We’ve been doing woodworking and home-based “construction” projects for a long, but we just began doing them more frequently and professionally. If we’re being completely honest, we’d have to say that we’re succeeding (pun intended) in keeping our New Year’s goal to study more, advance what we’re capable of, and take our handy abilities a bit more seriously.
But the moment has come for us to start leveling up our equipment as well, especially now that we feel prepared to take on bigger, more complicated tasks. For instance, if you’re building a very large structure like a playground jungle gym, a sizable treehouse, or an addition for the rear of your house, there’s only so much manual nailing you can accomplish with a portable hammer.
We’ve decided to finally get a powerful electric nail gun because of this. It will not only speed up all of our harder nailing tasks a little bit but also drive each nail in with greater force than we can accomplish manually with a standard hammer, possibly increasing the safety of the structures we’re creating. Nevertheless, we are also mindful of the cost (we’re working within a modest budget, but one nonetheless) and the essential features.
Even though electric nail guns often perform rather simple functions, some variations go beyond what we’ll need for hobby construction at home, even if we still need excellent quality.
What is an electric nail gun?
To quickly drive a nail into a surface with more force than humans are capable of accomplishing manually with their arm and a standard hammer, a nail gun uses some kind of pressure or generated power. Many individuals choose electric nail guns because they believe the strength of electricity is more dependable and consistent than air compression, which is the driving mechanism behind certain nail guns.
How do electric hammers operate?
The revolving electric motor in electric nail guns is powered by an electric current that can be obtained from batteries or a wall outlet. In the cannon, directly behind the loaded nail’s flat head in the next position, this motor compresses a strong spring. When you pull the trigger with your fingers, the spring quickly and violently releases, striking the nail’s flat top and hammering its pointed end into the surface with great power. Electric nail guns have the power to quickly drive a nail through even the hardest surfaces until the flat top of the nail stops the motion.
What is the ideal application for electric gun nailers?
Larger, more labor-intensive projects typically call for the usage of electric gun nailers. They are widely used in the construction industry for professional purposes, although some people also buy dependable, less industrially styled nail guns for DIY projects. Because they can drive nails in with far more force than you can with a standard hammer, guaranteeing that the nail is driven firmly into the pieces you’re trying to affix, they are considered to be safe for weight-bearing buildings.
Best Nail Guns:
We were rather delighted with the sheer quantity of high-quality electric nail gun options we were able to find during our search. If you would also like a breakdown of the features included in electric gun nailers, take a look at the pros and drawbacks list we created for other do-it-yourselfers.
1. Metabo Cordless HPT Brad Nailer Kit:
The entire equipment is included in this first nail gun design from Metabo HPT! It’s a pretty accessible choice for novices, provided you have a reasonable budget to work with. Along with the actual gun, you’ll also get a tough carrying case, a battery and charging station, and even a pair of safety goggles to use with it. The 18 gauge cordless nature of the gun allows for free movement and means that it may be used with the common nails you most likely already own.
The 3.0 Ah lithium-ion battery is durable and easy to recharge, and the magazine that holds the nails can hold 100 nails at once. Depending on the task at hand, the cannon also offers a variety of speed and effect settings that are programmable.
Although the power and running duration in this pistol is commendable, some users found its actual use to be a little difficult. Although it has received positive reviews for the majority of jobs, even nail gun veterans find that its weight makes it less than ideal for really accurate or intricate work.
Pros:
- Battery and charging station with high power and quick charging.
- Complete supply set with a sturdy storage/travel box and practical safety glasses.
- holds 100 18-gauge nails simultaneously.
- adjustable controls for driving frequency and speed.
Cons:
- Heavy.
- Rather awkward design.
- Because of this, it is less effective for small, precise, or detailed tasks.
2. Porter-Cable Cordless Brad Nailer Kit 20V MAX:
This cordless nailer from Porter-Cable is a good option if you want a high-quality design that has many of the aforementioned characteristics but your budget isn’t quite as big. In contrast to the prior cannon, which combined an electric air compressor and spring, this pistol does not utilize any air at all. It has a wheel that allows you to change the driving depth for the materials and conditions you’re working with even though it is expressly made to have a very constant driving depth. The 20-volt MAX lithium-ion battery in this cannon provides it with a long operating period, good power, and a quick charging base. Even a handy belt clip and a 3-year limited guarantee are included with the equipment.
Although the power and battery life of this gun is generally lauded, past purchasers have noted two significant downsides to be aware of. The first is that this nail gun has a little kickback because of all that great power we just described. For individuals who weren’t ready for it, this could lead to accuracy issues or even a reduction in performance. Last but not least, it has also been remarked that the flashlight—a supposedly helpful extra feature for working in dimly lit areas—is situated behind the nozzle, diminishing its usefulness and casting a shadow from the tool itself.
Pros:
- Excellent battery life and speedy charging.
- Powerful electric spring system with strong spring tension.
- Three-year guarantee.
Cons:
- Strong kickback
- Inadequate location of the flashlight.
3. A DeWalt 20V MAX Finish Nailer:
DeWalt’s lightweight nail gun was made to be more portable and maneuverable than some of the other models you’ve seen so far. The tool has a belt clip, a 20-volt battery with its fast-charging connection, and a clipping magazine that can contain up to 100 18-gauge nails. While in use, this magazine is sturdy, but it is also simple to take out, reload, and replace. Additionally, the tool has an integrated bright white LED light that will give you better vision while working in dimly lit areas. Additionally, it has a bump mode that enables you to accelerate everything for straight shot nailing strips.
Despite the previously described bump mode’s usefulness, it might also have a disadvantage built right in. It runs the risk of driving the nails into the wood in an unusual way that causes them to bend into a C-shape rather than straight through for the neatest, most solid hold if it is used too quickly and carelessly or if it is positioned on the surface at an awkward angle. By using the feature with greater caution and attention, this can be prevented.
Pros:
- LED lighting improves visibility.
- Easy-to-change magazine with a 100-nail capacity.
- Bump mode for quicker nailing in short bursts.
Cons:
- The angle on the bump mode must be exact to prevent the nails from curling.
4. Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ AirStrike 18-Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer:
Ryobi developed and markets this specific nail gun model, which is marketed primarily for speed. On a straight stretch, it can drive up to 60 nails each minute. There are no intricate hose components, air compressor components, or other moving parts that frequently need to be replaced because it operates on an electric spring system. The tool is made of highly durable materials, but it nevertheless manages to be lightweight and simple to handle and move around.
Although the actual materials from which this nail gun is made are sturdy and of good quality, some units have reportedly been found to have a rare design defect. When used on high for extended periods, a tiny percentage of the guns have been reported to significantly overheat, becoming warmer to the touch.
Pros:
- 60 nails may be pounded out every minute.
- Supple electric spring system with strong output.
- Lightweight and maneuverable.
Cons:
- A small number of devices have been noted to be prone to overheat when used on the maximum setting for extended periods.
5. BHTOP Cordless Staple Gun:
You’re going to like this electric nail and staple gun from BHTOP if you’ve heard of electric nail guns and electric staple guns and thought those may be beneficial around your home as well. This tool is created with convenience in mind. It is practically maintenance-free and is very simple to use and control. It has a built-in LED leveling tool, a trip-lock safety mechanism, and a fast-charging battery that can fire 1000 bullets on a single charge. The tool is also the most cost-effective option on our list and comes pre-packaged with 500 nails and 500 staples.
Be advised that the staples shown in the image are not the ones that the gun can use, can fit, or can be purchased with. It does work with the given staples, but if you already know the staples in the pictures because you have some at home, it’s important to know that they probably won’t fit in this particular tool.
Pros:
- Power stapler and two-way nail gun
- 500 nails and 500 staples are provided.
- The most cost-effective choice on the list
Built-in safety lock and LED lighting
Cons:
- Calls for a different sort of staple than those pictured in the photographs (but is provided with the tool)
