How to Choose the Right Framing Nailer

A framing nailer, or nail gun, is defined as the standard tool used to streamline jobsites. Discover the material and tools needed to efficiently nail your framing together. 

How to Use a Framing Nailer

There are three types of nailers: 

• Gas nailer

• Air nailer 

• Electric nailer 

However, only two out of the three mentioned can be used to nail framing, and you’ll understand why soon.  

How Does a Gas Nailer Work?

A gas nailer is built according to a super simple functioning process: the nail is pressure-driven. Its gas is contained in a fuel cartridge that, once empty, can be switched out for a new one.

For example, an 80-ml cartridge can power through 1,000–1,100 nails before running dry. Additionally, this type of nailer is compatible with both 90-mm smooth and spiral-shank nails. Therefore, this device can be used on carpentry jobsites since it’s: 

• Powerful

• Handy

• Cordless

• Autonomous

• Easy to use

And, since it’s battery-powered, it doesn’t require any external energy sources to power on. 

How Does an Air (Pneumatic) Nailer Work?

Whether referred to as an air or pneumatic nailer, it’s the same device. It’s said to be “air-powered.” 

Basically, this type of nailer is equipped with a piston, driving the nail into the material. The bypass pusher allows the compressed air to push the piston forward, thereby loading the next nail in the chamber.

Industry professionals appreciate this tool on account of its: 

• Strength

• Robustness

• Lightweight

• Easy handling 

Additionally, an air-powered nailer is even more powerful than a gas-powered one since it can hammer in 100-mm nails. As such, it’s perfect to assemble all types of beams used for timber framing.

Its only downside is the mandatory usage of a compressor, which we’ll circle back to later in the article. 

How Does an Electric Nailer Work?

An electric nailer can be: 

• Corded

• Battery-powered 

In either case, the motor is responsible for spinning a wheel, and as it gains speed, it stores enough energy to later transfer it to the piston. Said piston drives the nails into the material and reverts to its initial position while a new nail replaces the former. 

The only hitch, whether it’s a corded or battery-operated electric nailer, they aren’t compatible with nails over 50 mm. In other words, they aren’t necessarily suited for framing work.  

Using a Cordless Framing Nailer 

A framing nailer—an essential roof-building tool—offers remarkable efficiency and significantly speeds up installation processes. Specifically designed for framing work, this sort of power tool allows users to swiftly and securely assemble structural components, such as beams and headers, using dedicated nails. 

Its pneumatic or electric mechanism guarantees accuracy in the nail’s position, ensuring a robust fastening all the while reducing the strain exercised on the user. Using a framing nailer notoriously streamlines roof-building operations, allowing building professionals to optimize their time and achieve durable results.

Fuel- and air-powered nailers can be used to drive nails 90–100 mm deep. This tool is ideal for building framing. However, the sheer power of an electric nailer limits the size of nails to 50 mm. Therefore, when it comes to job-specific sites, you’ll have to choose between a nailer connected to a compressor or a fuel-powered nailer. 

What Type of Nail Should I Use? 

The type of nail used depends on the work to be accomplished. When it comes to counter battens, you have three options: 

• Smooth shanks 

• Shanks with annular rings

• Twisted shanks 

The steel wire used has to be Standard CSA B111 compliant, measuring: 

• 0.5–6 in. (12.7–152 mm)

• 4–14 in. (102–356 mm)

For nails with a diameter over 0.192 in. (4.88 mm), you have to drill a pilot hole. Said hole has to be at least 75% of the length of the nail.  

When to Use a Framing Nailer?

When you want to work: 

• Fast (up to 3 nails per second)

• Effortlessly

• Without risking finger injuries

The benefit of a nailer is that it has two trigger modes: 

• Single sequential firing

• Contact mode (bump)

With the former, you have to pull the trigger each and every time, allowing the nail to be driven into the material in question. In other words, it’s sequential. Once you position the device’s safety tip against the material, only then can you pull the trigger to fire off a nail. While this method is more time-consuming, it’s much safer.

As for the latter, once you pull the trigger, you can bump the safety tip against the material, firing off nails with each and every bump. As such, you can work repetitively and swiftly.

What Type of Nail Gun Is Best for Your DIY Projects?

Base your decision-making on the following criteria: 

• Nailing depth

• Nail size

• Job site access

• Weight

• Ergonomics (handle, tip) 

• Noise (over 80 decibels)

• Contact or sequential firing

• Price 

Picking out the right nailer for the job typically depends on the job itself. Whether the device is fuel- or air-powered, a nailer is a time saver. However, there are autonomous devices and some that must be connected to a compressor. 

As a result, if you happen to work in a confined space, or one that’s not easily accessed, an air-powered nailer might not be the right picking.

It’s both loud and heavy, fitted with a compressor, and best used in workshops, but not necessarily outdoors, even less on rooftops. Moreover, note that compressors have to be maintained and handled with care. Otherwise, it can experience a rapid and hazardous decompression.

If you have to work outdoors, fuel-powered nailers are best. You’ll be able to work at ease, however, they’re only compatible with 90-mm nails, as opposed to 100-mm nails used with air-powered nail guns.  

Lastly, depending on the aesthetic finish, consider using mar pads (rubber or felt tips fitted onto the nailer) to prevent damaging, scratching, or denting the work surface.

Do I Really Need a Framing Nailer?

When carrying out extensive framing jobs, using a powerful and efficient tool like a framing nailer is recommended. These devices ensure every nail driven into the structure is inserted in a precise manner and at a pre-set depth, ensuring optimal structural stability.

However, note that framing nailers aren't all-purpose tools. For example, they can't be used to secure fibre cement siding panels. 

What Size Nail Gun Works Best for Framing 2x4?

When framing with two-by-fours, choosing the right size nail gun is paramount. Typically, a framing nailer using 16d nails is best. Look for a nail gun with adjustable depth settings to customize nail penetration and prevent over-driving or under-driving nails. 

Types of Refills: Strip or Coil?

Coil Refill

A coil canister takes a little longer to load compared to a strip, but it contains a lot more nails (between 120–300). The time wasted on reloading the canister is definitely offset by its operating time. 

However, since coil canisters do hold more nails, they’re, by extension, heavier. As such, using it for long periods isn’t as practical as for short periods.  

Strip Refill

As its name predicts, a nail strip is shaped like a strip. Inside, the nails are positioned one atop the other, in such a way as to fill the entire strip chamber. It contains 20–40 framing nails.

While not an extensive amount, given their slim sizing, they’re preferred in tight or restricted areas. 

In-Depth Look at Different Brands of Nailers

Finishing Nailers

Let’s start off this list with a finisher nailer as you might have heard about it once or twice. Note that this device isn't meant for framing work. It’s mainly used for: 

• Building furniture

• Decorative finishings

• Securing fabrics 

• Decorating 

First and foremost, when it comes to framing, you need something a little more hefty, like a degree framing nailer. 

Degree Framing Nailer

Degree framing nailers are essential tools designed to securely fasten wood beams and framing materials. These nailers are favoured by industry professionals for their versatility and efficiency, allowing workers to tackle framing projects with precision and speed.

Whether building a new home, renovating, or remodelling, degree framing nailers offer the power and reliability needed to handle tough jobs. 

Metabo Framing Nailer

Founded in 1923, Metabo is a German power tool manufacturer. This nail gun brand operates with both strip and coil refills, and all devices are considered: 

• Robust

• Lightweight

• Precise 

Why precise? Because, depending on the model used, you can set the depth at which the nail will be driven into the material. For example, the HPT NV83A5M Coil Framing Nailer features a cylinder valve drive and allows for both contact and sequential nailing. 

Metabo nailers retail between $200 and $500.

DeWalt Nailer

DeWalt, a subsidiary of Stanley Black & Decker, is an American power tool industry leader. Said brand retails all types of nail guns, featuring LED work lights to illuminate work surfaces and assess whether the nail strip or coil is running low.

Price-wise, DeWalt offers an array of products, ranging from $200 to over $900 apiece.

Bostitch Nailer

Stanley Bostitch is also an American power tool manufacturer. Established in 1896, this company retails professional-grade roofing nailers.

An air-powered, coil nailer costs between $200 and $500. 

Paslode Framing Nailer

Paslode is a power tool manufacturer that was established in 1935. Believe it or not, its engineers invented the first pneumatic nailer in 1962. Then, in 1986, they developed the first fuel-powered wood nailer.

If you’re looking to purchase a fuel-powered nailer, Paslode is your best bet. Well, it's what some industry professionals swear by.

Price-wise, Paslode is mid-grade, retailing some nailers at an affordable $300 to $700 apiece. 

Which Device Should You Choose? 

Between Metabo, DeWalt, Bostitch, and Paslode, you have access to the top nail gun manufacturers. As long as you know what you’re buying between an air- or fuel-powered device, you’re most likely going to end up picking one out in-store.

We suggest handling the tool in question first, seeing how it fits in your hand and getting a sense of what you feel more at ease with, ergonomically speaking.

You can’t go wrong with any of the four manufacturers listed. 

Troubleshooting Common Framing Nailer Issues and Solutions

As with any product, your nailer might have manufacturing defects. While a rare occurrence, the issue you may encounter with your power tool may be related to its batch number. 

For example, two of DeWalt’s framing pin-head and round-head nailer batches presented with incorrectly installed triggers. As a result, fasteners were randomly released or the trigger failed to lock.

Consequently, if your nail gun happens to malfunction, start by visiting the manufacturer’s website, contacting the customer service division and detailing the exact nature of the issue. Make sure to provide the product number and code date.

Typically, the most common issues will often result in safety regulation non-compliance:

• Involuntary nail firing

• Involuntary nail firing due to contact with a hard surface

• Nailing in an awkward position 

• Bypassed security mechanisms

In March 2011, an apprentice hired by Construction Sylvain Arsenault, in Coteau-du-Lac, took a nail through the head. The victim was working next to a carpenter who lowered his nail gun while still pushing down on the trigger. As the tip of the nailer gun made contact with the apprentice who happened to be kneeling on the floor, a nail was fired off. The nail was driven directly into the worker's head, who, miraculously, survived this accident.

The best way to avoid accidents involving nailing guns is to adhere to safety guidelines. 

Why Has My Framing Nailer Stopped Working?

This is best left to manufacturing professionals. On one side, there could be a myriad of reasons why your device is malfunctioning, and on another, looking to fix it yourself might lead to a fatal injury. Keep in mind that a nailer is an extremely powerful tool that releases projectiles (nails) and can be considered a weapon. If bringing your gun to a gunsmith for repair and maintenance is the best policy, then the same should be said about nail gun repairs—bring it to a professional.