The Different Kinds of Nail Guns and Their Purpose

Last month we discussed the importance of safety while using a nail gun. That’s an obvious need, but many may be surprised to learn that there are actually many different types of nail guns. They all play different roles in making construction, woodworking, and home improvement projects faster and more efficient.

Since each type is designed for a specific task, and choosing the right one can make a big difference in both efficiency and safety, your friends at Pro Star Rental want to help you in selecting which one is best for your project in this month’s article.

Framing Nail Gun – Best for Heavy-Duty Construction

• 🔹 Purpose: Used for large construction projects, such as framing walls, building decks, and assembling wooden structures.
• 🔹 Nail Size: Typically uses 2 to 3.5-inch nails.
• 🔹 Best For:
  • ✔ Framing walls and houses
  • ✔ Deck construction
  • ✔ Fencing projects
  • ✔ Large-scale carpentry

Why Use It? Framing nailers save time on big projects by rapidly driving nails into tough materials.

Brad Nailer – Best for Delicate Trim Work

• 🔹 Purpose: Designed for precise, detailed work without splitting the wood.
• 🔹 Nail Size: Uses 18-gauge nails, which are thin and small.
• 🔹 Best For:
  • ✔ Trim and molding installation
  • ✔ Cabinet work
  • ✔ Small furniture projects
  • ✔ Crafting and DIY projects

Why Use It? Brad nailers are perfect for attaching thin materials without causing damage.

Finish Nailer – Best for Molding and Baseboards

• 🔹 Purpose: Similar to a brad nailer but uses thicker nails for a stronger hold.
• 🔹 Nail Size: Uses 15- or 16-gauge nails, which are slightly thicker than brad nails.
• 🔹 Best For:
  • ✔ Baseboards and crown molding
  • ✔ Chair rails
  • ✔ Door and window casings
  • ✔ Cabinet assembly

Why Use It? Finish nailers provide more holding power than brad nailers but are still delicate enough for interior work.

Roofing Nailer – Best for Installing Shingles

• 🔹 Purpose: Designed specifically for securing roofing materials like shingles.
• 🔹 Nail Size: Uses short coil nails that have a wide head.
• 🔹 Best For:
  • ✔ Installing asphalt shingles
  • ✔ Securing roofing felt
  • ✔ Attaching underlayment

Why Use It? Roofing nailers help speed up roof installation while ensuring a firm and durable hold.

Flooring Nailer – Best for Hardwood Flooring Installation

• 🔹 Purpose: Used to secure wooden floorboards quickly and efficiently.
• 🔹 Nail Type: Uses cleats or staples, depending on the flooring material.
• 🔹 Best For:
  • ✔ Installing hardwood floors
  • ✔ Securing tongue-and-groove flooring

Why Use It? Flooring nailers make flooring installation easier and more precise, reducing the chance of damaging planks.

Palm Nailer – Best for Tight Spaces

• 🔹 Purpose: A small, hand-held nail gun that drives nails into hard-to-reach places.
• 🔹 Nail Size: Can handle various nail lengths, usually 1.5 to 3.5 inches.
• 🔹 Best For:
  • ✔ Nailing in corners or tight spaces
  • ✔ Joist hangers and framing connectors
  • ✔ Small-scale nailing projects

Why Use It? A palm nailer is great for projects where a full-size nail gun won’t fit.

Pin Nailer – Best for Ultra-Fine Detailing

• 🔹 Purpose: The most delicate nail gun, used for precision work.
• 🔹 Nail Size: Uses 23-gauge headless pins (very tiny nails).
• 🔹 Best For:
  • ✔ Attaching thin trim pieces
  • ✔ Small woodworking projects
  • ✔ Holding pieces together while glue dries

Why Use It? Pin nailers leave virtually no visible holes, making them perfect for detailed woodwork.

Choose the Right Nail Gun

Whether you're building a house, installing trim, or working on a delicate craft project, using the right nail gun can make your job easier and safer. Before starting any project, consider the type of nails you need, the material you're working with, and the amount of precision required.

Investing in the right nail gun saves time, reduces effort, and improves the quality of your work—so choose wisely!

By Pro Star Rental Staff 3-1-2025