How to Compare Nail Guns

Nail guns can make both large and small construction jobs go more quickly.

A nail gun is a power tool that drives nails into wood or other materials. Nail guns make many home improvement projects easier, but consumers should understand the differences in types of nail guns before buying a nail gun.

Power Types

There are two basic types of nail guns: pneumatic and cordless. A pneumatic nail gun is powered by compressed air. Pneumatic air guns require an air compressor to operate. A cordless nail gun is operated by a disposable cartridge of flammable gas. A small amount of the gas is electronically ignited to push the nail.

Magazine Types

Nail guns come with either a stick magazine or a coil magazine. A coil magazine may hold 300 or more nails, while stick magazines typically hold 20 or 40 nails. Coil magazine nail guns are more compact and maneuverable but also more expensive than stick magazine guns.

Specific Uses

Nail guns are built to perform specific tasks. For example, a framing nail gun is made to drive larger nails as needed when constructing house walls while finish nail guns are made to drive smaller nails as needed for moldings and trim work. Other nail guns are specifically made for roofing and flooring.

References

• Toolcrib.com: Tool Crib Blog, The Ultimate Nail Gun Buying Guide for Pneumatic Newbies
• Lowes.com: Power Nailer Buying Guide