Best Nail Gun Reviews 2023

Although claw hammers are great for repairs around the house and wall-mounting your family pictures, nothing quite beats the ease and versatility of a nail gun. For starters, you can kiss those splitting headaches goodbye. You know, the ones that come with the rhythmic bang, bang, banging of a claw hammer! Instead, enjoy the peace and tranquility of a gentle nail gun tap, a sound so quiet, you may not even hear it. Now, since nail guns are job-specific, you’ll need to assess what kind of nailing job you’ll have to complete. But, you can relax because we’ve looked through all kinds of nail guns, so we’re able to help you figure out which one would best suit your toolbox or renovation project. Hang on tight ‘cuz we’re about to show you some amazing models from our top 5 brands.
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Overview
PROS
CONS
SPECS
Type
Power Source
Magazine
Gauge
Weight
Our Top Choice
Hitachi Gas Strip Nailer
Hitachi is committed to providing the world with technologically advanced tools to make work easier. The Hitachi NR90GR2 is very fast as it operates at an incredible 2 nails per second!
Extremely lightweight, yet very powerful. Easy to use and control. Comfortable grip.
A bit noisy. Short battery lifespan.
Framing nailer
Gas-powered/fuel cell
32 – 35 nails
15 gauge
7.9 lbs.
Best Value
Porter-Cable 20V MAX Nail Gun
Porter-Cable is no stranger to the world of nail guns. The 20V MAX Brad Nail Gun features a lightweight design, user comfort, and immense power.
Lightweight and ergonomic design. Longer battery runtime.
Cannot handle intricate jobs.
Brad nailer
Battery-powered
100 nails
18 gauge
8.1 lbs.
DeWalt 20V MAX Nailer
DeWalt is known for making tools with usability and maneuverability in mind. Their 20V Nailer is ready to fasten baseboards or crown molding.
Lightweight. Long battery life. Multi-functional lights.
A bit pricey because of the quality.
Finish nailer
Battery-powered
110 nails
16 gauge
5.2 lbs.
Bostitch Coil Roofing Nailer
Bostitch is a global brand whose power tools have been used for decades. The Bostitch Coil Roofing Nailer is made with an aluminum housing for durability and portability.
Easy to use. Lightweight. Powerful.
Can sometimes fire doubles if not held firmly.
Roofing nailer
Gas-powered
120 nails
15 gauge
4.9 lbs.
Wen Flooring Nail Gun
Wen’s goal is to help woodworkers across the globe complete their jobs fantastically. The Wen 3-in-1 Flooring Nailer can drive L and T cleats, including staples.
Drives three types of fasteners. Affordable. Comfortable grip.
Not a lot of operating pressure (up to 100 psi).
Flooring nailer
Gas-powered
100 L or T-cleats; 120 staples
16 gauge
21.9 lbs.

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What is the Best Nail Gun?

As we’ve already mentioned, not every nail gun can do any job. Having said that, a quality nail gun should be able to do a good number of the things. Since you’ve read through our buying guide, you’re now armed with our informative guidance which will help you choose a great nail gun.
Our Top Choice
Being a popular brand in the world of nail guns, Hitachi has strived to deliver on its promises when it comes to quality and performance. The Hitachi NR90GR2 is a gas-powered framing nailer capable of firing at an incredible 1,000 nails per hour. Looking for a great finish nailer instead? We recommend the Hitachi 65mm Finish Nailer. It comes with an integrated air duster to clear all the debris and dust from your workplace.

Hitachi Cordless Framing Nailer Gas Powered Plastic Strip Coated


Features
Combining extreme performance, ease of use, and durability, there’s no doubt that Hitachi is the pro choice when it comes to power tools. The brand stands as a symbol of creativity and dynamism, and this is clearly exhibited in their nail guns, most of which have taken the construction world by storm thanks to the technology they incorporate.

You’re a hard worker who believes in doing clean, quality work, right? That’s why we feel that you need a framing nailer that will help you with your hard work. If you are looking to undertake some heavy-duty work such as framing, the Hitachi Nail Gun NR90GR2 is the tool to use because it packs tremendous power and can be used on most types of construction elements including beams and posts. Retailing at around $297, this nailer will prove quite easy to use, especially when it comes to replenishing the nails because all you need to do is slide a strip of nails into the magazine and then release the feeder, locking the nails right in place.

If you’re thinking lightweight, performance, and quality, your answer could be the Hitachi NR90GR2. Here are more reasons why you should buy this nailer:
  • Operates on 7.2V Ni-Cd battery
  • No need for hose or compressor
  • Dry-fire lockout
  • Well balanced with a comfortable grip
  • Drive depth adjustment to ensure you drive the right nail in the right hole
  • Retractable hook
  • Easy nail loading
  • Available in full round head and clipped head
  • Portable
From strip nailers to brad nailers to finish nailers, Hitachi offers just about every nailer you can think of. While we decided to feature the NR90GR2 with its full round head, you could instead buy one with a clipped head at a much lower price.
Best Value
Porter-Cable did a wonderful job with the 20V MAX Brad Nail Gun. They included more features such as multipurpose LED lights and a flexible depth adjustment to surpass its competitors. Thinking about getting a corded brad nailer instead? We think the Porter-Cable 8 gauge 2" Brad Nailer Kit would be a fantastic choice. It does the job well and is more affordable.

Porter-Cable Cordless Brand Nailer 20V MAX Lithium 18GA Cordless


Features
Porter-Cable’s goals are pushed by innovation and quality, factors that have contributed to their tremendous growth in the world of power tools. Today, the brand is a household name, especially when it comes to tools for construction and home improvement. They have one of the best nail guns in the market that meet the needs of many handymen.

If you have small wood projects that require precision, then this brad nailer will prove to be a handy tool. Thanks to Porter-Cable’s technology and innovation, we’re excited to inform you of one of their newest additions to their line of nailers – the Porter-Cable 20V MAX Nail Gun. It’s cordless with a 20V MAX lithium battery, which means no more costly gas cartridges, frustrating hoses, or compressors.

Retailing at around $229, the Porter-Cable 20V MAX Nail Gun is equipped with a special motor that delivers with incredible firing power, and that’s not all. Here’s more you will enjoy about this brad nailer:
  • LED lights for workspace illumination
  • Lithium ion battery runs longer compared to its NiCad counterparts
  • Depth adjustment wheel that allows the user to countersink nails properly and consistently
  • Tool-free level and jam release
  • Three-year limited warranty
Porter-Cable is happy to serve their customers through a wide range of nailers and other power tools. For this particular product, the battery is included, but you can buy a nailer without one at a more affordable price. You may not have a reason not to own this brad nail gun!
The DeWalt 20V MAX Nailer is a favorite among many carpenters and construction workers. It operates on a lithium-ion battery and can fire up to 800 nails for each charge. If you’re on a tight budget and have your own battery, you can choose the 20V MAX 16ga Angled Cordless Finish Nailer. It’s strikingly similar to the Dewalt 20V MAX Nailer, except that it doesn’t come with a lithium ion battery.

DeWalt Cordless Finish Nail Gun 20V MAX Lithium-Ion 16 Gauge 2-1/2 inches


Features
Ask any construction worker which some of their favorite power tool brands are, and they won’t fail to mention DeWalt. This company rarely disappoints, especially when it comes to quality. Their nail guns are made with performance in mind, helping to guarantee an incredible job, whether you’re roofing, framing, or finishing.

Finishing jobs are critical for presentation. You’ll want a nailer that won’t disappoint and works cleanly. The DeWalt 20V Nailer is a great finish nailer you’ll want for tasks like window and door casings, crown molding, and baseboard nailing. It’s one of the latest additions to their growing line of 20V tools. It comes with LED lights that are made not only to warn you in case of low battery or jam, but also provide some useful illumination, all for around $399.

Here are some features that make the DeWalt 20V MAX Nailer such a great finish nailer:
  • Drives 16 gauge 20-degree finish nails from 1 1/4inches to 2-1/2 inches in length
  • Compatible with all batteries for Dewalt 20V MAX
  • Trigger lock-off that allows you to disable the trigger when gun is unused
  • Stall release level that helps reset the gun’s driver blade quickly should there be a stall
  • Depth adjustment so that you can countersink nails precisely and accurately
  • Easily adjustable belt hook
  • Quick jam release
DeWalt offers quite a number of finish nailers in its growing line of nail guns. Although we featured the 16 gauge DeWalt 20V MAX Nailer, there are models for different gauges and different prices. The good thing is that you are very likely to get a tool that offers substantial performance and accuracy.
Bostitch is a global conglomerate with years of experience with making power tools and other industrial appliances. This particular tool delivers at pressures of up to 120 psi, which is more than enough to handle most roofing tasks. Looking for a siding nailer instead? Check out the N66C-1 Coil Siding Nailer which also comes with an aluminum housing and quality construction.

Bostitch Coil Roofing Nail Gun RN46-1 3/4 to 1 3/4 – Inch


Features
Originally named The Boston Wire Stitcher, Bostitch has had a rich history since 1896. Its legacy is deeply rooted in creativity and innovation, serving the world with reliable and durable tools. It’s hard to go wrong with this company no matter what your nailing needs are.

Powerful and lightweight: we love these in roofing nailers. The Bostitch Coil Roofing Nailer offers these and much more. At first glance, you could be worried about strong recoil, but that’s not the case. It is able to drive up to 1 3/4-Inch nails in a single shot. Better yet, it comes with an aluminum housing making it lightweight and portable, and includes a dry-fire lockout. These could very well be why this best-selling item on Amazon is so successful. Finally, it costs only around $194.

Do you want to know why the Bostitch Coil Roofing Nailer is considered one of the best roofing nail guns by general contractors and remodelers? Well, here are some of the reasons:
  • Well-designed grip
  • Adjustable shingle guide to allow for fast shingle spacing
  • Reload indication
  • Patented side load canister that ensures faster loading
  • Nosepiece comes with carbide inserts to guarantee longevity
  • Aggressive skid pads and wear guards that protect the nailer
  • Fires nails ranging from 3/4 to 1 3/4 in.
  • Seven-year limited warranty
When it comes to roofing and siding nailers, you’ll be spoiled by the many choices Bostitch offers. All their tools are designed with weight, durability, and performance in mind. If a roofing nailer isn’t what you’re looking for, you can also check out the other types of nailers the brand offers.
Comfort, low weight, and affordability form the foundation the WEN 61953 3-in-1 Flooring Nailer. It drives L-cleats, T-nails, and staples, making it an ideal tool for construction workers. Looking for a brad nailer instead? We recommend that you check out the Wen Air Brad Nailer. It’s a bestseller on Amazon and is made with a lightweight aluminum body.

Wen Flooring Nailer 3 in 1 Pneumatic Hardwood


Features
Keeping customers happy for over fifty years is no joke. Wen opened their doors in 1951, making its mark in the power tool industry, and this brand is one of the most talked about in that industry. You can associate with Wen a high degree of quality.

Anyone who has ever done flooring work before will agree with us that the job is already tough and is made tougher with the wrong tools, but don’t worry because this flooring nailer by Wen will make many hassles things of the past. The Wen 3-in-1 Nail Gun is made to provide enough power and performance at an affordable price. Retailing at just $155.69, this tool can drive fasteners into flooring boards effortlessly. The best thing about it is that you can choose from T-nails, L-cleats and staples!

Here are more features that made us think this is a great nailer:
  • Padded grip
  • Only weighs 10.4 lbs.
  • Comes with O-rings, gasket, replacement bumper, safety glasses, lubricating oil, interchangeable base plate, wrenches, and case
You don’t have to get this nail gun if it’s not exactly what you are looking for. There are dozens of other models by Wen, including finishing, brad, and framing nailers. Check out what they have and get a better fit.

How Do I Choose the Best Nail Gun?

Before the dawn of the household hammer, cavemen used a good old-fashioned stone as a multipurpose tool. Nowadays, a claw hammer, for instance, is a preferred tool because it can drive a nail into a wall or other material as well as remove it. In more problematic situations where nails are deeply embedded, using a pry bar to remove a stubborn nail is a common solution.

Hammering is a whole other issue. From the annoying sound of pounding to the possibility of smashing your fingers, it was about time someone invented a tool that wasn’t so annoying and dangerous. Thanks to Morris Pynoos, the civil engineer who created the nail gun specifically for work on Howard Hughes’ famed “Spruce Goose” plane, this tool was introduced into the market in the 50s.Sorry, hammer! But, we haven’t looked back since!

Headaches from loud pounding are a thing of the past with nail guns as they drive nails seamlessly and quietly into wood, walls, and other materials. The wonderful thing about this tool is, it’s an easy device to handle and performs its varied functions very neatly.

Nail guns have now become necessities for the carpenter’s toolbox because they get the job done quickly. This results in increased productivity and thus increased income. They’re not only important tools for carpenters, but also for people who love to do house repairs and DIY projects.

Whatever the reason may be to purchase a nail gun, we’re here to give you all the information you’ll need to make the best choice.
Price
In general, cordless nail guns have become more attractive because they cost less and can deal with many jobs that require a pneumatic nail gun. Regardless, you can find a good nail gun within the price range of $150 and $500.

To avoid early breakage, we recommend you steer clear of cheap nail guns because the last thing you want is to be stuck buying yet another tool.
Features
For hassle-free nail gun experience, here are a few things you should consider before making a choice:
  • Loading Style
  • Type of job to be done
  • Power type
  • Trigger type and size
  • Nail size accommodation
  • Jam Clearing
  • Guards
Construction and Design
Pneumatic and cordless nail guns are the two major types of power guns. While the pneumatic type uses compressed air, the cordless ones use batteries. Each tool has its pros and cons which you must consider before you make a choice. For instance, some prefer pneumatic guns because they’re easy to maintain while others favor cordless guns for their portability, particularly in tight spaces.

When it comes to nail guns, there are three main trigger firing options. Firstly, the simple trigger model is quite straightforward in application as all it takes is one press on the trigger and to nail your target. Also, this type of gun eliminates the possibility of firing two nails at once. Secondly, the pull trigger model requires you to place the nozzle of the gun on the material you want to work on before you fire the nail. The only issue with this type is that one press on the trigger may simultaneously eject too many nails. Thirdly, the tap trigger is recommended for jobs that require high-volume nailing. With this type, nails are ejected when both the nozzle touches the material to be nailed and its trigger is pressed down.

When loading nail guns, you’ll need what’s known as a stick or coil. The stick type involves the nails being held together by strips of plastic, wire or paper. It is so called because the arrangement looks like thin sticks. With the coil-style, the nails are held together by wires. They are wound around in a coil and stored in the magazine. Typically, the latter option is preferred because they can accommodate about 300 nails at once.

It’s quite common to experience jammed nails with these tools. And so, choosing a gun that clears jams easily is strongly advised.
Performance and Ease of Use
If you know what kind of jobs you’ll be completing that require a nail gun, then you’ll be able to narrow down which type to purchase. For instance, roofing power nails will be perfect for nailing down shingles quickly and doing general roofing jobs. And if you need to nail things like cupboards, furniture, and moldings, a finish gun will be a great tool. You may also choose a framing gun to join large objects, materials, and frames together. The great benefit with a framing gun is that they accommodate and eject strong, large nails rapidly for a quicker job.

For convenience and ease of handling, the trigger size should be large enough. However, do ensure that the magazine is quick to load.

Ideally, it’s best to get a nail gun that is simple to load and can accommodate various nail dimensions. This is especially important with jobs that require you to use different nail sizes.

Put your safety first and go for nail guns with durable and high-quality guards that are designed to prevent flying debris from hitting your body. Typically, guards wear out over time which is why you should ensure that the guard can be easily replaced.

Get the Best Nail Gun of 2023!

Hurray! No more headaches and smashed fingers! And that’s all because you’ve taken the time to go through our extensive review and buying guide. Now, you know exactly which type of nail gun gets two thumbs up and which get failing marks. If you’d like more options, feel free to use the navigation links we’ve provided.

Our Top Choice
Hitachi Gas Strip Nailer
Best Value
Porter-Cable 20V MAX Nail Gun
DeWalt 20V MAX Nailer
Bostitch Coil Roofing Nailer
Wen Flooring Nail Gun