5 Best Framing Nailer of 2017: Is Yours On The List
Gone are the days when hammers were used to drive nails. Nailers soon came into the scene. They reduce the time, power and save energy of the individual. Builder’s first choice, nailers or nail guns, work on compressed air, electromagnetism, flammable gases or explosive charge. The ease, the accuracy and the power delivered by these tools are a few features which make them builder’s ultimate choice. So what are the best framing nailer? Let’s find out.
Product Name | Product Image | Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | A+ | $ | 95 % Qualiy | |
 | A | $ | 93 % Qualiy | |
 | A+ | $$ | 95 % Qualiy | |
 | A | $$$ | 95 % Qualiy | |
 | A+ | $$ | 98 % Qualiy |
**Below, you'll see more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices and read customer's reviews on Amazon.
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What Is Framing Nailer
You can very-well imagine ancient carpenters and builders, pumping hammers and flexing their biceps. In short, it takes a lot of energy and power for building jobs, and you need to be physically strong to do that.
It is not the basic criterion nowadays as more handy, highly powerful and precise tools are available. You must be aware of the framing nailers which are nailers used by professionals who work on heavy-duty projects, who cannot waste even a single minute.
Types Of Framing Nailer
Nailers can be further divided into two types- one which uses clipped head nails and the second one which uses round head nails. Broadly, they can also be categorized into – Pneumatic Framing Nailers and Cordless Framing Nailers as well.
- Pneumatic Framing Nailers
- Cordless or Non-Pneumatic Framing Nailers
They are compact and portable and give you the freedom to move even in places with space limitations. They use fuel, battery or electricity to function. Their utility is therefore restricted to household jobs and not for professional purposes.
via Youtube
Based on the pattern of nail arrangements, nailers can also be categorized as – Coil Nailers and Stick Nailers.
- Coiled Framing Nailers
- Stick Framing Nailers
The nails are arranged in rows and come in magazines. They carry less quantity of nails but can be arranged in straight and angled ways. But due to a low number of nails, frequent reloading is required, thus, wasting time.
via canadiantire.ca
Things to Look For In a Framing Nailer While Buying
Equilibrium Of Weight And Balance
Check the weight and balance of the tool while you are about to buy one. Preferably the weight should not be more than eight pounds. By virtue of the shape of these tools, the weight is more towards the head of the tool which is perfectly correct as the weight should be on the striking end.
via toolmonger.com
Therefore when you hold the tool from the handle, the weight and balance should be checked to understand that if at all during an “overhead” or “work with long duration”, you are not stressed.
Heavy Metal Strike Plates of The Nailer
Though the strike plates are to cover the tool and protect them. However, at times when you need that extra last minute bump to push the stud in at the precise place, a plastic plate will not help, rather it may damage the tool.
via Youtube
You must, therefore, prefer the nailer which has a strong heavy-weight strike plate, which can be used when required, over the ones with plastic strike plates.
The Framing Nailer Which Best Suits Your Need
via toolguyd.com
You are always in need of an air-hose when you use a pneumatic nailer. Also, you must understand that you cannot work with them in tight spaces. Hence, you should prefer buying a cordless nailer in such cases and vice-versa.
Warning- ONLY CLIPPED-HEAD NAILS
via toolstop.co.uk
Nailers which can carry a good quantity of nails usually carry clipped-head nails. But, there are certain local bodies which prohibit the use of clipped-head nails. You must consider this for your area and purchase accordingly.
Stick-Style or Coil-Style
via Amazon.com
If you need to work for long hours at a stretch, you must go for coil-style. For a small project or for home furniture jobs or simple projects, go for stick-style.
Check-Out The Air Compressor of Nailer
Each pneumatic nailer has a specified air pressure and air volume requirement. You must keep a check of this and use an air compressor which matches them.
Convenience of The Framing Nailer
via therateinc.com
Every tool is purchased for the convenience of work. Thus, while choosing nailers, you should consider the ease of easy jam clearing, nail-size adjustments, adjustable depth (to control the depth of firing the nails), free rotation of air connectors and protective guards.
Product Name | Product Image | Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | $ | 95 % Qualiy | |
| A | $ | 93 % Qualiy | |
| A+ | $$ | 95 % Qualiy | |
| A | $$$ | 95 % Qualiy | |
| A+ | $$ | 98 % Qualiy |
**Below, you'll see more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices and read customer's reviews on Amazon.
Top 5 Framing Nailers Reviewed
This pneumatic nailer can be effectively used for interior and exterior finish works like window casing, trim, furniture, cabinet work and base boards. It uses 16 gauge straight finish nails, which though small in size but are effective, and leave behind no holes and no need of sanding.
via Amazon.com
Features:
- Adjustable exhaust: The 360-degree exhaust does not allow air, dust or debris on your face, while you are working with it.
- Light weight: At 4.5pounds, it’s still durable. It is equipped with a high-quality aluminum body, cylinder, and magazine.
- Sequential fire: It allows only one nail at a time, enhancing the accuracy of the tool.
- Faster jam release: The feature of quick-release allows you to easily remove the jam and you need not worry about separating the nailer.
- Depth adjustment: You can adjust the depth at which you wish to fire the nail. You can also keep it constant for the effortless and precise job.
- Fully loaded magazine: The magazine stores 100 straight finish nails, thus giving you freedom from frequent loading.
Pros
- Manageable exhaust which prevents air on your face and directs it away from you
- Light-Weight yet sturdy and compact
- Dust cap and no-mar tip
- Pre-installed NPT fitting means it fits any air hose coupler
Cons
- Limited to household trim, hobby and crafting and is not meant for a professional use
- At times, it is pressure sensitive
- It carries less quantity of nails and cannot be considered for long hours of job
This pneumatic nailer is also called a “Palm Nailer”. It has a unique compact design with a rubber grip to absorb all the vibration and any other impact. The rubber grip provides comfortable long hours of work with accuracy.
via Amazon.com
Features:
- Super light: This is the lightest framing nailer available in the market with a weight of the only 1pound.
- Complete swiveling: For an impactful work and easy accessibility, it is been equipped with a 360-degree swivel air fitting.
- Exhaust: The position of the exhaust at the front throws the air away from the palm of the user, facilitating focused work.
- Insulating rubber grip: The rubber grip on the palm nailer acts as an insulator and does not allow heat or vibration to reach the palm.
- Perfect for household framing: The design and power are perfect for any household framing, finishing job especially in awkward positions and at places where space is limited.
Pros
- Ultra-Light
- Rubber Grip acts as anti-skid
- 360 degree swiveling
- Easy framing on wood, plastic, and other surfaces
Cons
- Does not have a nail canister or storage
- Not as powerful as may be required for professional uses
- Not easy to assemble
First choice of contractors, woodworkers, and even the DIYers, the trust of Bostitch and the powerful design of the pneumatic nailer is impressive. The nailer comes with patented features of adjustable nail depth button. Changeable nose-pieces and much more make it the best nailer to be used for professional purposes.
via Amazon.com
Features:
- Strong yet lightweight body: The magnesium body is perfect for heavy-duty jobs. It is light-weight and weighs only 8pounds.
- Weight-to-strength ratio: This powerful tool can perform any kind job at the construction site and yet the low weight ensures the weight-to-power ratio.
- Patented Button: The adjustable nail depth system is been controlled by the push of a button and is patented.
- Changeable Nose pieces: The convenient changeable nose pieces can be replaced easily and used as per the requirements.
- High-capacity magazine: The magazine carries 60 framing nails. It also has an attached 16-inch layout indicator, thus helping the user to identify the distance between the studs.
Pros
- Swappable nose-piece for changing the type of nail
- Hanging hooks for convenient overhead usage
- Multiple firing options- sequential and bump
- Patented push button to adjust nail depth
Cons
- Finicky continuous fire mode
- Noisy
- Bulky, hence maneuvering at corners and tight spaces is not possible
The cordless framing nailer functions on lithium ion battery and fuel cells to drive the nails in wooden surfaces. The powerful battery runs for 5 hours non-stop firing thousands of nails. Though the price is on the higher side, however, the complementary accessories like the plastic carrying case, a battery, safety glasses, hex wrench, and a charger make it value for money.
via Amazon.com
Features:
- Heavy-duty: Can drive a whopping 9000 nails per charge, and at the same time, a 2minute charge can drive 200 nails.
- Power: Can penetrate even the old harder woods and molds.
- 30-degree angle: The tool-less depth adjustment can fire the nails at 30-degree angle.
- Fewer jams: The precision is high and with fewer jams, the Paslode leaves no chance of misfires.
Pros
- No need to carry a hose or a compressor
- Fewer jams
- Super speed and agile
- Quick-recharge for emergency usage
Cons
- When at its highest performance level is very noisy
- Expensive
- Recharging required
With operating power of 70 to 120Psi, this air-powered nailer has features which make it easy to use and effective. The stick-style nailer carries plastic coated nails of 21 degrees and can carry up to 70 nails. Quality product from Hitachi has no-slip elastomer grip trigger for comfortable and firm grip.
via Amazon.com
Features:
- Light weight: It is only 7.5 pounds in weight, therefore, it can be maneuvered with ease and comfort.
- Low wear and tear: The hardened claw tip saves the nose from damage and the carbon steel toenail facilitates accuracy and minimizes damage.
- Low and easy maintenance: The design of the tool helps in faster disassembly, therefore, the after service is easier.
- Quick change of modes: The option of changing from sequential to contact nailing happens on a flip of a switch.
- Two step nail loading: This allows faster and quicker reloads.
Pros
- Light weight and the weight-to-power ratio is good
- Easy depth adjustment
- Tool-less depth adjustment
- Hardened claw tip
Cons
- Cost is on the higher side
- The plastic material holding the nails sometimes is thrown back, hence safety issue
- No carrying case
Wrapping Up
All the above-mentioned framing nailers are perfect. However, if my opinion is concerned, I would like to go for Hitachi NR90AES1 Nailer as is is lightweight and easy to handle. Further, it provides an easy depth adjustment and has a hardened claw tip which makes it easier to work with.
That said; these super, heavy duty tools have evolved over times depending on your own needs. They definitely make your work easy and you move swiftly towards completion every time you use them. While using them, though, you must keep safety measures like, wearing safety glasses and disassembling the tool when not in use.
