How to Use a Nail Gun: Types of Nail Guns and Safe Operation (2024)

Pneumatic nail guns make construction and woodworking projects easier as they allow workers to be much more productive. Professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike can benefit from using the proper nail gun for their construction jobs or woodworking projects. Our nail gun guide will help you choose the proper nail gun, load it properly, and outline safety precautions when using a nail gun. Here are details on eight of the most common types of pneumatic nailers:

Types of Nail Guns

When purchasing a nail gun, it can be overwhelming if you don't know what each type is used for. There's nothing worse than purchasing one and then finding out you need a different type for the project or job you are working on.

• Framing Nailers: A framing nailer is used for heavy-duty tasks, such as framing buildings and building decks and fences. They accept large nails and can quickly drive them into thick wood. You can also use framing nailers on sub-flooring and carpentry work.

• Finish Nailers: A finish nailer is smaller than a framing nailer. It is used for finer woodworking projects where you need a clean finish. They usually use 15 to 16-gauge nails and are best for installing molding, trim, baseboards, and for building cabinets, bookcases, and other woodworking projects.

• Brad Nailers: A brad nailer is similar to a finish nailer, except that it shoots smaller, thin nails: brads instead of finishing nails. Brad nailers typically use 18-gauge brads, which are thinner and not as likely to split the wood. They are used to build small wood projects, repair furniture, and to install delicate, decorative trim.

• Roofing Nailers: A roofing nailer is a specialized tool designed to nail down roof shingles, insulation boards and underlayment. They typically use coil roofing nails--nails coiled up in a roll--and can withstand the rigors of roofing work.

• Siding Nailers: A siding nailer is also a specialized nailer used to attach siding materials to a building's exterior. They handle nails that are long enough to secure the siding but not long enough to damage the underlying structures. They can be used to install wood, vinyl and cement board siding.

• Pin Nailers: A pin nailer is smallest of all pneumatic nail guns. It shoots super-thin 23-gauge headless nails, known as pins, which are used to attach thin, delicate wood strips and moldings, and for cabinetry work and craft projects. One big advantage of using a pin nailer is that the pins leave behind almost undetectable holes in the surface.

• Palm Nailers: A palm nailer is more compact than any other nailer. In fact, it fits right into the palm of your hand. It's used to drive nails in tight spaces where no framing nailer would fit, and in places where there's not enough room to swing a hammer. Palm nailers are also commonly used to install joist hangers and other metal framing connectors.

• Staple Gun: While a pneumatic stapler isn't technically a nail gun--it shoots staples, not nails--it is often grouped with nail guns. Staple guns are used for upholstery projects that require a wide fastener. They are also used for installing hardwood flooring, and to attach plywood backs to cabinets and bookcases.

To achieve professional results, you need the right nail gun. You may need more than one if you work on larger projects built with different sizes of lumber.

How to Choose a Nail Gun

Using the wrong nail gun can affect efficiency and the look of your project. When you know how to choose a nail gun, you'll save money and time. Even as a DIYer, you may need more than one type of nail gun, depending on the types of projects you work on.

If you are working on specialized projects, such as roofing or siding, you'll need a roofing or siding nailer. Otherwise, choose the nail gun you need for the type of project you are working on. If most of your work is building decks, ramps, fences and framing, you'll need a framing nailer. However, if most of your work is finishing work, such as trim work or cabinetry, a finish nailer is a better choice.

For small work, you should choose the brad nailer or pin nailer, depending on the size of your project. Some factors you should consider include:

• Nail length and gauge
• Power sources, including pneumatic, electric and cordless
• Safety features
• Budget
• Ergonomics and comfort, including the weight of the nail gun and the design

What is the Best Nail Gun for DIY Projects?

If you want only one nailer, consider the projects you work on the most. A brad nailer is very versatile and easy to use, but it's not good for larger projects. If most of your projects are smaller, such as trim work, installing baseboards or working on small woodworking projects, a brad nailer may be your best option.
If most of your projects use larger wood, such as building fences or decks, you're better off with a framing nailer.

What is the Most Commonly Used Nail Gun?

Brad nailers and framing nailers are the most commonly used nail guns. The brad nailer can handle many smaller projects and jobs, while the framing nailer handles larger jobs with larger lumber.

Because each nailer has a specific purpose and uses different sizes of nails, it's difficult to pinpoint the most common nailer. In the construction industry, framing nailers are more common due to the nature of the work. As a DIYer, the most commonly used nail gun is a brad nailer because of its versatility and ability to handle smaller jobs, such as installing trim or working on smaller woodworking projects. Professional cabinet-making shops favor finishing nailers.

Parts of a Nail Gun

The parts of a nail gun are similar for each nail gun except for staple guns. They have a swing-open latch to clear jammed nails, trigger lock-off for safety, magazine to load nails, trigger, handle, and contact trip that allows users to choose between sequential firing and bump firing. For safety's sake, the sequential firing mode is recommended. A battery-operated nail gun also has lights to show stalls and a low battery. Other parts of a nail gun are outlined in the photo below.

How to Load Nails in a Nail Gun

While loading nails in a nail gun is straightforward, you must follow the correct steps to ensure the operation of the gun is safe and efficient. Before starting, be sure to disconnect or unplug the nailer to prevent an accidental firing.

• Open the magazine using the release lever or button. It's usually near the base or side of the nail gun.
• Make sure you are using nails that are the correct size for the nail gun. If you are not sure, check the manufacturer's guidelines.
• Insert the nail strip or coil into the magazine. For strip nailers, line the nails up with the magazine track and make sure the nail heads are facing the right direction. For coil nailers, drop the coil into the drum.
• Secure the magazine by sliding or snapping it back into place. You should hear it click when it locks into place.
• Reconnect the nail gun to the air hose, plug it in, or reattach the battery.
• Test the nail gun on a scrap piece of wood to make sure the nails are feeding correctly.
• Adjust the depth setting, if necessary, to ensure the nails are driven flush with or below the surface.

Safety Precautions When Using Nail Guns

While using a nail gun can speed up your project, it's imperative that you prioritize safety to avoid injuries. Some of the safety precautions you should follow when using nail guns include:

• Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes. Often, nail guns will splinter wood, and the chips could fly into your eyes. They are also loud, especially pneumatic air guns, so always wear hearing protection. Finally, wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp nails and splinters.
• Always read the manual that comes with your nail gun to familiarize yourself with the nail gun. It will explain the specific functions and safety features.
• Before you start using the nail gun, even if it's brand new, inspect it for damage or wear. Make sure all parts are in working condition. Replace worn or damaged components.
• Make sure you use the correct nails to prevent jamming, misfires and other accidents that could cause injury. Using the incorrect nails can also damage the nail gun.
• Always clamp or securely hold the piece you are working on in place; otherwise, the nail gun could slip and cause injury.
• Keep your finger off the trigger until the nail gun is positioned where you want the nail. If your nail gun has a sequential firing mode, use that for safety. It requires you to press the safety before you can pull the trigger, which reduces the risk of an accidental discharge.
• Never point the nail gun at yourself or others, even if the power is disconnected or it is unloaded.
• Be sure no one is standing behind or beneath where you are firing nails into a surface.
• Always disconnect the nail gun from its power source when you are not using it, when clearing jams, loading nails or when you are maintaining it.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions to clear jams.
• Always store the nail gun in a secure place and keep it out of reach of children and those who are not trained to use it.
• Always unload a nail gun and disconnect the power supply before storing it.

When you follow these safety precautions, you significantly minimize the risk of injuries and accidents.

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