Written by, Jalluri
Updated July, 27, 2023
You need to know about the best nail guns on the market
In case you’re a DIY wannabe or you’re still finding your way with tools such as the ones we have talked about, you may want to read which things are important to consider before buying a framing nailer. Without further ado, we invite you to read our framing nailer buying guide.
As you may assume, not all framing nailers are the same. Based on their energy source, they’re divided into two main categories – pneumatic and cordless. The latter has an electric/battery-powered motor.
First of all, pneumatic nail guns are powered by air; thus, an air compressor has to be carried around while you work. Pneumatic nailers are a traditional solution, and probably the most efficient but cordless and electric nail guns are more practical. Hence, this is the main advantage of an electric framing nailer over the pneumatic type. If we take the fact that cordless nailers require less preparation time, we may conclude that both types have their own perks and benefits.
Another important division among framing nailers is based on the trigger type. Framing nailers usually have two trigger options – singular vs. multiple. The multiple trigger type is also known as the contact trigger or ‘bump fire’. While this mode is active, the trigger can be held continuously and the nails will fire when the nail gun touches the element (usually wood).
On the other hand, the singular or the sequential mode is quite safer because it requires the contact element to be depressed and the trigger pulled in order for the nail gun to fire. Each next shot urges you to depress the trigger and then press it once again. The bump mode is quite faster, but we’ll advise you to go with the sequential since it’s a lot safer.
This feature shows great variety, depending on the manufacturer. It basically determines whether a framing nailer will drive the nail into the wood close to the surface or go deeper. Depth adjustment used to be set with wrenches but modern models enabled all craftsmen to adjust the depth with a simple push of a button.
The majority of the best framing nailer models on our list have this feature. Others may have a removable tip. Of course, before you try to adjust the depth of nail driving, make sure you follow all the safety precautions such as reading the manual thoroughly.
According to the magazine type, nailers are divided into coil-style framing nailers and strip-style nail guns. Coil-style nailers can hold more nails while strip-style nail guns provide the unit with greater balance. To summarize, it’s a matter of personal preference and whichever you choose won’t make too much of a difference regarding the performance of the framing nailer.
Another aspect you have to check before purchasing a framing nailer is the nail capacity. If you like to do things fast and at one-go, you should choose a nail gun that has a higher capacity. In our reviews, there are different capacities to choose from, from 40 to 110, and a lot of options in between.
As you would assume, with lighter weight comes better balance which is an important feature when deciding on the best framing nailer. Cordless nailers are lightweight and easier to use and enable better maneuverability.
However, since pneumatic nail guns are more efficient, manufacturers are often trying to eliminate the heavy-weight issue by attaching an air compressor or installing an air-supply system directly into the unit. Moreover, overhead work or working for hours may demand a lightweight framing nailer. All in all, make sure that you double-check the product’s weight to avoid encountering an unpleasant surprise the first time you pick it up.
As a consequence of searching for the best framing nailer, 2018 has witnessed some contrary opinions. These dissensions are particularly present among craftsmen in all industries. To be honest, each framing nailer has its own advantages over the next one.
Therefore, if you’re looking for the best framing nailer, picking one according to your needs would be the right choice. With that in mind, every item out of these 16 will prove to be a good value purchase, even if you’re a beginner at this particular craftsmanship.
The first product we’re going to present is this excellent Hitachi framing nailer. This item is one of the lightest nail guns on our list which enables you better balance and maneuverability. You’ll rarely find an efficient model for both professional and home use but this product proves otherwise. Moreover, this product has a nail capacity between 64 and 70 which is quite generous from Hitachi.
The nail driving speed of 3 nails per second will allow you quick driving and an even faster response time. Even though it’s a pneumatic framing nailer, it’s quite compact due to its ergonomic design and the fact that it doesn’t weigh too much. Furthermore, this device comes with an eye protector which is a nice asset to have. All in all, we consider this model to be a great value purchase.
The next item on our list is another pneumatic nailer that doesn’t suffer on the practicality part since it weighs only 4.5 pounds. However, the practicality and compactness of this item are not the only benefits it has to offer. If you’re a DIY craftsman, you probably hate the air exhaust going straight at you. Well, SFN64 from NuMax has an adjustable exhaust system that directs the air to the other side, lessening its influence on you.
When you take everything we said so far into consideration, you would expect a high price tag. On the contrary – this model’s price tag is one of its main advantages. To summarize, this is the best choice if you’re looking for an affordable and compact straight finish nailer for decorative and trim works around the house.
The third item that has deserved its place on our framing nailer reviews list is Senco’s FN65DA Fusion framing nailer. Coming from a renowned brand as Senco, it was expected that this model will be a bit expensive. However, this framing nailer’s features justify its price tag. Since the device is powered by a rapid charge 18v Li-Ion battery, you’ll save around $300 each year for not having to buy any fuel cells.
Moreover, this model has the strength of a pneumatic nailer with the compactness of a cordless one. Furthermore, this model has an amazing nail capacity of 110 nails which helps you save on the tool preparation time significantly. Besides our professional opinion that this is possibly the best framing nailer, Popular Mechanics reviews agree that this model must be taken into serious consideration.
People from Hitachi have taken care of the compactness by solving some of the previous models’ portability issues. Namely, the 3.0Ah Lithium-Ion battery is 0.75 inches shorter and 0.6 lbs lighter than a regular 3.0Ah battery. Moreover, it drives up to 400 nails per charge which allows you to use this nailer at one-go even if you’re working on a serious woodworking project. According to many framing nailer reviews, fine homebuilding is where this nail gun shows its impeccable features.
This product has two firing modes – sequential and bump mode – and drives up to 2 nails per second. Its air spring drive system enables it to penetrate even through the toughest materials. All in all, when we consider the quality of features this cordless framing nailer has to offer, we must agree that this model is a good value purchase.
The next item on our list has deserved its place by being the best coil framing nailer on the market. We understand that there are more expensive coil nailers with better specifications on the market, but this model provides the best price-value ratio. What separates it from the competition is the depth adjustment feature.
Namely, it has a patented button enabling you to set the nail drive to desired depths instantaneously. Being a pneumatic coil framing nailer, you wouldn’t expect it to be that light – the tool weighs only 8.1 lbs. Furthermore, the magnesium casing enables high durability and compactness. If you’re looking to purchase this framing nailer, Home Depot is one of the possible locations to find it. However, it’s also sold on Amazon, eBay, and other web stores.
Next on our list is this excellent Freeman model. This is quite evident from its Amazon reviews, 80% of which are 5/5 star reviews. It is a 21-degree framing nailer that’s air-powered, weighs 8.5 pounds, and it’s crafted using a combination of high-quality materials.
The main body of this Freeman framing nailer is crafted from die-cast magnesium that provides durability and strength. It makes the nailer seem much more premium than it really is. The driver blade is made from steel, the cylinder from anodized aluminum, and oil-less Teflon was used for its o-rings. Additionally, it has changeable triggers which can enable single or contact firing. Nails can vary in size from 2 to 3-1/2 inches. A 360-degree exhaust has an air filter and an anti-dust cap. All of this, along with adjustable depth, make the PFR2190 suitable for a variety of common uses and a great value purchase.
We’ll start this Milwaukee framing nailer review by stating a couple of its features which made us place it on our list of 16 best framing nailers. Firstly, we must point out to the fact that this device is quite reasonably priced when compared to its competitors. After that, it must be mentioned that it has magnesium housing which enables great durability. Finally, this device has several features making it the best user-friendly model on our list.
From the exhaust direction system and a self-cleaning air filter to the precise depth control feature which reduces overdriving nails. Moreover, all of the other features are what you’d expect from a high-quality framing nailer. Taking everything into consideration, this model provides an all-around quality performance and it’s deemed to be a great value for the money.
If we go two years back in our search for the best cordless framing nailer, 2016 reviews have unanimously proclaimed this model the best in its category. This Paslode framing nailer has been this manufacturer’s production peak and you’ll soon realize why. First of all, it can work at really low temperatures (as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit).
In addition, this device has 15% more power than the previous model from Paslode. Finally, the most amazing feature is that it can drive up to 9,000 nails per single charge. To complete the package, it weighs only 7.2 lbs, so we may conclude alongside other great features, this model is extremely user-friendly. Taking everything we said into consideration, it becomes clear that this item is one of the best framing nailers on our list. Finally, you can get this item at a bargain price by using one of Lowe’s coupons.
Similar to some of our previously reviewed items, the housing of this 8.1 pound Bostitch framing nailer is made from lightweight magnesium. In many ways, a perfect material for this type of tool, but in this case, it makes priced slightly above average. Bostitch markets this as a 2-in-1 nailer because it has two quick-change nose pieces, allowing it converts from a framing tool to a metal connector. The trigger can be sequential or bump-activated.
Features of its compressor include fastener collation and fastener depth control. With a driving power of 1,050 inch-pounds, it packs the greatest amount of power compared to its weight in its price class. A wide range of nail lengths is supported, 1-1/2-inch to 3-1/2-inch nails. You’ll get the standard 7-year limited warranty with it. Being good enough for professional use makes it a little expensive but in our opinion worth the extra money.
It can be used to frame floors and walls, build windows and trusses, construct subflooring and roof decking, sheath walls and construct full mobile or modular houses. Features include an open nose design, a 2-piece steel magazine, and a strong toenail push lever. What you’ll also get is selective actuation that allows single actuation or contact actuation. Overall, we must proclaim this model as a good value purchase.
It can be used to frame floors and walls, build windows and trusses, construct subflooring and roof decking, sheath walls and construct full mobile or modular houses. Features include an open nose design, a 2-piece steel magazine, and a strong toenail push lever. What you’ll also get is selective actuation that allows single actuation or contact actuation. Overall, we must proclaim this model as a good value purchase.
Being one of the cheaper, and also, at 7.3 pounds, one of the lightest models on our list, this Porter cable framing nailer is a great deal. It’s an ergonomic, easy-to-use, air-powered model and a strong contender for the best model for DIY use on our list. Moreover, it’s powerful enough to drive nails up to the size of 3-1/2-inch by 0.131-inch into the engineered wood.
Trigger lockout enables you to restrict or contact actuation. Since it has a full round head with a 22-degree magazine, 22-degree plastic collated nails are needed. Another useful feature is a low nail lockout indicator that tells you when to reload the tool. Probably not a dealbreaker for anyone, but note that it doesn’t come with a case.
The Dewalt framing nailer isn’t air-powered. Instead, it has a powerful 20V brushless electric motor strong enough to drive 2 inches to 3-1/2 inches long nails. One non-standard 20V battery is required, which means it is cordless. This and its low weight, at 7.7 pounds, allow you to have amazing maneuverability. It can operate in two modes. If you want to be more precise, use the sequential mode, or switch to bump mode if you want to work more quickly.
You’ll also get two-speed options so you can use different nail lengths. Moreover, the top cap is removable and impact resistant. Also, the nose cap is easily accessible if you need to remove a jammed nail. Its price puts it more in the pro selection, but you can get it even if you’re an amateur because the cordless design is very easy to use. It’s a bit expensive and if you can’t afford to buy it from the official website, you may want to use one of the eBay coupon codes.
Coming up next on our list is another air-powered Senco framing nailer that’s on the cheaper side for a pro model. It’s also a bit heavier, weighing a full 9 pounds, but still quite compact. A soft-grip handle makes it easy to use and handle. Adjustable drive depth and exhaust enable you precision nailing.
Another feature is a short, straight, 30-degree easy to load magazine that allows you a better line of sight and greater movability, in comparison with larger nailers. This doesn’t come at the expense of power, which tops at 884 inches/pounds. You can use this tool for making fences, frames, decks, subfloors, and trusses. Note that it comes with a 1-year warranty, one of the shortest of the reviewed items. Not many users have had issues with this model which makes it a solid purchase
The Ridgid R350RHE round-headed framing nailer features a motor in a magnesium housing that’s 16% lighter and 22% more compact than previous models. Weighing only 7 pounds, it’s the lightest weight tool in its class. But don’t let this fool you, as it packs a full strike drive system capable of driving 3-1/2 in long x 0.162 in nails. Advanced features like dry fire lockout prevent empty drives and extend the tool life.
An ergonomic rubber handle grip and trigger help make this a very comfortable tool. It has an internal piston catch that enables consistency of driving power. As with most other models, you can choose between sequential or contact actuation modes. A unique feature is its magazine which uses a rear-loading design. This bypasses the pusher for simpler 2-step reloading. If you want to purchase this framing nailer, Harbor Freight probably has it in stock.
The next item on our list is a 3 in 1 air-powered framing nailer from Central Pneumatic. Even though this brand is not a household name, this device has shown it could be competitive even with the best framing nailers on the market. A minor issue with this model may occur if you’re not used to working long hours with a framing nailer.
It’s a bit bulky but that’s the price you should be willing to pay for getting a strong performance from a quality framing nailer. Since it’s an older model, if you’re looking to purchase this framing nailer, Lowes can be a possible go-to destination. If not, check other stores such as Home Depot or Harbor Freight. You can look for this item on the largest internet marketplaces. While you’re there, you might as well make use of one of the amazing Amazon promo codes and deals and save for another magazine set.
If you’re a total beginner looking for something cheap, look no further than this NuMax 21-degree framing nailer. Over 700 people chose this product on Amazon and gave it a combined 4.4 out of 5 rating. Meaning that this model is more than adequate for DIY stuff. Despite its modest price tag, this gun is also made from die-cast magnesium that makes it light, tough, and comparable with more expensive nailers on the market. Since it’s quite popular, you can get it at Walmart. If you do, make sure you get a ridiculously low price with one of Walmart’s coupons.
This full-head framing gun can come in handy for a wide array of uses. It’s suitable for framing, sheathing, installing siding, assembling the wood box, building fences. You’ll need 21-degree nails for it that can range in size from 2 to 3-1/2-Inches. It also features a 360-Degree exhaust and triggers that allow you to choose between single or contact firing. Overall, this is a great value, dependable model.