If building projects are on your future home improvement agenda, you may want to consider investing in a nail gun. The many various makes and models of this power tool are extremely helpful in securing building materials, and can help you move through a job quickly and effectively. If you are looking to work with heavy, treated woods, and have quite a few nails to set, a framing nailer is the tool to use. Framing nailers are available in both cordless and pneumatic models, and are considered amongs the most durable of nail gun choices. The best framing nailer is the one that works for your own job, ad can both last, and be used as you need it.
5 Best Framing Nailer Comparisons
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Paslode Cordless XP Framing Nailer |
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NuMax 21 Degree Framing Nailer |
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DEWALT 20V Max XR Brushless Dual Speed Nailer |
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Bostitch Round Head Framing Nailer |
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Hitachi Cordless Framing Nailer |
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What a Nail Gun Can Do for You
Nail guns, also called nailers, are powerful tools that you can use to drive a series of nails into the materials you build with. By putting down the hammer and nail you free up a hand, and can use just one tool to get the majority of the work you need to be done completed. This allows you to work through jobs in a more efficient manner and speeds up the time it takes to get the job done. Since there are many different types of nailers specifically designed for certain job types- such as framing, roofing, and finishing, you want to pay particular attention to the type of gun you might need for the job you have in mind.
What is a Framing Nail Gun?
Framing nailers are made specifically to drive a larger diameter nail into heavier, harder treated woods. These are what help secure the frame of most building projects, as well as fencing and other structures that need a strong foundation. They are a strong tool, and can be used for other jobs, but work best with those woods that will not be marred, or split, by the strength of the drive these guns provide.
Types of Framing Nailers
Framing nailers are no one size fits all either. There are quite a few marked differences to consider surrounding how they are powered. Pneumatic guns use pressurized air, while cordless choices are either run through a rechargeable battery or gas combustible. Changes in technology through the years have provided a wider variety of choices, and you should pay particular attention to these details for both the amount of power behind the nail, as well as for personal preference.
Cordless Electric
Rechargeable, lithium-ion batteries are what power a cordless electric nailer. These generally have a significant amount of run time, and can quickly charge to keep you working through a job with efficiency. You also have had options surrounding larger batteries, as well as optional extra batteries for purchase to keep one on the charger while you work.
Cordless Fuel
A rechargeable battery and fuel canister work in tandem to create the combustible force to drive the nail in a cordless fuel nailer. These are very powerful choices, but not as widely available as their electric counterparts. They are great choices that allow you to work free from the constraints of an air hose and compressor without sacrificing power.
Pneumatic
Pneumatic nailers are the most commonly found and available in a wide variety of makes and models. These guns are connected to an air compressor via an air hose to provide pressure to drive the nail. These are very powerful and can be found in many professional, as well as home, settings.
How to Choose a Nail Gun for Framing
Obviously, your biggest choices surround the power available to the gun. Particular attention to reviews surrounding power availability is important when considering this detail.
What type of wood are you using?
There are many different types of wood you can use for the building, but for framing purposes, you will most likely have a durable, treated hardwood. If this is the types of boards you plan on working with, a framing nailer is more than capable of providing enough force to drive a nail into them. The strength of a framer can mar softer woods, which is why it is a good choice for non-visible surfaces.
How much word needs to be done?
A nail gun is a very useful tool and once you have one you may be inspired to use it regularly. The more users use any tool, the more wear and tear occurs. Look for a dependable and trusted brand and model that can work for the jobs you have in mind for it.
What other jobs do I have in mind?
How and where you use your nailer is important to consider. If you want to be free from constrictions and prefer portability, then a cordless option may be your best bet. However, you can find a wider variety of models in pneumatic choices- and so it is important to look over all of what is available to get what is best for you and of value for the money.
Top 5 Framing Nailer Reviews
The reviews below overview some of the best-rated nail gun for both professional and homeowners use. These are popular with consumers and are considered dependable and trustworthy.
Paslode Cordless XP Framing Nailer
- Firing Methods: sequential
- Power Type: Fuel + Battery
- Warranty: 90 days to 1 year extended
Paslode nail guns are a dependable tool made by a company with decades of experience. As an industry leader, you know you are getting a trustworthy model made for a heavy workload. The Cordless XP Framer is powered by combustion when the fuel canister and battery works to create a small explosive, driving force. The design is made to provide balance and reach to work in smaller areas, and as a cordless version, is highly portable.
With a 1 ½ hour run time, it also boasts a quick 2-minute recharge that gives you up to 200 more shots to finish up a job. Available to work through extreme weather conditions, this is a durable tool for just about any job you can throw at it and holds your materials in a secure manner.
Pros
- Little to no jams
- Easy to use and extremely durable
- Fast battery recharge
Cons
- Requires frequent loading
- 5000’ high altitude limitations
Pro Tip
This is a professional model tool that is counted on for jobs that require a stronghold. It may be a bit much for the occasional job, but if you work regularly with framing jobs, this is a tool worth taking a look at.
NuMax 21 Degree Framing Nailer
- Firing Method: single or full sequential
- Power type: Pneumatic
- Warranty: 1 year
NuMax is a popular brand for homeowners as it provides a strong, dependable tool for occasional to regular use. The dual single and sequential firing method choices the 21 Degree Framing Nailer offers combines with depth adjustment capabilities to make it a great choice for variable job tasks. The tool uses a 21 degree, flat head nailing your choice of 2 to 3.5 inches in length.
The model uses compressed air to build pressure and provide a consistent driving depth to the nail. This control allows you to complete a wide range of jobs with it without worry of marring the work surface. The 360-degree exhaust control helps keep it from your face while you work. Plus, an anti-dry fire activates with 5 nails left in the chamber to keep from damaging the work surface.
Pros
- Dual firing control is helpful
- Very well built and durable
- Solid performance with no misfires
Cons
- Heavy for its size
- Accuracy not as good as pro models
Pro Tip
This is a great nailer for heavy duty jobs, but also has the capabilities to complete various other jobs due to the depth control.
DEWALT 20V Max XR Brushless Dual Speed Nailer
- Firing Methods: contact and sequential
- Power Type: battery
- Warranty: 3 year
As a leading household name, DEWALT has been around as a trusted brand name for decades. It is a high end make that is created for both value and quality. The 20V Cordless Max XR is part of the MAX lithium ion battery series and is compatible with the rest of their cordless tool series. It is designed for heavy usage and can drive up to a 3.5-inch nail.
Dual speed control controls the depth of the nail, and you also are allowed your choice of contact or bump sequential nail firing. At only 7.7 lbs, this is a lightweight choice as far as battery operated tools go, allowing you less fatigue as you work.
Pros
- Nail depth control
- Choice of firing method
- Lightweight and balanced
Cons
- Battery difficult to remove
- May not be as strong as comparable models
Pro Tip
Made for heavy job loads, DEWALT is a great all around building tool that can also work with certain finishing jobs. It is a popular brand for both professional and homeowners alike.
Bostitch Round Head Framing Nailer
- Firing Methods: contact and sequential
- Power Type: Pneumatic
- Warranty: 7 year
Bostitch was created to be an exceptional product in relation to ‘stitching’ things together. Expert in building adherence, these are some of the best nail guns in the business. The Round Head Framing Nailer is an excellent home improvement choice due to its dependability and excellent overall value. With 1050 lbs of driving force, you also have the option of contact and sequential firing methods.
The gun supports 1.5 to 3.5 inches in length in order to meet a wide variety of job needs. Plus the nose piece can be changed out to create two nailers in one: one that can handle framing applications with woodworking, or metal applications. The rubber grip and integrated rubber skid pads also help keep from marking as you work.
Pros
- Powerful driving force
- A wide range of nail depths can be used
- Two in one design
Cons
- A bit top heavy
- May jam easily
Pro Tip
If you have been looking for a decent all-around choice, the features of this gun help create a good choice for these means.
Hitachi Cordless Framing Nailer
- Firing Methods: contact and sequential
- Power Type: Cordless Battery
- Warranty: 1 year
Hitachi is known for their powerful pneumatic nailers, and also have a wide range of cordless battery powered choices as well. These are long-lasting and heavy hitting, and this particular model can handle 400 nails before a quick recharge and can fire up to 2 nails a second due to a unique spring drive system. Nails up to 3.5 inches in length feed into s strip style magazine for accurate, precise placement.
With good balance, the 21-degree angle allows you to get into tight spaces, and with the ability to switch between contact and sequential firing methods, you have a lot of control. It also has a safety shut off to avoid dry firing.
Pros
- Works well in high altitudes
- Not temperature sensitive
- Powerful driving force for a cordless
Cons
- Must take care of the brand nail used
- A safety feature may leave up to 12 nails in the magazine
Pro Tip
Homeowners favorite, this is a great, compact choice that also carries a wonderful value.
Conclusion
When on the search for a framing nailer, whether for home or on the job, the Hitachi Cordless Framing Nailer is a very powerful, popular choice. The control you have over the nail depth and power keeps you working quickly and efficiently. It is also cordless and allows you to work without restrictions of air hoses or compressors. Battery charges quickly, and also allows for the option to have a separate battery charging while you work.
If you have any experience with any of the above framing nailers or a favorite not of our list, we’d love to hear from you below. And, as always, please share!