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The 8 Best Nail Guns of 2024

Secure your next DIY project with a great nail gun

Nail Guns

The Spruce / Kevin Liang

If you are tackling a larger project that requires installing many nails, a nail gun is a faster tool and requires less elbow grease than a hammer. When looking for a nail gun, keep in mind the type of DIY projects you intend to work on, as that will determine the type of nail gun you need.

Deane Biermeier, general contractor, carpenter, and member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board, recommends, "Homeowners tackling small projects, such as hanging holiday lights or tacking down carpet, typically will get more use out of small or trim nailers. If you’re doing major remodeling work, however, you'll need a large framing nailer or roof nailer."

It's also important to look at the power source (electricity, compressed air, or battery), as each has its pros and cons: Nail guns using compressed air tend to be the most powerful, but they require being connected to an air compressor. Cordless, battery-powered options give you unlimited movement, but you may have to stop to recharge batteries in the middle of your project (depending on the tool's battery runtime).

We researched the most popular nail guns available today, evaluating each for its ease of use, effectiveness, and value.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

DEWALT 18-Gauge Brad Nailer Kit

DEWALT 18-Gauge Brad Nailer Kit DWFP12231

Amazon

What We Like
  • Includes carrying case

  • Easy to adjust depth

  • Reliable performance

  • Lightweight

What We Don't Like
  • Requires an air compressor

A good nail gun should be easy to use, long-lasting, and drive a nail quickly and cleanly without any issues. To do this, the nail gun needs to have a tough build and options you can customize while working. The Dewalt Brad Nail Kit checks all these boxes, making it our top pick.

The sturdy construction means this tool is going to last, while the rubber grip helps absorb shock and keep your hands comfortable, even during a long work session. This is a lightweight nail gun—the lightest on our list—with a sequential-style trigger and rear exhaust vent that keeps dust and small particles away from you.

This brad nailer runs off of a separate air compressor/hose and uses 18-gauge nails ranging from 5/8 to 2 inches in length. It has a 100-nail working capacity and a lot of options to customize how you use the tool. You can control the nail depth with a simple tool-free adjustment.

When you aren’t using it, keep the tool hanging on your side with the included adjustable belt hook. Whether you need the tool for your job or DIY projects at home, this is the nail gun to choose. Just keep in mind that, like all nail guns powered by air, you will need to purchase an air compressor if you don't already have one.

Power Source: Air compressor | Type: Brad |  Weight: 2.65 pounds | Firing MechanismSequential

Best Battery-Operated

Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Cordless AirStrike Brad Nailer Kit

ONE+ HP 18V Cordless AirStrike Brad Nailer Kit
Home Depot.
What We Like
  • Up to 80 hours or 2,250 nails per charge

  • Battery is compatible with over 300 Ryobi tools

  • LED work light

What We Don't Like
  • Not designed for larger nails

If you want freedom of movement while you work or don't want to buy an air compressor, this cordless option from Ryobi is the way to go. We love that the included battery is compatible with over 300 Ryobi tools on the 18-volt systems (like cordless drills and leaf blowers), so you can work longer on your projects without waiting for a charge. For this tool, the battery can last for up to 80 hours, or add 2,250 nails per charge.

While battery-powered nailers are not typically designed for installing larger nails like an air compressor-powered nailer, this cordless nailer can install 18-gauge nails from 5/8 to 2 1/8 inches long. That's longer than our best budget option, but not as long as our best overall pick (both are powered by an air compressor) and allows you to tackle a wide range of DIY projects, including installing trim to windows and doors.

While it doesn't include a case, it has plenty of great features, including an LED work light so you can work in dim spaces, tool-free jam release (in the case of any jams), and non-marring pads so it won't leave scuffs when you rest it on work surfaces.


Power Source:
Battery | Type: Brad | Weight: 5.4 pounds | Firing Mechanism: Sequential

Best Budget

WEN Pneumatic Brad Nailer

WEN 61721 Pneumatic Brad Nailer

Amazon

What We Like
  • Weighs less than 3 pounds

  • Easy to use

What We Don't Like
  • No carrying case

Many budget nail guns skimp on quality, but the affordable Wen Pneumatic Brad Nailer is strong enough to tackle most common DIY tasks with ease. Designed to fire 18-gauge brads 3/8-inch to 2 inches in length, this nail gun is a good starter or secondary gun if you are looking to expand your tool collection. The gun works with any air compressor and can operate anywhere from 60 to 115 psi, ensuring you have enough power to drive a nail down into tough materials.

For additional comfort, the gun includes a rubber grip built right into the handle. The rubber absorbs the shock that courses up the nail gun with each shot, which can make using it a more comfortable experience. For the price, it's hard to beat this sturdy and useful nail gun, which is well-suited to many common projects around the house or yard.

Power Source: Air compressor | Type: Brad |  Weight: 2.7 pounds | Firing Mechanism: Sequential

Best Air Compressor Combo Kit

Bostitch BTFP3KIT Air Compressor

Bostitch BTFP3KIT Air Compressor

Amazon

What We Like
  • Includes air compressor

  • Includes three different types of nail guns

  • Great for a range of projects

What We Don't Like
  • Requires extra storage

While most pneumatic nail guns will work with any air compressor, it can be easier on the wallet if everything comes together in one package. A combo kit like this option from Bostitch includes everything you need to get going with your fastening project. You will get three nail guns—an 18-gauge brad nailer, a 16-gauge finish nailer, and a 3/8-inch crown stapler—along with an air compressor and tank. That means you'll be set to tackle all manner of DIY projects, including light carpentry, installation of molding, furniture repair, and many other fastening tasks.

The air supply starts with a 150-max-psi 6-gallon tank. The air compressor pumps at a constant 100 psi. That means you should have enough power to drive nails and staples into most hard surfaces. Dial back the air pressure on the pump for less force when working with softer materials. Since it includes an air compressor, you will have an extra tool to store, so keep that in mind.

Power Source: Air compressor | Type: Brad, finishing, stapler | Weight: 41.8 (for air compressor and tools) | Firing Mechanism: Sequential

Best Framing Nailer

BOSTITCH Pneumatic Framing Nailer

BOSTITCH F21PL Pneumatic Framing Nailer

Amazon

What We Like
  • Suited to heavy-duty use

  • Shoots wood or metal connectors

  • Easy to adjust depth

What We Don't Like
  • A bit heavy

A top-notch, professional-level framing nailer will give you more options and flexibility while standing up to the typical abuse larger projects can offer. The Bostitch Pneumatic Framing Nail Gun shoots 1-1/2-inch to 3-1/2-inch framing nails through just about any type of wood and even most metals, thanks to its two quick-change nosepieces for wood or metal connectors. A push-button depth guide makes setting the desired depth easy as you move around.

Connected to the air compressor of your choice, the gun has a working range of up to 120 psi. At max, the gun can deliver up to 1,050-inch pounds of force using a 60-nail magazine. That might be more power than you need for smaller DIY projects, but it's just what's needed for major projects like framing a home addition or building a large deck. Also, keep in mind that it doesn't come with a case, and it's a bit heavy for a tool that uses an air compressor (most others are under 3 pounds), but not the heaviest overall on our list.

Power Source: Air compressor | Type: Framing |  Weight: 4.7 pounds | Firing Mechanism: Sequential or bump

Best Two-in-One

NuMax Pneumatic 2-in-1 Brad Nailer

NuMax S2-118G2 Pneumatic 2-in-1 Brad Nailer

Amazon

What We Like
  • Can be used for both brads and staples

  • Very reasonable price

What We Don't Like
  • No carrying case

The NuMax 2-in-1 Brad Nailer is proof that some budget options don’t skip out on features usually found only on far more expensive tools. One common feature many expensive nail guns offer is the ability to use multiple types of nails and brads. For a fraction of the cost, this gun gives you similar flexibility. Using either common 2-inch 18-gauge or 1-5/8-inch narrow staples, this is a great choice for DIY projects such as installing chair rails, crown molding, decorative trim, baseboards, or window casings.

Another professional feature this gun includes is a no-mar tip. When working on delicate surfaces, this tip prevents the gun from digging in and doing major damage; that's a major plus when nailing into fragile materials such as decorative trims, baseboards, and various types of molding.

Power Source: Air compressor | Type: Brads or staples | Weight: 3.08 pounds | Firing Mechanism: Sequential

Best Kit

Freeman Pneumatic Nail Gun Combo Kit

Freeman P4FRFNCB Pneumatic Nail Gun Combo Kit

Amazon

What We Like
  • Four separate nail guns

  • Includes carrying bag

  • Easy to adjust depth

What We Don't Like
  • Largest nailer is heavy

Working on a range of projects? Instead of buying two or three separate nail guns, the Freeman Pneumatic Air Gun Combo Kit includes four different guns all designed with the same build quality and functionality. Each gun is designed with a different purpose in mind: full head framing for home construction, angle finishing for tight corner construction, a crown stapler for delicate tasks, and a general nail gun for other types of projects.

The set includes a handy canvas bag to keep all of the nailers together and easy to grab when needed, and you'll likely be reaching for it frequently. The general-purpose and angler guns are useful for cabinetry, crown moldings, and baseboards. A crown stapler is a common tool for decorative projects like picture frames, trim, fabrics, and other arts and crafts projects.

Power Source: Air compressor | Type: Framing, brad, finishing, stapler |  Weight: 8.6 pounds (for whole kit) | Firing Mechanism: Sequential

Best for Tacks and Staples

Arrow Cordless 5-in-1 Electric Staple Gun

Arrow ET501C Cordless 5-in-1 Electric Staple Gun

Amazon

What We Like
  • Shoots either brads or staples

What We Don't Like
  • No carrying case

Not every job calls for large nails and a high-powered gun. For some tasks, such as tacking down carpet or ceiling tiles, attaching upholstery, installing molding and trim, doing furniture repairs, hanging holiday lights, controlling phone or network cables, or making crafts, all you need are heavy-duty staples or small brads. And for those types of projects, the Arrow Cordless 5-in-1 Electric Staple Gun is just what you need. This little powerhouse comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that shoots up to 1,000 staples before needing to recharge.

The compact, ergonomic design of the tool makes it comfortable to use for long sessions, even when working in tight quarters. The fasteners load easily into the bottom of the gun, and the device automatically sets itself for the fastener that's been loaded. You can use this gun to shoot five different types of fasteners: heavy-duty T50 staples, light-duty JT21 staples, round crown T25 staples, 5/8-inch 18-gauge brads, and 5/8-inch 18-gauge pin nails.

Power Source: Battery | Type: Brads or staples | Weight: 3.01 pounds | Firing Mechanism: Sequential

Final Verdict

Our best overall pick is the Dewalt 18-Gauge Brad Nailer Kit. Powered by compressed air, this nail gun is powerful, durable, lightweight, and can help you tackle most DIY projects around the house or yard. If you want a cordless option that reply on an air compressor, we love the Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Cordless AirStrike Brad Nailer Kit, our best battery-powered pick. It can work for up to 80 hours (or install up to 2,250 nails) and has a battery that is compatible with over 300 Ryobi tools.

What to Look for in a Nail Gun

Type

There are several types of nail guns, mostly differentiated by the size of the nail they shoot.

  • Framing nail guns are the largest type of the group. These tools shoot framing nails—often called 16 penny nails—which are typically 3-1/2 inches in length and used for the toughest fastening jobs. This is the nail gun you want if you are adding a room to your home, framing a deck or structure, or building a large fence. Our best framing nailer, the Bostitch Pneumatic Framing Nailer can deliver up to 1,050-inch pounds of force using a 60-nail magazine.
  • Finish nailers are useful for a variety of carpentry tasks, including the installation of baseboards or crown molding. These guns shoot 15-gauge or 16-gauge finish nails up to 2-1/2 inches in length. Our best kit option, the Freeman Pneumatic Nail Gun Combo Kit includes four different nail guns including a finishing nailer.
  • Brad nailers are the nail gun most commonly used by DIYers. Most shoot 18-gauge brad nails up to 2 inches in length. These are very versatile tools with a wide range of applications, including furniture building, light construction, and repair tasks around the home or yard. Most of the options on this list are brad nailers, including our best overall pick, the Dewalt 18-Gauge Brad Nailer Kit.
  • Pin nailers are used mostly for finishing furniture. These tools shoot small 23-gauge pin nails up to 2 inches in length.
  • Roofing nailers are specialty nail guns used to nail down shingles while flooring nail guns shoot nails used to hold wood flooring in place.

Power Source

There are two basic types of nail guns: those powered by air and those powered by electricity (both corded and cordless electric).

  • Pneumatic or air-powered nail guns are the most powerful option. But you’ll be tethered to an air compressor while using the tool, meaning the length of the air hose determines your freedom of movement. Still, when it comes to driving the largest nails, these are the best options. If you don't have an air compressor already, you can find options that include them, including our best air compressor combo kit, the Bostitch Air Compressor.
  • Electric nail guns can be corded or cordless. Today, the majority of DIYers choose a cordless tool, which has enough power to handle the small-to-midsize nails used in most common DIY projects. For example, our best battery-powered option, the Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Cordless AirStrike Brad Nailer Kit, allows you to work freely without worrying about a power cord. As with any cordless tool, however, you’ll need to be aware of your battery life to avoid running out of power halfway through the job. A corded nail gun eliminates the problem, but you’ll be tethered to the nearest electrical outlet.

Firing Mechanism

Nail guns have two basic types of firing mechanism: contact or sequential.

  • Contact, or bump contact firing means that as long as you have the nailer’s trigger depressed and touch the nose of the tool to the surface you’re working on, it will shoot a nail. That lets you move quickly from spot to spot without having to press and release the trigger over and over again. You gain speed with this type of nail gun, but lose a bit of safety.
  • Sequential firing requires you to pull and release the trigger between every nail. This slows you down slightly, but is also a safer method, as the potential for accidentally firing a nail is greatly reduced.All of the options on this list use sequential firing except for our best framing nailer, the Bostitch Framing Nailer, which also allows for bump firing.
FAQ
  • Do all nail guns need an air compressor?

    While the most powerful air guns are powered by air, and so require an air compressor to operate, there are many electric nail guns that work very well on all but the largest nails driving into the hardest materials. While you’ll find some corded nail guns, the majority of DIYers choose cordless air guns that run off rechargeable batteries and have enough power to drive most of the small-to-midsize nails used in typical projects around the house and garden.

  • How do battery-powered nail guns work?

    Battery-powered nail guns are very effective tools, but actually quite simple in their workings. Basically, inside the tool, there’s a rotating motor that serves to tightly compress a spring. When you pull the nail gun’s trigger, the spring abruptly releases, and that energy drives the nail out of the gun and into whatever material you are holding the gun against. You won’t get as much power from these tools as you would from a pneumatic nail gun, but battery-powered nail guns are still very useful for most basic DIY projects. For instance, a cordless finish nailer is excellent for installing trim or molding and speeding up smaller projects.

  • Are nail guns safe?

    While nail guns are reasonably safe when used properly, they are responsible for tens of thousands of injuries each year, mostly to the hands and fingers. Avoid becoming a statistic by following these safety guidelines:

    • Familiarize yourself with the proper use of the nail gun before using it. You should know how to load the tool, what safety features it possesses, and how to use it to drive nails correctly. 
    • Wear appropriate protective gear, including safety goggles, work gloves, and closed shoes. The most powerful nail guns are very loud, so you’ll also need ear muffs if working with a pneumatic or large battery-powered gun. 
    • Always turn the nail gun off and remove the battery before loading it with nails or working to remove a stuck nail. 
    • Turn the gun off and remove the battery once you are finished using it.
    • Don’t carry the nail gun against your body.
    • If possible, use the nail gun in sequential mode, not in bump mode. Sequential mode requires a two-step process to fire nails, adding a level of safety. Bump mode is admittedly faster, but unless you are a professional roofer or construction worker, you are unlikely to need excessive speed as you work. 
    • Never aim the nail gun at anyone else, and don’t shoot it if someone is behind the material you’re working on. It’s possible for a nail to shoot right through thin or soft materials, potentially striking someone on the other side. 
    • Use clamps, not your hands, to hold two pieces of wood together before using a nail gun to fasten them. Always keep your hands away from the front of the nail gun. 
    • Never shoot a nail gun near flammable or combustible materials. 
    • Move slowly and carefully while you work. Don’t back up while using a nail gun, lean far over in either direction, or nail something far above your head.


  • Are nail guns loud?

    Nail guns can be very loud, especially those used to drive large nails used in roofing or framing projects. Michael DiMartino, Senior Vice President of Installations at Power Home Remodeling, comments, “When working on noisy job sites with power tools, it can be easy to forget the importance of ear protection. Just the other week, I was working with my team in a confined attic space, and we were using a compressor and nail gun at the same time, which created a wall of constant noise. Any time I work with power tools, I like to wear noise-reducing headphones or earmuffs to protect my hearing.”

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article is written and updated by Michelle Ullman, who has been a freelancer for The Spruce since 2020. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs.

For this story, she researched dozens of nail guns, evaluating each for basic features, extras, and customer feedback.

Our Experts:

  • Michael DiMartino, Senior Vice President of Installations at Power Home Remodeling
  • Deane Biermeier, general contractor, carpenter, and member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board
  • Jenica Currie, editor at The Spruce
The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Nail Gun Safety. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. 

  2. Nail Gun Safety. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.