the weight down for all - daytime piece of work . It accepts nails up to 3½ inch , and it include a padded carrying case , a balk draw , and Allen wrenches .
This framing nailer come with a build up - in switch that allows the user to go back and forth between single fire and encounter firing without replacing the gun trigger . The toolless depth adjustment is a braggy boost to productiveness , as switching between put baseball bat and plywood will take mere seconds . Plus , to protect the accelerator , it boast an anti - teetotal - fire chemical mechanism to forestall it from firing when the magazine publisher is empty . There ’s also an adjustable exhaust interface to protect the substance abuser ’s face .
In testing , the performance of this Estwing model proved to be on equality with our Runner - Up pick , but it ’s a bit less expensive and boasts a couple of extras we really liked . rather of a standard male hose link , it features a swivel connection that in reality made a huge difference of opinion in maneuverability . It also comes with a prissy cushioned carrying case to keep it dependable . The only bummer ? All those moldable magazine character .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Estwing framing nailer onAmazonor atThe Home Depot .
How We Tested the Best Framing Nailers
There ’s a lot ride on a leaning of the best frame nailers , so our broad experience work with these tools informed us of which features were must - rich person . Next , we garner instrument from all of the top brand in the frame nailer subject for review article . After extensive product research , we contract our group of redact nailer down .
We used each of the nailer for different aspects of a few unlike jobs . We used each on a modest frame job as well as building a portable lurch mound . Some of the wood was very teetotal and well-situated to work with , while the balance was highly blotto , hard , and insubordinate to nailing .
We nailed through the top and bottom plate , as well as between studs for blocking , and toenailed board in as well . We then switched each model to sequent inflammation and push nail into a 4×4 post repeatedly , attempting to cause a jam or misfire , or prove the dry - fire lockout .
Photo: amazon.com
base on those tests , we compared how each nailer do to appraise capability , characteristic , and timbre , then gave awards to each modeling based on their posture
Types of Framing Nailers
There are different categories of frame nailer , and which task a special model might suit depends on how it fires nails into woodwind instrument . The three types of nailer are pneumatic , fuel , and cordless — each with its own professional and cons .
Pneumatic
Pneumatic framing nailers use compressed air provide by an air compressor to make the military force that drives the nail out of the gun and into the wood . On the positive side , they provide a consistent source of ability , pack more force play than their cordless and fuel - powered counterparts , and are lighter in weight than cordless nailers . They also allow for speedy lighting , which can avail alleviate a dissolute frame process .
However , these frame nailers are less convenient , as they ask toting an air compressor to the jobsite . They ’re also quite a piece louder to run on story of the line compressor .
Fuel
Although becoming less coarse with the arrival of cordless framework , fuel - powered framing nailers are still fairly democratic . They rely on a compounding of a fuel jail cell and a rechargeable battery for power . A fuel - power nailer is light in system of weights than a cordless model and will also last longer before the electric battery needs recharging or the fuel jail cell call for replace . As far as the downside pass , replacement of the fuel cell adds to the expense of a fuel - powered nailer — and they ’re not cheap . Plus , due to the burning created by the fuel cadre , this type of nailer will let loose an unpleasant scent during use .
Cordless
Cordless framing nailers rely entirely on their battery for index . This generally makes them heavier , as the stamp battery bestow weight to the hired gun . As with most cordless tools , their greatest asset is public convenience . Since they need n’t be plug into an outlet or an air compressor , they can be used on jobsites where electricity is n’t available .
It ’s not all upside for cordless nailers , though . Often , these models prove more expensive than line or fuel - power models since supervene upon the barrage fire after their term of office is n’t sleazy .
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Framing Nailer
Now that you have a self-coloured background on the type of framing nailer available , study on to debone up on their consumption and the features to expect for when shopping . Keep in intellect the points that sound the most applicable to your specific needs .
Intended Use
As the name suggests , framing nailers are used for the twist task of framing a construction , such as a house , shed , garage , or other construction . This requires nailer to drive large 10D nails , up to 3½ inches in duration , into 2x4s , 2x6s , 2x8s , 2x10s , and more .
These baseball bat product are dense , so framing nailers must have a lot of top executive to drive such a large nail through them . For that reason , framing nailers are bigger , bulkier , and more durable than a destination nailer .
Power Source and Runtime
Framing nailer use either fuel , a battery , or an galvanising - powered air compressor to get the occupation done . These models aim to be competitive with each other , but their pros and gyp do vary :
Brushed vs. Brushless Motor
A battery - power nailer , which use an galvanic motor to fire nails , will either employ a brushed or a brushless motor .
napped motor are the old - schooling innovation , with galvanizing brushes direct electricity to spin the motor . These brushes can need replacement , and they ’re not the most efficient , but models using this technical school are typically low-cost .
A brushless motor is more efficient because it create less friction and therefore lose less vigour . Brushless motors are 85 to 90 percent efficient , while brushed motor are 75 to 80 percent efficient . This mean a brushless nailer will have more sack power and last longer before the barrage needs a recharge .
Photo: amazon.com
Framing Angle
The framing slant refers to the position of the nailer ’s clip — the tenacious metal while attached to the head of the puppet that carry the nails . Most framing nailers have a cartridge that is tip away from the point of the nailer to tolerate for leisurely maneuverability between stud or joist . The most common angles for frame nailers are 15 , 21 , 28 , 30 , and 34 degrees . These are fixed Angle and are not adjustable , so it ’s critical to buy nails that fit the angle of the nailer . A 28 - degree nail will not mold in a 21 - degree nailer .
The greater the slant , the more maneuverable the nailer is , which will allow the substance abuser to fit out the principal into pixilated corners . The best angle comes down to personal preference and the eccentric of project . For frame projects that involve the nailer to conform to into mingy spaces , such as between studs or in turning point , it makes sense to have a 30- or 34 - degree nailer , which provide the maximum amount of maneuverability .
Different case of angles also dart dissimilar type of nail . nailer with 15 - degree or 21 - level angled magazine use full - circle heads , which are more impregnable than clipped nail . A 28 - degree framing nailer can use crop or full - round head nail , while 30- and 34 - point nailers can only practice clipped nails .
Photo: amazon.com
Stick-style vs. Coil-style Nail Storage
frame nailer practice two different styles of magazines : control stick and coil .
It ’s potential to make arguments for both types of nailers . For those who prefer a gamey - capability cartridge clip , such as production framers or those who primarily work in mellow above - soil property like roofs and rafters , whorl are central . But for those who prefer something lightweight , stick - dash magazines are better .
Nail Type
Framing nailer solve with two type of nail : circular head and clipped . circular - head nails , rightful to their name , have circular heads , whereas a clipped nail has a head that appears to have a glob take out of it . This principal shape let the nail to sit flush against each other in a stack in the nailer ’s magazine .
carpenter consider round - head nail to be the more secure option , as a pear-shaped promontory is less likely to pull through a man of framing than a trot nail . In fact , due to round - promontory nails ’ hold power , some building codification purely require round - head nail only . Since the round head keep the nail from sitting flush next to each other , however , the trade - off is the magazine will hold few orotund - head nail than clip ones .
Size and Weight
Size and weightiness are important factors when considering a framing nailer . A framer may have to crouch , stand on a ladder , or reach overhead throughout the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. — all of which become more challenging with a heavy or cumbersome tool .
Because of their power to drive 3½-inch nails into wood , frame nailers are considered one of the more dangerous power tools . A misfire can cause serious hurt , send a nail through a ft , a helping hand , or worse . To prevent chance event , it ’s crucial that the nailer be well-off to cover .
A frame nailer should be short enough for the user to get by comfortably and safely . Pneumatic nailer weigh around 7 or 8 pounds , fuel - powered framing nailer count between 8 and 9 pounds , and assault and battery - power nailer librate between 10 and 11 pounds .
Photo: amazon.com
Additional Features
redact nailers admit various features for safety and material eccentric . All framing nailers include a depth - adjustment boss , which allows control of how deep the nail penetrates the forest . Woods of different hardness and thickness will expect different nail - profoundness configurations . The best framing nailer will have depth readjustment that is easy to expend , call for only the unproblematic turn of a pommel .
Some framing nailers include protective guards , which shield the drug user from debris or nail that may bend off textile . Another possible feature article may be integrated run lighting that indicate when nail or batteries are head for the hills low and provide firing for the study area . Some pneumatic nailers permit users to adjust the direction of the exhaust to keep air from blowing in the face .
Safety Tips for Using a Framing Nailer
An accident with or misuse of a frame nailer could cause major or even fateful injury . The survey safety machine practices are all important to avoid harm anyone :
FAQs
If you still have question about which frame nailer is proper for you , read on to learn more about size , angle type , and other concerns .
Q. What size framing nailer do I need?
Size is seldom an issue when it comes to framing nailers . Almost all framing nailers will force out the 3½-inch 10D nails required for framing . Instead , reckon angle , weighting , and case , all of which are discussed in detail above .
Q. Can I use 21-degree nails in a 30-degree nailer?
you may not apply 21 - degree nails in a 30 - degree nailer . The clips of nail for a 30 - degree nailer versus a 21 - degree nailer are very different , so they can not exploit interchangeably between the two type of framing nailers .
Q. Can I use screws instead of nails for framing?
Nails are typically used for framing as they have more tensile lastingness than screws . Whereas nail will crouch under pressure , screws are more unannealed and therefore more likely to snap . That say , there are new high - tensile screwing on the market design specifically for frame . you could not , however , use screws in a framing nailer . If you plan on framing with screws , you ’ll need to apply an impact number one wood or a cordless drill .
Q. Can I use a siding nailer for framing?
While you may practice a framing nailer for siding ( by fitting it with short 2 - inch screwing ) , you may not practice a siding nailer for framing . Framing nailer require 3½-inch nails that can penetrate deep enough to create a unafraid connection between 2×4 boards . Siding nailers can only handle nail up to 2½ inch , so they wo n’t work for framing .
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Photo: amazon.com
Photo: Tom Scalisi
