10 Best Nail Guns Reviews 2023
The traditional way of using a hammer for inserting nails into floors and walls has long been replaced with nail guns that are not only time-efficient but also relatively easier to operate. These tools are integrated with adjustable depth buttons that enable you to control the nail depth and achieve customized output.
Similarly, modern nail guns also feature a cordless design which eliminates the need for an air compressor and hose and contributes to enhanced portability. However, the journey towards the selection of a suitable option for yourself isn’t easy.
Thus, this article offers detailed insights into the ten best nail guns, along with the factors that directly impact their performance.
Best Pick
DEWALT Finish Nailer Kit
- Large nail capacity.
- Adjustable belt hook.
- Carrying case.
Staff Pick
BOSTITCH Framing Nailer
- Quick change nose pieces.
- Time-efficient.
- User-friendly.
Budget Pick
WEN Pneumatic Brad Nailer
- Time-efficient.
- Ease of use.
- Inexpensive.
10 Best Nail Gun
Sr. | Product | Rating | Price |
---|---|---|---|
1. | DEWALT Finish Nailer Kit | Check Price | |
2. | WEN Pneumatic Brad Nailer | Check Price | |
3. | BOSTITCH Framing Nailer | Check Price | |
4. | Bostitch Air Compressor Combo Kit | Check Price | |
5. | Powersmart Pneumatic Brad Nailer | Check Price | |
6. | PORTER-CABLE Brad Nailer Kit | Check Price | |
7. | KIMO Cordless Brad Nailer | Check Price | |
8. | NuMax Pneumatic Head Framing Nailer | Check Price | |
9. | CRAFTSMAN Cordless Brad Nailer Kit | Check Price | |
10. | Neu Master Pneumatic Brad Nailer | Check Price |
1. DEWALT Finish Nailer Kit
DEWALT Finish Nailer Kit is second to none in terms of performance and efficiency and is available at an extremely reasonable price range across the market. We highly recommend considering this as a potential option if you are looking for a budget-friendly nail gun that can be used on a daily basis.
The product is famous for its powerful motor that is characterized by remarkable performance efficiency and does not require additional maintenance on consumers’ part. Thus, making it last longer than you originally expected. We also appreciate the jam release mechanism that prevents it from getting stuck at one point.
This attribute ensures continuous working conditions and time efficiency. Hence, improving the overall abilities of the model to a great extent. Rear exhaust is also incorporated in the system that helps in the elimination of the contaminants from the nail gun and keeps you away from toxic materials.
This attribute is admired by a wide variety of consumers and is the reason for the enhanced popularity of the nail gun around the market. We highly suggest investing in this option if you are searching for a durable, cost-effective nail gun for daily use.
PROS
- Large nail capacity.
- Adjustable belt hook.
- Carrying case.
CONS
- Requires compressor.
DEWALT Finish Nailer Kit features 100 nails capacity and customizable options that increase its versatility to a great extent and make it suitable for a wide variety of applications. It also enables you to control the nail depth and achieve the desired results every time you operate the tool. All this is attributed to the tool-free adjustment that makes it easier to operate the nail gun, especially for beginners.
2. WEN Pneumatic Brad Nailer
WEN Pneumatic Brad Nailer is one of the best nail guns available in the market and is the most inexpensive option included in the list. Despite its low price, it offers tough competition to some of the well-known models and is integrated with top-notch attributes.
With the shooting power of 18 gauge, you can control the depth of the nail and produce the desired results without any inconvenience. The depth adjustment can be achieved using the adjustment wheel embedded in the system that significantly improves its overall performance.
Along with this, a rotatable exhaust is another highlighting feature that eliminates the toxic gases and materials from the gun and keeps the workplace free of contaminants. The majority of the consumers also report that it is easier to remove the nail magazine from the tool and does not require any expert guidance in this regard.
Thus, making it our utmost choice for all the beginners out there. The nail carrying capacity of this version of Wen nail gun is amazing, i.e., 106 nails, and relieves you from the concerns of loading the magazine again and again. Thus, saving a lot of time and enabling you to concentrate on the output.
PROS
- Time-efficient.
- Ease of use.
- Inexpensive.
CONS
- Compressor is required.
WEN Pneumatic Brad Nailer is characterized by the inclusion of a hassle-free nose latch that prevents the nails from getting jammed inside the nail gun and contributes to exceptional performance ratings. Lastly, it requires little maintenance on the users’ part and can be used for years without worrying about damage or breakage.
3. BOSTITCH Framing Nailer
Next up on the list is the BOSTITCH Framing Nailer that is associated with unrivaled performance efficiency and extraordinary features. However, the product is highly expensive in nature and might not be affordable by all.
We still suggest you try this out as a one-time investment as the tool is one of the best available in the market and stands out among the rest of its counterparts. One of the major reasons for its high popularity is the metal framework which imparts durability to its surface and prevents it from getting damaged due to a wide variety of factors.
In addition to this, the adjustment button incorporated in the system can be used to control the nail depth and enables you to achieve the desired depth without any difficulty or inconvenience. Another advantage offered by the nail gun is the ability to be hung on the rafters.
This is attributed to the inclusion of an adjustable rafter hook in the model, which increases its versatility and makes it suitable for a diverse range of users. We also observed that the powerful motor is capable of driving up to 1050 pounds of power and is perfect for tougher projects.
We assure you will face no problem while working on wooden materials or metals that require huge power sources to drill nails in them.
PROS
- Quick change nose pieces.
- Time-efficient.
- User-friendly.
CONS
- Expensive
BOSTITCH Framing Nailer stands out among the rest of its counterparts and is characterized by minimum maintenance requirements that make it a perfect choice for professionals and beginners alike. Furthermore, it possesses a large nail carrying capacity and thus, relieves you from the concerns of repeatedly loading the magazines. This amplifies the time efficiency of the nail gun significantly.
4. Bostitch Air Compressor Combo Kit
The Bostitch Air Compressor Combo Kit is another expensive model included in the list of the best nail guns in 2021 and features exceptional performance efficiency. We highly appreciate it for its extraordinary accessories and customizable nature, which increases its versatility and makes it suitable for a wide variety of activities.
Along with this, the product is specifically designed for heavy-duty application and thus, does not disappoint you when it comes to drilling nails on metal and wooden substances. We also appreciate the inclusion of an air compressor with the nail gun, which relieves you from the concerns of purchasing it separately and spending extra money in this regard.
The tool is also oil-free in nature and does not require any lubrication even after continuous use. These low maintenance requirements make it a suitable option for a wide variety of consumers.
This also removes the risk of dropping oil drops and staining the surface. All these factors combine together to reduce the overall cleaning workload and keep you relaxed throughout the day.
PROS
- High flow regulator
- Less noise production
- Minimum maintenance
CONS
- Relatively expensive
The Bostitch Air Compressor Combo Kit is our ultimate recommendation to all those searching for performance-oriented nail guns in 2021. These nail guns contain powerful motors that can generate huge power and enable you to insert nails in metal surfaces without any inconvenience. Moreover, the tool is durable in nature and will not get damaged easily especially due to external factors.
5. Powersmart Pneumatic Brad Nailer
Powersmart Pneumatic Brad Nailer is our most favorite product on the list. We highly suggest it to all those that prefer lightweight yet durable nail guns, especially if they are available at an extremely low price range.
Thus, if you are one of those, congratulations, you are at the right place; this is a perfect option for you. The nail gun features a jam-free design that prevents the nails from getting stuck in the gun and enables you to work continuously without any performance issues.
Furthermore, a quick jam release nose is also present that can be used in case some nail gets stuck in the system, which is extremely rare. Thus, you do not need to worry about disturbing your work because of jamming reasons.
Furthermore, it is highly versatile in nature and can accommodate both brand nails and crown staples. So, you can use it for both delicate and heavy-duty projects with utmost precision and accuracy. We assure you will not face issues while using this version of Powersmart pneumatic nail gun.
PROS
- Multifunctional tool.
- Adjustable depth.
- Negligible maintenance requirements.
CONS
- Not the best trigger.
Powersmart Pneumatic Brad Nailer is lightweight in nature and can fire around 100000 staples with utmost precision and accuracy. Thus, making it one of its kind. We highly suggest investing in this option if you are into nail guns that possess large nail carrying capacity and feature adjustable depth. Thus, enabling you to achieve the desired results.
6. PORTER-CABLE Brad Nailer Kit
PORTER-CABLE Brad Nailer Kit is a battery-powered product that is lightweight in construction and features an ergonomic design. This makes it easier to operate and maintain, especially in the long term.
The battery-powered nature also ensures that the model is cordless in nature and can be carried around from one place to another without any difficulty. Similarly, you do not need any compressor or hose for driving the motor to generate the power.
We assure you that you will not find it difficult to operate the nail gun. This is highly suitable for all beginners that lack prior experience in this regard and find it difficult to operate compressors and hose-based nail guns.
Furthermore, the motor is also powerful and can fire nails continuously, and enables you to achieve the desired outcome with utmost accuracy and efficiency. Last but not least, LED lights are also incorporated in the system and can be used to illuminate the workspace, especially in dim lighting conditions, and reduce the stress on your eyes.
PROS
- Durable and portable.
- Bright workspace.
- Error indication.
CONS
- High price.
PORTER-CABLE Brad Nailer Kit is characterized by the inclusion of tool-free settings that makes it easier to operate the nail gun and increase its suitability for beginners. Moreover, the LED light present in the system also acts as an error indicator and notifies the users in case of any system issues or problems while working.
7. KIMO Cordless Brad Nailer
KIMO Cordless Brad Nailer also falls towards the higher end of the price spectrum and is more expensive than other products available in the market. However, it is definitely worth the investment considering its high-quality construction and unparalleled performance attributes.
Furthermore, the gun features a cordless design and thus, can be carried from one place to another without any performance issues. One of the highlighting features of the system is the ability to wither between single and raid fire depending on the requirement and improves the overall abilities of the system to a great extent.
The cordless design also eliminates the need for an air compressor and hose and thus, saves additional purchase and maintenance costs. Similar to its previously mentioned counterpart, this version of the KIMO nail gun is also integrated with LED lights that can be used to brighten up the surroundings, especially at night time, and relieves the stress on your eyes.
Thus, protecting your eyesight in the long term. We believe you will be impressed by the abilities of the tool and will not feel disappointed with this investment.
PROS
- Built-in error indicator.
- User-friendly design.
- Easy to maintain.
CONS
- Heavyweight.
KIMO Cordless Brad Nailer is second to none in terms of performance and efficiency. It enables you to control the depth of the nail by using the depth adjustment feature to achieve the desired output. Moreover, the tool possesses a large nail carrying capacity and relieves you from the concerns of reloading the magazine repeatedly.
8. NuMax Pneumatic Head Framing Nailer
NuMax Pneumatic Head Framing Nailer is another outstanding product included in the list of the best nail guns available in the market. It is lightweight in nature and is highly versatile. So, you can use it for a wide variety of applications. Similarly, the powerful motor is durable in nature and will not get damaged easily.
The motor also enables you to control the depth of the nail by using the depth adjustment feature and enables you to achieve the desired results on different types of surfaces. Featuring an ergonomic design, the nail gun is incorporated with an interchangeable trigger.
The trigger allows you to achieve both single shot and quick-fire functionality. Both these firing options can be useful and are suitable for different projects. Using these options wisely can enable you to customize the output with utmost precision and accuracy. Thus, allowing you to achieve the best results and create something new as opposed to other competitors.
PROS
- Easy to maintain.
- User-friendly.
- Cost-effective.
CONS
- Heavyweight.
NuMax Pneumatic Head Framing Nailer is a performance-oriented product available at an extremely reasonable price range across the market. The product does not require regular oiling and thus, prevents the workspace from getting stained. We highly recommend purchasing it if you are one of those that prefer limited maintenance with the best results.
9. CRAFTSMAN Cordless Brad Nailer Kit
CRAFTSMAN Cordless Brad Nailer Kit might cost you a hand or more but is one of the best products included in the list of the best nail guns available in 2021. It features an ergonomic design that is extremely easy to operate and is perfect for beginners that have recently started drilling nails into metal and wooden substances.
As the system is powered by batteries, so you do not need any air compressor or hose to force the motor to generate power. All this is carried out by the built-in batteries. The cordless nature also increases the portability of the tool and makes it stand out among the rest of its competitors.
The powerful motor and large nailing capacity enable the system to fire consistently in various climatic conditions and increase its versatility to a great extent. Last but not least, a belt hook is also available with the main package that can be used to hang the product in a variety of spaces without worrying about losing it.
PROS
- Portable and compact.
- Negligible maintenance.
- Easy to operate.
CONS
- Expensive.
CRAFTSMAN Cordless Brad Nailer Kit is highly versatile in nature and is our ultimate recommendation to all consumers because of its powerful motor and remarkable accuracy. Furthermore, it is lightweight and cordless in nature and can be carried around with ease.
10. Neu Master Pneumatic Brad Nailer
Neu Master Pneumatic Brad Nailer is the last option on the list and is an extremely budget-friendly option. Moreover, despite its low price, it is highly competitive in nature and stands out among its other counterparts available in a similar price range.
Its user-friendly design makes it a suitable option for professionals and beginners alike and contributes to its enhanced versatility. In addition to this, the upholstery is easy to install and does not require much effort on consumers’ part. We assure you will not face any difficulty while operating this tool.
We also observed that the gun possesses a large nail carrying capacity that enables you to use it for a long time on a single load and saves a lot of your time. We highly appreciate tools that do not require repeated loading and thus, recommend it to all those that have similar preferences. We believe you will not feel disappointed with this purchase.
PROS
- Lightweight and compact.
- Enhanced portability.
- Powerful motor.
CONS
- Difficult to adjust.
Neu Master Pneumatic Brad Nailer is our ultimate recommendation to all the users out there. This nail gun is not only powerful and durable but also requires negligible maintenance on the user’s part and thus possesses long life as compared to their other competitors available at a similar price range.
Factors to Consider While Purchasing the Best Nail Gun
Type of Nail Guns
First and foremost, selecting the correct type of nail gun for yourself is of utmost significance. For this purpose, you need to analyze your requirements carefully and then decide on the associated product.
There is a wide variety of nail guns available in the market, including finish nail guns, flooring nail guns, framing nail guns, and brad nail guns.
- Finish Nail Guns – Finished nail guns are versatile products that can be applied to both delicate and tough projects as well. It is specifically designed for trimming purposes and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including doorways, billboards, and chairs, etc.
- Flooring Nail Guns – As the name indicates, the flooring nail guns can be used on floors like attaching planks and other associated wooden boards on the flooring surfaces. These nail guns are also known as cleat nailers and possess remarkable durability. Thus, stand out longer than their other counterparts.
- Framing Nail Guns – These are a budget and user-friendly option available in the market and can be used to secure a wide variety of substances without worrying about performance inefficiency. They are highly precise in nature and won’t get damaged easily. Thus, they are perfect for daily use.
- Brad Nail Guns – Finally, the brand nail guns are the last option among different types of nail guns. We highly recommend using these for delicate and small-scale projects because of their small size and enhanced accuracy. We assure you they will not ruin any of your projects and will offer utmost performance efficiency.
Power Source
Apart from the type of nail gun, another important factor that directly impacts its performance is the power source. We highly recommend considering the power source beforehand to prevent yourself from future troubles. There are two types of nail guns available on the market based on the power source.
They include pneumatic nail guns and battery-powered nail guns. Pneumatic nail guns are powered by air compressors and can be used continuously without worrying about performance issues.
You can plug them into the switch and keep shooting until the desired output is achieved. Another advantage of these models is their lightweight nature and easy controls that make them suitable for beginners.
They are also less expensive than their battery-powered counterparts and, therefore, are highly popular among consumers. In contrast, battery-powered nail guns are portable in nature and can be carried around with ease.
Their increased portability is attributed to their cordless nature, which makes them superior to their other competitors. Furthermore, they are capable of delivering up to 400 to 1600 shots per change and enable you to complete the task rapidly and efficiently.
However, they fall towards the pricier end and might not be affordable for the majority. We highly suggest considering your budget and requirements beforehand to select the best option for yourself among the products discussed above. Besides this, fuel-driven nail guns are also available in the market.
They are different from their previously mentioned counterparts and do not contain any air hose or in-built power cords. Instead, these models are integrated with disposal air cartridges that can be used to power the nail gun. The cartridges do not contain any exhaust and, thus, are least preferred by users.
The power is generated with the help of a spark that is produced by the battery present in the system and is not strong enough to complete the task in a short time. Thus, we highly recommend choosing the first two options to achieve the best of both worlds.
Weight
Weight is another factor that must never be neglected while purchasing a nail gun for yourself. The majority of the nail guns available in the market weigh around 8 to 9 pounds and are difficult to handle for an average user.
The gun might also become out of control when used by a beginner. Thus, as a rule of thumb, we suggest going for lightweight nail guns for ease of use and enhanced portability. This will not only make it easier to control the nail gun but will also improve your overall performance significantly.
Ease of Use
As discussed earlier, user-friendliness can contribute to unrivaled performance and make it easier for beginners to operate the gun. The user-friendliness can be analyzed by monitoring various features of the product like jamming frequency, integration of density for firing multiple nails simultaneously.
In addition to this, you should also consider the power source and identify whether the model you are purchasing is battery-powered or not. The battery-powered versions are cordless in nature and offer increased portability.
All these factors can significantly impact the performance and operation of the nail gun and thus, should be considered carefully.
Nail Capacity
Analyzing the nail capacity beforehand is also essential and can help you a lot in selecting a suitable option for yourself. The majority of the nail guns available in the market can handle around 100 to 120 nails at a time and thus, are highly preferred by a wide variety of consumers.
Similarly, if you are looking for a larger capacity, we suggest going for coil-style guns that can handle around 300 nails at a time without any performance issues. However, these guns are heavier than their other counterparts and might be difficult to carry around from one place to another.
Price
Last but not least, price is another factor that can either make or break the deal. However, the majority of the consumers often neglect this factor and end up spending more than required.
Spending more doesn’t guarantee a suitable option for you, and thus, your emphasis should be on the selection of the right product instead of the one that is pricer or features advanced technology. For this purpose, we highly recommend analyzing your requirements before setting out to choose a nail gun for yourself.
This will help you narrow down the choices and choose the best model for yourself that falls under your budget. There is a diverse variety of nail guns available in the market that are performance-oriented yet budget-friendly and can be purchased at reasonable prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, a 16-gauge or 18-gauge nail gun?
Many users prefer 16-gauge nail guns because of their thick shanks (ranging from 0.00625 and so on) that allow them to supply at most 1 to 3.5 inches length without damaging the wall. In contrast, the 16-gauge nail guns are not quite thick to facilitate a dense piece into the wall. So, if your work doesn’t demand a thick and deep hole, you are good to go for each.
Are electric nail guns any better than cordless ones?
There are mixed opinions about this, and it totally depends on your individual preference. On one side, electric nail guns are designed with more power and precision. Whereas the cordless is quite portable and easy to carry around with decent efficiency to be used for thick and dense nailing. Hence, based on your demands and convenience, you can choose the right one.
Which are better, brad nails or finish nails?
It largely depends on the nature of the projects. In simple words, when it comes to strength, finish nailers are designed for many heavy-duty and complicated tasks as well as delicate tasks. While, on the other hand, brad nails are famous for their ability to provide you with accurate and precise nailing; yet they are only limited to delicate projects and might not work for heavy tasks.
Conclusion
Best nail guns are characterized by hassle-free maintenance, powerful motor, extraordinary depth adjustment, lightweight construction, enhanced portability, and ease of use. Based on these attributes, the following are our top three recommendations among the products mentioned above.
- DEWALT Finish Nailer Kit for its large nail carrying capacity, adjustable belt hook, minimum maintenance requirements, the inclusion of rear exhaust, and lightweight construction.
- WEN Pneumatic Brad Nailer because of its time efficiency, ease of use, budget-friendliness, large nail carrying capacity, and rotatable exhaust.
- BOSTITCH Framing Nailer due to its time efficiency, ease of use, lightweight construction, powerful motor, hassle-free maintenance, and adjustable nail depth.
Thus, they are perfect for those looking for the best nail gun in 2021.