
In the amazing world of carpentry, it’s an undeniable fact that nail guns are one of the most popular tools. Perhaps, this tool is what got us interested in woodworking in the first place. However, if you have a newborn desire to work on some DIY projects but don’t know which is the best nail gun for beginners, we’ve got your back!
You’ll find a lot of nail guns that claim to be best for newcomers and novices. However, only the ideal one is going to prove the most effective for you. And although we don’t prefer the concept of a nail gun being the best, here’s our top five picks.
Quick Overview
- 1 Our Top 5 Picks Of The Best Beginners Nail Gun
- 2 Reviews of 5 Best Nail Gun For Beginners
- 3 What Is The Best Nail Gun For Beginners? – Factors to Decide
- 4 A Word From Us
Our Top 5 Picks Of The Best Beginners Nail Gun
- DeWalt DWFP12231 Brad Nailer (best nail gun under 100 dollars)– If you’re running tight on the budget but still want an efficient nail gun for DIY projects, the DWFP12231 is perfect for you.
- CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Brad Nailer Kit’s CMCN618C1 (best cordless nail gun for woodworking)– This is the nail gun we suggest getting if you’re into woodworking. Moreover, it’s very effective if you’re dealing with quarter rounds
- NEU MASTER NTC0040 Electric Nail Gun/Staple Gun (best nail gun for beginners)– So you’ve just got into carpentry and you’re looking for a nailer that is user-friendly. Well, this one here will be the perfect companion for you. Moreover, you can use it for softwood applications.
- Metabo HPT Brad Nailer Kit’s NT50AE2 (best nail gun for building furniture)– The NT50AE2 can be a great fit as your primary nailer when it comes to trimming and building furniture.
- 3PLUS HFN90SP 3-in-1 Air Framing Nailer (best nail gun for framing)– If you’re a fan of multitasking, you should definitely be going for this one. That’s because this nail gun for framing can drive nails at three different angles!
Reviews of 5 Best Nail Gun For Beginners
DeWalt DWFP12231 Brad Nailer
Tops Specs
- Weight: 2.65lbs
- Dimensions: 10.24 x 2.68 x 9.8 inches
- Power Source: Air Powered
Our Observation
Because of its long-lasting maintenance-free motor, the DeWalt DWFP12231 Pneumatic Brad Nailer is unquestionably a device that merits a place in your building kit. Furthermore, it’s an electric one! As a result, there is no need for wire management. The DWFP12231’s outstanding rear exhaust, on the other hand, guides all debris away from the operating zone. As a result, there is no risk of contamination. Not bad for a cordless nail gun under 100 dollars.
But that’s not all; this bad boy can also drive 18 gauge nails up to a depth of ⅝”-2″ in a matter of seconds. While we’re on the subject of nails, the engineers made sure that the device has a tool-free jam release mechanism to keep the nails from jamming and causing the device to malfunction. Despite the fact that the DWFP12231 is designed to be a brad nailer, we don’t see why you couldn’t use it for fencing.
It’s nothing out of the ordinary to lose such compact and portable equipment. However,The DWFP12231 is built differently and will not be affected in this way. You can always have it near you in the construction zone thanks to its interchangeable belt hook. This amazing cordless nail gun also comes with a detachable non-marring nose tip and on-bard storage.
- Lightweight
- Detachable non-marring nose tip
- Easy to use
- Portable
- Tool-free jam release
- Piston rings might crack
- The nailhead might stall/jam
CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Brad Nailer Kit’s CMCN618C1
Tops Specs
- Weight: 7.64lbs
- Dimensions: 13.37 x 4.49 x 11.49 inches
- Power-Source: Battery-Powered
- Voltage: 20V
Our Observation
To be honest, when we were given the chance to test CRAFTSMAN’s CMCN618C1 brad nailer, we were overjoyed. That’s because we’re well aware of CRAFTSMAN’s accomplishments and the impact they’ve had on the industry throughout time. As a result, you’d expect the CMCN18C1 to have all of the features of a brad nailer, but on a higher level. Indeed, the idea of it being entirely battery powered was inspiring to us.
Furthermore, this incredible piece of equipment can fire up to 420 2″ nails on a single charge! Plus, you won’t have to worry about your nails jamming or your device slowing down. That’s because the anti-stall mechanism and the innovative tool-less jam release have you covered. Apart from that, the CMCN618C1 drives 18 gauge finish nails with ease.
Perhaps you’ll be relieved to learn that the device’s contoured-over molded grip provides the most comfort. It’s also easy to stow and access thanks to the built-in belt hook. It’s also easy to grasp in your hands because of its light weight and low center of gravity. However, when you examine the features CMCN618C1 offers in contrast to its pricing, it’s only a matter of time before it becomes the foundation of a new era of best quarter round nailers.
- Lightweight
- Low center of gravity
- Belt hook
- Anti-stall mechanism
- Toolless jam release
- May misbehave
- Incorrect battery indication
NEU MASTER NTC0040 Electric Nail Gun/Staple Gun
Top Specs
- Weight: 5.21lbs
- Dimensions: 9.3 x 2.5 x 10.3 inches
- Power Source: AC
- Voltage: N/A
Our Observation
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from our time with the NEU MASTER NTC0040, it’s that it’s the best nail gun for beginners. And if we’re being completely transparent, we haven’t seen a wire 2-in-1 combo nailer quite like this one. For starters, the NTC0040 doesn’t require the use of any hoses or compressors, which is pretty convenient as a first-time user. In addition, you’ll even get 200 ¾” crown staples and 800 brad nails along with it!
Furthermore, you’ll never hear the end of this nailer’s usability. In other words, the NTC0040 is the perfect solution for softwood applications such as picture framing, window moulding installations and even pet houses. However, it’s not a great idea to use it for quarter rounds, roofing or baseboards. Nonetheless, the device’s non-marring tip ensures a smooth finish while the ergonomic rubber grip accounts for lower hand fatigue.
The engineers at NEU MASTER gave it their all when it came to safety. As a result, the electric nail gun is equipped with an On/Off switch that prevents accidental firing. At the same time, you won’t be able to fire a nail unless the contact safety is fully in touch with the working surface. Therefore, you can rest assured that you’ll be protected while nailing in 18 gauge brad nails upto a depth of ⅝”-1-¼”.
- Lightweight
- Versatile
- Contact safety
- Ergonomic grip
- Non-marring tip
- Doesn’t drive nails properly
- Not strong enough to drive in nails
Metabo HPT Brad Nailer Kit’s NT50AE2
Top Specs
- Weight: 2.2lbs
- Dimensions: 10 x 2 x 9 inches
- Power Source: Air Powered
Our Observation
The Metabo HPT Brad Nailer Kit’s NT50AE2 is the perfect example of accuracy and performance. Its efficiency is second to none and is highly compatible for applications such as trimming and crafting furniture. It can also resist even the most difficult nailing operations because of its lightweight nature and ergonomic design. The nailer holds 18 gauge fasteners that are ⅝”-2″ in length and operates at a PSI of 70-120!
At the same time, the nailer consists of a depth of drive dial that lets you adjust how deep the nails are driven in. As a result, you will always get a professional finish regardless of the task you’re performing. But wait! That’s not the end. You’ll also be able to switch between sequential and rapid fire mode by using the selective activation switch. How cool is that?
A working surface can inflict a lot of unwanted damage and markings if you aren’t careful while using a nail gun. That’s not the case with the NT50AE2; the tool’s no-mar tip protects the surface and protects it from any sort of harm. At the same time, the magazine has a reload indicator that notifies the user if the nail supply is running low, preventing dry firing.
- Lightweight
- No-mar tip
- Sequential and rapid fire mode
- Nail indicator
- Depth-control
- It’s flimsy
- Might not set a brad nail properly
3PLUS HFN90SP 3-in-1 Air Framing Nailer
Top Specs
- Weight: 9lbs
- Dimensions: 21.5 x 15.9 x 6.2 inches
- Power Source: Air Powered
Our Observation
Previously, we reviewed the NTC0040 2-in-1 combo nailer and how it has gained its fandom. However, do you know what’s better than 2-in-1? That’s correct, 3-in-1! And this is exactly what the 3PLUS HFN90SP 3-in-1 Air Framing Nailer offers. To be precise, you’ll be able to set fasteners and change magazines at three different angles (21°, 28°, 34°). In addition, these nails can range from anywhere between 2-3/16″-3-½” in length.
Excessively using the nailer can sometimes wear its nose out. This can lead to a decrease in its efficiency. Luckily, the HFN90SP’s reinforced claw tip lessens nose wear while decreasing slippage during toe-nailing. Apart from this, you could also fit it on to a no-mar tip to provide extra protection to the working surface. To top it off, 3PLUS has even introduced a 360° rear exhaust to drive the air away from the user’s face!
Lastly, making precise countersinks and flushes becomes a child’s play if you have the HFN90SP in your disposal. And it’s all thanks to its changeable depth control mechanism. Consequently, this amazing cordless nail gun for fencing comprises a switch that changes between sequential and bump fire mode. If we didn’t know any better, we would say this is the best nail gun for framing.
- Versatile
- 360° rear exhaust
- Depth control mechanism
- Sequential and bump fire mode
- Hardened claw tip
- Slightly heavy
- Might not be good for long-term
What Is The Best Nail Gun For Beginners? – Factors to Decide
Now that you’ve read up to this much, we’re sure you’re thinking that investing in a nail gun is a great opportunity. However, we are also aware of the fact that purchasing a nailer as a complete newbie can be quite stressful. And we wouldn’t want you to invest in something that wouldn’t last you a lifetime. Therefore, here are some crucial factors that you need to consider when getting your own nail gun.
Nail Gun Type
When looking for the perfect model, you must consider the nature of your work and the type of nailer you want. That’s because nail guns have a specific design that enables them to carry out certain tasks.
For example, a roofing nailer, as the name implies, fires roofing nails with a high driving force and is easy to use. Framing nail guns, on the other hand, are intended for heavy-duty applications. This is owing to the fact that 2.8mm nails may be driven into practically any type of wood.
Then there are finish nailers, which are the most reliable nail guns. Despite its lack of fierceness in comparison to its framing counterparts, its qualities make it appropriate for smoothing wood surfaces. Apart from that, there are brad nailers, which are the offensive form of pneumatic nailer. They’re also pretty effective when it comes to woodwork.
Power Source
“What influence does the power source have on the nailer you choose?” you might wonder. The power supply, as little as it may appear, is crucial in the procurement of a nailer. A nail gun can be corded or cordless, depending on the type of work you do. However, when you think about it, there are only two possibilities. You have the option of choosing between a pneumatic and a battery-powered version.
While the pneumatic nail guns have a greater magazine capacity, the battery-powered ones are superior in terms of performance. Thus, they are the more expensive option out of the two. In fact, they can fire a ridiculous number of nails per charge( anywhere from between 400-1600!) In contrast, a pneumatic model will keep firing nails as long as you keep it loaded and connected to a compressor.
Nail Gauge
Everyone recognizes the need of using a nail
gauge when using a nail gun. Furthermore, the majority of the nailers’ designs allow them to work with a variety of different types and sizes of nails. As a result, it’s one of the most crucial aspects of the machine’s functionality.
The nail gauge scale goes from 2d to 60d, with 2d being the smallest and 60d being the biggest. The letter ‘D’ stands for penny measure, which is a categorizing technique used by specialists to identify nails. A 2d nail is approximately 1″ long, whereas a 16d nail is approximately 3.5 inches long. Hence, we would strongly suggest that you check what gauge nails your model accepts.
A Word From Us
We spent countless hours browsing through the web and consulting with innovators to know about products and services. As a result, we are hopeful that by reading our reviews, you’re now capable enough to determine which is the best nail gun for beginners. However, if you’re still not sure, we would suggest going for the NEU MASTER NTC0040. It’s extremely user friendly and great for multitasking. It also launches nails at different angles.
Finally, we’d want to thank you for coming to us to learn about the various types of nail guns available for beginners. Furthermore, we appreciate you taking the time to read our article. Have a great time nailing!
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