Nail guns are power tools that have become a mainstay in so many forms of contracting work. They are used to drive nails into various materials.
Driven by compressed air and other types of gasses, nail guns have made it easier for contractors to execute their nailing tasks a lot faster than with the use of traditional hammers.
Common with useful inventions, it comes as no surprise that there are many manufacturing companies in the nail gun industry.
These individual brands have several models available on the market. Choosing the right one for you could be a real brain-cracker.
This is because each model has its unique features, pros, and cons.
This pneumatic nail gun review will help you to make the best decision regarding the nail gun that’s best for you.
Keep reading!
Table of Contents
Pneumatic Nail Gun Review
I list out the best picks under different categories including best pneumatic combo kit, best pneumatic framing nailers, best pneumatic finish nailers, and best pneumatic brad nailers.
1. Best Pneumatic Combo Kit
Check out this kit.
Freeman P4FRFNCB Pneumatic Framing & Finishing Combo Kit
If you’re in need of a kit that is packed with high-quality pneumatic nailers that can be used for multiple nailing applications, this is it right here.
It contains 4 of Freeman’s very best pneumatic nailers. These include a narrow crown stapler, framing nailer, straight brad nailer, and finish nailer.
Don’t fret, the safety and transportation of the tools have been well considered. This is why it comes with a ruggedly made canvas carrying bag with which you can store and move your tools from one work site to the other.
With a kit like this, you can execute both domestic and large scale tasks. You can easily carry out tasks like roof decking, cabinetry, subflooring, and pallet building.
The tools included in this kit are built with very durable materials and have a long-lasting ability. During their manufacture, the strictest quality control guidelines were followed. This gives the confidence that what you’re paying for is nothing short of quality.
Regardless of whether you’re a DIY person or a professional contractor, this framing and finishing combo kit will serve you well.
Features
- Weight – 6.38 pounds
- Power source – air powered
- Product dimensions – 23.03 x 9.45 x 14.8 inches
- Includes air tool oil and adjustment tools
- No batteries included
- No batteries required
Pros
- Perfect for multiple applications
- The tools are durable
- It is not expensive
Cons
- The O-ring doesn’t last long
Related: Best Numax Finish & Framing Nailers Review
2. Best Pneumatic Framing Nailers
Take a look at these.
Bostitch Framing Nailer
This framing nailer by Bostitch gives you 1,050 inches of driving power. It is a 2-in-1 tool that offers you 2 quick-change nose pieces to easily allow you to switch from framing to metal connector functions.
You will find this framing nailer fairly easy to handle thanks to its lightweight. Coming in at 4.17 pounds, you will have little to no problems as far as maneuverability is concerned. Fatigue will also be kept at a minimum after work is done.
The handle is designed with a rubber grip that ensures you maintain a firm hold on the tool. There will be no accidental slips.
This tool is suitable for home use since it is compact and not built for heavy-duty tasks. If you’re looking for a DIY partner, then look no further.
Features
- 1 1/2 inch to 3 1/2 inch framing nailer
• Sequential and bump trigger
• 2 nailers in one
• Lightweight magnesium housing
• Integrated rubber skid pads; rubber grip
• Color – Bostitch gold and black
• 23 x 16 x 6 inches
• No batteries included
• No batteries required
• Operating Pressure – 80 120 PSI
• Weight – 4.17 pounds
Pros
- It is light
- Easy to maneuver
- Comes with 2 quick-change nose pieces for different applications
- The rubber grip handle is quite comfortable, even after long use
Cons
- It is not ideal for heavy-duty applications
Metabo HPT Framing Nailer (NR90AES1)
This award-winning 21-degree framing nailer is compatible with 2 inches up to 3-1/2 inches plastic collated framing nails.
With this, you can handle a wide variety of tasks including truss build-up, subflooring, framing, flooring, wall sheathing, roof decking, housing construction, and window build-up.
This is very impressive considering it weighs just 7.5 pounds. Its lightweight nature also means that you won’t have a hard time maneuvering around workspaces and you’ll experience little to no fatigue at the end of the day’s job.
The compact design of this tool comes as a surprise; it can execute tasks that are usually associated with heavier and larger framing nailers. Power for power, you could actually say they are evenly matched.
With your convenience taken into proper consideration, the manufacturer designed this pneumatic framing nailer with a comfortable rubber grip. This allows you to keep a firm and comfortable hold on the tool
The innovative trigger is something I believe you’d like as it lets you make a swift transition between sequential and contact nailing.
Features
- Tool-less depth adjustment dial
- Weight – 7.5 pounds
- Product dimensions – 20.75 x 4.9 x 12.68 inches
- No batteries included
- No batteries needed
- Safety glasses included
Pros
- It is very easy to use
- It doesn’t weigh much when you consider its power and wide range of applications
- You can make transitions between sequential and contact nailing
- The rubber grip makes handling easier
- You can maneuver freely around your workspaces
Cons
- Nails get jammed up easily
Related: Top 8 Metabo Framing Nailers Review
3. Best Pneumatic Finish Nailers
Take a look at these.
Makita AF635 15 Gauge Finish Nailer
This tool by Makita is built with a rugged and powerful engine capable of driving 15 gauge “DA” style angled finish nails from 1-1/4 inches to 2-1/2 inches.
Built with a solid magnesium body and an aluminum-made magazine and cylinder, this pneumatic finish nailer is very strong and durable.
I’d expect every user both professional contractors and DIY persons to desire precise flush and countersink nailing. This is why I believe you’d love the tool-less depth adjustment feature.
It also features a nail lock-out mechanism that helps keep your work surface and tool safe from dry fires.
Other convenient features include the built-in air duster to clear out the work surface using adequate air-flow. The exhaust port can also be adjusted to keep debris away from your face while you work.
Still on convenience, the reversible belt hook allows you to keep the tool close by without getting in the way.
Features
- 2-mode selector switch
- Multi-directional exhaust port
- Two removable no-mar tips
- Reversible belt hook
- Housing bumpers
- Product dimension – 5.7 x 15.8 x 15.6 inches
- Weight – 4 pounds
- Included components – air fitting, tool case, pneumatic nailer oil (181434-7), safety glasses, (2) no-mar tip
- Batteries included – No
- Batteries required – No
Pros
- Tool-less depth adjustment
- It has a belt hook
- It isn’t heavy
- It is sturdily built
Cons
- The air washer is weak
Senco 4G0001N FinishPro 42XP 15 Gauge Finish Nailer
One of the least favorite aspects of owning a finish nailer, or any other power tool, is the area of maintenance. You don’t have to worry about that when using this finish nailer.
The innovative anti-lube design makes maintenance as easy as possible for the user.
As for retaining its good looks, it has a magnesium-coated finish that prevents your tool from being scratched. You could also paint over it with ease (although, I don’t see why you should).
The internal engine of this finish nailer is not only powerful but also ruggedly built. Long-lasting ability is what we all want from the tools we buy, so this model scores high points in that aspect.
As for cost, this unit is extremely budget-friendly. It costs less than a lot of other models within the same class.
You can use this unit at home for various applications including cabin making and floor decking. Professional carpenters would also fancy using it.
Features
- Weight – 9 Pounds
- Power source – Air-powered
- No batteries included
- No batteries required
- Included components – power finish nailers, pneumatics, finish nailers
- Product dimensions – 17 x 5 x 16 inches
Pros
- It is easy to maintain
- It has a scratch-proof surface
- Powerful and rugged internal engine
- It is by far cheaper than many other models in its class
Cons
- Poor firing ability
Related: 5 Best Freeman Framing Nailers Review
4. Best Pneumatic Brad Nailers
Take a look at the following models.
Makita AF505N Brad Nailer
You won’t have to worry about the wide nose of your brad nailer restricting you from nailing with this Makita brad nailer model.
The manufacturers were thoughtful enough to give it a narrow nose design, which allows you to access and nail around tight areas that a regular brad nailer cannot.
There’s more! It is built with a “tool-less” quick release cam-lock that opens up the nail guide. You will find this very useful in an event where your nails get jammed up. This will allow you to easily get them out.
For a wide range of finish applications, the easy-to-use and convenient tool-less depth adjustment dial will help you achieve that.
This nailer is built with a non-marring rubber nose and bumper for the safety of your surfaces. This keeps your wooden surfaces from being scratched or dented.
There is a handy tool hook attached to it. This can be rotated to an angle of 180° and it helps you keep your brad nailer close to you.
As for firing precision and contact, the cast machined nose piece will give you just that.
Features
- Weight – 2.2 pounds
- Product dimensions – 10.25 x 2.5 x 9.38 inches
- Product-specific batteries required
- Non-marring rubber nose and bumpers
- Narrow nose design
- Tool hook
Pros
- It is light
- It can fit into tight spaces
- Removing jammed nails is easy
- Keeps your surfaces free of scratches
Cons
- It needs to be oiled regularly
Bostitch Nail Gun Brad Nailer
Thanks to the smaller nose design, this brad nailer allows for easy nail placements. To actuate the tool, you do not need to compress the contact trip.
It is designed to drive 18 GA brad nails from 5/8 inches to 2-1/8 inches. Speaking of nails, you will be at ease even if they get jammed inside the tool. This can be credited to the tool-free jam release technology that allows you to easily remove jammed nails.
Using the trademarked dial-a-depth control, you can achieve precise counter-sinking.
For extra convenience, this product comes with an ergonomic carrying case to store and conveniently carry the tool to your work site. The handle is also very comfortable; you can maintain a firm grip on it for hours without strains on your palm or fingers.
Features
- Nailer, 1/4″ air fitting, carrying case and extra no-mar tips included in the kit
- No battery required
- No battery included
- Weight – 5.16 pounds
- Product dimensions – 12.2 x 11.7 x 4.5 inches
- Power source – Air-powered
- 2 1/8” oil-free, smart point brad nailer
- Material – plastic
Pros
- The smaller nose design allows you to nail when working in limited spaces
- It is easy to maintain
- Removing jammed nails is very easy
- The ergonomic carrying case makes moving the tool from one site to another convenient
Cons
- It weighs over 5 pounds, which puts it on the heavy side
Final Words
Of all the pneumatic nail guns reviewed in this article, which do you reckon will meet your needs?
There are many factors you should consider before buying one, though. These include weight, nail driving capacity, size, maneuverability, proneness to jamming, maintenance, ease of use, price, and the kind of application you are planning to use it for.
With all these taken into consideration, your decision on which to buy will become a lot easier.
I trust this pneumatic nail gun review has been helpful.
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