Best Nail Guns for Joist Hangers Review 2022

In recent years, joist hangers have genuinely improved in the construction industry. However, anyone can vouch for the time consuming of using specialized joist hanger nails. That’s because joist hangers are generally connected to a single ply of 1-½” material. Thus, you need a specific type of nail gun for this task. This brings us to our main question: Which is the best nail gun for joist hangers?

While some nailers can have multi-tasking abilities, we’ve still compiled a list of nail guns that are manufactured exclusively for joist hangers. Moreover, we value our readers very much, and we wouldn’t want you to go through each of the products individually. Hence, we have also provided you with in-depth reviews!

Our Top 5 Picks: Best Nail Gun for Joist Hangers

• BOSTITCH MCN150 Metal Connector Nailer (best nail gun for connecting metal)– This nail gun is technically a lifesaver for artisans who intend on making precise and compact metal joints. It’s also lightweight and has high manoeuvrability, which makes it the perfect candidate for the best nail gun for connecting metal.
• Metabo HPT NH90AB Pneumatic Palm Nailer (best budget nailer for joist hangers)– This is a revolutionary palm nailer with the combined ability to connect metals and joist hangers. Moreover, this can be a perfect companion for DIYers that are on a strict budget since it only costs 50 dollars!.
• Metabo HPT NR38AK Strap-Tite Fastening System Strip Nailer (best nail gun for joist hangers)-  This nail gun has been the “Pro Preferred Nailer” for seven running years, which tells you a lot about the quality it brings to the table. Moreover, with its fantastic range of motion and accuracy, it was only a matter of time before it became the best nail gun for joist hangers.
• NuMax SFR2190 Ergonomic And Lightweight Pneumatic Nail Gun (best cordless nail gun for fencing for the money)- We’ve said this before, and we’ll repeat it: this nail gun cannot be outcompeted when it comes to the rankings of the best fencing nail for the money. As a result, this one’s for you if you want high features at a low price.
• DeWalt DWMC150 Metal Connector Nailer ( best pneumatic nail gun for joist hangers)- DeWalt specifically created the masterpiece to challenge its rivals in the market. And it has outsmarted them in many aspects in our opinion. As a result, you can get this one if you prefer easy storage and easy-to-use tools.

Product Reviews

BOSTITCH MCN150 Metal Connector Nailer

Top Specs

• Weight: 5.83lbs
• Dimensions: 14 x 14 x 5.13 inches
• Power Source: Air-powered

Product Description

Designed for compactness, the Bostitch MCN150 Metal Connector Nailer easily adjusts between 12 inches O.C joists. Therefore, use this metal framing nailer for metal framing hardware, and you’re bound to achieve a quick and precise application. On the other hand, the device’s lightweight is one of the reasons behind its easy manoeuvrability. And it’s pretty lightweight, which will account for minimal fatigue.

Whenever the MCN150 is running out of ammunition, the low nail lockout comes into action and prevents dry-firing. At the same time, the nailer also consists of an exclusive safety system that restricts it from misfiring. Oh, and you will also be able to nail quickly and accurately, thanks to the tool’s exposed nail tip that points and fires directly into the countersinks. Quite handy for a framing nailer for connecting metal.

One of the prime reasons why similar nailers its size couldn’t match up with MCN150’s exceptional prowess is because it’s 50% lighter than them. Hence, it is much easier to use and handle. But that’s not all, folks; the excellent metal framing nailer comes with strengthened steel wear guards that protect it from any sort of damage. Thus, you’ll have no issues driving in 1-½” paper collated metal connector nails.

 

Metabo HPT NH90AB Pneumatic Palm Nailer

Top Specs

• Weight: 1.3lbs
• Dimension: 3.14 x 2.75 x 4.38 inches
• Power Source: Corded-electric

Product Description

Nowadays, it’s sporadic to see people using a palm nailer and that too a pneumatic one. We mean, it is quite a revolutionary change, shifting from a nail gun to a palm nailer. However, Metabo HPT played a huge role in boosting its popularity by introducing the NH90AB Pneumatic Palm Nailer. And the best part is that it’s a nail gun under 50 dollars! Yes, you heard that right, a nail gun so cheap yet highly compatible for installing joist hangers and connecting metals.

The cherry on top is that the NH90AB has a magnetic nose! This means that it will hold the metal fasteners in place for placing it safely and accurately. As a result, there’s a very slight possibility of losing them. Moreover, the fantastic device can accept 2-½”-3-½” bulk nails when it comes to fasteners. On top of that, the over-moulded ergonomic rubber grip allows greater hold and reduces the detrimental effects of vibrations.

You’d also be happy to know that the NH90AB only weighs about 1.3lbs. Thus, this indicates that the device’s manoeuvrability is off the charts! Ultimately, its 360-degree swivel enables the hose to hang at any angle rather than it being entirely straight out. This adds to the user’s convenience while working in hard-to-reach spots. Indeed, the NH90AB serves as a benchmark for the best budget palm nailers.

 

Metabo HPT NR38AK Strap-Tite Fastening System Strip Nailer

Top Specs

• Weight: 4.6lbs
• Dimensions: 12.3 x 3.2 x 10.3 inches
• Power Source: Air Powered

Product Description

Regarded as ‘Amazon’s Choice’ in power framing nail guns by Metabo HPT, the NR38AK Strap-Tite Fastening System Strip Nailer has truly proved that it’s worthy of the title of the best nail gun for joist hangers. In fact, the famous magazine “Builder And Developer” has rated it as the ‘Pro Preferred Nailer’ for seven years running now (2014-2020). But what makes it so great?

To begin with, the NR38AK performs admirably when it comes to securing a range of pre-punched hole metal fasteners to hardwood. In addition, it has an excellent range of motion; the tool’s lightweight nature( only weighs 4.6lbs) is the one pulling all the strings. Furthermore, the engineers also included a rubber handle for a secured grip and greater user comfort. What else can one ask from a framing nailer under 200 dollars?

In case you were wondering, the NR38AK accepts fasteners of 1-½” in length. And speaking about fasteners, the tool’s amazing sequential drive mechanism enables you to launch nails precisely and ensures correct placements. In contrast, the nailer also comprises a dry fire lockout that prevents you from shooting blanks when the tool runs out of fasteners. We guess it’s true when they say: Metabo HPT never fails to surprise us.

 

NuMax SFR2190 Ergonomic And Lightweight Pneumatic Nail Gun

Top Specs

• Weight: 8.58lbs
• Dimensions: 5.51 x 14.17 x 20.08 inches
• Power Source: Air-powered

Product Description

It goes without saying that Metabo HPT’s NR189DRS is at the top of the frame nailer chart like an eagle at the top of a mountain cliff. The NuMax SFR2190 Ergonomic And Lightweight Pneumatic Nail Gun, on the other hand, may give it a run for its money. When it comes to value, the SFR2190 is one of the most cost-effective frame nailers available. It may, however, be used for more than just framing; you can also use it to build a wood fence! It’s arguably the cheapest nail gun for fences.

NuMax is primarily concerned with the user’s convenience. As a consequence, the SRF2190’s ergonomic handle provides a secure grip and absorbs all vibrational energy. As a consequence, you may prevent the adverse effects of resonance on your hands. Its magnesium-based body is likewise firm while being light. As a result, it’s kind to your arms. Oh, and the device’s no-mar tip also preserves the work surface.

At the same time, the specialists designed a changeable trigger for this incredible nailer, allowing you to convert between rapid-fire and single-shot modes. You can even alter the driving depth as you’re doing it! To conclude, the SRF2190 provides a lot of great features at a low price. As a consequence, we’re confident that this is the greatest cordless nail gun for money value.

 

DeWalt DWMC150 Metal Connector Nailer

Top Specs

• Weight: 4.6lbs
• Dimensions: 13.85 x 13.86 x 5.03 inches
• Power Source: Pneumatic

Product Description

In the power tool market, DeWalt and Bostitch have always been bitter rivals. To compete with Bostitch’s MCN150 Metal Connector Nailer, DeWalt developed the DWMC150 Metal Connector Nailer. When we put the DWMC150 to the test, however, we were pleasantly delighted by the results. That’s because we didn’t realize the DeWalt alternative was so comparable to the Bostitch’s.

First of all, the DWMC150 conveniently fits inside a 12″ on-centre framing and other tight spots, even though the tool itself is about 10.5″ in height. This genuinely left us shocked since the MCN150 perfectly fits 12″ O.C joists as well! Along with this, the power tool’s exposed nose/ nail tip makes fastener placements very easy and accurate. In addition, it also consists of low nail lockout to avoid dry-firing and jamming.

Furthermore, it wouldn’t be a DeWalt power tool if it didn’t have its signature tool-less adjustable rafter hook for easy storage and convenience. DeWalt has also added an In-line magazine for a well-balanced tool. Oh, the nailer has an adjustable exhaust to direct the air and debris away from the user. Finally, all things considered, we were unable to set the DWMC150 apart from the MCN150. It’s like looking into your reflection.

 

How To Buy A Nail Gun

Oh, so you’ve read up to this much. This probably means that you’re actually considering getting a nail gun for dealing with your joist hangers. As fellow carpenters, we know that choosing one’s nail gun can be an exciting task. However, things can go south if you aren’t wary of the barriers in the way. Thus, we have highlighted some of the crucial features that you should look into.

Firing Pin

To make a long story short, the firing pin of a nail gun is the most critical component of the device. If it didn’t have it, the machine would be as useless as trying to find a needle in a haystack. So, what’s the big deal about it? The firing pin of a nail gun is the tool’s first line of defence against working material damage since it is always in contact with the surface, preventing accidental or dry firing.

As a consequence, look for a nail gun that has a hardened and tempered firing tip. That’s because if you buy a cheap nail gun with a soft firing pin to save a few bucks, you’re putting yourself and the wood in danger. Untampered with or weaker firing tips may fracture or split while in use, causing the tool to misfire and leave ridges.

Measurement of Nails

The reason for which you will use a nail gun is one of the most significant factors to consider when purchasing one. Also, don’t we all realize how versatile nail guns are? A 15 gauge nail gun is required if you want to do heavy-duty work such as wood building, decking, or fencing. Well, that’s mainly because 15 gauge nails are thick and heavy.

The “all-rounder” of nails, on the other hand, is a 16 gauge nail. Its thickness helps it to carry a lot of weight, and its tiny T head allows for precise countersinks beneath the wood surface. Finally, carpenters use 18 gauge nails to secure mouldings and trims, which are available in a variety of sizes.

Price

Nothing comes for free in this modern society. Everything has a cost associated with it. As a result, it’s one of the most crucial factors to consider while making a purchase. It would also be beneficial if you kept in mind that, while nail guns are quite versatile and useful, they can also be rather expensive. Take a $50 cordless nail gun, for example. It will never be able to surpass the productivity of a $300 or more nailer.

As a consequence, please carefully manage your money to ensure that you’re making the best investment possible. In case you didn’t know, nail guns range in price from $30 to $350. The average cost should be between $100 and $200. A corded nailer is also substantially less costly than a cordless nailer.

A Word From Us

That’s about everything you need to know about nail guns for joist hangers from us. There’s no doubt in our minds that you’re now completely capable of deciding which is the best nail gun joist hanger for yourself. However, if you ask for our opinion, we would personally go for the Metabo HPT NR38AK Strap-Tite Fastening System Strip Nailer. And we’re confident anyone else would do the same.

It has an exemplary ability to secure a variety of pre-punched hole metal fasteners to hardwood. Moreover, the tool’s manoeuvrability really gives you freedom of movement. All in all, it’s the perfect joist hanger nail gun for us. That being said, we would sincerely like to thank you for giving our article a read. We hope to see you and good luck!