Best Nail Guns for Construction and Art Projects

Sure, you can certainly hammer in a single nail at a time on any project, but a lot of jobs are made easier with a nail gun. Not only is a gun's operating force suited to heavier materials, guns also allow for quick and continuous movement when you’re using many nails at once. That said, the force and speed of all nail guns are not the same, and specific uses vary. Depending on your project, consider the below five nail guns, all ARTnews approved.

This nail gun is a a splurge, but you’ll be getting two professional products for the cost of one. With a simple switch of the tip, you can use the gun for both brad nails and industrial staples. With each, you have the option to modify the firing mode between sequential and contact-actuation, to shoot one or many at a time. What's more, it's totally cordless and is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, so you can pack it up and take it on the go with ease.

What sets this nail gun apart is a rear exhaust to keep contaminates away from your work, helping you perform quickly. It has an operating pressure of 70–120 psi and holds up to 18 nails ranging from 0.625-inch to 2-inches in length. (The nails are sold separately from the tool.) It also boasts a rubber grip and a lightweight magnesium body for comfort, whether you’re using it for a single shot or a continuous flow.

This nail gun offers depth adjustment, making it especially adaptable to different working surfaces. What's more, it has a no-mar tip to ensure that your working surface will be free of dents and scratches, even as you work at a clip. It is crafted of durable magnesium and features an ergonomic handle that keeps the gun securely, and comfortably, in your grasp for extended periods of time. There is an interchangeable trigger that allows you to choose between rapid-fire and single shots.

This nail gun is of professional quality but unlike many professional guns it doesn't need a compressor, hose, or gas cartridge. Included is a depth adjustment wheel to ensure that each and every one of your nails is properly embedded in any number of surfaces, and the tool can be set to single-shot or consecutive firing modes. The high-powered rechargeable 1.5 Ah battery allows up to 1,300 nails per charge.

This nail gun is, hands down, the professional choice. It is part of the brand's trusted and reliable V20 cordless system, meaning that you can, once it's charged, take it anywhere without worrying about being away from an outlet. This nail gun uses 18-gauge brad nails and provides constant firing power without needing a break. There are also tool-free jam and stall settings for ease and efficiency. Lastly, for safety's sake, there is an easy-to-maneuver trigger lock-off switch, to ensure that the nails will be driven only where you intend them to be.