But do you have to buy the first nail gun that you’d come across? Of course not! You need to determine the nail gun’s power, build, and other important specifications.
To help you save time, here’s a list of excellent nail guns that you can check:
The 10 Best Nailing Guns Worth Your Time
1. WEN Brad Nailer
The WEN Brad Nailer is the practical and useful nail gun that every home must have. In just under 3 pounds, the WEN Brad Nailer is considered lightweight and ergonomic.
Additionally, it comes with two variants with slight price difference. The other components included are oil, two adjustment wrenches, and a mobile carrying case.
But even if the WEN nail gun is lightweight, it’s still capable of firing 18-gauge nails up. As for storage, the nail gun can hold up to 100 brads. If you’ve been using the nail gun for quite some time, you can monitor how many nails are still left in the magazine. This is because of the gun’s transparent side window.
On top of this, the nail gun’s rubber handle will allow you to grip it easily. You can now forget about expensive and unwieldy nail guns in the market today!
On average, the WEN nail gun operates between 60-100 PSI. It also has a ¼-inch NPT air inlet fitting for efficient operation. Unlike common nail guns, the WEN nail gun has a quick release mechanism to handle any potential jamming. You can also adjust the depth of the nail release and control the exhaust system.
FAQs
Q: Can this gun be used for hardwood floor projects?
A: Yes.
Q: Does this tool use staples as well as nails?
A: No, this does not use staples.
Q: Would this nailing gun go through ¾ inch plywood?
A: Yes.
- This nailing gun comes at a very affordable price as compared to other guns with the same features.
- It is light-weight and makes the process very easy and the anti-jam system is fine.
- The gun fires brads efficiently at around 60 PSI.
- No issues have been reported yet.
2. NuMax SFR2190 Framing Nail Gun
If you’re looking for a nail gun with guaranteed long-term, efficient performance, look no further than NuMax SFR2190 Framing Nailer.
This nail gun is the excellent choice for homeowners and hardworking contractors alike. Weighing 8.6 pounds, you will be convinced that NuMax SFR2190 is really built for continuous usage.
The NuMax nail gun can hold up to 100 nails with a maximum measurement of 3 ½ inches. You can even adjust the allowable depth of the nails through a user-friendly depth adjustment button. Plus, NuMax nail gun also has an anti-dry mechanism which will activate whenever you’re running out of nails.
If you prefer to work without minor intrusions, you won’t be disappointed with the NuMax nail gun because of its 360-degree air exhaust system. You can even work efficiently because NuMax has a pre-installed NPT fitting system to allow additional air hose couplers.
Made of strong magnesium, the NuMax SFR2190 nail gun is real durable contender. It may seem heavy for first-time users, but you’d get the hang of it within just a few days of usage.
- The no-mark tip protects the surfaces from dents and damages. It also ensures a neat and professional finish.
- The air-tip keeps the dust particles away from the internal parts of the gun.
- Users report that they have fired up to 1000 brads with this gun and it does not jam.
- The NuMax nail gun feels a little heavier compared with other nail guns.
3. BOSTITCH Framing Nailer
The BOSTITCH Framing Nailer is an excellent tool that you can use for your next fencing project.
With up to seven years of limited warranty, you will feel safe using the BOSTITCH nail gun consistently. Other nailing guns on the market can only offer a warranty period of up to 1 year. And in terms of usefulness, the BOSTITCH framing nail gun leads the race.
Operating at around 80-120 PSI, the BOSTITCH nail gun can be a real performance beast. It also has a ¼ inch NPT air inlet built for air compressors. Plus, the machine has an adjustable rafter hook to guarantee ease of usage.
You can use 21-degree, 1 ½-3 1/2 inch nails – depending on your current project. With the BOSTITCH’s 1050-inch power capability, you can finish any project as soon as possible.
Despite its stellar performance, BOSTITCH’s magazine can only hold up to 60 brads. Don’t worry – the magazine makes up to this shortcoming by having a 16-inch layout indicator which will show you the exact distance between studs.
The BOSTITCH nail gun package comes with two quick-change nosepieces for general framing or metal connector applications. These accessories are very useful if you’re a contractor or you have multiple projects coming up.
- The framing tip is excellent for easy, consistent nailing.
- The positive placement features work great for nailing joist hangers.
- Users report that this is a very durable nailing gun and the 7-year warranty adds up to its value.
- It has a high noise level during operation.
- The low magazine storage can be off-putting for some users.
4. NuMax SFN64 Nail Gun with Tool-Free Depth Adjust
Are you looking for the best lightweight nail gun that delivers consistently excellent performance? In that case, the NuMax SFN64 nail gun is the best choice.
It weighs approximately 4.5 pounds and has numerous functions that can outperform other expensive nail guns. You can use the NuMax SFN64 for interior and exterior finishing, as well as cabinet and window projects.
The NuMax SFN64 uses 16-gauge nails that measure up to 2 ½ inches. Its depth adjustment system is useful for optimizing the outcome of any project.
Additionally, the quick jam function ensures 100% efficiency because it clears any instance of nail jamming.
The NuMax SFN64 has an operational power of 70-110 PSI and a decent magazine storage of up to 100 brads. Flexibility is another strong suit of NuMax SFN64 because of its highly ergonomic design and strong grip system.
The SFN64’s sequential firing mechanism is also a clear advantage because it allows you to fire one nail at a time. The gun’s air compressor fitting part is also attached, as well as the dust cap meant for ensuring the cleanliness of the machine.
- The gun is consistent with its adjustment system and pressure.
- The gun’s anti-jam system works properly.
- The trigger is easy to grip and move.
- The gun does not have a hook or sling, so you have to set the machine down whenever you need your hands for something else.
- The adjustability function is limited.
5. PORTER-CABLE Cordless Brad Nailer Kit
The Porter-Cable Cordless nailing gun is the best option if you’re after mobility and ease of access.
Powered by a lithium-ion battery, the Porter-Cable cordless nail gun eliminates common hassles and ensures that you can work with top speed. The cordless function is a real advantage because Porter-Cable weighs around 8.1 pounds – somehow heavier than common nail guns in the market today.
With a magazine storage of 100 brads, you don’t have to worry about delayed work due to reloading. The nail gun also uses nails that measure up to 2 inches.
For greater accuracy, you can rely on Porter-Cable’s sequential firing mechanism. Complementing that is the convenient trigger lock system and proper depth adjustment. The jam-release function will even guarantee non-stop work. This is perfect if you want to accomplish many projects within a few days. Once fully-charged, the Porter-Cable nail gun can fire up to 1300 nails.
If you prefer working at night, the Porter-Cable nail gun can help you with built-in LED lights.
- The battery-powered nail gun offers freedom from cords and air exhausts.
- The LED lights increase nailing accuracy. It also helps you work at night.
- The ergonomic design offers an excellent grip.
- There is a one-second delay when you pull the trigger and when the nail is driven.
- According to several users, the gun gets jammed whenever it’s used heavily and consistently.
- The battery is not that durable, unlike other batteries in the market.
6. Stanley TRE550Z Electric Staple Brad Nail Gun
Lightweight nail guns will always be popular because of their mobility. And in this case, the Stanley nail gun remains a top choice.
This lightweight electric nail gun comes with an 8-feet cord and a lifetime limited warranty for parts.
For general safety, you should use the Stanley nail gun on a single power source without sharing.
To compensate for such limitation, the Stanley nail gun’s magazine is easy to load and it has a convenient brad-empty indicator. Now, you don’t have to wonder if the magazine is still full or already near empty.
The Stanley can fire 18-gauge nails measuring from 5/8 to 1 inch. If you want to optimize output, feel free to adjust the Stanley nail gun’s power level.
- It comes with an attached cable so you don’t have to rely on compressors.
- It doesn’t leave marks when the tool is placed on any wooden surface.
- Many users think that this gun is a very good option for small and quick projects.
- The anti-jamming system does not work effectively and nails get jammed.
- Somehow, this nail gun is underpowered once compared side by side with other popular framing nailers.
- Overall, this machine is not a durable choice even if it’s near-lightweight.
7. Freeman Fencing Nailer
Meant for continuous heavy-duty work, the Freeman Fencing nail gun is an easy favorite among contractors. Still, you can use this tool for easy projects all around your home. The Freeman Fencing Nailer comes with a 7-year limited warranty on parts and labor.
The Freeman Fencing nail gun uses 15-degree nails with measurements ranging from 1 ¼ to 2 ½ inches. You can also use wire and plastic collated siding nails for specific projects.
With the Freeman’s unique design, it wouldn’t leave unwanted marks on any wooden surface that you’ve been working on.
The Freeman’s exhaust system can be adjusted freely up to 360 degrees. Plus, you can also rely on other useful options such as safety trigger lock, depth adjustment, comfortable & ergonomic grip, and a rather convenient belt hook.
- It has a slide-and-load magazine which enables the users to load nails quickly and efficiently.
- The transparent bucket for nails lets the user know how much nails are left in the magazine.
- When used against siding, the gun erratically fires multiple nails.
- Users report that the gun starts to leak oil after some time.
8. Hitachi Plastic Collated Nailing Gun
Fencing is really hard if you don’t have the right tool. Basically, the right tool offers a combination of reliability, usefulness, and durability.
The exclusive Hitachi Framing Nailer has all of these qualities and perhaps even more. Weighing approximately 10 pounds, the Hitachi nail gun is best suited for heavy-duty work.
Whether you’re a busy contractor or a homeowner who wants to build a new fence, the Hitachi Framing Nailer will do the job.
The Hitachi nail gun can drive plastic collated nails measuring 3 ½ inches at a pressure range of 70-120 PSI. You can even switch from bump and sequential firing, all the while controlling the depth of the nail release. Reloading is an easy process because the magazine is located at the rear point of the gun.
- The tool-less depth drive system eliminates the need to adjust the pressure at the compressor.
- The gun comes with safety glasses.
- Since this gun is heavy, the hook-less design makes it difficult to use when the user needs both hands on the material they are fencing.
- Some users report that Hitachi is sending factory reconditioned guns.
- The gun works very poorly when it comes to smaller diameter nails.
9. Paslode PowerMaster Pro Framing Nailer
Balanced and reliable – these are the best words that can describe the Paslode Framing nail gun.
Coming at a decent 8-lb weight, the Paslode nail gun is a ‘must-have’ in a handyman’s arsenal.
Capable of driving 3 ½-inch nails at 80-120 PSI, the Paslode nail gun can make quick work out of any fencing project. The magazine even has a convenient ruler to help you determine if you’re already running out of brads.
If you want to calibrate the performance of the Paslode nail gun, you can simply select from manual or sequential operation. The nail gun also allows you to set the depth release of the nails.
- The gun maintains fine balance while working.
- Users who have bought this gun rate it as ‘refurbished.’
- The maximum age of this gun is one year, and then problems might occur afterwards.
- The air-exhaust system doesn’t rotate.
10. Valu-Air 9021C Full Round Head Framing Nailer
The Valu-Air nail gun is the last item on this list but it’s definitely not the least. Roaring in with a standard weight of 14.5 pounds, you’d be convinced that the Valu-Air Framing Nail Gun is meant for heavy-duty fencing work. It does the job properly, but there’s no warranty included.
Made in aluminum, the Valu-Air nail gun can go side by side with the most mobile nailers in the market.
However, for that matter, this nail gun falls short on durability. Valu-Air can drive 21-degree nails with approximate size of 3 ½ inches. The magazine is located on the gun’s rear side, while the depth adjustment is tool-less. You can also alternate between single fire and bumper fire mechanism. Don’t worry about grip – Valu-Air is highly stable and ergonomic.
- The nail gun’s factory case is strong and durable.
- There is no proper anti-jamming system.
- The nailing mechanism is not consistent.
- Some users say that nails need to be hammered after being driven by this gun.
- The safety mechanism gets stuck and the last nails in the magazine do not eject upon reloading.
Tips On Buying the Best Nail Gun
After reviewing the top nail guns on this list, it’s important to analyze the key features as well as the related pros and cons. These factors will serve as your proper guides upon choosing the best nail gun for your next fencing project.
Here are some important bonus tips:
- Identify the main task – always buy a nail gun aligned to your project’s objective. Framing, finishing, and brad nail guns have different purposes. You must select the one that suits your project’s goal.
- Mind the power source – choose from air-powered or gas-powered nail guns according to your convenience. Air-powered nail guns need air-compressor to function, so you will have to deal with cords and extra parts. On the other hand, gas-powered nail guns work without the cords but they’re more expensive.
- Depth Tuning – select the nail gun that allows you to tune its depth capability (i.e. the depth to which the nail can reach upon release). This feature will give you the freedom to work on different surfaces.
- Exhaust and anti-jam system – the traditional nail guns can get jammed during operation, and air-powered nail guns emit air on their rear end. So, you must select a nail-gun that comes with a good anti-jam mechanism and a 360-degree air exhaust system.
- Design and durability – always select the nail gun that has a high level of durability. Also, you must consider the materials used in the nail gun to determine if it can withstand your continuous project. You should also check the overall design and ergonomic level of the machine for your own convenience.
Quick Safety Tips On Using Nail Guns
To ensure your safety, we’re highlighting some important measures that must be taken while working with nail guns:
- Get to know your gun – study its features, working capacity and its operating mechanism.
- Do not fall short on acquiring safety gear. You must wear the proper gear while you’re using a nail gun.
- FOCUS! Don’t take your eyes off from the surface you’re working on, and always inspect the surface so you can adjust the depth reach of your nail gun.
Conclusion
With the information presented on this list, you will be able to find the nail gun that’s worth your time. If you’re having doubts, just remember that a nail gun can help you save time and energy. Just follow all precautions and discussed points, and then you’re good to go!
| FEATURES | BRANDS | ||
| WEN | NuMax | BOSTITCH | |
| Magazine Capacity | 100 Nails | 100 Nails | 60 Nails |
| Framing Nailer | 3/4 to 2 Inch | 2 to 3-1/2 Inch | 1-1/2 to 3-1/2- Inch |
| Weight | 3 Pounds | 8.5 Pounds | 8.1 Pounds |
| Power Source | Air-powered | Air-powered | Air-powered |