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Unless you are a professional contractor, it can be difficult to find a great nail framer to handle your construction jobs. Nail framers or nail guns come in different shapes and designs. There are nail guns for small DIY jobs, and there are framing nailers for the higher end of the spectrum. But irrespective of what you are after, our framing nail gun reviews below can offer the guidance you need. Read to the end, therefore and you may find the best framing nail gun that best suits your needs.
If you have done a job that required the use of a framing nailer, you probably know how vital it is to have a quality tool. A quality nailer can cut down your work time and improve your output by a significant amount of time. As you read our reviews below, therefore, keep in mind that you need the most convenient nailer and one that can do your jobs in the least amount of time possible.
- Hitachi NT65MA4
- Operating pressure: 70-120 PSI
- 360 degree adjustable exhaust
- Fastener gauge: 1.25″ – 2.5″
- Magazine capacity: 100 pcs
- Dimensions: 3-1/4" x 13-9/16" x 12"
- Weight: 4.2 lbs
- Nail diameter: 15 gauge
- Other: 34-degree magazine angle, integrated air duster, selective actuation switch, depth adjusts, No Mar Tip
- Freeman P4FRFNCB
- Operating pressure: 70-115 PSI
- 360 degree adjustable exhaust
- Fastener gauge (for framing nailer): 2″ – 3.5″
- Magazine capacity:
- Dimensions: 9.45" x 23.03" x 14.8"
- Weight: 6.4 lbs
- Nail diameter: -
- Other: 21-degree nails, 4-tool combo kit (straight brad nailer, finish nailer, framing nailer, narrow crown stapler)
- NuMax SFR2190
- Operating pressure: 70-115 PSI
- 360 degree adjustable exhaust
- Fastener gauge: 2″ – 3.5″
- Magazine capacity: 55 pcs
- Dimensions: 20″ x 6.5″ x 14.25″
- Weight: 8.5 lbs
- Nail diameter: .113″ – 1.31″
- Other: 21-degree nails, Dual-Mode Trigger, Depth Adjust, No-Mar Tip, Anti-dry fire mechanism
- DEWALT DWFP12231
- Operating pressure: 70-120 PSI
- -
- Fastener gauge: 5/8" - 2"
- Magazine capacity: 100 pcs
- Dimensions: 10.24" x 2.68" x 9.8"
- Weight: 2.65 lbs
- Nail diameter: 18 gauge
- Other: Non Mar tip, depth adjusts, rear exhaust
- NuMax SFN64
- Operating pressure: 70-110 PSI
- 360 degree adjustable exhaust
- Fastener gauge: 1″ – 2.5″
- Magazine capacity: 100 pcs
- Dimensions: 12" x 3" x 11.5"
- Weight: 4.5 lbs
- Nail diameter: 16 gauge
- Other: 34-degree magazine angle, depth adjusts, no mar tip, anti-dust cap
- Freeman PFR2190
- Operating pressure: 60-115 PSI
- 360 degree adjustable exhaust
- Fastener gauge: 2″ – 3.5″
- Magazine capacity: 55 pcs
- Dimensions: 20" x 6.5" x 14.25"
- Weight: 8.5 lbs
- Nail diameter: 8-10 gauge
- Other: 21-degree nails, depth adjusts, no mar tip, interchangeable triggers, anti-dry fire mechanism
Top 6 Framing Nail Guns
NuMax SFR2190 Framing Nail Gun
The NuMax SFR2190, with its 21-degree head, is designed to handle different applications with great efficiency. It is an especially perfect tool for wall or roof sheathing, fencing and framing of nails sized between 2” and 3.5”. According to many nail gun reviews, the NuMax SFR2190 is one of a few top framing nail guns that provide great value for its price tag. That said; this saw is ideal for you whether you only handle simple DIY jobs or you are a professional.
Features
- Versatile – The NuMax SFR2190 is more than just a framing nail gun. It is an all-rounded tool that can drive nails of different sizes in different applications. It is easy to handle, safe and will handle anything from framing; roofing, fencing to assembly jobs with great efficacy.
- Ease of use – The NuMax SFR2190 weighs a little over 8 pounds and measures 5.8*15*20.8 inches. It has a firm handle and an exhaust that can turn 360 degrees to allow you to work comfortably without any fumes coming your way. Overall, the framing nailer can offer the flexibility needed when handling applications in downward positions. It is also firm, and while a bit heavy, can stay steady for easy working.
- Interchangeable triggers – The NuMax model comes with interchangeable triggers to help you switch between single and contact firing. The triggers are easy to change and work with great precision for an excellent nail framing job.
- Durable driver blade – The saw’s driver blade is steel made, light but designed to last for long.
- Easy to adjust firing depth – One of the best aspects of the saw has to be the adjustable firing depth. You can switch between nail depth levels in minutes without wasting much of your time. It also features an empty magazine warning when you get o four nails.
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Hitachi NT65MA4 Framing Nailer
The Hitachi NT65MA4 framing nailer features a simple, yet elegant design that depicts its ability to perform both light duty and professional use applications. The saw comes with an angled magazine and a small compact body that allows for easy operation while in confined environments. The nailer is light in weight, easy to use and versatile enough for up to five different professional level applications. You can install crowns easily with this nailer, frame chair rails, handle cabinets and operate door casings with efficacy. But to learn if this is the best framing nailer for your needs, read its features below.
Features
- Easy Depth of drive adjustment – The Hitachi model features a tool-free depth of drive adjustment to help you adjust your nailer according to the pressure required to drive certain nails appropriately. This, in turn, improves your control of the gun while lets you use nails for the most appropriate applications. The 15-gauger nailer allows for nails sized between 1.25” and 2.5”.
- 360 degrees adjustable exhaust – Dust and fumes can never affect you while working with this Hitachi nail gun. It allows you to keep the exhaust at any position that does not interfere with your performance in a few adjustments.
- Interchangeable triggers – The saw allows you to easily set the trigger for either sequential nailing or for contact fastening without adding any tools. The changes have to be done manually, but it is easy and fast.
- Air Duster keeps your work area clean – The saw comes with a unique air duster that expels dust from a hole in front of the tool. You can control the duster’s operation with the help of a button located above the gun’s handle.
- Light to minimize user fatigue – The saw weighs 4.2 lbs only, and has a firm handle that allows for easy working with less fatigue.
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Freeman P4FRFNCB Pneumatic Nail Gun
The Freeman P4FRFNCB 4-piece combo is a dream framing nailer for many professionals. It is designed to cover all of your framing nailing jobs and has the features to make it an all-round nail gun. With the 3-1/2” framing ability, and adjustable depth and 3 extra pieces to handle different applications; it makes a good contender for the best pneumatic nail gun in the market. Continue reading, however, to view all its features.
- 21-degree full head framing – The Freeman P4FRMNCB utilizes its 21 degree full head framer to the maximum for best performances. The head holds 20-21 degree plastic collated nails that range between 2” and 3-1/2 inches. This, in turn, provides great flexibility for dealing with roof decking; fencing, pallet building, basement remodeling and sub-floor making.
- Angle finish framing – The 15-gauge framing nailer achieves up to 340 of angled finish nailing with nails sized between 1-1/4” and 2-1/2 inches.
- 2-18 Gauge nailers – To enable you to perform more applications, the Freeman comes with tw-18 gauge nailers. The first nailer handles 1-1/4 inch nails and smaller sized nails sized ½ an inch or slightly bigger. The second 18-gauge nailer uses a crown stapler for nails sized ¼ inch in width and ½-1-1.4 inches in length.
- Ease of use – All the four nailers in the Freeman model are light and conveniently easy to handle. They come with quick release noses for fast nail swapping and firm handles to reduce your fatigue as you work. In addition, the framing nailers feature jam-release features that allow for easy access clearing of the nails in case of a jamming problem.
- Durable – The 4-piece combo framing nailers are designed to serve you for long. They feature Teflon O-rings, for instance, to reduce wear and tear on their pistons. Their magazines are made from Anodized aluminum and are generally high in quality.
- The nail gun comes with a 7-year warranty.
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Dewalt DWFP12231 Framing Air Nailer
One of the least expensive framing nailers from Dewalt, the DWFP12231 is probably the best framing air nailer for someone on a tight budget. It is an 18-gauge pneumatic brad nail gun, comes with a maintenance-free motor and an ergonomic handle for easy performances. The framing nailer’s design is also one of a kind. The design helps add comfort while you work, reduces dust and adds efficiency while handling angled framing nailing jobs.
Features
- Quality Construction – The DWFP12231 is designed with the average professional in mind. It features an ergonomic handle, a steady but easy to control body and an overall light nature. In many nail gun reviews; this model is hailed for its top notch construction which allows you to perform tens of thousands of drills with great efficiency.
- Ease of use and maintenance – While the framing nailer looks huge, it only weighs 2.4 pounds. Its handle is comfortable to hold and the depth of hold is easy to adjust as well. Additionally, the tool incorporates a maintenance free motor to help you save as much money as possible. And the good thing this motor does not leak your work surface as you work further lowering maintenance work needed.
- Fast Jam-release features – When a nail jams, you easily trigger the jam release function and get back to your work within minutes. However, the Dewalt model is designed with detents that allow for proper nail head settings to reduce chances of nail jamming.
- Generous 100-nail magazine – The 18-gauge is probably the best framing air nailer out there when you consider how fast it performs. It comes with a 100-nail gun magazine and a sequential nail trigger to help you do numerous applications in a shorter time span. When you purchase the nailer, you get 500 1-1/4 inch nails to start off operations. The nailer can, however, handle any nails sized between 5/8” and 2 inches.
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NuMax SFN64 Framing Nail Gun
The NuMax SFN64 air framing tool is designed to help you install window casings, handle most trim fittings and any job that requires straight nail framing. The tool is lightweight, easy to use and best suited for DIY jobs at home. It is also affordable with a low price tag. However, the NuMax model is very reliable and could help you perform a few professional applications with great efficiency.
Features
- Light and Steady – Since it is designed for the average DIY family tool guy, it is very light and simplistic in nature. It weighs 4.5 pounds to be specific and comes with an ergonomic handle for easy single-handed applications. Overall, the low budget framing nailer stays firm as you handle your decorative trimming jobs, handle door moldings and crown moldings.
- Easy tool-free depth adjustments – The NuMax has a very impressive depth of adjustment feature. It lets you adjust the depth easily without the nail heads sinking into the surface. The feature also enhances nail framing, so that the nail heads at level with the surface.
- Great value for money – One of the best aspects of the NuMax model is its price tag. It is irresistibly low yet the framing nailer has features that offer you great value. The fact that it drives nails 2-1/2 inch long is a bonus feature that is only present with higher priced nail guns. Additionally, the nailer’s stability and ability to handle projects like baseboard installations, fencing, and other weekend home projects makes it a nailer worth buying.
- 360-degree adjustable exhaust – An all-around adjustable exhaust helps you hold the tool in a way that its exhaust won’t affect your performance. An air filter and anti-dust cup, on the other hand, lowers dust emission from the tool for a clean working area.
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Freeman PFR2190 Framing Nail Gun
The Freeman PFR2190 is one light, high quality and easy to use framing nail gun. With its 21-degree full head framing design and ability handle large and long nails; you can perform multiple applications with the nailer. From framing all sorts of furniture, siding, roofing to fencing; the Freeman model is designed to handle your everyday applications. As an added advantage, the Freeman model is one of the best rated framing nail guns in the market today.
Features
- Interchangeable triggers – You will always have the power to determine how fast you should perform different applications with the nail gun. This is thanks to its single firing and contact firing interchangeable triggers. The contact firing gun lets you work at a slower speed, but fire nails with the best precision possible.
- Multiple adjustment features – You can adjust the depth of nailing in a few simple steps or adjust the exhaust up to 360 degrees round and work with no fumes affecting your performance. With these adjustments, this good air powered framing gun stands as an ideal tool for most operation any hobbyist or professional would have.
- Power and precision – The nail gun, with a strip loading feature, allows for fast usage. The Teflon O-rings reduce friction and help increase steadiness for better precision as you handle your jobs. In addition, the 21-degree full-head improves precision while also protecting your work area from damages.
- Ease of use – The Freeman model comes with a firm handle for better handling. However, the tool is heavy at 14.5 pounds which can offer problems while handling certain jobs in confined areas. The good thing though is that you can always adjust the nail gun in a variety of ways to offer you better control.
- Durable – The nail gun’s magnesium body is made out of anodized aluminum to offer great sturdiness and durability.
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How to Use a Framing Nailer Safely
Up to 60% of workshop injuries are caused by nail guns. Despite that, a framing nailer provides services without which your work as a home builder can’t be complete. A good quality framing nailer will actually drive dozens in nails on different surfaces with great precision and efficiency. But to ensure your benefits optimally from your nail gun and still stay free of injuries, read the article below.
Type of Nail Gun
Basically, there are two main types of framing nailers. The first type, the pneumatic nail gun, utilizes air held in a compressor to drive nails appropriately. The air is served to a gun through a hose, where you can then drive nails after releasing a trigger. The second type is the cordless nail gun. It holds compressed air in a canister that works in conjunction with a battery to help drive your nails into wood. The best cordless framing nailer will be light and easier to handle when compared to the more powerful pneumatic nail guns.
Step One: Safety
Wear protective eyewear and tough hand gloves for protection against any accident. Stay alerted as you begin your job and hold the nail gun firmly. Keep your fingers on the trigger at all times but only release it after you properly load the nail magazine appropriately. Point the nail gun away from your body and keep your hands and knees of the lumber you are about to nail. If you are to adjust the nail trigger for sequential firing; ensure that you have all your materials ready for the job. If you will use contact firing, make some practice firing nails into surfaces you are not using. Contact firing is considered a bit dangerous, but with improved practice, you can manage it.
Step Two: Through and Toe Nailing
Most modern nail guns can handle both straight nailing and angled nailing. Through nailing is easier to do, but it will need some strength, nonetheless. Build the wall of materials you need to be nailed, line up the studs and fire your nails at the appropriate places. Angled nailing at 45 degrees is called toenailing. With toe nailing; line up the nail in a way that it goes through the plate and stud without the nail shaft protruding. Fire nails on both sides and use a hammer to kick any protrusions in case they happen.
Best Framing Nail Gun Buying Guide
There are a few important things you need to have in mind as you shop for a framing nail gun. Read below, and learn everything you need to know about the framing gun you should buy for your needs.
Nail type and Magazine Capacity
Generally, nail guns are designed with a coil or stick nail magazine design. Nail guns are also made to fire nails of different sizes. If you need a nailer that can keep larger sized nails and in big capacities; settle for a coil design nail gun. They have the ability to hold magazines of up to 100 nails and can hold longer and larger nails more appropriately. The stick nail gun design, on the other hand, is for you if you want a small nail gun for small DIY jobs. Overall, the nail magazine size will be a matter of preferences, but the nail sizes your ideal nail gun handles should be guided by the type of work you handle. Settle for a tool that offers you great variety when it comes to the types of nails you can use.
Power Source
Do you want a pneumatic or fuel powered framing nailer? Do you want a cordless or corded tool? If you are framing jobs are occasional, then a cordless nail gun will be appropriate for you. If you are a professional who hates the inconveniences of gas; select a pneumatic nail gun. They hold enough power to drive nails at a fast rate, they are easier to operate and convenient as well. Note, however, that you may need to buy an air compressor if you choose to buy a pneumatic nail gun.
Safety
Nail guns can be dangerous, but you can ensure you will always stay safe by buying a nail gun that enhances comfort and safety. Look for features such as protective guards, so that you can always stay protected from flying debris. Consider the presence of an adjustable exhaust that helps you work without getting affected by fumes. A good nail gun should also feature an air filter and an air duster to reduce debris and dust from your working area.
Speed and Power
Speed matters a lot when you are a professional home builder. You will need a nail gun that can drive nails sequentially at the fastest speed possible. On the other hand, you can have a fast framing nailer if it is not powerful. With that in mind, check the size in length and diameter a nailer can fire before purchasing it. Some nail guns can drive 2, 3-1/2” nails per second-signifying just how powerful nail guns can get.
Ease of Use
Everyone wants an easy to use tool, and you can get one if you find closely. The best nail guns will be light, have firm handles and designs that improve comfort. For DIY users, you can find a small and efficient nail gun that can be controlled with one hand. Shop around and look at every feature that can improve your working experience with the tool. Look for jam-release features, adjusting features and lubricants.
Versatility
Although nail guns are generally affordable, it is always great to get the best value from your tool. After all, modern framing guns are designed to handle many more applications. When buying your tool, therefore, check if it can handle other tasks like fencing, flooring, and roofing. Settle for the nail gun that provides the best value for your cash.
Costs
The price of your ideal nail gun should be guided by the type of work you handle. If you are a hobbyist who handles framing nail guns infrequently, settle for a low priced top rated model. A professional should, however, consider other things before considering the price tag.
Conclusion
No matter what your job is, having the best framing nailing gun can save you tons of time and energy. It can help you handle your different applications with precision and accuracy while still protecting your surfaces. Thankfully, finding that ideal nail gun should be a bit easier after having read our framing nailing gun reviews. Hopefully, you can now differentiate between a good quality nail gun for your needs and a poor tool that will probably not serve you right.
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