Nail Gun Reviews - – Your Guide for Finding the Best Units
Are you in the market for a new nail gun? There’s many on the market like brad nailers so finding the right unit for your needs might seem as tough as hand-hammering a 12-inch spike nail. That’s true whether the nailer is for professional or DIY work. It’s a good idea to read nail gun reviews before you make your choice.
Picking a new nail gun can be super-challenging. There’s tons of options related to the unit’s quality, durability, convenience, ergonomics, and features. This can make it quite difficult to select the ideal model for your nailing jobs.
We totally and completely understand the situation. That’s why we’ve reviewed some of the top nail guns on the market. Our reviews are very detailed and objective so you’ll have all the info you need to pick the right unit whether it’s for light or heavy-duty nailing. This will help to make sure you’ll have the right tool for the right jobs.
Why is this critical? There’s tons of product reviews among the over 1.8 billion websites on the web. That said, the problem is many of them include little info about the products. This can make it difficult to differentiate between similar models on the market. That in turn can cause you to miss out on the best unit.
It’s just as important for reviews to be unbiased. Unfortunately many of today’s online “reviews” are actually sponsored ads for companies that help to keep the website up and running. In some cases this is very obvious but other times so-called reviews are actually promoting a particular nail gun maker/model.
Another big plus of our site is you won’t have to worry about fake reviews. Unfortunately some websites include customer reviews that are also promoting a particular brand. These can be tough to spot. However, if you know what to look for you can detect the phony reviews as fast as finding an orange nailer in your toolbox. Are you ready to start searching for your next nail gun?
902600 CF325Li Cordless Framing Nailer by Paslode
This cordless nailer found in nail gun reviews is from Paslode. It’s powered by a fuel cell instead of an air compressor so you can save money on your purchase. The 902600 is lightweight, portable, and very easy to use. It’s also durable with features like the nosepiece and sturdy belt hook/rafter that improve durability. The Paslode nailer can also drive a maximum of 6,000 nails on a single charge. The quick charge lets you drive a maximum of 200 nails. The unit is bundled with the nailer, battery, charger, safety goggles, hex wrench, and carrying case.
DWFP12231 Pneumatic Brad Nailer Kit (18 Gauge, 2-Inch) by DeWalt
This pneumatic nailer is among the top nail guns. It includes a durable oil-free motor to prevent the work surface from getting stained. The depth of drive can be adjusted tool-free and includes depths for setting nail heads. A jam release system is tool-free to easily remove nails. You can keep oil/debris away with the rear exhaust. The DeWalt nailer drives 18-gauge nails that range from 5/8-inch to 2-inch.
Hitachi NT65MA4 Angled Finish Nailer (15 Gauge, 1.25” to 2.5”) by Hitachi
This Hitachi nailer has a nose for easy jam-clearing while operating the Hitachi finish nailer. It weighs 4.2 pounds to help reduce arm fatigue and improve maneuverability. The magazine has a 34-degree angle so you can move it around tight corners and small spaces. A dial for depth-of-drive adjustment allows for flush fastening in various materials. The air duster removes dust/debris from your work station during nailing/gluing. An actuation switch provides switching between sequential/contact nailing by flipping the switch. Other features include no-mar-style tip to protect work surface and rubber grip for comfort.
RN46-1 Coil Roofing Nailer (0.75” to 1.75”) by Bostitch
This Bostitch roofing nailer drives nails ranging from 0.75” to 1.75”. A safety lockout feature prevents the unit from firing when the magazine is empty. Features include wear guards for body/magazine, depth control adjustability function, and side-loading. This durable nailer includes lightweight housing made of magnesium and carbide tips. The side-loading system makes the process fast and easy. A shingle guide offers fast single spacing. The RN46-1 is covered by a 7-year limited warranty.
Hitachi NP35A Pin Nailer (23-Gauge, 1-38-inch) by Hitachi
This Hitachi pin nailer has a big fastener capacity so you can reduce reloads/downtime. A reload indicator prevents dry firing and power tool damage. The magazine adjusts automatically to different fastener lengths for different materials. The dual trigger offers safe/precise fastener placement. Depth adjustment offers flush drivers for various surfaces. Fast jam clearing is done with the nose plate that’s removable. The work surface is protected by the big housing shield. Finally, rear exhaust keeps oil/debris off the work surface.
Let's Compare the Best Nail Gun
Detailed Comparison List
Product Name | Product Weight | Product Dimensions | Price | Total Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
902600 CF325Li Cordless Framing Nailer by Paslode | 7.5 pounds | 17 x 17 x 5 inches | ||
DWFP12231 Pneumatic Brad Nailer Kit (18 Gauge, 2-Inch) by DeWalt | 4.8 pounds | 13 x 3.7 x 13.1 inches | ||
Hitachi NT65MA4 Angled Finish Nailer (15 Gauge, 1.25” to 2.5”) by Hitachi | 4.2 pounds | 16.9 x 4.8 x 15 inches | ||
RN46-1 Coil Roofing Nailer (0.75” to 1.75”) by Bostitch | 4.9 pounds | 13 x 12 x 6 inches | ||
Hitachi NP35A Pin Nailer (23-Gauge, 1-38-inch) by Hitachi | 2 pounds | 12.8 x 11.8 x 4.5 inches |
902600 CF325Li Cordless Framing Nailer by Paslode
Short review
This nailer found in nail gun reviews is from Paslode. The company’s name is an acronym for PAcking Shipping LOading DEvices and was founded several decades ago in 1935. Paslode is headquartered in the US state of Illinois. The company manufactures tools for various markets including construction.
Paslode is now part of Illinois Tool Works (ITW). The company produces a wide range of products including staplers, nailers, and fasteners. Since its founding the company has focused on producing high-end fasteners/fastening tools. It’s resulted in many industry innovations.
The Paslode 902600 is lightweight so it helps to reduce arm fatigue. This is critical when you have to operate the unit for several hours. In that case it’s a plus when you don’t have to deal with a super-heavy nail gun. That in turn makes operators more productive since there’s less down-time recovering from arm strain.
Meanwhile, while the unit is lightweight it’s also durable. That’s due to parts like the sturdy rafter and nosepiece. This provides more durability when operating the nailer. It also reduces time and effort required to fix/replace those items, which in turn boosts the worker’s productivity.
The Paslode nailer also includes an adjustment of depth of drive than can be done on the fly. This increases productivity so you won’t have to make big adjustments during your projects.
This Paslode nail gun is powered with a lithium-ion battery. The unit drives a maximum of 6,000 nails per charge, which is 2x higher than other units. The quick charge feature juices up the nailer in 2 minutes and allows you to drive a maximum of 200 nails. The battery also holds charges 5x longer than other units.
These features of the 902600 offer many benefits. In particular it reduces how often you’ll have to charge the battery, which increases the efficiency of nailing tasks. That in turn allows you to complete tasks and projects faster. For example, the quick-charge feature allows you to complete small projects without waiting a full hour for the nailer to charge.
The 902600 includes everything you need to get started with nailing. They include the nail gun, lithium-ion battery/charger, hex wrench, safety glasses, and carrying case. This prevents the need to purchase the items separately.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
DWFP12231 Pneumatic Brad Nailer Kit (18 Gauge, 2-Inch) by DeWalt
Short review
Here’s one of the top nail guns from DeWalt. The US company produces various hand tools and power tools for industries like construction and manufacturing. DeWalt is a trade name of the company Black & Decker, which is under the umbrella Stanley Black & Decker.
DeWalt was founded nearly one century ago in 1924 and is headquartered in the US state of Maryland. The founder was Raymond E. DeWalt who invented a type of arm saw. The company was incorporated as DeWalt Inc. about seven decades ago in 1947. Black & Decker purchased the company in 1960.
The DeWalt DWFP12231 is a nailer kit. The unit includes many features including durability. The unit has a sturdy/lightweight design due to the magnesium body. This provides the best of both worlds since the housing is sturdy yet won’t feel like you’re lifting Thor’s hammer.
The motor is oil-free and maintenance-free so you won’t have to worry about oil stains on the work surface. This can be messy and difficult to clean up so it’s a plus you won’t have to deal with it.
In terms of convenience the unit includes two key features. They include mechanisms for depth-of-drive adjusting and jam release. This makes it easier to change the driving depth and remove jammed staples. Those processes take much more time on other nail guns.
This unit drives 18 gauge nails ranging from 5/8-inch to 2-inch. As a result the DWFP12231 offers more versatility for different nails and projects. The unit’s magazine has a 100 nail capacity so you’ll have to spend less time reloading the nail gun.
The DeWalt nailer also includes other features for comfort/convenience. The grip is non-slip due to the rubber covering. This will help to keep your hand on the trigger even if it’s tired/wet.
The nose tip is non-marring and can be removed for easy storage in your toolbox. This is a key feature since it makes it easier to store the nailer and also protects your work surface. The DWFP12231 helps to protect both investments.
The nail gun also includes a belt hook that’s adjustable. This helps to keep the power tool close to you while you’re operating it. Meanwhile, the DWFP12231 is bundled with the nail gun, owner’s manual, and carrying case. This provides everything you need to get started with your work.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Hitachi NT65MA4 Angled Finish Nailer (15 Gauge, 1.25” to 2.5”) by Hitachi
Short review
This finish nailer is from Hitachi. The company was founded 100+ years ago by a Japanese electrical engineer. Its name is made from two Japanese characters that mean “sun” and “rise.” Hitachi’s first product was an induction motor with 5 horsepower that was used for mining.
Today Hitachi is under the parent company Hitachi Group, which has 11 business segments. It’ been ranked as one of the top global companies by Fortune and Forbes. Hitachi is headquartered in Tokyo and had over 300,000 employees as of 2017.
The NT65MA4 provides many key features available for finish nailers. It’s durable and effective for various applications like chair rails, crown/base moldings, door/window casings, exterior trim, cabinets, and staircases. This offers more value since you can use the same tool for several different applications.
The NT65MA4 uses 15 gauge nails that range from 1.25-inch to 2.5-inch. It includes a magazine capacity of 100 nails so you won’t have to reload it as frequently as other nail guns. That in turn helps to save time and effort. Another plus is the magazine has an angle that makes it easier to work around sharp corners and tight spaces.
Another feature of the NT65MA4 is an exhaust that’s fully adjustable 360 degrees. This allows you to direct exhaust/oil/debris away from you, which can keep you more comfy.
You’ll have to add oil to the nailer sometimes to optimize operation. There’s some other routine maintenance needed, which is explained in the owner’s manual. It’s important to read it completely so you’ll know which type of maintenance is required.
The Hitachi nail gun also includes a convenient flip switch for selective actuation. This allows you to toggle between sequential/contact fastening. Sequential mode fires a nail each time you squeeze the trigger. Meanwhile, the contact mode fires a nail each time the unit’s nose touches the workpiece. A big plus is no extra tools/parts are required.
The unit’s air duster is a helpful feature. This allows you to expel air for clearing dust/debris from your work surface before nailing/gluing. You can also use the air duster for cleanup after you’re done your work. In both cases you can save time and effort since you won’t need a separate mini vacuum to clear your work area.
The NT65MA4 also includes adjustment for depth of drive that’s tool-free. This can be done using the non-slip grip trigger. You’ll need to make changes based on the air pressure needed and material’s density. When doing certain applications you’ll want control/consistency and this feature can help offer it.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
RN46-1 Coil Roofing Nailer (0.75” to 1.75”) by Bostitch
Short review
This Bostitch unit is found in various nail gun reviews. The company is the combination of the words “Boston” and “stitch.” The US company produces different products like nailers, staple guns, and riveters. Bostitch is under the parent company Stanley Black & Decker.
Bostitch was founded in 1986 by Thomas Briggs in the US state of Massachusetts. It was known as the Boston Wire Stitcher Company. Briggs had invented a new machine that used a coil of wire to stitch books. The company then expanded its products to various types of staplers. Bostitch is now headquartered in the New England state of Rhode Island.
The RN46-1 is a durable yet lightweight roofing nailer. It’s a good option for various applications like fiber cement, exterior drywall, roofing, and insulation board. The unit includes several features that make it a good option for various types of workers including roofers, buildings, construction workers, and DIYers.
The roofing nail is durable since it’s made of durable yet lightweight aluminum. This helps to reduce arm strain and make you more productive when doing roofing work. Other key features are the carbide insert and skid pads/wear guards to protect the nailer when working on rough surfaces.
This Bostitch nail gun is powerful and precise. It provides 410 inch/pounds of force. It can also fire up to 100 nails/minute due to the contact trip that fires nails each time the power tool’s nose contacts the work surface. This can help boost your productivity when doing big nailing jobs.
This mode makes the option a good option when working on big areas like roofs. Meanwhile, when you have to work on shingles the gauge that’s tool-less allows you to control spacing of shingles.
The magazine’s capacity of 120 coil nails helps to make your tasks more efficient. The unit works with nails that have a length from 0.75-inch to 1.75-inch. A safety feature is the lock-out system for zero nails. This helps to prevent dry firing and protect the nail gun. There’s also an indicator to inform you when it’s time to reload the magazine. This will boost your efficiency by reducing guesswork.
The process of loading is easy due to the side-loading canister. All you have to do is slide open the magazine door, add fresh coil of nails, then close the nailer’s magazine door. The process is fast and easy.
This Bostitch nailer provides comfort via the grip that’s over-molded. This makes it practical in various work and weather conditions. It’s especially important when doing various tasks indoors/outdoors. They include barrier insulation, exterior drywall, fiber cement siding, vinyl siding, composition roofing, etc.
A depth dial is used to change the depth of drive for the RN46-1. There’s 5 settings that allows you to tweak the driving depth for different tasks and applications. They include counter-sinking, shallow driving, and flush-mount driving.
The RN46-1 also includes a limited warranty that’s valid for 7 years. This helps to protect your investment.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Hitachi NP35A Pin Nailer (23-Gauge, 1-38-inch) by Hitachi
Short review
This pin nailer is from Hitachi. The company had a net income of over 231 billion YPY in 2017. It’s one of the world’s largest corporations and is headquartered in Tokyo. Hitachi s under the umbrella company Hitachi Group. It produces a wide range of products including nail guns and staple guns. The company was founded in 1910 and its first product was an induction motor. Hitachi quickly became Japan’s top producer of electric motors.
The Hitachi NP35A can be used by professionals, homeowners, and craftspeople that are looking for a small and effective fastener. It’s a good option for various applications. They include molding trim work, paneling, cabinetry, picture frames, glazed head, and tacking. You can basically use this item for any finishing tasks in which you want to avoid splitting delicate wood and adding some putty.
The NP35A has a rear exhaust portal. It helps to prevent dirt/debris/oil from contacting the work surface. This helps to make your workspace tidier and your tasks more efficient.
The depth adjustment can be done easily with the hex tool that’s bundled with the nailer. It’s stored on the magazine’s side. This allows you to drive nails into different materials like softwoods and hardwoods. It provides more versatility since you can use the same powered nailer for different types of materials.
The process is very easy. Various factors include the no-mar tip and pound-force/sq. in. (psi) pressure. This will help to drive pins at the exact depths you want. Speaking of the non-marring tips the unit is bundled with two. One is installed on the nailer and the other is stored at the handle’s base.
These tips are important for protecting materials including soft woods. You can safeguard workpieces from scratching, marring, and denting. Another key feature is a big plastic shield wraps around the unit’s body to safeguard it. This prevents the nailer from the unit causing a mark by hitting the workpiece.
The NP35A works with nails ranging from 5/8” to 1-3/8”. This provides more versatility so you can use the same pin nailer for various tasks and applications. Yet another key feature is the reload indicator on the magazine. It has a high capacity of 100 pins so you can reduce re-loads and downtime. This orange indicator shows when there’s a low quantity of nails to prevent dry firing.
A key safety feature is the dual trigger. This provides safe/precise fastener placement. One key safety issue involving nailers/staplers is preventing the accidental firing of fasteners. This is critical to prevent accidents whenever possible.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
VALUE SECTION
Top Benefits of Nail Gun Reviews
Are you in the market for a new nail gun? If so then it’s important to read reviews of the top nail guns. Here are some of the top benefits you can get:
Specifications
There’s tons of different tech specs to consider when searching for a new nail gun. How many amps does it produce? What’s the weight/dimensions of the unit? Is it powered by air, battery, or e-cord? These are some of the many issues to take up in order to help you pick the nailer for your work or home needs.
Comparisons
Before you purchase a new nail gun it’s good to do comparisons of similar items. Reviews are a great option. They can help you easily compare/contrast 5-10 nail guns whether it’s for roofing, siding, woodwork, and so on. This will make it easier to narrow down your choice to a particular unit that has everything you need.
Amazon in particular has been game-changing in making suggestions for products that are like the ones you’ve been browsing. This artificial intelligence (AI) makes the process of finding a new nail gun easier since the e-commerce site itself helps to guide you in the process of selecting a brand new nailer.
Savings
This is certainly one of the top benefits of reading reviews before selecting a new nail gun. There’s various ways you can save money. The most obvious one is it’s easier to compare prices of similar models. If you’re looking for a brad nail gun, for example, it’s a lot easier to do price comparisons by reading reviews since they’ll likely include the retail prices of each item reviewed.
Another way to save money is you can purchase a nail gun model that has everything you’re looking for. What’s the big deal? If you pick a unit with features you don’t really need you’ll be spending extra money. Most of us don’t have money to burn so it’s wise to select a nailer with the price/features you’re looking for.
There’s also an X-factor to consider. Power tools like nail guns are relatively heavy compared to nails. Sometimes an e-commerce site will cover the costs of returns whether it’s for repairs, refunds, etc. However, in other cases these costs aren’t covered. If that’s the case then you could end up spending a small fortune in out-of-pocket shipping costs even if you get a refund.
Objectivity
Is this always provided by reviews of nail guns? Unfortunately that’s not the case but it’s still something you should look for when reading reviews. Sometimes reviews might seem to be fair and unbiased but they’re actually plugs for a particular brand/model of a nail gun.
The good news is there are different ways to determine how objective a review is. If the unit is listed as a sponsored ad on the website then there’s a 99.9% chance the review will be totally positive. This is one of the most obvious red flags that a review isn’t unbiased.
However, there’s more subtle ways websites actually promote a nail gun through so-called reviews. In fact, even customer reviews can be created by companies and sites that want to give positive feedback for a company that’s helping them pay their bills.
Features
When searching for a nail gun you might be looking for certain features. They include:
· High-capacity magazine
· Trigger lock
· Exhaust portal
· Magazine window/indicator
· Tool-less jam clearing
· Depth-of-drive dial
· Nail gun accessories
· Specific fastener lengths
These are some of the many features available for nail gun units. Reviews can help you determine which unit has all the features you want and need. It’s especially important when you want to avoid the hassles of finding out after placing an order that a particular model doesn’t have the features you need. Reading some reviews before you make that mistake can help to avoid such situations.
Professional Advice
A good mix of reviews you read should include professional and customer reviews. On one hand it’s a plus when you read reviews from consumers who have purchased and used the product. However, it’s also helpful to read ones from industry professionals. They can provide input based on their know-how and expertise in the industry, which will be different from feedback by DIYers. It’s like the difference of reading movie reviews from professional critics and average moviegoers.
Availability
One big benefit of reading reviews is they’re so easy to find. For example, you can find tons of sites among the 4.5+ billion web pages on the Internet that includes reviews. There’s a caveat. You should still consider the quality of the reviews since not all of them are detailed/unbiased. However, websites like ours focus to provide high-quality reviews with all the information you need to choose wisely.
One benefit of online reviews is they’re very accessible. You can use various devices like PC/Mac and smartphone/tablet to learn about a particular type of nail gun you’re searching for. Even when you’re on the go a mobile device and web connectivity is all you need to read reviews like ours that provide all the info you need before picking a new nailer.
Customer Reviews
When reading them it’s important to make sure they’re not fake reviews. Unfortunately some sites pad their customer reviews with positive feedback to help boost sales. This can be tough to detect. Make sure to learn the warning signs that reviews are actually promotions.
Meanwhile, verified customer reviews can still provide benefits for consumers and businesses. The main one for customers is you’ll learn about the experiences of people who actually used a particular nail gun. It’s one thing to read this and that about a model but it’s quite another thing to get feedback from someone who has operated the power tool.
When reading customer reviews it’s important to make sure they’re verified reviewers. This will help to reduce the chance that you’re reading fake reviews. You should also read multiple reviews to get a more comprehensive picture about people’s experiences. For example, if you read 3 reviews a majority of them will be positive/negative so you’ll have better guidance.
Key Features of Nail Gun Reviews
When reading nailer reviews here are some of the key features of top nail guns:
Warranty
Make sure to check out whether or not a particular nailer brad includes a warranty. If so you should consider what it covers and how long it’s valid. For example, companies often offer limited warranties for power tools due to the amount of wear and tear they experience. If that’s the case then make sure to find out what it does and doesn’t cover.
How long is the warranty valid? This is another critical issue to consider to learn about different models. Sometimes they’re good for 1 or 5 years, for example. Other times you can find forever/lifetime warranties that are good for the entire time you own the power tool.
You should also research if a particular model includes a money-back guarantee. This gives you a way to get a full refund up to a full month after purchasing the nail gun, for example.
Corded/Cordless
This is related to the nailer’s power source. Corded units include air/e-cord-powered units. The main benefit of this option is you’ll have a steady supply of power as long as you have access to an electrical outlet or air compressor.
On the other hand, this can also result in unwanted issues. Pneumatic nailers are heavier than electricity-powered units. There’s also the issue of watching out for hoses/cords while operating corded nail guns. This can cause a lot of hassles and reduce your productivity.
Power Source
The main power sources for nailer guns are pneumatic (air powered) and electric powered. Units powered by electricity include power from batteries or electrical cords. When reading product reviews this is one of the most important issues to consider.
What else should you search for? Check for specifics about the unit’s power source. What psi range is required for air compressor-powered units? Is the battery-powered unit juiced up with an li-ion battery or other type? How many amps does the motor produce? These are things to look for when comparing products via reviews.
Weight/Size
When reading product reviews make sure to look for a unit’s weight and dimensions. Here’s why. Sometimes units look smaller/lighter in photos/videos than they actually are in real life. Meanwhile, if you learn the actual weight/dimensions you’ll know exactly how large and heavy a particular nailer is.
A key issue to take up is power vs. portability. If you’re doing heavy-duty nailing then you probably won’t want a small/compact unit. Meanwhile, if you’re just doing light-duty nailing you likely won’t want to lug around a super-heavy pneumatic nailer. When sifting through reviews make sure to think about the applications you’ll be using the nailer for.
Price
The price of the model can vary based on different factors. Is it powered by air pressure, battery pack, or electrical cord? Which features does the unit have? Does it include a forever/lifetime warranty? These are some of the many factors that can affect the price tag of a nailer.
A review should certainly include the retail price of the nailer. You can sometimes find discounts at e-commerce sites like Amazon. Another way to save money is through programs like Amazon Prime, which can offer free shipping. That can help to reduce the overall investment you make.
Magazine
A good review will include some important details about the magazine. What material is it made of? Is it angled? What types/lengths of nails can be used in the magazine? Does the unit include side/rear loading?
One of the most important factors is the nail capacity of the magazine. this is critical since it affects how often you’ll have to reload the unit. If the nailer has a small-capacity magazine you’ll need to spend more time reloading the unit more often. That will slow down your momentum and have a negative effect on your productivity.
What capacity should you look for? As a general rule the unit should have a 100+ capacity. If it can hold 200+ nails then it’s even better since save more time and effort. In the case you have big nailing jobs then big magazine capacities are especially critical so you can reduce your down-time.
Actuation Switch
This is often located around the trigger. It gives you the ability to toggle between single and continuous firing of nails. Sequential mode allows you to fire a nail by simply contacting your workpiece with the unit’s nose. This is a great option if you want to fire nails faster and more efficiently.
Nails/Charge
A key matter is how many nails you can fire via a single charge of a battery powered-nailer. Look for units that can fire thousands of nails like 6000, for example. When you can reduce down-time juicing up your power tool’s battery it boosts your productivity and makes it easier to complete your jobs/tasks faster.
You can even find some battery-powered units with a quick-charge function. This allows you to complete short charges in a few minutes that can fire about 200 nails or so. When you have to finish up a job or start/finish a small job this is a must-have feature.
Jam-clearing
There’s no question this is one of the most important features to look for. There’s many systems including a quick-release feature that lets you access the nailer’s nose faster. Even the most reliable units will jam sometimes.
The key is to have access to a system that gives you quick access to the nail gun’s nose. It’s a better option than using 3 tools to extract nails stuck in the power tool. The best systems don’t require any extra tools so you can quickly/easily remove the metal fasteners.
Ergonomics
In terms of comfort this is one of the most important issues that should be detailed in a nailer review. It starts with basics like the unit’s weight/size. Then there’s other factors like non-slip grip that prevents your hand from sliding off. Whenever possible try to test the nail in real life so you can determine whether or not the ergonomics suit your needs. This is especially critical if you’ll be using the powered nailer for several hours or a whole workday.
Depth of Drive
A review should list the way the unit’s depth of drive is adjusted. The best option is a tool-less option e.g. dial that makes the process faster. You’ll want different penetration depths based on the nails you’re using and projects you’re completing. A dial makes the process faster and easier.
Air Duster
If you want a nailer with tons of bells & whistles this is one to look for in a review. It’s quite rare compared to other features that are often found on units. What’s it all about? This unit clears the air, which can include fumes, dust, condensation, and debris. It provides a better view of the workpiece, which improves your nailing.
You can even use the air duster when you’re done your work. Instead of using a separate mini vacuum you can switch on the air duster to clean up your workspace quickly and efficiently.
Kit Contents
If a product is a nail gun kit a review should list the items that are included in the kit. Besides the nailer itself possible items include battery/charger, hex tool, safety glasses, instructions, carrying case, belt hook, and even nails. If you’re buying your first nail gun you should definitely consider a kit since it will include extra perks that can get you started.
Exhaust Portal
This keeps oil, condensation, etc. away from you while operating the unit. Look for exhaust portals with 360-degree adjustments so you can easily steer nasty air away from your work surface. That in turn will boost your efficiency since you’ll be more comfy.
Motor/Power
When reading reviews check for the amount of power the motor produces in terms of volts/watts. Another key issue is how easy the motor is to maintain. Some require a few drops of oil each time you use the unit while others are oil-free. A big drawback of oil is it can cause your workpiece to be stained, which is certainly a situation you’ll want to avoid.
Housing
Look for materials that are durable and lightweight to provide the best of both features. It’s important for your power tool to have high-end durability. That said, it shouldn’t feel like you’re carrying around a super-heavy power tool.
You should also look for extra protection like wear guards. These are available for the body as well as parts like the magazine. They help to reduce damage to the unit when it contacts the work surface.
Safety Features
When operating a power tool it’s critical to put safety first. What should you look for in a review? One of the most important safety features is a dual trigger to provide safe firing of fasteners. You should also look for trigger locks that prevent the nail gun from firing when it’s stored. Some nail gun kits also include safety goggles to protect your face when operating the powered nailer.
Brand
There’s many brands to pick from when selecting a nail gun but some are better than others. Some industry leaders include Bostitch, DeWalt, Paslode, and Hitachi. These are established brands that have existed for several decades or even 100+ years. When reading nailer reviews make sure to look for ones that include these brands.
How about startup companies or off brands? If you consider models from these brands it could be a big gamble. You can find lower prices but it’s not really worthwhile if it means you’ll be getting lower quality products/service.
CONCLUSION
We’ve just reviewed some of the top nail guns on the market. They each have tons of features and perks but which one is the best overall choice? It’s a tough call since all of the units we reviewed are high-quality units.
That said, we’re ready to award a Gold Medal to our pick for the best overall nailer: PDWFP12231 Pneumatic Brad Nailer Kit (18 Gauge, 2-Inch) by DeWalt. This company like many of the other competitors has been producing tools for several decades. In fact, the company will be celebrating its centennial anniversary in 2024. This gives it tons of expertise and experience producing power tools like nail guns.
The air-powered brad nailer offers tons of power for your nailing needs. You can even use a wide range of 18 gauge nails up to 2-inches long. A key feature is the adjustment for depth of drive is tool-free. This allows you to easily fire different kinds of nails from the unit. You also won’t need a tool to remove jammed nails from the DeWalt nailer’s nose, which is another perk.
This unit is also durable. It includes a study yet lightweight design including a motor that’s maintenance-free. Other features include a 100 nail capacity, sequential mode, rubber grip, and no-mar tip. These are all features that add value to the DeWalt nailer.
This is also a kit found in nail gun reviews so you won’t just get the nailer itself. The product includes a belt hook, 500 nails, and carrying case. This DeWalt pneumatic nailer isn’t just a lot of hot air!