How to Use a Nail Gun So Two Nails Don't Come Out

A hydraulic framing nail gun can be used upside down with the power of compressed air.

A pneumatic nail gun works with the help of an air compressor to quickly and efficiently drive nails into wood to save time during construction projects. These guns fire a single nail every time the trigger is pulled and should not fire two nails at the same time. If this happens, inspect the gun to verify it is not clogged, and make sure never to pull the trigger twice by accident.

Things You'll Need

• Nail gun
• Nail gun nails

Instructions

1. Disconnect the gun from the air compressor hose. Lift the safety cover from the top of the gun and inspect the end of the gun for a nail that may have become caught in the driving piston or any other obstructions. Verify that there is nothing in the top that is obstructing the nail gun from working properly.

2. Release the latch that holds the nail loading tray in place and verify that the spring loader mechanism is working properly. Load the tray according to instructions with the appropriate nails.

3. Hold the gun upside down and put at least five drops of air tool oil into the bottom of the pneumatic port where the air hose was attached. Attach the nail gun back to the air hose of the fully charged compressor.

4. Aim the end of the gun at the area where you want to place a nail. Slowly squeeze the trigger on the gun once. Inspect the board and verify that only one nail has come out of the gun properly. Do not double tap the trigger as this will cause another nail to come out of the gun in the same spot and could jam the gun as it strikes the first nail head.

Tips & Warnings

• Pull the trigger on a loaded nail gun only when the end is against a surface that can stop the nail.

• If the gun continues to fire two nails at the same time, take it in to have it serviced by a professional repair shop or replace the gun.

• Nail guns are dangerous tools, and proper safety equipment should be worn and precautions should be employed whenever they are in use.

References

• Sawkerfs: Nail Guns: To Use or Not to Use