Reasons to Buy a Framing Nailer: Types and Features to Look For

For jobs that require nailing large pieces of material together, a framing nailer is the best tool to get the job done quickly and accurately. Framing nailers are a type of tool designed to make the job of carpenter’s easier, no matter whether they’re fixing some carpentry, building a doghouse or a real house. These tools also remove the need to hammer nails, reducing the overall time and effort required to complete a project. A professional framing nailer will provide consistent performance without any flaw. But there are many different types of framing nailers, so it’s important to understand the differences between them so that you can choose the best model for your needs.

Types of Framing Nailers

Most framing nailers are either pneumatic or cordless electric-powered. Pneumatic models are by far the most popular, and they air from an air compressor to operate. Battery-powered and fuel-powered framing nailers are also available, and both are good alternatives if you don’t want to take on the added cost of buying an air compressor. Battery-powered nailers come with either brushed or brushless motors. Paslode cordless framer models, for example, feature a brushless motor which is more efficient and powerful than the brushed motor framing nailers have. As a result, a Paslode cordless framer is also lighter, making it easier to work with it for longer and in tight spaces. Pneumatic framing nailers, while providing more consistent power, do require a hose that you can trip over or accidentally cut off. Fuel-powered framing nailers are also an option, but they aren’t recommended for use in poorly ventilated areas, as they emit toxic fumes.

Materials

Framing nailers can be made of a wide range of materials. Aluminium and galvanised steel are two popular materials. Aluminium models are durable and lightweight, so you get a solid tool that won’t strain your hands even after extended use. You should avoid framing nailers that are made with a lot of plastic parts, as plastic can break easily, especially when used in harsh conditions.

Ergonomics

Another factor that’s very important, especially when using the framing nailer for an extended time, such as when installing a floor, roof or another large project that requires working for long periods of time. An ergonomically designed framing nailer will prevent cramping and muscle fatigue, allowing you to work effectively for long periods of time without discomfort.

Framing Nailer Loading Styles

Nails can either be connected by a wire, paper, glue or the can come in long sheets. All of these variations are set at different angles that correspond to the angle of the framing nailer. That being said, framing nailers vary in how many nails they can hold. The longer the sheet of nails, the longer the magazine of the framing nailer needs to be to accommodate it. Coil-loaded framing nailers are popular for roofing, as they take up less space while holding more nails. You can easily find a coil with as many as 300 nails.

Features to Look For

While some of these things aren’t really necessary, they make using a framing nailer more enjoyable and less stressful.

Depth Adjustment

This is an important feature to have, especially if you’re a professional or someone who wants to use the nailer for a range of jobs and nail a range of materials. This is also known as depth of drive adjustment, and it refers to how far into the material the nail can go. In some nailers, this is adjusted manually, while others feature a dial that changes the depth with a twist on the gun. Additionally, pay attention to the size of the nails the gun can use. The more it can use, the more versatile the gun itself will be.

Jam Clearance and Dry Fire Lockout

High-quality nailers won’t jam often, but jamming every now and then is inevitable. For that reason, some manufacturers provide an easy way to clear jamming using some type of jam clearing mechanism in the design. And if the nail magazine is empty and you fire, you can damage the inside of the nailer. Sometimes, you might get carried away and you might keep nailing although the nailer isn’t firing any nails. A dry fire lockout feature prevents the nailer from firing when there are only a few nails left.

Air Duster and Directional Exhaust

Framing nailers are often used in dusty and dirty environments, which is why some models come with a built-in air duster that can also help you in cleaning the tool up after you’re done using it. A directional exhaust, on the other hand, allows you to change the direction of the exhaust so you can keep it away from you and the surface you work on. While these features aren’t considered necessary, they add to the convenience of using a framing nailer, which is important if you want to make the most out of your time working and not dealing with dust or exhaust.