CordlessĬordless framing nailers rely solely on their battery for power. Plus, due to the combustion created by the fuel cell, this type of nailer will emit an unpleasant odor during use. As far as the downside goes, replacement of the fuel cell adds to the expense of a fuel-powered nailer-and they’re not inexpensive. A fuel-powered nailer is lighter in weight than a cordless model and will also last longer before the battery needs recharging or the fuel cell needs replacing. They rely on a combination of a fuel cell and a rechargeable battery for power. FuelĪlthough becoming less common with the arrival of cordless models, fuel-powered framing nailers are still fairly popular. They’re also quite a bit louder to run on account of the air compressor. However, these framing nailers are less convenient, as they require toting an air compressor to the jobsite. They also allow for rapid firing, which can help facilitate a faster framing process. On the plus side, they provide a consistent source of power, pack more force than their cordless and fuel-powered counterparts, and are lighter in weight than cordless nailers. Pneumatic framing nailers use compressed air supplied by an air compressor to create the force that drives the nail out of the gun and into the wood. The three types of nailers are pneumatic, fuel, and cordless-each with its own pros and cons. There are different categories of framing nailers, and which tasks a particular model might suit depends on how it fires nails into wood. Photo: Tom Scalisi Types of Framing Nailers

ALSO CONSIDER: Estwing EFR2190 21-Degree Full Head Framing Nailer.

BEST COIL-FRAMING NAILER: Metabo HPT NV90AGS Coil-Framing Nailer.

BEST CORDLESS: Metabo HPT NR1890DRS Cordless Framing Nailer Kit.UPGRADE PICK: Metabo HPT NR83A5 21-Degree 3-1/4 Inch Framing Nailer.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: NuMax SFR2190 Pneumatic 21-Degree Framing Nailer.RUNNER-UP: Freeman G2FR2190 Pneumatic 21-Degree Framing Nailer.BEST OVERALL: Metabo HPT NR90AES1 21-Degree Framing Nailer.It details what to look for when shopping for one of these tools and provides the results of our hands-on testing to show why the following are among the best framing nailer options available. But just as the framing nailer is a specific type of nail gun, there are also different categories of framing nailers with varying features and functions geared to specific uses.įor anyone in the market for the best framing nailer, this guide will provide information to help make the right decision.

These powerful tools operate by using combustion, electricity, or compressed air to create enough force to fire nails up to 3½ inches long into wood.Ī huge boon to the construction industry and ambitious DIYers alike, framing nailers speed up what was once only possible through tedious manual labor. That sound is now a thing of the past, replaced by the repetitive “pop!” of framing nailers. There was a time when neighbors could tell a crew was framing a house by the sound of metal-on-metal-on-wood, since hammering nails was the only way to connect large dimensional lumber.

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