The Best Framing Nailer To Add To Your Tool Collection

If you work in construction or enjoy doing DIY home projects, then you know how important it is to have a reliable set of tools. A nail framer is one of the most essential tools in any home building toolkit. When used properly, it can greatly speed up woodworking projects and make them much easier. Because of their widespread use, it can’t be easy to know which is the best framing nailer to add to your tool collection.

In this article, we will help to lessen the sometimes overwhelming task of researching framing nailers. First, we will answer some commonly asked questions about framing nailers. Then, we will review a list of nine framing nailers that we have compiled to help narrow down your options. With this list, you will be able to find the best framing nailer that fits your personal budget and needs.

Comparison Table

Framing Nailer FAQ

1. What Is a Framing Nailer?

A framing nailer is a woodworking tool that is used to drive nails into wood. Often referred to as a nail gun or framing gun, this useful tool greatly speeds up the process of nailing large pieces of material together. As the name suggests, framing nailers are shaped like guns, using air compression to drive nails into the wood at a rapid pace by pressing the trigger button. They are generally used for more heavy-duty construction projects.

2. What Are the Different Types of Framing Nailers?

There are two main types of framing nailers: cordless framing nailers and pneumatic framing nailers. Pneumatic framing nailers are manually connected to an air compressor by a hose and use this compression to drive a nail. Cordless framing nailers use a tank of compressed air to drive nails and are battery-operated. Pneumatic framing nailers tend to be faster while cordless framing nailers are more portable.

3. How Do You Use a Framing Nailer?

Framing nailers have a large cylinder directly above the tip where the nails are driven from. To fire it, you align the nail tip and cylinder in the direction you want to drive the nail. You then depress the nail tip by pressing the nailer into the wood before pulling the trigger, firing a single nail. Ideally, the nail’s head should be slightly depressed, about 1/8 inch.

4. What Are the Styles of Nailing Performed by a Framing Nailer?

There are two styles of nailing that framing nailers perform: toe-nailing and through nailing. Through nailing is the more simple method, consisting of driving one nail perpendicular to the face of the board into another. Toe-nailing is a procedure where a nail is driven into a board at an angle. This method takes more practice to get the angle just right, so the tip of the nail doesn’t show through the back or the wood doesn’t split.

5. What Safety Precautions Should Be Taken When Using Framing Nailers?

Just like any power tool, frame nailers can be dangerous when used incorrectly. Always wear safety equipment, including hearing protection, safety glasses, gloves, and close-fitting clothes that provide adequate coverage. Follow all safety features that are included with frame nailers. You never want to remove or disable the nailer’s nail tip or pull the nail tip back while firing, as this greatly increases the chance of injury in the case of a misfire. You should always thoroughly read the operation manual before use and follow all guidelines closely.

How We Reviewed

Now that we have answered some of the most common questions many people often have, we can discuss the best framing nailers. In order to compile this list, we conducted extensive research and product tests to ensure we are providing the most accurate information possible. We reviewed the following best framing nailers based on their features, pros and cons, price, availability, and warranty.

Overall Price Range

Nail framers generally cost at least $50, with more expensive ones costing up to around $800. Higher priced models will typically include more features, such as a higher degree of acceptable nails, longer warranty periods, higher nail capacity, and more advanced features such as no-tool adjustments. While some of these features may not be available for the products on the lower end of the price range, all the nailers deserve their spot on this list of best framing nailers and provide a tool for anyone’s needs and budget.

What We Reviewed

• Paslode 902400 Cordless
• Freeman PFR2190 21-Degree Full-Head Framing Nailer
• BOSTITCH Framing Nailer
• DEWALT 20V MAX XR Framing Nailer
• Paslode 902600 Cordless Framing Nailer
• DEWALT DCN692M1 Dual Speed Framing Nailer
• Hitachi NR90GR2 Gas Powered Plastic Strip Collated Framing Nailer
• BOSTITCH MCN-150 StrapShot Metal Connector Nailer
• Makita AN923 3-1/2-inch Framing Nailer

Paslode 902400 Cordless

Features

First on our list of best nail framers is the Paslode 902400 Cordless Nail Framer. It has a powerful 7V Li-ion battery and can drive up to 12,000 nails per charge, providing a full day’s worth of fuel and lessening downtime. Because of its cordless design and lack of hoses, work is much easier, and time is saved from hooking the gun up to an air compressor. It also comes with a dry lock feature and depth of drive adjustment.

This nail framer includes an angled magazine that allows precise placement of nails and reaches tight spots. It can be used in the corners for baseboards or crown molding. The no-mar tip prevents marking and scratching on work surfaces, preserving a smooth surface. Weighing only 4.5 pounds, this nail framer is perfect for transporting throughout the worksite and provides greater control and comfort.

A couple of other great features include a 2-position battery lock, so you can disengage battery power without removing the battery, preventing drainage during storage or non-use. It also has a quick-charge feature that allows you to charge the battery for two minutes and shoot 200 nails.

Pros	Cons
Lightweight and portable No-mar tip prevents scratching Powerful battery Angled magazine	Only 1-year warranty Does not work well at high altitudes

Price $$

Warranty

This nail framer comes with a one-year full coverage warranty.

Where to Buy

Freeman PFR2190 21-Degree Full-Head Framing Nailer

Features

The Freeman PFR2190 is a pneumatic framing nailer that truly deserves its place on our list of best framing nailers with a nail range of 20-22 degrees, though 21 degrees is recommended. It is made of die-cast magnesium, which makes it durable and is lightweight at 8.5 pounds. It has an interchangeable trigger for either single shot or quick fire functions. With a no-mar tip and a depth adjustment feature, it is adaptable for a variety of working surfaces and jobs.

It also has an anti-dry fire system that stops firing when you reach the last few nails, preventing damage and jams. The magazine holds 55 nails and is compatible with all generic brands of plastic collated nails. The full-head has a 360-degree exhaust vent and an air cap and air filter to protect the air inside. It comes with a plastic carrying case and is oil free.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Lightweight Durable No-mar tip Compatible with all brands of collated plastic nails Carrying case	Does not fit into tight spaces Only 55 nails in the magazine Strong recoil Can be difficult to load

Price $

Warranty

This nail framer comes with a 7-year limited warranty.

BOSTITCH Framing Nailer

Features

The Bostitch F21PL framing nailer is one of the most popular on the list of best nailing framers. This pneumatic framing nailer has a 21-degree angle, making it ideal for fitting into smaller spaces. It also has tool-free adjustments, making it easy to switch between single and multi-drive modes with the press of a trigger. The drive depth adjustment is tool-free as well, and the rubber grip handle makes it ergonomically comfortable to hold, despite its heavier weight of 9.5 pounds.

It comes with bump and sequential firing options and a layout indicator that helps gauge the distance between each stud. The two nose pieces are easily interchangeable, allowing you to switch between using metal connector nails to framing nails. The magazine holds 60 nails, and it is made out of magnesium, making it durable and lightweight.

Pros	Cons
The internal air filter protects it from damage Fits in small spaces 7-year warranty Tool-free adjustments	Slow reload Heavier than other models

Price $$

Warranty

The Bostitch F21PL comes with a 7-year warranty.

NuMax SFN64 Straight Finish Nailer

Features

The Numax SFN64 is the cheapest tool on our list of best nail drivers, but the price does not indicate a lack of good features. It uses 21-degree nails between 2-3.5 inches long and comes with tool-less depth adjustment and an anti-dry fire mechanism. It comes with a 360-degree exhaust for easy adjustment while working. Like the other nail framers, it is made of durable and lightweight magnesium. It weighs 8.5 pounds.

The no-mar tip helps to protect work surfaces, but it can be removed to expose the no-slip teeth to achieve a better grip. It comes with an adjustable trigger that allows you to either single fire or bump fire, providing versatility for each project. The dust cap and air filter protect the engine from damaging dust and debris.

Pros	Cons
Cheap Lightweight Air filter and dust cap to protect the engine	Tool-depth adjustment is not always precise Only accepts 21-degree nails 1-year limited warranty

Price $

Warranty

The Numax nail framer comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Framing Nailer

Features

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR is a cordless framing nailer that runs on battery power only. This eliminates the need to spend extra for fuel cells. The battery and charger are included in the box with the nail gun. It can take any brand of nails ranging from 30-degree to 34-degree. It also has both sequential and bump firing options.

For enhanced safety, the DEWALT MAX XR has a trigger lock, and the nose is easy to clear in the case of a jam. One of the greatest advantages that makes the DEWALT deserve its place on the list of best framing nailers is the two-speed capability. It can operate at a lower speed to extend the battery life and greatly reduce vibration and noise. A hard plastic carrying case is included for protection from wear and tear.

Pros	Cons
Solely battery operated Two-speed settings Includes carrying case 3-year limited warranty	Expensive Only holds 55 nails

Price $$

Warranty

This nail framer comes with a 3-year limited warranty.

DEWALT DCN692M1 Dual Speed Framing Nailer

Features

Another Dewalt tool has made it on our list of best framing nailers with the DEWALT DCN692M1 Dual Speed Framing Nailer. This particular nailing framer has many similarities with the other. It also runs solely on the battery power of a 20-volt lithium-ion battery without the need for fuel cells, reducing both cost and messes. It takes any brand of nails with a range of 30-degree to 34-degree. It is slightly lighter than the other framing nailer, weighing only 7.8 pounds.

This framing nailer has a dual-speed brushless motor, which automatically calculates the nail size and adapts the firing force to each different nail. It also has both sequential and bump firing capabilities. Safety features include a trigger lock and a nose that is made to be easily cleared when jammed. Other features include tool-free depth adjustment, an adjustable rafter hook, a stall release lever, and dry fire lock-out.

Pros	Cons
Dual speed settings Carrying case included Solely battery powered User-friendly	Magazine only holds 55 nails Unable to drive longer nails over 3″

Price $$

Warranty

This framing nailer includes a 3-year limited warranty with a 1-year free service guarantee.

Hitachi NR90GR2 Gas Powered Plastic Strip Collated Framing Nailer

Features

The Hitachi is a cordless nail gun that is powered by fuel cartridges and a cordless 7.2-volt nickel-cadmium battery. This gives it the capability of driving 1,000 nails per hour, with only one hour of charging required per session. One great thing about this nail gun is that it takes not only Hitachi fuel cartridges but also fuel cartridges from Paslode and Bostitch. It is small, able to fit easily into tight spaces, and can drive up to 3-1/2″ nails.

Some great features include no-tool depth adjustment and a dual-firing mode. The dry-fire lockout feature allows you to fasten with no damage to your work surface or the framing nailer. An indicator light will alert you when the battery is low, so you can avoid unexpected surprises, and it comes with a retractable rafter hook. It also comes with a charger, battery, carrying case, safety glasses, and a hex wrench.

Pros	Cons
Lightweight and portable Great features Battery indicator light Many accessories included	Fuel cartridges make it louder than other guns The additional cost to replace fuel cartridges

Price $$

Warranty

This product comes with a one-year warranty.

BOSTITCH MCN-150 StrapShot Metal Connector Nailer

Features

The BOSTITCH MCN-150 StrapShot Metal Connector Nailer is definitely the lightest on our list of the best framing nailers, weighing only 4.6 pounds. This makes it perfect for getting into tight, hard-to-reach areas that other nailers would not be able to reach. It is fitted with a rubber comfort grip for maximum comfort and ease of use.

It is equipped with an exposed nail tip des and an integrated fastener feeding system, both of which were designed to prevent misfires and fire nails accurately and quickly. A built-in safety keeps the nailer from firing when it is not placed into the connector hole correctly while the hardened steel wear guards protect the tool. The adjustable exhaust also allows the user to direct air away from him or herself.

Pros	Cons
Powerful Lightweight Compact Rubber comfort grip Great safety features	Magazine only holds 25 nails Only works with 1.5-inch nails

Price $

Warranty

The Bostitch MCN-150 comes with a 7-year limited warranty.

Makita AN923 3-1/2-inch Framing Nailer

Features

Last, but not least, on this list of the best framing nailers is the Makita AN923 3-1/2-inch Framing Nailer, a pneumatic nailer that has the unique feature of a 3-mode selector switch. This feature includes contact, sequential, and lock modes, allowing the user to control the various nailing options freely. The large capacity air chamber provides enough power to drive nails from 2″ to 3-1/2″ long. It also includes tool-less depth adjustment and a rear-loading aluminum magazine that holds 64-74 nails.

Some great safety features of this framing nailer include a built-in air filter to prevent debris and dust from entering the tool as well as an anti-dry feature that prevents the gun from firing when three nails are left in the magazine. Spurs help to control nailing by gripping the wood as you work, and rubber bumpers protect the surface and the nailer from damage. A convenient exhaust port directs air away from the user. It weighs 8.7 pounds, which puts it in the middle range for weight when compared to the other nailers.

Pros	Cons
Has 9 depth adjustment options Back-pressure feature clears away dust 3-mode selector switch Great safety features	Small magazine requires frequent reloading Heavier than other nailers Spurred tip frequently slips

Price $$

Warranty

This framing nailer comes with a 3-year limited warranty.

The Verdict: The Best Framing Nailer

After conducting our research and testing out these nailers, we decided that the Paslode 902400 Cordless deserved the number one spot on the list of best framing nailers. The Paslode 902400 is battery-powered and lightweight, making it easily portable, and it can drive a much higher number of nails per charge than other framing nailers on the list. It is also in the mid-range price-wise, making it affordable for most users. Because of these reasons and the other great features included, we would recommend the Paslode 902400 Cordless to anyone looking to add a nail framer to their tool collection.

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