Best Electric Nail Guns Reviewed and Tested

Criteria for Evaluation

In order to create a diverse list of nail guns that could appeal to a variety of tasks as well as a range of users and budgets – and then rank them- we had to develop criteria by which to judge and then compare the nail guns. There was a large selection to choose from, and plenty of comparable tools that made it difficult to decide whether to include them or offer an entirely different alternative.

Some opinions are based on the numbers – and some are clearly subjective ease of use for example). For that reason, we have supplied you with the basic list of criteria we worked from and a general explanation of how it was implemented.

Power

Consistency

When you are placing dozens, if not hundreds, of nails the last thing you want to have to do is go back and manually adjust each one. Tools that had an overall better rating for consistency gained a considerable advantage over those that had regular issues with depth placement.

Size/Weight/Comfort

A big and bulky tool can be a real nuisance during long work hours or when trying to reach small or awkward areas. Tools that provided ample power in an easy to use device were ranked better. Overall comfort also was significant given that many time a better balanced but slightly heavier tool will actually administer less fatigue and pain to the body.

Price

We’ve offhandedly covered his reasoning in the article a couple times. But to reiterate what was said in the opening section “the tools were judged and rated on price to value scale… Example: if Tool A can accomplish 75% of all the same tasks as Tool B, but Tool B is 95% more expensive, it can be argued that Tool A is of a higher overall value. This, of course, is bound to be rather subjective… If it can only accomplish a fraction of your needs – its value to you will, of course, be much lower.”

Extra Features

Additional features like LED lights, Tool-less adjustments and easy jam clearing methods may seem like superfluous additions, that is until you need them. While most of these are definitely bonuses rather than key metrics – they were nonetheless one of the more important overall factors after the ones already listed.

Do you need an air compressor for an electric nail gun?

If you want to put up a picture(s) on the wall, do a repair, or put a bookcase together, a hammer is your ideal tool: cheap, easy to use, and effective.

However, if your task is more involving, using a hammer may be pretty stressful and tiresome. This is where a nail gun comes in handy.  They are powerful machines that release nail at high speed, driving in the nails in a fraction of a second.
There are various types of nail guns depending on the power source used by each including pneumatic nail guns, electric nail guns, and cordless nail guns. Let’s have a look at each of them to determine if an electric nail gun needs an air compressor.

Pneumatic nail guns

To drive in nails, pneumatic nail guns must be connected to an air compressor for power, which is bought separately. This type is the most powerful and reliable for heavy-duty tasks, although its mobility is limited since it must be connected to the air compressor. Also, it takes longer to start the nail gun, and the hose pipe can be inconvenient since you must ensure you have the right connectors for the nail gun to move freely.

Cordless nail guns

There are three types of this kind including battery powered, fuel-driven, and cordless electric nail guns. Cordless Battery-powered models use ignition caused by a spark produced by the battery to drive in nails. It provides maximum mobility more than the pneumatic nail guns since you do not need an air compressor. It is easier to start up, although it has less power than the pneumatic model. On the downside, you need to recharge the battery, although with a 60-minute charger or a backup battery can help you solve the problem.

Cordless fuel-driven nail guns use combustion from the fuel to drive nails into materials. A disposable gas cartridge drains fuel into an ignition compartment in the nailer, such that when it is combined with electrical charges produced by the battery in the nail gun, it gives an explosive force that drives the nail out. It provides mobility since it requires no cords or hoses. Also, it is powerful for heavy duty projects such as driving huge fasteners into hard surfaces or materials. The main downside of this model is that it is expensive to operate since you have to replace the fuel canisters.

Cordless Electric Nail Gun is a perfect fit for anyone who finds the cord stressing when working. It uses the main electric power to drive nails.

Electric Nail Guns

Pure electric nail guns are specifically made for small nails such as staples and brads. They depend on the electric current supplied from the mains. Thus, they are connected to a standard electrical outlet. They are powerful for small scale tasks. However, they have limited portability since they are corded. On the bright side, you do not need to recharge batteries, buy fuel canisters, or air compressors.

Finally, you do not need an air compressor for an electric nail gun since only the pneumatic models make use of the air compressor. They are two different tools powered differently. Here are some of the key pros and cons of electrical over air-powered nail guns.

Pros

Pneumatic nail guns are heavier than the electric ones. This means that you can work longer without getting tired when working with the electric model.

The electric model is less noisy than the air-powered nail gun. This is vital in residential areas.
Pneumatic guns demand regular oiling to prevent rust and to lubricate the inner parts to work efficiently. Electric tools do not require such additional maintenance.

Cons

Pneumatic models are fit for heavy-duty tasks since they can withstand intense driving force, and are less vulnerable to incapacitating damage when dropped. However, electric guns can only handle small tasks and are less durable.

FAQs

What are the Different types of nail guns covered?

While the uses and power of the tool are very different, it is also the nails they utilize that cause the disparity. Brad nails are small and thin nails that are made to be embedded into the wood. They often will have very thin, or no head to them. Finishing nailers generally use larger forms of nails.

Framing Nailers

Unlike other versions, framing nailers are not necessarily looking for precision, rather they want power and usually speed. They are much more powerful and are used on construction sites and harder materials such as structural timbers.

Brad & Finish Nailers

Brad & Finish Nailers are used for more precise and delicate work that generally requires more accuracy and a softer touch. Baseboards, moldings or tacking down some sheet material are common tasks for finish nailers. Brad nailers are best suited for tasks like trim work.

What Features Should I look For?

While the features you need will be up to your individual tasks, there are some that will definitely sweeten the deal at some point.

Tool-Less Adjustments

It can get incredibly frustrating when you need to make multiple changes to have to carry an extra device with which to do so. By adjustment number three it indeed can be aggravating. Tool-less adjustments allow you to make changes to the operation using adjusters like dials and knobs. A substantial time and stress saver.

Easy Jam Removals

Lower powered nail guns tend to have feeding issues. Every so often a nail will either feed improperly or get jammed up in the magazine. Tools that allow you easy access to these areas or have forward assists for guiding the nail into its proper place can really save you time and effort when the inevitable happens.

There are also lights that are added to indicate either feed issues, low nail capacity and/or low battery.

Body Design

While this isn’t a “feature” since all tools will have a body to them – it is important you pick one made to operate in your environment. A bulky tool will make like difficult in tight spaces or for tasks where you have to reach up or out consistently. Lighter tools with comfort grips will make life much better for you.

Angled nailers can come in handy when working with awkward angles or trying to apply fasteners into narrow spaces.

Nailers with a flush head allow you to get much closer to your target either when it is near and perpendicular to another surface.

What is Bump Firing Mode?

Bump firing is when you can fire off a nail by simply pressing it against the wood. This allows for a much faster series of operation when accuracy isn’t as important a factor.

Making Your Decision

Hopefully, this list of nail guns, their key criteria, and the short FAQ have given you a solid idea of where to begin to look for your new nail gun. This list gives a small example of the options you have out there – and were simply what we judged were the best representative of their respective categories. While every device on this list is of a reliable quality, there may very well be comparable tools in a particular category that is more suited to your needs. As long as the info provided here helped guide your decision, it did its job.

People never completely agree on what the objectively best tool is. It is likely you may disagree with a number of our opinions. That is perfectly okay. In fact, in my experience having disagreed  on a point is often what led me to solidify my own point in return.

So whether you are a professional looking to fire of nails like a Marine in a gunfight, or a hobbyist and homeowner trying to work with fencing or picture frames, Good luck – and remember – build smart, build safe, and build big.