Whether you work in construction or just around the house, it is important to find the best framing nailer. These tools can make wood framing work quite easy, but there are many models to choose from.
Below you will find some of the top framing nailers on the market right now. Our top choice is the Ryobi ONE+ G AirStrike Nailer, which boasts a highly versatile overall design.
We encourage you to take a close look at all of the products in this article before deciding which one to buy.
A Spotlight On Some of The Best Framing Nailer 2020:
Dewalt DCN660N-XJ DCN660N Brushless Framing Nailer Bare
We couldn’t compile a list of the best framing nailer options without mentioning Dewalt. This company has an outstanding reputation for making high quality power tools. This particular model features a sequential mode that lets you achieve precise placement every single time. There is also a bump operating mode with a top speed of four nails per second.
The ergonomic design of this power tool makes it easy to hold, which makes long projects a lot less cumbersome. It also has a very sturdy overall construction, so you can rely on it to stand the test of time. The mechanical functionality of this framing nailer will help you to save a significant amount of money over time. It also provides you with consistent performance that you can always rely on.
The trigger and contact trip lock-off minimizes the risk of accidents by preventing accidental discharge of the fastener. There is also the dry fire lockout, which prevents this framing nailer from firing if the magazine is empty. You can clear jams without the use of any tools, which helps you work more efficiently.
With a total weight of 900 grams, this Dewalt framing nailer is fairly light and easy to transport. It is a great choice for home projects as well as construction work.
Pros
-Durable construction offers years of reliable use
-Numerous safety features to give you peace of mind
-No tools required to clear jams
-Lightweight and ergonomic design for comfortable use
-Fast and efficient performance
Cons
-Does not come with carrying case
Ryobi ONE+ 16 G AirStrike Nailer, 18V (Body Only)
The Ryobi ONE+ 16 G AirStrike is one of the best framing nailer options available on the market right now. This power tool features a Single Sequential Actuation mode to help you get the nail where it belongs every time. There is also the Rapid Contact Actuation mode, which allows you to work more efficiently than ever before.
We really like this framing nailer’s LED grip-light technology, which instantly activates when you grasp the handle. You can make depth-of-drive adjustments without the use of tools. This helps to ensure accurate setting of nail heads, and it makes your work a lot easier.
The adjustment lever on this tool allows you to regulate air pressure for consistently impressive performance. There are also two pads that are designed to prevent damage to your work surfaces. You will no longer have to deal with scratches and scuff marks after all of your work is done.
This framing nailer’s dry-fire lockout feature keeps it from firing if there are no nails in the magazine. This goes a long way towards keeping it in good working condition for years to come.
You will be sure to appreciate this tool’s GripZone overmold, which offers a whole new level of comfort. You won’t have to deal with hand fatigue when doing this type of work.
Pros
-Bright LED light to improve visibility
-Comfortable grip
-Designed to prevent unsightly marks on work surfaces
-Will help you get your work done quickly and efficiently
-Versatile enough for everyday use
Cons
-Plastic construction of this tool is a bit on the flimsy side
Freeman G22183CLW Compact Lightweight Pneumatic 21 Degree 3-1/4″ Full Round Head Framing Nailer
The Freeman G22183CLW weighs just 3.74 kilograms, making it a very compact power tool that will make doing your work easier overall. This framing nailer has a magnesium body that is both light and durable. The anodized aluminum magazine also offers years of sturdy and reliable use.
One of the things that make this product among the best framing nailer options is its sheer versatility. You can use it for framing, roof decking, subfloors, and more. The dual mode trigger lets you switch between sequential firing and bump firing as needed. This makes it easy to get your work done without any unnecessary hassle.
You can control the driving depth of the nails with the wheel by the drive blade. This allows you to achieve precise nail placement every single time. The over-molded handle and trigger of this tool give you complete control and comfort.
There is a rafter hook on this tool for easy storage, and the swivel air connector offers easy mobility. You can use this framing nailer with 10 to 12 gauge 21-degree plastic collated full round head framing nails 2” to 3 ¼”.
Perhaps the best thing about this power tool is that it is well suited to just about everyone. Whether you work in construction or just need to do work at home, it is an excellent overall choice.
Pros
-No mar safety tip prevents damage to work surfaces
-Well-suited to construction professionals and home users
-Durable body and magazine for years of future use
-Compact design for easy mobility
-Offers excellent amount of control
Cons
-No LED light
WEN 61731 3-in-1 Pneumatic Framing Nailer
The WEN 61731 3-in-1 Pneumatic Framing Nailer has a versatile design to help you work as efficiently as possible. You can switch the firing angle of this tool between 21 degrees, 28 degrees, and 34 degrees. You’ll also be able to go back and forth between single and sequential firing with the flip of a switch.
This framing nailer is compatible with 21-degree plastic-collated round-head framing nails from 2 to 3 ½” long. The rubber grip handle on this tool gives you maximum comfort to carry out each task with no hand fatigue. There is also the adjustable air exhaust, which gives you complete control over the performance.
You will be able to use whichever air compressor you want with this tool’s ¼” NPT air inlet. It requires 5.8 CFM of air at 90 PSI. The magazine it uses holds up to 60 21-degree nails at once. You therefore won’t have to worry about having to constantly reload, which can be a hassle to say the least.
When you buy this framing nailer, you will also receive a solid plastic case for easy and secure transportation. It comes with a 2-year warranty, which is better than what you will get with many other models on the market.
Pros
-High capacity magazine
-Comes with 2-year warranty
-Easily switch between shooting modes
-Ergonomic handle eliminates hand fatigue
-Switch between numerous angles with no hassle
Cons
-It is fairly big and heavy
Best Framing Nailer Buying Guide
Before you can decide on the best framing nailer, you must consider a variety of factors. You don’t want to buy one of these tools until you know what to look for in each one.
Size
The overall size of the framing nailer you choose will ultimately determine how easy it is to work with. If you are going to use this tool for long periods, you’ll want to get one that is fairly light. The heavier the tool, the more likely you are to experience hand fatigue. Make sure that you take a look at the weight and dimensions of each product before making a final decision.
Stick vs. Coil Magazine
The magazine in a framing nailer holds all of the nails that you fire. There are a couple of different options that you should know about when doing this research.
Stick magazines tend to have a fairly small nail capacity, but they offer superior weight distribution. This can make the tool easier to handle overall.
Framing nailers that use coil magazines offer a bigger capacity, and they are typically easier to use when space is limited. While you will almost certainly end up paying more for one of these tools, it is definitely worth the additional expense.
Clipped Head vs. Round Head Framing Nailers
When searching for the best framing nailer, you’ll also need to decide whether to buy one that uses clipped head or round head nails.
Clipped head nailers give you a high capacity due to their shape. This allows you to keep working with minimal interruptions, which is always a good thing. These nailers also tend to be lighter and easier to hold for long periods of time.
One of the big downsides of clipped head nailers is that they are known for jamming, which can be a problem. These nailers are not recommended for construction work.
Round head framing nailers allow for fast and efficient performance, and they are not prone to jamming. There are quite a few of these nailers, so you will have a number of options to choose from.
It is important to keep in mind that round head nailers come with a smaller magazine capacity, so you will have to replenish it more frequently. They also tend to be a lot pricier.
Comfort
While the weight of your framing nailer will affect how comfortable it is to use, there are other factors to consider.
You’ll want to buy a nailer with an ergonomic handle that is specifically designed for comfort. This is a fairly standard feature with these tools, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding one that satisfies this requirement.
Safety Features
It is also important to look for a framing nailer that offers at least one or two basic safety features. Look for models that feature protective guards that will protect you and the tool from debris. This is something that many people overlook, but it is a crucial factor to consider nonetheless.
You should also try to get a nailer that is designed to prevent accidental discharge. This will reduce the risk of potentially serious accidents.
Magazine Angle
There are numerous options when it comes to the angle of the magazine that a framing nailer uses. You’ll find that most of these power tools offer 21, 28, 30, 34-degree options. Before you decide which one to buy, you’ll want to think about the type of work you will be doing. Keep in mind that the magazine angle will determine the nails you’ll be able to use.
Depth Adjustment
It is definitely a good idea to look for a framing nailer that lets you adjust the nail drive depth.
This will allow you to do different types of work with ease. If you plan on working with different types of wood, you will definitely want a nailer that offers this feature. Make sure that the tool also allows you to make adjustments quickly and easily.
Exhaust System
The best framing nailer will almost certainly offer a good directional exhaust system. This will give you complete control over the nailer’s exhaust.
The better the exhaust system is, the easier it will be to keep debris out of your way while working. You should buy a nailer that does not require any tools to make these adjustments.
Conclusion
With all of the different options available on the market, finding the best framing nailer can seem a bit overwhelming. It is important that you consider your specific needs while reviewing these options.
Whether it is the angle of the nailer’s magazine or the type of nails it uses, every detail is important. These power tools can be incredibly helpful, but only if you choose the right one. You don’t have to spend a ton of money on one of these tools, but you should do your research.
Let us know what you think about our list by leaving a comment below.
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