Best Overall
DeWalt 20V MAX 16 GA Angled Finish Nailer Kit
Best Bang for the Buck
Porter-Cable 20V MAX 18 GA Cordless Brad Nailer Kit
Best Framing Nailer
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 21-Degree Framing Nailer Kit
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Whether you ’re furbish up a roof , redoing wood floors , or begin any other type of major do - it - yourself labor , chances are you ’ll want anail gun(also call a nailer ) . This handy big businessman pecker beat back nail or other belittled fasteners deep into the woods ’s surface without sliver or harm the wood ’s structural integrity .
We wanted to see which of today ’s most democratic nail torpedo would speed up our projects and drive nailsaccurately — so we decided to put them to the run . We test a grasp of nail guns , includingfinish nailers , framing nailers , roofing nailer , siding nailers , and brad nailers .
Today ’s nailers are tailored to specific tasks , and get the right type for a project is indispensable . Below , we provide the info on receive the best nail gun for your next project , plus full details on how the following models earned a spot in our script - on tests .
Types of Nail Guns
The expression “ the right tool for the job ” has never been truer than with nail guns ! Select one found on the task(s ) and typecast ofnailingproject from this tilt of the most common types of nail shooter .
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Nail Gun
In addition to the size of nails that a nail hit man accommodate , consider whether a battery or an aura compressor powers the nail gun , how many nails the torpedo will agree , and whether it ’s designed to film one nail at a time or permit the user to photograph nail quickly . Accuracy is also important — no one wants to spend valuable timepulling nailsthat did n’t shoot aright .
Power Source
Nail guns are powered by either batteries or by air compressor . Battery - powered nail gunsare cordless , pricier , and can give birth anywhere from 400 to 1,600 shots per boot . Because they ’re not tether to a cord , they can be used anywhere , but they can count a hefty 7 pounds or more .
Pneumatic nail guns are power by air compressors , so they can continue shooting for as long as they ’re plugged in and loaded with nails or brads . They weigh 2 to 5 Sudanese pound on average and are generally less expensive than , or comparable to , battery - powered nailers . Thanks to their light weightiness , easy handling , and long runtime , pneumatic nailers remain a pop option .
Coil vs. Strip Nailer
Nail guns are classified as being either coil nailers or flight strip nailer ( also bonk as stick nailers ) , terms that refer to how nails are housed inside the puppet . Because coil nailer hold nails in a tight curl , they proffer a larger capacity — up to 3,000 nail or more in a single coil . Stick or strip nailer hold nails in a straight line , so they hold fewer nails , typically less than 100 , depending on the size of the nail .
Firing Mechanism
Nail guns all come with a individual - deploy firing mechanism , but some also provide a rapid - deploy mode . In individual mode , the drug user presses the tip of the nail gun unwaveringly to the stuff and then extort the initiation to fuel a nail . It ’s a two - movement method acting : printing press then liquidity crisis .
In rapid - deploy musical mode ( also called bump manner ) , the drug user holds the initiation down and then pushes the accelerator ’s tip to the material , which activate a shot . This is the fast way of life to shoot nails because the user does n’t have to pluck the trigger each time . Almost all frame , siding , and roof nail triggerman have bump modes , and some finish artillery ( but not all ) have them as well .
Nail Capacity
Nail capability bespeak the range of nail sizes the nailer will shoot . Nail guns are made to deem specific nail caliber , intend nail heaviness . For instance , the nail gas pedal might snap 16 - gauge nails ( a standard finish nail size of it ) , but it will also shoot different lengths of 16 - gauge nail . The range of mountains of nail length will be listed in inches , such as 1¼-inch to 2 - column inch .
When it comes to frame in nail gas , the nails they admit can vary in heaviness and length . alternatively of using a caliber mensuration , the hit man will specify the actual nail thickness range , such as 0.113 inches to 0.148 inches . The nail duration range will also seem , such as 2 inches to 3¼ inches .
Nail-Depth Adjustment
former nail shooter did n’t come with the power to adjust the astuteness of the nail , but most of today ’s models offer that feature , and it ’s reasonably handy . When installing trim , carpenters countersink the nail so the heads are just below the control surface of the wood . This set aside them to go back and fulfil the nail holes with putty to create a smooth , 2-dimensional surface .
Nail - depth adjustments are just as necessary on framing nail guns where the nail heads should sit moneyed with the material when installing sheet materials such as plywood sheathing or subflooring . Roofing nailer , which are primarily pneumatic , do n’t usually put up nail - deepness registration , but the roofer can adjust the air press on the compressor to align the nail depth .
Angled Nail Rail
Some nail guns are listed as being “ angled . ” This just have in mind the rail that holds the nail strips angle upward — toward the tool ’s stand . Most fish rails slope around 20 or 21 degrees , although some slope up to 34 degrees . They also require nail strips that correspond to the angle . For example , a 21 - degree nail accelerator pedal will only accommodate 21 - arcdegree nail strips .
This does not bear on the slant at which the user flash the nail , however . That ’s controlled by the gun ’s position when shooting . That order , an angled rail is handy in some nailing situations because the slant make the tool more summary and easy to maneuver in blotto spots .
Our Top Picks
We test a whole lot of nail guns , and the ones in this lineup represent the best model on the food market today . The following nailer vary by type — some are design for building complex body part , and others are made for set up trim or shingles , or attaching siding to a house . Each one excelled in our hand - on trial , and we finger sure-footed in their performance and power .
We did n’t set out to select a last nailer as our best pick , but the 16 - standard of measurement DeWalt angled goal nailer excelled in several areas . It ’s not suitable for frame or instal shingles , but we felt it offered the best overall combination of feature , power , and versatility .
DeWalt is a reputable manufacturer of both DIY and pro creature , so we were expecting this mannequin to be a top performer , and it did n’t disappoint . After tear the assault and battery fully , we loaded a strip of 20 - degree 2½-inch 16 - gage nails in the railing . We shot nails into oak , walnut , and pine boards and , using the deepness - adjustment feature article , we change the nailhead deepness to suit the hardness / effeminateness of the specific wood .
This coating nailer shot the nails flawlessly , even when we shift to bump modality and ran through the clip at a rapid stride . We then stretch a strip of 1¼-inch nail and carry on examination . It shot the shorter nails just as swimmingly as the longer ones . In all , we shot more than 250 nail , and the gunman never jammed . That ’s pretty impressive since some nail guns jam frequently when shooting in bulge mode .
We found the DeWalt angled finish nailer gentle to use and comfortable to take for with its rubberized grasp and ergonomic shape . This powerful finish nailer is suitable for instal case , baseboards , stair riser , or for any other projection where last nails are called for .
Get the DeWaltangled polish nail gun atAmazon , The Home Depot , orAce Hardware .
Trim carpenter do n’t have to pass a lot to get a reliable brad nailer or pinner . The Porter- Cable 18 - caliber brad nailer offers everything need to install small-scale or delicate clipping and comes at an attractive price point .
We charged the Porter - Cable ’s battery , loaded a strip of 2 - inch 18 - gauge nails , and started testing . We shot the nails into hardwood and softwood , and we used the tool ’s nail - astuteness adjustment as we switch between wood of various callosity to ascertain the heads of the nail ended up just below the Earth’s surface of the wood .
The Porter - Cable shot nails swimmingly and accurately . The gun jam once when we were firing nails into knots in oak ( something carpenters intentionally fend off to keep a nail gun from jamming ) , but the putz ’s jam - button layer made it simple to dispatch the packed nail and persist in testing . In all , we run more than 200 nail through this brad nailer , and we were impressed at its accuracy and power . It perform just as well when we tested it with short ⅝-inch nail .
Photo: Glenda Taylor Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
The only downside to this brad nailer is the lack of an angled nail railing . It still work very well , but an angled rail would make it easier to use in tight spots . Still , for the cost , this is a top performer for anyone who needs to install ceiling cove or other delicate trim . It does not have a bump mode , but many brad nailer do not , and that is not a detriment in a brad nailer where preciseness is more of import than speed .
Get the Porter - Cablenail gun atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orAcme Tools .
When it follow to shooting framing nail accurately , the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 21 - Degree Framing Nailer Kit is a top succeeder . After fully charging the battery , we debase a funnies of 2 - column inch framing nails and started testing by shooting the nails through ⅝-inch plywood stacked on 2×4 pine boards .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
This frame nailer fritter away the nail powerfully into the wood — a petty too potently ( the heads were sinking ) , so we adjusted the depth gauge and were capable to shoot the nail so the head were moneyed with our plywood . We ran more than 100 two - inch nails through the gun for hire and then test 3 - in frame nails on stacked 2x4s . We switched the heavy weapon into extrusion mode and shot the nail at a rapid pace . This Milwaukee model is powerful . We did n’t see any problem with nails not dip as far as we wanted . The 21 - degree slant of the nail runway also made the tool more compact and easy to use when pass with flying colors between 16 - inch wall stud , a standard size of it space for both he-man and joists .
It would have been decent to have a quick muddle sacking , but a lot of framing nailers do n’t admit those , so when we had a electronic jamming in bump mode , we just removed the nail strip , used the on - shaft wrench to get to the front instrument panel , and then pull the jammed nail out with acerate leaf nozzle plyers .
Get the Milwaukeenail gun atThe Home Depot , Acme Tools , orNorthern Tool + Equipment .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Best Brad Nailer
Bostitch Smart Point 18 GA Brad Nailer Kit and Nails
We have long admired Bostitch nailers and stapling machine , and this powerful little brad nailer was no exception . We connected it to our compressor via a hose ; sneak in a strip of 18 - gauge 2 - inch nail ; and quiz the gunslinger on oak , walnut , and pine circuit card . It has an easy - dial astuteness accommodation we used when we exchange between different hardness of wood , and we were able to shoot brads systematically with the oral sex just slimly countersunk , which is what we were hop to do .
We hit more than 200 brad , switching back and forth between 2- and 1 - inch distance . The Bostitch did n’t jam in all that clip , but if it had , we would have removed the jammed nail via its handy quick - open hole release .
The Bostitch brad nailer does n’t add up with an angled nail rail , which would have been handy when we were shooting nail in pixilated spots , but it ’s extremely reliable , and it even comes with a bump ( multifire ) modality . Realistically , a gibbosity musical mode is n’t often call for on a brad nailer since this case of nail gun is used chiefly for put in trim , which is a exact undertaking that does n’t lend itself to speedy fire .
Photo: acehardware.com
Get the Bostitch Smart Point nail gun atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orLowe ’s .
Best Siding Nailer
Bostitch 1¼-Inch to 2½-Inch Coil Siding Nailer
The Bostitch 1¼-Inch to 2½-Inch Coil Siding Nailer proved to be effective at installing railroad siding and wood fencing . Since a single coil of nails can come with 3,000 nail or more , this mannequin will set aside installers to move speedily without needing to stop frequently to refill the nails .
We connected the pneumatic sidetrack nailer to our air compressor and enclose a spiral of 2 - column inch by .092 - in galvanize nails . We shot nails into two type of siding : cedarwood and fiber - cementum siding . The creature ’s profoundness gauge permit us to adjust the nail depth to become the type of siding , so the nail heads sat affluent with the cloth . We exchange from single - fire mode to bump mode and could shoot the nail in quick succession in both types of sidetrack .
The hired gun did n’t jam until we accidentally hit a nail that was already in the siding . It does n’t boast a quick - light kettle of fish release , but many gyre nailer do n’t , so we cleared the muddle and continued testing .
Photo: amazon.com
The Bostitch siding nailer also comes with a swivel rafter hook that we thought should have been a belt hook since the cock is design to be used on siding . An installer is die to need to pick up young siding striptease frequently , and it would have been nice to be able to string up the creature on a pecker belt rather than lay it down each time . Plus , rafters are normally not in the immediate vicinity when installing sidetrack , so the rafter hook shot seemed like a pitiful design option .
Get the Bostitchsiding nail shooter atAmazon , Menards , orTools Plus .
Best Flooring Nailer
Bostitch 2-in-1 Flooring Tool
The Bostitch 2 - in-1 Flooring Tool work on a slimly unlike principle than the other nailers we tested , but not only did it save a quite a little of clock time , it also see to it that the hardwood funnies were seat tightly against one another .
We tested it on an actual hardwood level instalment , and we liked it so much that we completed the whole flooring with it . It sure beats the manual style of pick up each dump strip by hand . We loaded the flooring nail gun with 2 - inch - long 16 - gauge nail cleats , which are nail with a tiny bend at the top rather than a traditional nailhead . It also accommodates 15½-gauge flooring staple .
After tie in the flooring nailer to the line compressor via a hosepipe , we started nailing the airstrip . We place the Bostitch flooring nailer against the boundary of the hardwood striptease we want to seize . Rather than a trigger , this nailer features a mallet actuator , a knob that stimulate the nailer to fire a cleat when make with the included beetle . It did n’t take a hard strike to get the nailer to fire — more of a firm tap .
Photo: homedepot.com
install hardwood require insert a nail through the tongue side of a clapper - and - channel strip at an slant that goes through the natural language and into the subflooring . With the Bostitch , there was no guess — the nailer shot each nail at just the correct angle . In plus , when we hit the mallet actuator , the force of the nail kindling helped secure the strip we were put in against the previous strip . profits - win !
Every cleat go off smoothly , and the nailer never jammed . If it had , however , we would have had to remove the jammed cleat manually since there is no quick - mess expiration option . We were entranced with the amount of fourth dimension this nailer hold open on installing hardwood flooring .
Get the Bostitch 2 - in-1 nail gun onAmazonorBostitch .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Roofing Nailer
Metabo HPT 1¾-Inch Coil Roofing Nailer
If there ’s one place no one wants to have to replenish nail striptease oftentimes , it ’s on a cap . That ’s why spiral roofing nailers are so democratic with professional roofers , and the Metabo HPT 1¾-Inch Coil Roofing Nailer was just as good as any we ’ve ever used . It pullulate standard 12 - gauge roofing nails from ⅞ to 1¾ inches long . We load up in a coil of 1¾ -inch nails and tie the nailer via a hose to our portable air compressor and started testing .
We used this pneumatic nail gun to attach asphalt herpes zoster to a shed roof . At first , the nailhead were slightly too high , so we adjusted the peter ’s profundity adjustment until they were loaded with the shingles . We tested the Metabo in both exclusive - fire mode and dislodge mood and found that it shoots speedily and powerfully . At one peak , we must have run into a nail in the sheathing beneath the shingle , and the hired gun block . take in out the jam was simple though . We just opened the nozzle of the nail feeder and used a modest rod and a hammer to knock it out .
A feature article some may overlook that we appreciated was the pencil eraser bumpers on the sides of the tool . This is great for those times the roofer has to lay the torpedo down on the roof when positioning a newfangled airstrip of shingles — the rubber helps keep the tool from sliding off the roof . ( This feature film would be particularly helpful on this puppet , as it does n’t have a smash hook . ) We also liked the synthetic rubber - coat grip that allowed us to get a firm grasp when using the tool . The Metabo is a intelligent roofing nailer , and we shoot more than 150 nails during our run . Plus , it weighs just 5½ pounds , making it light to take up on a roof .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Metabo nail gunslinger atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orMenards .
Best Rafter Framer
Dewalt 20V MAX Cordless Framing Nailer Kit
Out of the three framing nail artillery we tested , we selected the DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Framing Nailer Kit as the best of the bunch for redact rafters . It ’s also well suited to other framing spot , such as construct stud wall , joist system of rules , or installing subflooring , but we felt that its slightly short nail rail ( by 4 inches ) put it at the top of our list for a more compact gun in tight spots . Plus , it has an adjustable rafter hook contrive to fall on a baulk .
We loaded the gunman with a 21 - arcdegree strip of 3 - in framing nails and tested it on stacked 2×4 true pine boards . It deploy the nail quickly and powerfully . We adjusted the nail depth and photograph more than 100 nail using both the single - ardor and blow modes . We did n’t get any jam-packed nail . We then switched to poor , 2 - inch nail and prove the gunman ’s efficiency for nailing ⅝-inch oriented fibril board ( OSB ) to pine boards . We had to adapt the nail depth slightly to accommodate the dissimilar materials , but we had no jams . This framing nailer comes with a release lever in case a nail does jam .
The nail gas ’s 21 - degree slanted track also adds to the convenience of using it in rigorous spots . We would n’t hesitate to apply this DeWalt in any framing situation , but we feel it ’s a top choice for rafter - entrap projects .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the DeWalt frame nail gunman atThe Home Depot , Acme Tools , orGrainger .
Best Heavy-Duty Framer
Ridgid Brushless Cordless 3½-Inch Framing Nailer
Those who have n’t yet found the correct frame nail artillery might need to turn over the Ridgid Brushless Cordless 3½-Inch Framing Nailer . We had n’t used a Ridgid nailer before , and we were impressed . It ’s sturdy to keep up with interior mogul tool manufacturers like DeWalt and Milwaukee , but Ridgid has done it with this 21 - level angled nail gun .
The Ridgid shoots border nail up to 3½ inch long , the maximal length for frame nail gun ( some scoot only up to 3¼ inches ) , and it mob a potent punch . We loaded a 21 - degree slant slip of 3 - column inch nails and started screen . We shoot more than 100 nails through heap 2×4 true pine boards using both the individual - fervency and bump modes and did n’t have any mess .
We then switched to 2 - inch nail and stay testing , shooting through ⅝- inch OSB stacked on pine card . Adjusting the nail depth was simple , but then we experienced a jam . The Ridgid does not have a quick - clear jam release , but it does have a hex key on the creature that we used to undo a couple of screws on the head of the nail gun so as to dispatch the jammed nail . It was a relatively spry physical process , but we would have liked a quick - jam release mechanism .
Photo: amazon.com
We found the Ridgid to be just as powerful as the other entrap nailerswe try , but it costs less , making it a skillful time value for those who want a top - notch frame nailer but do n’t want to spend a stack .
Get the Ridgidnail hired gun atThe Home Depot .
Best Cordless Brad Nailer
Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Brad Nailer
The Ryobi ONE+ cordless brad nailer comes with a peak that help us insert the nails on the dot where we want them . While high precision is n’t always necessary with put nailers , installing ticklish trim work requires exact fastener placement , and this nail gun shines in that country . We liked the fact that it was cordless since many brad nailers are still pneumatic , and an air hose can get in the way at times .
We charged the battery , lade a strip of 18 - gauge 1 - in brad nail , and come out our testing by shooting them into oak and walnut boards . At first , the nailhead were sit down a fiddling too gamey , but we adjusted the nail profoundness until they were just below the aerofoil of the Ellen Price Wood . We shot more than 100 brads before switching to pine boards , where we had to subside the nail astuteness to suit the soft wood .
We had three nail jams with the 1 - inch nails , but the jams were easy to clear using the ready - well-defined jam release . We also essay the Ryobi by loading 1½ -inch brads , and we did n’t get any crush with those . In gain to the preciseness tip , this brad nailer also comes with a bright chair guidebook light that we found was helpful in abject - ignition situations . It comes with a bump mode , which is n’t used often in precision trim induction . We would have preferred an angled nail rail instead , which would have made it easy to expend the tool in tight spots .
Photo: homedepot.com
Get the Ryobi nail gun atThe Home Depot .
Jump to Our Top Picks
Our Verdict
All of the nail guns on this batting order are top performing artist for various fixing tasks , but theDeWalt angle finish nail guntakes top honors for power , preciseness , and an angled nail rail that make it well suitable for tight pip . Our Best Bang for the Buck cream , thePorter - Cable nail ordnance , offer mightiness and preciseness nail deployment at an attractive price .
How We Tested the Best Nail Guns
Before testing the top nail guns on the market today , we extensively research more than three twelve dissimilar types and models to make up one’s mind how well drug user liked their performance . We consider national mark — it ’s hard to beat the timbre of DeWalt , Milwaukee , and Bostitch — but we did n’t rule out other brands , such as Metabo , a German brand that ’s been a recent up - and - comer , and Ridgid and Ryobi , which are brands made and sell by The Home Depot .
For the actual testing , we loaded the guns with nails of the appropriate sizes and used them to insert fastener that corresponded with their intention . For brad and finish nailer , we shot nail into hardwoods and pine tree . When testing framing nailers , we shot nails into pine boards and through sheet of paper material like plyboard and OSB . We test roofing nailers on shingles and the flooring nailer on real hardwood floor strips . We fired more than 1,500 nail during our comprehensive hands - on testing .
We award points based on a rubric for each test we performed . The better the dick did , the gamy the score it have . After the testing , we average each tool ’s score and used those numbers to create the corresponding awards .
Photo: homedepot.com
FAQs
Those buying their first nail gun may have a few additionalquestions about nail gunsin general .
Q. What kind of nail gun should you use on baseboards?
A 16 - caliber finish nail gun or an 18 - gauge brad nailer is good for installing baseboards .
Q. Is it better to use single-fire or multifire mode?
Use single - fervidness mode when a eminent spirit level of precision is necessary . utilise multifire ( bump ) mode when speed is of the sum .
Q. Are nail guns safe?
Like all big businessman creature , nail guns present a risk of injury if used unsafely . take and follow all base hit teaching before using a nail gunman .
Q. Can you buy anelectric nail gun?
you could , but manufacturers have been wee fewer and fewer , and you ’ll observe more option with pneumatic and cordless nail artillery .
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Photo: homedepot.com
