The Best Framing Nailers Will Help You Tackle Any Big Building Project at Home

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Framing nailers are essential for tackling any kind of structural DIY home project. They’re capable of accurately driving nails deep into dimensional lumber and feature a long, angled magazine that helps to streamline their body for maximum maneuverability.

As you may guess, framing nailers are designed to withstand heavy use at jobsites, whereas finish nailers or brad nailers are better suited to more delicate projects or material. But if you’re adding an addition to your home, building a deck, or assembling a tool shed, a reliable framing nailer is worth its weight in gold. As such, we’ve devised a lineup of the best framing nailers we recommend, with expert advice on what to consider before shopping and reviews of our favorite models.

The Best Framing Nailers

• Best Overall: Metabo HPT NR83A5 Pneumatic Framing Nailer

• Best Value: Metabo HPT NR90AES1 Framing Nailer

• Best Fuel Cell: Paslode 906300 Cordless XP Framing Nailer

• Most Versatile: Bostich F21PL Round Head Framing Nailer

• Most Affordable: Freeman PFR2190 Pneumatic Round Head Framing Nailer

What to Consider

Since all framing nailers perform the same task—sinking framing nails—the biggest factor to take into account is their individual power source. Below, we’ve provided a rundown on the three types of framing nailers, along with other important specs and features to take into account.

Type

Pneumatic

Pneumatic models are powered by compressed air and are the most common type of framing nailer. While runtime is practically unlimited, pneumatic nailers require purchase of a separate air compressor. Their range is also limited to the length of the air hose.

Fuel-Cell

Fuel-cell nailers have no external power attachments and use a gas cartridge–typically butane—and a small battery to drive nails. These cordless framing nailers are convenient while you work, but purchasing fuel cells can add up over time.

Battery-Powered

Battery-powered nailers are another cordless option for maximum portability, but their high price tag and limited runtime may not suit your needs. If you already have a collection of compatible batteries on hand, you can save money by purchasing a “tool-only” version.

Nail Compatibility

Make sure your prospective framing nailer accepts the nails you plan to use. Heavy-duty framing tasks require three-quarter-inch nails at minimum, while smaller two-inch nails are used for sheathing projects. The wider the range of nail lengths your nailer accepts, the more versatile it will be.

Nail Type

Framing nails are available with two types of heads—round or clipped. Round-head nails have a full circular head, providing the most surface area for maximum security in the wood. Clipped nail heads have less surface area and thus less holding power, but the shape allows more nails to fit in a magazine so you won’t need to refill as often.

However, not all framing nailers are compatible with both head types, so it’s important to double-check that your nailer accepts the one you want. Keep in mind that many building codes require round-head nails only.

Weight

Although framing nailers are relatively similar in weight, an extra pound or two can really add up over the course of a day. If you’re tackling a long project, look for a model that’s as light as possible but still covers compatibility and power needs—especially if you’re doing any overhead framing. Pneumatic nailers tend to be the lightest, with gas-powered units a bit heavier, and battery-powered models the heaviest.

How We Selected

Our experiences as residential and commercial carpenters, as well as time spent on a variety of construction projects, have given us a lot of insight into what makes a great framing nailer. We used this experience—in addition to online research and other expert opinions—to recommend the best framing nailers from the most trusted brands, like Metabo, Paslode, and Bostitch. It’s worth noting that if you notice a lack of Hitachi products in our lineup, it’s because Hitachi nailers are now sold under the Metabo name, and we’ve found no evidence to suggest that the quality of their products has suffered.

NR83A5 Pneumatic Framing Nailer

The Cadillac of framing nailers, this Metabo model is designed for maximum productivity with minimum user effort. The selective actuation trigger allows you to quickly switch between contact and sequential nailing. This is not only convenient to use, but also saves a lot of time over the course of a project.

The non-slip rubber grip is one of the most beneficial features of this nailer, and combined with the balanced weight, makes for a surprisingly comfortable operation on such a powerful tool. The five-year warranty alone makes this model stand out from the rest of the pack.

NR90AES1 Framing Nailer

For a high-quality nailer at a price this low, you really can’t beat the value of this Metabo model. Its 7.5-pound weight is relatively light, and the tool-less depth adjustment allows you to quickly and easily sink nails to your desired depth. It comes with a pair of safety glasses, which is always a plus.

This nailer can is also available as a set with a pancake compressor, so if you’re just starting out, it’s a great kit to get you started right away. Just like other Metabo nailers, this one is covered by a five-year warranty.

906300 Cordless XP Framing Nailer

If you’re looking for maximum mobility without sacrificing power, look no further than this Paslode nailer. Its fuel cells eliminate the hassle of dealing with noisy and cumbersome air compressors, and the 7-volt lithium-ion battery can handle 9,000 nails per charge.

We’re also big fans of the bright orange color, which is difficult to misplace or get lost in a busy job site. At 7.2 pounds, it’s also lighter than almost any other framing nailer on our list, making it easier to maneuver into tight and awkward spaces while you work. It’s also rated to work in cold temperatures, as low as 14 degrees.

F21PL Round Head Framing Nailer

This Bostitch nailer not only accepts a wide range of nail sizes—from two to three-and-a-half inches long—but is also capable of firing into metal framing connectors, as well. By swapping the quick-change standard nose piece with the metal connector attachment, you’re able to quickly and accurately drive nails into hardware like joint hangers and hurricane ties. Its comfortable rubber grip—combined with this light weight—makes this model ideal for reducing the hand and shoulder fatigue that can occur during long projects.

Although I haven’t used this exact model, I have used Bostitch brad nailers during my time in a custom furniture shop, and found them to be extremely tough, durable, and reliable.

PFR2190 Pneumatic Round Head Framing Nailer

It probably wouldn’t be ideal for everyday, heavy-duty use, but this Freeman nailer could be a good fit for those who need to do occasional framing, and also aren’t ready to make a large investment. It does have many of the useful features of higher-end models though, like a tool-free depth adjustment, and a no-mar tip that can be removed if you’d prefer to use the teeth for a better grip on your wood pieces.

Plus, an anti-dust cap prevents any debris or contaminants from entering the tool when not in use.

NR1890DRS Cordless 18V Framing Nailer

Featuring a 4.0Ah battery that fires 600 nails before needing a recharge, this 18-volt Metabo model has the power and runtime needed for a variety of framing jobs. A handy fuel level indicator ensures that you know exactly how much battery power remains, and the nailer itself is compatible with 5Ah and 8Ah batteries if you need more runtime.

The no-mar nose cap prevents unnecessary nicks and dents, too. Unlike pneumatic nailers, no ramp up or air tank refilling is required, and it’s capable of firing two nails per second. It’s also designed to prevent dry-firing, adding to the nailer’s overall durability. We would have preferred a hard-sided carrying case for a tool this expensive, so take care during transport and storage.

You Might Also Like

• The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Painter’s Tape

• The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere

• Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?