Nail Guns

Learn more about nail guns

A nail gun is a fastening tool for driving nails into timber and other materials. The best choice comes down to the fixing method, the material thickness and how much mobility you need on site.

Framing work needs a heavier tool and larger nails. Second fix work usually calls for a lighter tool and smaller fixings. Roofing often needs a tool that keeps up with repeat fastening. Get the application right first, then choose the power source.

Cordless nail guns run off a battery, so they suit jobs where you're moving around a site and do not want a hose or compressor to manage. Gas framing nailers use a fuel cell and battery to drive fixings without an air line. Pneumatic nail guns run off a compressor and air hose, which suits fixed setups and higher volume fixing.

Typical uses

• Framing nailers suit structural timber, studwork and general framing work, where you need a larger fixing.

• Gas nailers suit framing jobs where you want cordless movement without an air line.

• Brad nailers suit lighter trim, mouldings and finishing tasks where a smaller fixing is needed.

• Pin nailers suit delicate detail work and fine trim.

• Finish nailer options suit skirting boards, architraves and other second fix work where a cleaner fixing is needed.

• Roofing nail guns suit roofing applications where repeat fastening matters.

• Coil nail gun, strip nailer and clipped head nail gun options suit higher volume fixing and specific nail formats.

How to choose the right nail gun

• Match the nail gun to the fixing job first, then check the power source.

• For framing work, look at tools and fixings suited to larger nails, usually around 2.8mm to 3.1mm for many framing tasks.

• For finishing and trim, check that the tool takes the smaller nail sizes you need for the material and the finish.

• If you're choosing between a brad nailer and a finish nailer, think about material thickness, fixing size and how visible the fixing will be.

• Choose cordless if you need movement across site, gas if you want cordless framing without a hose, and pneumatic if you already run a compressor setup.

• Check nail gauge, strip type and compatibility so the tool and fasteners line up with the job spec.

• Consider depth adjustment, balance, jam clearing and ease of maintenance if the tool is going to be used every day.

Before you order

• Check what is included with the tool, such as charger, battery or fittings where relevant.

• Confirm the nail format, gauge and strip type before you buy.

• If you're choosing a pneumatic nail gun, make sure your compressor setup suits the tool.

• Speak to your local branch if you want help narrowing the choice before you commit.

Explore our range of nail guns

Shop nail guns by application, power source and fixing type to find the right option for your project. You’ll find trade advice, nationwide branch support and product availability together, so you can compare options in one place and crack on with the job.