We researched the most popular nail guns available today, evaluating for ease of use, effectiveness, and value. Our favorite nail gun, the DEWALT DWFP12231 18-Gauge Brad Nailer, is durable, powerful, and versatile. Here are the best nail guns for DIYers. A good nail gun should be easy to use, long lasting, and drive a nail quickly and cleanly without any issues. To do this, the nail gun needs to have a tough build and options you can customize while working. The DEWALT DWFP12231 checks all these boxes, making it our top pick. The sturdy construction means this tool is going to last, while the rubber grip helps absorb shock and keep your hands comfortable, even during a long work session. This is a reasonably lightweight nail gun with a sequential-style trigger and rear exhaust vent that keeps dust and small particles away from you. This brad nailer runs off of a separate air compressor/hose and uses 18-gauge nails ranging from 5/8 to 2 inches in length. It has a 100-nail working capacity and a lot of options to customize how you use the tool. You can control the nail depth with a simple tool-free adjustment. When you aren’t using it, keep the tool hanging on your side with the included adjustable belt hook. Whether you need the tool for your job or for DIY projects done for your own enjoyment, this is the nail gun to choose. Price at time of publish: $90 This nail gun is designed for portability. In addition to the cordless design, the weight of the tool is centered near the handle, which can help reduce hand fatigue during long projects. The 100-nail magazine uses 18-gauge nails. Price at time of publish: $203 For additional comfort, the gun includes a rubber grip built right into the handle. The rubber absorbs the shock that courses up the nail gun with each shot, which can make using it a more comfortable experience. For the price, it’s hard to beat this sturdy and useful nail gun, which is well-suited to many common projects around the house or yard. Price at time of publish: $28 Connected to the air compressor of your choice, the gun has a working range of up to 120 psi. At max, the gun can deliver up to 1,050-inch-pounds of force using a 60-nail magazine. That might be more power than you need for smaller DIY projects, but it’s just what’s needed for major projects like framing a home addition or building a large deck. Price at time of publish: $269 Another professional feature this gun includes is a no-mar tip. When working on delicate surfaces, this tip prevents the gun from digging in and doing major damage; that’s a major plus when nailing into fragile materials such as decorative trims, baseboards, and various types of molding. Price at time of publish: $28 The set includes a handy canvas bag to keep all of the nailers together and easy to grab when needed, and you’ll likely be reaching for it frequently. The general-purpose and angler guns are useful for cabinetry, crown moldings, and baseboards. The crown stapler is a common tool for decorative projects like picture frames, trim, fabrics and other arts and crafts projects. Price at time of publish: $233 The air supply starts with a 150-max-psi 6-gallon tank. The air compressor pumps at a constant 100 psi. That means you should have enough power to drive nails and staples into most hard surfaces. Dial back the air pressure on the pump for less force when working with softer materials. Price at time of publish: $249 The compact, ergonomic design of the tool makes it comfortable to use for long sessions, even when working in tight quarters. The fasteners load easily into the bottom of the gun, and the device automatically sets itself for the fastener that’s been loaded. You can use this gun to shoot five different types of fasteners: heavy-duty T50 staples, light-duty JT21 staples, round crown T25 staples, 5/8-inch 18-gauge brads, and 5/8-inch 18-gauge pin nails. Price at time of publish: $50 Framing nail guns are the big boys of the group. These tools shoot framing nails—often called 16 penny nails—which are typically 3-1/2 inches in length and used for the toughest fastening jobs. This is the nail gun you want if you are adding a room onto your home, framing a deck or structure, or building a large fence. Finish nailers are useful for a variety of carpentry tasks, including the installation of baseboards or crown molding. These guns shoot 15-gauge or 16-gauge finish nails up to 2-1/2 inches in length. Brad nailers are the nail gun most commonly used by DIYers. Most shoot 18-gauge brad nails up to 2 inches in length. These are very versatile tools with a wide range of applications, including furniture building, light construction, and repair tasks around the home or yard. Pin nailers are used mostly for finishing furniture. These tools shoot small 23-gauge pin nails up to 2 inches in length. Roofing nailers are specialty nail guns used to nail down shingles, while flooring nails guns shoot nails used to hold wood flooring in place.
Power Source
There are two basic types of nail guns: those powered by air and those powered by electricity. Pneumatic or air-powered nail guns are the most powerful option. But you’ll be tethered to an air compressor while using the tool, meaning the length of the air hose determines your freedom of movement. Still, when it comes to driving the largest nails, these are the best option. Electric nail guns can be corded or cordless. Today, the majority of DIYers choose a cordless tool, which has enough power to handle the small-to-midsize nails used in most common DIY projects. As with any cordless tool, however, you’ll need to be aware of your battery life to avoid running out of power halfway through the job. A corded nail gun eliminates the problem, but you’ll be tethered to the nearest electrical outlet.
Firing Mechanism
Nail guns have two basic types of firing mechanism: contact or sequential. Contact, or bump contact firing means that as long as you have the nailer’s trigger depressed and touch the nose of the tool to the surface you’re working on, it will shoot a nail. That lets you move quickly from spot to spot without having to press and release the trigger over and over again. You gain speed with this type of nail gun, but lose a bit of safety. Sequential firing requires you to pull and release the trigger between every nail. This slows you down slightly, but is also a safer method, as the potential for accidentally firing a nail is greatly reduced.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article is written and updated by Michelle Ullman, the tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs.
Familiarize yourself with the proper use of the nail gun before using it. You should know how to load the tool, what safety features it possesses, and how to use it to drive nails correctly. Wear appropriate protective gear, including safety goggles, work gloves, and closed shoes. The most powerful nail guns are very loud, so you’ll also need ear muffs if working with a pneumatic or large battery-powered gun. Always turn the nail gun off and remove the battery before loading it with nails or working to remove a stuck nail. Turn the gun off and remove the battery once you are finished using it.Don’t carry the nail gun against your body.If possible, use the nail gun in sequential mode, not in bump mode. Sequential mode requires a two-step process to fire nails, adding a level of safety. Bump mode is admittedly faster, but unless you are a professional roofer or construction worker, you are unlikely to need excessive speed as you work. Never aim the nail gun at anyone else, and don’t shoot it if someone is behind the material you’re working on. It’s possible for a nail to shoot right through thin or soft materials, potentially striking someone on the other side. Use clamps, not your hands, to hold two pieces of wood together before using a nail gun to fasten them. Always keep your hands away from the front of the nail gun. Never shoot a nail gun near flammable or combustible materials. Move slowly and carefully while you work. Don’t back up while using a nail gun, lean far over in either direction, or nail something far above your head.
For this roundup, she considered dozens of nail guns, evaluating each for basic features, extras, and customer feedback, as well as advice from Michael DiMartino, Senior Vice President of Installations at Power Home Remodeling and Deane Biermeier, general contractor, carpenter, and member of The Spruce’s Home Improvement Review Board.
