Best Nail Guns

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If your DIY projects are limited to hanging frames around the house, you can get by with a hammer and nails. But if your weekend projects include tasks like building a deck or hanging sheetrock, a nail gun is essential. A nail gun is guaranteed to save you time and frustration, allowing you to fit more projects into your weekend.

Most nail guns are either battery-operated or pneumatic (powered by compressed air). Battery-operated nail guns give you the freedom of going cordless and offer better portability. Pneumatic nail guns require a compressor and a hose to use, but are generally more powerful and fire faster. Different nail guns use different type nails, so consider what your main use will be. Nail guns also vary in how many nails they hold in the magazine and how easy it is to safely remove jams. Some nail guns also allow you to switch between different types of firing methods and to control the nail depth.

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We reviewed customer feedback from contractors and DIY weekend warriors to nail down a list of the top seven nail guns available on Amazon. The nail guns on this list are labeled as Brad, Finish, or Framing nailers. Essentially, the power of the nailers follows that order.

The battery-powered PORTER-CABLE Brad Nailer Kit is designed to give you the freedom to work anywhere, without the restrictions of a cord or the need for a compressor or gas cartridge. The battery will last through 1,300 nails on a full charge, and the magazine holds up to 100 nails. The sturdy nailer weighs 5.9 pounds. It features dual LED lights that illuminate your workspace and also alert you to a problem. Additional features include a depth adjustment window and tool-free settings that include a stall release lever, jam release, and adjustment wheel. The purchase is backed by a 3-year limited warranty.

$199.99 at Amazon.com

The versatile BOSTITCH Framing Nailer is designed with quick-change nosepieces to switch from framing to metal connector nails. For both options, the magazine holds about 60 nails. The pneumatic nail gun (compressor required) also features a push button to set the desired nail depth. When you need to put it down, use the rafter hook on the nail gun to hang it from a rafter or joist. Additional design features include lightweight magnesium housing, a rubber grip, and rubber skid pads. The nail gun is backed by a 7-year limited warranty.

$223.99 at Amazon.com

The clever Metabo HPT Finish Nailer is engineered with a 360-degree integrated air duster to clear debris from your work surface. The nailer is also designed with an actuation switch to conveniently go from sequential to contact nailing. The lightweight nailer weighs just 4.2 pounds, has an adjustable drive dial for "flush fastening," and allows you to clear jams without the use of additional tools. A compressor (not included) is required to operate the pneumatic nailer. The purchase includes a 5-year warranty.

$109 at Amazon.com

The formidable NuMax SFR2190 Pneumatic Framing Nailer is equipped to handle jobs from building furniture and framing to constructing decks and installing subfloors. The pneumatic nailer (compressor required) features a dual-mode trigger to go from bump to sequential firing, a one-piece drive blade, and a pull-back pusher for easy reloading. The body of the Nailer is constructed from lightweight magnesium and is designed with a comfort-grip handle. Your purchase includes an air connector, air tool oil, and adjustments tools, along with a 1-year limited warranty.

$82 at Amazon.com

Pair the Ryobi P320 Airstrike 18 Volt One+ Lithium Ion Cordless Brad Nailer with the wide-ranging Ryobi battery (sold separately) to drive up to 1,700 nails on a single charge. The nailer is designed with an onboard dial to regulate air pressure. An indicator on the tool alerts you when it's time to reload and built-in LED lighting lights up your workspace. The attached belt clip ensures the nailer is always at hand when needed.

$126.88 at Amazon.com

The WEN 61721 Pneumatic Brad Nailer comes equipped with 200 18-gauge nails (500 each of 3/8-inch, 3/4-inch, 1-inch, and 2-inch nails) that all fit within the nailer's range and 106-nail-capacity magazine. If the nails get jammed, the nose latch will let you clear it quickly. The nailer also features a rotatable exhaust, nail gauge, depth adjustment wheel, and rubber grip handle. It is competitively priced and listed as an Amazon top seller.

$33.72 at Amazon.com

The DEWALT D51257K Finish Nailer includes Sealed Lube Dual Technology for use with or without motor oil. The Nailer is designed for use with 1 to 2 1/2-inch, 16-gauge, straight collated nails. The lightweight, 3.9-pound nailer features a 360-degree rotating exhaust cap and an easy opening at the front to remove any jams. The tool also allows you to adjust nail depth and set the sequential action trigger. For added safety, the nailer is designed with a trigger lock off. The purchase also includes a carrying case, an adjustable belt hook, and 1,000 sample finish nails.

$181.68 at Amazon.com

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