Framing nailers are a great choice for building all types of structures, and they can be used in a wide variety of circumstances. One of the biggest advantages of these tools is their high level of versatility. Along with their versatility comes a wide range a framing nailers to ensure that you can find one that is suited to your personal needs. If you want to find a framing nailer, then you need to consider a number of things to help ensure that you purchase the one that best suits your needs.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Paslode, Cordless XP Framing Nailer | Best Overall |  |
| NuMax SFR2190 Pneumatic 21 Degree 3-1/2" Full Round Head Framing Nailer Ergonomic and Lightweight Nail Gun | Budget Pick |  |
| Hitachi NR90AES1 Framing Nailer | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Paslode, Cordless XP Framing Nailer
Pros:
- Dual battery and fuel cell power source
- Delivers up to 500ing 14 nails per charge
- Heavy-duty build quality
- Ergonomic forward exhaust
- Lightweight and easily maneuverable
- Five-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Somewhat heavy at 8.7 pounds
- Single trigger will take some time to get used to
The Paslode cordless nailer is battery operated with a fuel cell canister that ensures it won’t run out of energy during use. The fuel cell can be refilled with Paslode Fuel and a full charge is good for up to 500 nails. The gun is capable of achieving nail penetration of a minimum of 2inches. It features a dual collation which means it can fire both the smaller and the larger collation nails up to 1inches and 2inches respectively.
The Paslode cordless framing nailer is fitted with two motors for greater performance and control and a patented dual fuel system which allows it to work even if there is no power at all. The firing mechanism has two triggers, and one allows for single fire while the other gives you continuous fire.
The nailer is made by Paslode, which is a trusted manufacturer of nailers and related equipment. It’s also backed by a limited lifetime warranty from its manufacturer.
2. BOSTITCH Framing Nailer
Pros:
- Received a rating of 90/100 on Amazon
- Great for DIY projects
- Held up well against wear and tear
- Affordable and built to last
- Lightweight at four pounds
- Easy to maneuver
Cons:
- The nail tip can get dented if hit against something hard
- Unable to adjust the rate of fire depending on what surface the nailer is being used on
This framing nailer from Bostitch comes at a very affordable price. This tool is known for its performance going toe to toe with nailers that are much more expensive. The nailer is lightweight and compact, making it easy to maneuver even in tight spaces.
The nailer includes special features like dual-mode firing with a sequential and bump-fire option, as well as a replaceable nosepiece. It also includes a special depth-of-drive adjustment to repair nails that are too long.
In addition, the nailer has a frame-depth gauge to allow reach the perfect nail depth for your project. This is especially helpful when working with different types of wood.
3. NuMax SFR2190 Pneumatic 21 Degree 3-1/2" Full Round Head Framing Nailer Ergonomic and Lightweight Nail Gun
Pros:
- Air compressor requires no special maintenance
- The complete package
- Comes with tool-free adjusting depth
- Powerful nailing power
- Lightweight gun body
- Easy to use
- Good value for the money
- Has safety with quick clear
- Very easy to follow directions
- Price is hard not to beat
Cons:
- Loud
- You will need to supply your own air compressor
- Fires nails only in 21-degree angles
We think this is one of the top framing nailers for the money. It comes with four pneumatic 21-degree nails to get you started. This is a pneumatic nailer so you will need your own air compressor.
While this framing nail gun is lightweight, it still delivers the power you need to nail your project. It is great for 2×4’s and even 3lbs roofing. You can adjust the depth and angle of your nails with ease with its tool-free adjusting depth.
There was one issue with this gun when it arrived. It came with a huge chunk out of the plastic tip. This can be solved with a quick call to the manufacturer. They are willing to send one right out in a week or two if you don’t want to wait for shipping.
4. Freeman PFR2190 Pneumatic 21 Degree 3-1/2" Full Round Head Framing Nailer
Pros:
- Maintains zero nails per inch
- Lightweight and ergonomic
- Variable 30 degrees to 21 degrees no-mar tip
- Easily interchangeable lock-off has a depth adjustment
- Tool-free adjustable depth guide
- No visible screws
- Double shoe design accepts up to 2-1/2" nails
- Adjustable exhaust to reduce debris and exhaust from the work area
- Extremely durable and easy to maintain
Cons:
- Maintains zero nails per inch
- None in the trigger adjustment
As the name suggests, this framing nailer from Freeman is designed for outdoor use. It is a Pneumatic framing nailer that weighs just 1.9 lbs. The framing nailer is compact and trim, and has an ergonomic design. It has a 21 degree angled nail head for high precision. The framing nailer from Freeman has an adjustable depth guide.
The tool-free adjustable depth guide of the framing nailer from Freeman is located on the top on the side. It has a clear nail jam release, and the depth guide can be adjusted easily by flipping a button. The nail gun also has an exhaust adjustment knob at the back of the housing. The framing nailer from Freeman can work with 2-1/2 inch to 3-1/2 inch nails.
5. DEWALT DCN692B 20V Max Cordless 30° Paper Collated Framing Nailer
Pros:
- Tool-less depth adjustment on the rear of the tool
- 3 Year warranty
- Readily available customer service over the phone or the web
- Lightweight and ergonomic
Cons:
- Battery takes quite some time to charge
- Lose accuracy and power when using in cold weather
This product is lightweight, which is another advantage of having a cordless model, as you can carry it and move it around easily. It weighs about 5 lbs, which is lighter than a comparably equipped air powered framing nailer.
It also an ergonomically designed product, which means that it has a rubberized grip so that you can carry the device without any worry of slippage.
If you are using a cordless nailer then you will find, especially if you are a seasoned construction worker, that the single most important factor will be having a dependable product is a product that will give you reliable and accurate performance.
6. 3PLUS H2190SP 21 Degree Full Round Head Framing Nailer
Pros:
- Affordable
- Fires 21-degree curved nails
- Quality of nails is impressive
- Exceptional power delivery
Cons:
- Kit only includes carrying case and oil
- Need separate case for nails
The 3PLUS H2190SP 21 Degree Full Round Head Framing Nailer offers a great selection of features without breaking the bank, making it an affordable option with a lot of bang for your buck.
Firstly, the framing nailer features a lightweight design of just 8.8 pounds, so it’s easy to transport. It also has a convenient handle placement that ensures a natural grip, making it easy to handle even if you’re working on a ladder or hard-to-reach areas.
Another key selling point is the durable 21-degree curved nail driving system which delivers ease of use and exceptional power delivery. The UV treatment of the finish on the product also makes it much more durable.
7. WEN 61798 Pneumatic 34-Degree Clipped Head Framing Nailer
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Adjustable to different nail lengths
- Good safety measures
- Comfortable grip
- Includes 180 nails
- Manufacturer offers a three-year warranty
Cons:
- Not suitable for boarding or deck construction
- Very loud operation
- Nails are not self-feeding
The WEN 61798 Pneumatic 34-degree Clipped Head Nailer is a great option for use in the home. It features a lightweight, compact design and an adjustable nosepiece for changing pain length. The 4-inch angled magazine makes it usable in tight corners or along the borders of rooms.
The WEN nailer utilizes an air-powered mechanism so there’s no cord or gas needed for operation. It features a tool-free jam release to make it easy to clear out uncooperative nails. The nailer also has a tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment to help ensure nails go in at the right depth.
The nailer features a rubber over-molded grip so it’s comfortable to hold, and a tool-free belt hook helps keep it secure while not in use. The 180 nails included with the set provide about 45 to 50 thousand nails depending on their length. The nails are 1.25 inches long, which is the popular length for framing applications.
8. BOSTITCH Framing Nailer
Pros:
- Lightweight and well-balanced
- Aggressive driver for quick connectings
- Two-stage safety trigger
- Great value for the price
The BOSTITCH Framing Nailer, 21 Degree, Low Profile, 3-1/4-Inch, is low-profile and light-weight. It can shoot up to 23 inch nails at a high speed of up to 3000 blows per minute. It weighs only 4.6 pounds which makes it easier to handle and control. Its magazine size is 3-1/4 inches.
The device has a 21-degree nail angle. The nail length it can drive up to 2-inches. Its mode of operation is semi-automatic. The nailer has a two stage safety trigger. The nailer has a side lever for adjusting depth.
The device uses a pneumatic power source. It has a low nail indicator for clear visibility of the nails in the magazine. The nailer comes with a plastic carrying case for transport and storage.
9. Hitachi NR90AES1 Framing Nailer
Pros:
- User-friendly design
- Easy to operate
- Good in pricing
- Pneumatic nailer with quick-clamping set up
- Option to retract the exhaust air
- Multiple firing power modes
- 21 degrees nailed nose to ease framing
Cons:
- Slim front-end design
- Noisier than the others
- Cartridge loading
- Single firing mode only
If you are looking for a high-quality nailer, the Hitachi NR90AES1 framing nailer is the one you should consider. This gun’s loaded with the power to handle nails of all types and sizes.
It features an air intake tube that’s designed to direct the exhaust air away from your body. The gas exhaust is further directed out of the gun through exhaust air vents. This helps you maneuver around with ease since you won’t have your vision obstructed by the exhaust air.
The gun allows for both single and sequential firing modes with the use of a selector switch. For sequential firing, the gun’s magazine has to be changed after every firing cycle. Alternatively, you can also change the setting to a single firing mode, allowing you to work non-stop.
10. Metabo HPT Framing Nailer
Pros:
- Powerful engine of 6.2 AMPs
- High cycle speed of 20 nails per minute
- Easy one-hand press with anti-slip face guard
- Includes a tool-free quick reload system
- Quick cap release system, which prevents damage to the tool during tool changes
- High durability and a long service life
- Cooling lubricated air compressor with an air flow of 130
Cons:
- Heavy
- Expensive
- Lacks belt hooks
The Metabo HPT Framing Nailer is our top pick, and as you can see, it’s a premium-priced model with an average rating of four out of five stars. It’s also the number one-selling framing nailer on Amazon. Metabo, a German manufacturer, has a reputation for building very high-quality tools, and this nailer certainly lives up to that reputation.
This framing nailer has a relatively large magazine of 21 degrees, making it perfect for fastening sheathing and roofing panels. The tool is powered by a 6.2-amp motor that delivers a cycle speed of 20 nails per minute and offers a depth adjustment of 1.6 inches to 2.5 inches. Tool free adjustments make it easier to use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best framing nailers?
The best framing nailers are those from brands you trust. Some of manual and some of pneumatic. Some magnetic and others not.
Why? Well, in the end, framing nailers are pretty predictable. For the most part they all do their jobs, similarly. But it comes down to how well you can reload, where you can reload, and how comfortable you are.
Do you want a magnetic strip that's easy to reload but doesn't hold a lot, or do you want a small magazine that holds dozens of nails or more? Do you want to reload your nailing strip handheld, freehand, or do you want to stand up straight and use a tool?
How do I choose a framing nail gun?
Framing nailers are the heaviest duty of a nail gun type and are designed to last for years without issues. You will get years of use and loads of head shots from this type of nail guns and nailer guns.
They are mostly used in framing and related activities. They have large capacity reservoirs for nails, from 150 nails per load to more than 500 nails per load. Some models can fire up to 100 nails per minute.
When choosing a framing nail gun, features include the force that it can handle, the capacity of the feul reservoir, the type of nails that it can shoot, how many nails per minute it can fire, its safety features.
The nailer that is best depends on what you want to use it for and where you will use it.
What's better 21 or 30 degree framing nailer?
The majority of experts and manufacturers recommend that you use the 21-degree angle for roof framing.
However, there are some cases where the 30-degree angle finish nailer may be better.
When installing roof sheathing, a 30-degree angled nailer is good for gaining greater nail penetration. Most roof sheathing has a thicker deck with more nail-resistant materials. A 30-degree angled nailer is less likely to deform the gauge.
Keep in mind that nails with 20-degree angles might not penetrate enough, even when using a finish nailer.
For re-roofing, there are two options:
{1}. Use a 21-degree nailer to prevent the surface material from denting or deforming.
{2}. It’s a good idea to use a 30-degree angle because it will sink deep into the roof sheathing without damaging it.
What is the best Paslode framing nailer?
The P320c has impressed reviewers with its innovative design and convenient operation.
Conclusion
The best framing nailer you can buy should be able to tackle a broad range of projects. That way, you can be sure that you’re getting more bang for your buck. We reviewed several different characteristics of each nailer to see how they compared with one another. Then, we considered the price of each product as well as the reputation and what our past customers had to say. We are very confident that our top three picks will help you do whatever home project you’re working on.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Paslode, Cordless XP Framing Nailer | Best Overall | |
| NuMax SFR2190 Pneumatic 21 Degree 3-1/2" Full Round Head Framing Nailer Ergonomic and Lightweight Nail Gun | Budget Pick | |
| Hitachi NR90AES1 Framing Nailer | Upgrade Pick | |