How Does a Pneumatic Nail Gun Work?

Introduction

Pneumatic nail guns, or power nail guns, are the most popular and common models of the four types of nail guns. The other three types are spring driven, electromagnetic and explosive. The pneumatic type uses air compressors to pressurize air to provide the force behind the gun. The powerful tool can fire up to nine nails per second at a velocity up to 1400 feet per second.

Pistons

Pneumatic nail guns use a piston to operate. This piston cylinder pulls air in and forces it out to the gun with impact. This type of nail gun also uses a hammer with a sliding piston that drives a long blade. When pressure is built up in the head of the piston, the piston moves downward.

Pressure Power

When the nail gun trigger is released, pressurized, or compressed air moves throughout to the valve plunger and through the air reservoir to the bottom of the plunger. Then, the air moves through the trigger valve and through small tubes until it reaches the plunger. The plunger has more pressure above it than below it when the trigger is released.

As the trigger is pressed on the nail gun, the valve closes and the air creates a tunnel. This tunnel allows the air to create more pressure below the plunger. The plunger then rises, while the pressurized air moves toward the piston. The air forces the blade and piston downward, forcing the nail out of the nail gun.

Air Flow

Releasing the trigger, the compressed air forces the plunger back into its original position. This blocks the air from traveling to the piston. Since there is no downward pressure, the pressurized air in the chamber can force the piston upward. The excess air above the piston is pushed through the gun and released into the atmosphere.

Safety

Due to the high velocity and power of pneumatic nail guns, safety precautions need to take place while using. Most models of pneumatic nail guns have safety feature instilled into the gun. This feature is composed of two triggers instead of one for firing. The nail gun has to be pressed against the intended surface to work. Although, most pneumatic nail gun models have a safety features, users still need to wear safety glasses and ear plugs. Also, a user needs to be very aware of his or her surroundings while using the gun so accidental firing doesn't occur to harm someone else.