What is a framing nail gun?
Framing nail guns use fasteners mounted in long strips or collated in paper or plastic carriers. Framing nail guns are heavy-duty nail guns that are ideal for heavy construction jobs. It requires 3-1/2” nails that are necessary for joining 2 by 4’s.
A framing nail gun is essential for building:
- Wood siding
- Decks
- Rooms
- Wood sheathing
- Fences
- Homes
Framing nail guns have different models with interchangeable sequential and contact firing and toll-free depth-drive adjustments. Some full head nail guns, mostly the ones used for making pallet and roofing use long plastic or wire collated coils.
Framing nails come in two main types. First, there are round head framing nail guns that can hold fewer nails. Second, there are clipped head framing nail guns, which are the best option for high volume workmanship. The clipped head framing nail guns can hold more nails and hold them closer together.
Clipped head and full head nails have the largest sizes of conventional collated fastening. This is the main reason why they are preferred for framing, fencing, and other structural and exterior work. The shank diameter of these nails is between 0.11 inches and 0.13 inches (2.9-3.1mm). However, some manufacturers provide nails with a smaller shank diameter. The lengths of the nails range from 2 inches to 3 inches (50-90 mm).
Review of the best framing nail guns
| Product Image | Product Name | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Bostitch F21PL | Pneumatic | Check Price |
 | NuMax SFR2190 | Air-powered | Check Price |
 | Freeman PFR2190 | Air-powered | Check Price |
 | Paslode 501000 | Air-powered | Check Price |
 | Hitachi NR90AES1 | Air-powered | Check Price |
 | Bostitch MCN150 | Air-powered | Check Price |
 | Metabo HPT NR90AES1 | Pneumatic | Check Price |
 | PORTER-CABLE FR350B | Air-powered | Check Price |
 | Paslode 905600 | Battery-powered | Check Price |
 | Surebonder 9772 | Air-powered | Check Price |
Bostitch F21PL
It is a pneumatic framing nail gun with a nail capacity of 60 and a magazine angle of 21 degrees. It weighs 8.1 pounds, which means it is lightweight. Bostitch F21PL comes with two quick-change nosepieces, which make it possible for the tool to be used for framing as well as the application of metals.
It is made from magnesium and thus you are guaranteed durability. It comes with a dual-mode trigger that gives you options to choose if you want to use bump or sequential firing. Also, it comes with a simple push-button depth adjustment.
Bostitch F21PL comes with a hook that you can adjust to allow you to hang it on joints when you are not using it. It comes with a 7-year manufacturer warranty, which means that you can return it to the manufacturers for it to be replaced in case of any problems. The only disadvantage of this framing nail gun is that it is prone to nail jamming, and you can waste time trying to fix it.
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NuMax SFR2190
It is a pneumatic nail gun with a nail capacity of 55 and a magazine angle of 21 degrees. It weighs 8.5 pounds. This nail gun is very affordable but still has a good performance review, as well as those that are more expensive. It comes with a dual-mode trigger that helps you to select either sequential or single firing that can be very convenient.
Framing nail gun allows you to adjust for depth so that you can choose how far you wish to drive your nails as per the project and the material. It has a 360 degrees exhaust that you can adjust to ensure that the air is kept away from the face of the user as well as to blow debris away. Also, it has an anti-dry fire mechanism that helps to ensure that internal damage of the tool is prevented.
NuMax SFR2190 also has a no-mar tip that projects the surface from scratches and an ergonomic grip. The only disadvantage of this nail gun is that it does not come with a carry case or a hanging hook.
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Freeman PFR2190
It is a pneumatic framing nail gun with a nail capacity of 55 and a magazine angle of 21 degrees. Weighing 8.5 pounds, this is a very useful tool when you want to do wall sheathing, siding installation, and building of pallets. It is very affordable for a nail gun that offers good quality and remarkable performance.
This nail gun comes with an interchangeable trigger that will enable you to choose if you prefer using contact or single firing. The depth is also adjustable to ensure that you can use it for different applications. Freeman PFR2190 has a no-mar tip, which is important because you will not damage the workpiece.
It has a 360 degrees exhaust that is adjustable to help in directing air away from the user. Additionally, it has a useful anti-dry fire mechanism. With the Freeman PFR2190, you are guaranteed of quality and many years of service because of the 7-year limited warranty, which is offered by the manufacturer. The only disadvantage is that it may not be effective in sinking linger nails.
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Paslode 501000
It is a pneumatic framing nail gun with 10% more power compared to most framing nail guns within the same class. This nail gun is a good choice in case you want to work on very hardwood. It can fire different nail sizes between 2 inches to 3-1/2 inches, making it an ideal tool for any kind of project. With Paslode 501000, you can shoot either round head or clipped head framing nails.
It has a magazine capacity of 84, meaning there is little downtime when using the tool. Weighing 7.9 pounds, it is lightweight, which means that you can use it all day without causing fatigue to your arms. It performs optimally and does not cause nail jamming or misfires. It can shoot in sequential and bump firing modes, and it is very easy to switch the two modes. Also, it comes with a rafter hook, which is a great feature.
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Hitachi NR90AES1
It is a pneumatic framing nail gun with a nail capacity of 64 and a magazine angle of 21. Hitachi NR90AES1 is one of the best framing nail guns that can be used for professional or for DIY projects. It is a high performing nail gun with selective actuation, which means that it can be easily switched between bump and sequential firing as per the project.
This nail gun is lightweight with a weight of 7.5 pounds. It has a jam clearing and depth adjustment that is easy and fast. The process of reloading the nail gun is very fast and easy that requires two steps. The new design of the head guard helps in making the disassembly process quick, which is important for maintenance.
Hitachi NR90AES1 has a rubber grip that makes it comfortable. It offers a secure hold of the framing nail gun, making it easy to control. The only disadvantage of this framing nail tool is that it does not have a built-in hanging hook.
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Bostitch MCN150
It is a pneumatic framing nail gun. Metal connector nails guns are made to be stronger and bigger but the Bostitch MCN150 is very small and weighs 4.6 pounds. It can easily be used in small and hard corners. It can drive 1-1/2 inch metal connector nails and can be used to joist hangers, fix hurricane ties, or stud plate ties in place.
This nail gun uses nails with a shank diameter of 0.131 or 0.148. In the case of jamming, the nail gun can shoot the nails through metal connectors because they are typically hardened. Therefore, the nail gun can last longer because the nails cannot break it.
It is important to note that the Bostitch MCN150 will not fire a single nail unless it is placed on the right spot. Therefore, accidents are greatly minimized. It has an exposed tip that fits on the punched hole of the joist hanger. It is very affordable and has a 7-year limited warranty. Also, it comes with a carrying case.
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Metabo HPT NR90AES1
It is a pneumatic framing nail gun that is moderately priced. It weighs 7.5 pounds, making it lightweight. You can easily and effortlessly adjust its depth to give room for different nail types. It is constructed using aluminum, which is why it is relatively priced. The aluminum construction fortifies the tool against the wear and tear of the job.
It is a good tool for any regular use such as flooring, the build-up of windows, framing, decking of roofs, sheathing of walls, truss build-up, and housing construction. However, because of the aluminum construction, the durability is very questionable. A sudden drop in the tool can render it useless.
It is equipped with a selective actuation switch that helps you switch between sequential and contact firing. This nail gun features a head guard that allows you to quickly disassemble the tool. It has a rubber grip that offers comfort when used for prolonged periods. Also, it includes a two-piece anodized aluminum magazine that helps in the quick reloading of nails.
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Porter-cable FR350B
It is a pneumatic framing nail gun with a nail capacity of 60 and a magazine angle of 22 degrees. It weighs 7.3 pounds. This nail gun might look basic but it is a well-built framing nail gun and one of the best in the market. It has a trigger that is selectable, giving you the option to choose between sequential and bump firing. Also, it comes with a safety mechanism from the low nail lockdown, and thus chances of injuries are greatly minimized.
It has a tool-free depth of drive adjustment that helps with the correct setting of the nail heads. It also makes the nail gun an ideal tool for different projects and it can be used on different materials. Additionally, it has an over-molded grip that increases comfort when holding the tool and you are also able to get an improved control. It has a reversible rafter hook for hanging when the tool is not being used. The downside is that it lacks a carrying case.
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Paslode 905600
It is a cordless, battery-powered framing nail gun with a nail capacity of 30 and a magazine angle of 30 degrees. The nail capacity of Paslode 905600 is very small, meaning that you will be required to reload it frequently. It is lightweight and weighs 7.1 pounds. Therefore, you will be able to easily control it and you will have minor hand fatigue when using the tool. However, it is an expensive tool.
It has a rubber grip handle, which is very beneficial as it increases comfort when you are operating it. this nail gun has a longer battery life, which is a very important feature because you will not have to replace the battery often, which can be more expensive. It can shoot up to 9,000 nails per change.
For the Paslode 905600 to be fully charged, it normally takes 1-1/2 hours. However, there is a 2-minute fast charging that is relevant when you do not have to fire more than 200 nails. It comes with a charger, lithium-ion battery, carrying case, and wrenches.
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Surebonder 9772
It is a pneumatic framing nail gun that is used to drive collated nails that are made of plastic from 2 to 3-1/2 inches. This nailgun is lightweight which is owed to the rugged cast aluminum construction. It has a contoured grip that minimizes hand and arm fatigue when used for long hours. The depth is adjustable as well as an adjustable air exhaust cover. It allows both sequential and bumps firing. It is outfitted with a protective tip that helps in avoiding damage to wood surfaces when nailing.
Surebonder 9772 is an ideal tool that can be used for framing, decking, sheathing, fastening siding, roof decking, fencing, and subflooring. It comes with a carrying case, lubricating oil, and hex wrench. It has a magazine angle of 21 degrees and accepts plastic collated round head nails. Surebonder nail gun uses a pressure of between 60 and 100 psi and a maximum operating pressure of 120 psi. It has a jam-free mechanism.
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Buyer’s Guide
There are different things that you should consider before buying a framing nail gun.
Weight and comfort: If you are doing a lot of construction work and home renovations, it is essential to consider the weight of the framing nail gun before you buy it. This is because you will be required to carry the tool around throughout the day. There are instances where you will need to carry out overhead framing jobs that require you to raise the tool above you. This can be tedious if the framing nail gun is heavy.
Framing nail guns have been upgraded over time. Therefore, many framing nail gun is constructed using magnesium, which is the lightest element and also strong and resistant to corrosion. It is important to check for the material used to make the framing nail gun as this will dictate the durability and the weight of the tool. Also, ensure that you go for ergonomic tools that are soft and rubberized.
Size: Size does not necessarily indicate the weight of a tool. For instance, a tool can be big but very lightweight. Size of a framing nail gun matters because it greatly influences where you can use the tool. A small framing nail gun allows you to work in tight spaces while a big framing nail gun, even if it is lightweight, cannot be used in tight spaces.
It is important to get a low-profile design for a framing nail gun. This means that they are small and thus can fit in tight spaces. Therefore, understand your project beforehand, and the spaces that you will be working on before you purchase a framing nail gun.
Type of Nail: Framing nail guns can fire different sizes of nails. This can range from 2 inches to 3-1/2 inches. However, it is important to understand that there are different types of framing nail guns. The round framing nail gun and the clipped head framing nail guns can each fire only one type of framing nails.
It is important to understand your area building code because some constructions do not support the use of clipped head nails in the building. Therefore, it is important to choose a framing nail gun that shoots full round head nails. Nonetheless, if your building code allows the use of clipped head nails, you can get a framing nail gun that shoots clipped head nails.
Clipped head nails are preferred by some people because they allow you to fit more nails into the magazine of the nail gun at once. Therefore, you will have more nails to work with before you are required to reload the magazine. This helps in working for longer without wasting time reloading.
The angle of the magazine: This is an important factor because it greatly affects the maneuverability as well as determines the nails that can be used for the framing nail gun. When it comes to the angle of the magazine, the most common framing nail gun options include 34, 30, 28, and 21-degrees nail guns. The project at hand that requires a framing nail gun as well as your preference will offer you guidance when purchasing an appropriate magazine angle.
Depth adjustment: Different projects will need different nail drive depths. Thus, a good framing nail gun will allow adjustment of depth. Depth adjustment is critical for woodwork with different thicknesses. The ability to adjust depth should be easy and fast and it should not require the use of special tools.
Protective guards: Safety should be the utmost priority when using power tools. Before purchasing a framing nail tool, ensure that you have checked if it comes with a protective guard. Protective guards are vital because they help in shielding the user as well as the tool from the debris.
Conclusion
Framing nail guns are of different types, but their importance is seen in construction work. The type of construction work should dictate the type of framing nail work that you should get. The best framing nail gun, whether you are a professional contractor or you are doing construction for a hobby, is the one that helps you finish your projects fast and in a safe way.
A good framing nail good does not have to be expensive. Consider the buying guide above to ensure that you purchase the tool that will fit your needs. We hope our reviews will help you choose the best nail gun for your next framing project.
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