If you've come to the Nail Gun Depot, chances are you know what a nail gun is, what it does, and how it is used. Nailers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, designed to fulfill tasks that range from framing to finishing to flooring - depending on the user's needs. With a variety of options available, which tool is right for you? Find out the features you need, to take on the projects you want to build, right here.

Let's start by covering the types of nail guns or nailers you might encounter:

From top-to-bottom, the largest of the nail gun family is the framing nailer. Framing nailers are built to tackle large jobs that require heavy duty fasteners (nails) - such as framing, fencing and pallet building. The industries that benefit most from this type of tool include home-building, construction and manufacturing. Similar to the framing nailer, roofing nailers are almost identical in appearance, however these nail guns are designed specifically to fastening roofing shingles.

For projects that are a bit less intense, finish nailers are recommended for jobs such as door and window trim, paneling, baseboard, casing, crown molding, furniture, shelving and cabinetry. A close relative to finish nail guns, brad nailers drive an even smaller - brad - nail, and are designed for small trim work and furniture repair. Typically, using a brad nail gun will prevent the need for wood putty to cover up a hole where the fastener has been driven - but these nailers can only be used on lighter-duty projects, since the fastener is not as large as a finish nail. Last but not least, a pin nailer might be your best option for crafting or small trim projects, such as cabinet doors and bird house building. For anyone in renovation or remodeling, having a good finish and brad nailer is key to success.

Designed specifically for hardwood and laminate floor installation, floor nailers are the last of the commonplace nail guns that most contractors or DIYer's will require. These nailers are built to install a variety of hardwood floor sizes and thicknesses. Typically activated with a mallet, floor nailers are only built for flooring applications. Find Your Nailer Now

Pneumatic or Cordless?

The age old debate between contractors, do I want a cordless nailer or a pneumatic, air-powered nail gun? Most heavy-duty nail gun users swear by pneumatic tools, as they are generally a bit more reliable and do not require re-charging on the job site. The downside to a pneumatic tool, it requires the use of an air compressor. For workshop woodworkers, using nailers such as finish, brad and pin models, a small compressor such as the Senco PC1010 will be more than capable. For heavy-duty, high-intensity use on a construction site, look to a larger compressor such as the Senco PC0970, as it has a larger tank and is capable of providing enough air-pressure for larger tools - including framing nailers.

If you choose a cordless nail gun, you will need to keep a battery charger handy to keep your tool running - once the battery wears down. Cordless framing nailers also require a fuel cell to provide the necessary pressure to drive a fastener. The benefit to a cordless tool, you can reach beyond the length of an air hose and can get into tighter, hard to reach areas. You also eliminate the need for an air compressor with a battery-powered nailing tool. This is generally the appeal that makes these types of tools desirable to DIY builders.

Terms to look for when shopping for your next nail gun:

You'll more than likely encounter some - or all - of the following terms, when comparing nailers.One of the most important features you will want to look for, an adjustable depth of drive lets you select how far you want your nail (or other fastener) driven into the object you are fastening. Another option to look for, directional exhaust plates allow you to select the direct your tool shoots it's exhaust - this feature is particularly beneficial in dusty areas. Last, but not least, you will also want to be sure your nailer has a jam clearing feature - to avoid lost time and/or costly repairs if/when your tool jams.

Depending on the job your are working on, pay attention to features such as trigger size (if you wear gloves while working), easy adjustment for different nail or fastener sizes, and a rugged exterior design to handle the projects you throw at your nailer.

Keep an eye out for brands such as Senco, Paslode, Hitachi, Bostitch and MAX, as these manufacturers all have a strong track record for building reliable, long-lasting tools. Also keep an eye out for the length of warranty offered by a manufacturer. Most brands will come with a one-year limited warranty, but certain tools go above and beyond - such as Senco's XP (XtremePro) line of nailers that include a five-year limited warranty, or Bostitch's seven-year limited warranty that is offered on select tools.

Your Leading Source For Nail Gun Knowledge,

The Team At Nail Gun Depot

While we've been busy talking about spring projects, some of our favorite brands have been updating their lineup of nailers, staplers and fastening tools. Part of Nail Gun Depot's commitment to serving the latest tools and technology to our customers, we are excited to announce the following new and updated products that are now available to NGD customers.

If you've been working in the construction trade for some time, you have most likely used a Paslode tool at some point. For those who are true to the brand, you'll be excited to hear Paslode is commemorating their 50th Anniversary of service to the construction and building industry in a very special way. To celebrate, Paslode will now offer a Special Edition 50th Anniversary Framing Nailer. The Paslode 50th Anniversary Framing Nailer (511990) (replaced by Paslode F-350P PowerMaster Pro Framing Nailer - 515000) might look familiar, as it is a beefed up version of the F-350S Framing Nailer. You will notice it is sporting an all-new, Paslode orange color scheme - paired with a full one-year warranty from the manufacturer. The 50th Anniversary Framing Nailer joins the reliability and durability of the Paslode brand, paired with the manufacturer's unique brand characteristics.

Another important manufacturer with a rich history in construction and renovation, Senco has just announced the release of its all-new Finish Pro 21LXP Pin Nailer (8M0001N). The 21 gauge Senco 21LXP is designed to fill the gap between 18 gauge brad nailers and 23 gauge pin nailers - capable of driving 5/8" to 2" 21 Gauge Headed Pins and 21 Gauge Headless Pins. The FinishPro 21LXP also features automatic magazine adjustment for different fastener lengths, reversible belt hook, rear exhaust with embedded muffler, comfort grip handle, ultra-narrow nose, on board storage for extra no-mar pad and jam clearing wrench, and last-nail-lockout to prevent dry firing. If you are interested in this pin nailer, you can pre-order it on Nail Gun Depot and be one of the first to own this all-new tool. This item will release to the public around May 2014.

Last but not least, we are expanding our selection of hog ring tools and "C" ring fasteners. In addition to our selection of BeA hog ring pliers, we will be expanding our inventory to include a variety of Bostitch hog ring tools and fasteners. These handy tools can assist on a variety of projects, from attaching automotive upholstery to fastening wire fencing. Stay tuned to Nail Gun Depot as we continue to expand our lineup of hog ring pliers.

Whether you're celebrating Paslode's 50th, or testing a new Senco nailer, count on NGD for new tools and fasteners.

Keeping You Up To Date With Tool News,
The Team At Nail Gun Depot

You have your nailer, stapler or screw gun; you have the proper accessories to tackle your project – but do you practice safety awareness when using your tools? Most job related accidents can be avoided, if you take the proper measures to ensure safety on the job site.

For a 58 year-old carpenter living in Minnesota, a simple mistake almost cost his life, when he accidentally fired a 3-1/2” galvanized framing nail directly into his heart. While building a deck, the man’s framing nailer slipped out of his hands – and when he caught hold of it, hand still on the trigger, the gun’s nose bumped against his chest and fired directly into his heart. Thankfully, the nail missed his main arteries by millimeters, and he survived the ordeal after surgery, avoiding a lethal scenario. You can read the entire story here.

The nail was a lucky miss, but let’s take a look at how this accident could have been avoided. In this example, a simple error could have completely altered the outcome, if the man had removed his hand from the trigger. Even bump action guns still require a suppressed trigger to fire, a safety feature most manufacturers include on their tools. If you feel as if you are going to loose hold of your nail gun or other tool, always take your hand off the trigger. Worst case, a broken tool is better than a life altering injury.

A factor that helped to save this man’s life – staying calm and avoiding panic. Panic increases blood flow, which can increase bleeding from open wounds. In this example where a heart was pierced, panicking could have further reduced his ability to breath, leading to hyperventilation. Staying calm and contacting emergency medical services immediately will improve chances of survival, in life threatening situations. Treat for shock while help is on its way.

As described in the instance above, nail guns are powerful tools, so let’s make sure you are set up for success, which starts with safe handling:

• Start by knowing your tool and how it functions. Read the owner’s manual and look at warnings listed by the manufacturer.
• Wear the appropriate safety gear for your job site. Safety glasses should always be worn, regardless of the project. Depending on your line of work, a hardhat, hearing protection, harness or gloves might also be required.
• ALWAYS keep your tool pointed away from yourself and anyone else, especially when activated. When in doubt, treat your nail gun as you would treat any other firearm.
• Don’t use a tool that is not functioning properly. Have any broken or damaged tool serviced before trying to use.
• Do not try to drive fasteners on top of other fasteners. This can lead to misfire or backfire – resulting in injury.

There is no guarantee that injury will not occur when handling your tools – on and off the job site – but practicing safety measures, such as the ones mentioned above, will increase your odds of avoiding injury and staying safe when using your nail gun or other tools.

Stay Safe,

The Team At Nail Gun Depot

Paslode has improved their RounDrive 30° degree paper tape brite framing nails yet again, making them one of the highest quality framing nails on the market. Let's take a look at some of the improvements, which include ease of drive and improved holding power.

RounDrive framing nails now boast improved ease of drive when sinking nails into tough lumber. A more consistent coating area leads to higher retention of the nail's coat. The outer surface of the nail spine also has less contact with other nails when packaged - creating minimal coating wear during handling. Paslode cites an independent study, comparing current Paslode RounDrive nails with new Paslode RounDrive nails - finding the new nails have improved penetration rates up to 40%.

Holding Power:

The coating on these nails is also thicker, thanks to a groovy spine on the nail, which captures additional coating as it is applied. Paslode tells us another main reason for improved holding power results from an increase to the surface area of the nail, which makes contact with metal.

In addition to these improvements, RounDrive 30° degree paper tape brite framing nails continue to offer the same benefits they always have, including: rigid and compact strips that are easy to handle, reinforced nail heads for tighter spacing, and the same number of nails per strip. If you're looking for an improved framing nail, we suggest you try these out.