Nail guns come in all shapes and sizes, with a variety of different features. Some are designed for heavy-duty use, while others are meant for lighter applications. There are also cordless models available, as well as pneumatic nail guns that require an air compressor oil type. So how do you know which nail gun is right for you? Read on.
Nail Guns Types
Different types of nail guns are available for each project, as shown below.
1- Framing Nailer
Framing nailers are the most robust nailer on the market, and their name is appropriate. These nailers are suited for use on wood-frame construction in heavy-duty projects and buildings.
A framing nailer can drive nails as long as 3-1/2 inches, which are utilized to connect 2×4s. They’re frequently employed in the construction of:
- Wood sheathing.
- Fences.
- Wood siding.
- Decks.
- Rooms.
- Homes.
Some versions have interchangeable sequential and contact trips, as well as tool-free depth-drive adjustment.
There are two distinct types of framing nailers: round head and clipped head. Clipped-head nailers are more suited to high-volume work since they can store a greater number of nails.
While there are no strict regulations for using end-nailers, they do have a lesser capacity than roundhead framers.
2- Flooring Nailer
Nail gun designs have evolved dramatically over the years, with many models now available to homeowners. Nailers designed specifically for laying tongue-and-groove flooring are not the same as those used by carpenters or framers.
A nailer and a nylon mallet are used to hit the plunger at the board’s edge. This technique guarantees that each nail (or cleat) is driven at the proper angle and depth every time.
Pneumatic and manual flooring nailers are the two types of nail guns. Both are used in much the same way, however, pneumatic nailers utilize air pressure to assist in propelling the nail into the board. Pneumatic flooring nailers require less effort on the part of the user.
Flooring nailers aren’t as versatile as other types of nail guns since they can only be used to install floorboards.
3- Palm Nailer
Nail gun attachments are very similar to palm nailers. These palm-sized nail guns function in the same manner as their larger versions, albeit on a smaller scale.
These nailers are shaped like a hand and rest in the palm. There’s also a strap that encircles the hand, ensuring it stays put throughout use.
Pneumatic, electric, and cordless nail guns are all available. Cordless versions, which operate on a battery, have more mobility and flexibility. For the smaller projects, palm nailers are ideal.
4- Roofing Nailer
Roofing nailers are similar to framing nailers in terms of weight and durability. They’re typically only used by expert contractors, although serious do-it-yourselfers may also utilize one.
A roofing nailer fires nails into wood or other types of roofing materials at high rates of speed. There are several types of roofing nailers available:
- Spring-loaded: The simplest roofing nailer, which releases nails from the chamber using springs.
- Pneumatic: Pneumatic roofing nailers, which are powered by an air compressor, are the most popular type of nail gun in this category.
- Solenoid: Electromagnetic polarization is used to power these nailers.
The roofing nailer is similar to the flooring nailer in that it’s only used for roofing projects and typically only by professional roofers and contractors.
5- Siding Nailer
A siding nailer is used to attach the siding. Thin pieces of wood or synthetic material are attached to a wooden mount using these powerful nailing guns.
Unlike the framing nailer, which is better suited to larger portions of wood being joined, the siding nailer is ideal for projects that need bigger pieces of wood.
Siding nailers have smaller nails between 1-1/4″ and 2-1/2″ with wider heads. Some versions are compatible with aluminium nails, making them ideal for aluminium siding.
