Everyone wants to perform a job professionally with the utmost efficiency. It also applies to the job of carpentry. Nowadays it is preferred to work smartly than to work hard. In old days use of hammer was very common in fixing nails etc which involved hard work and consumed a lot of time but nowadays the best pneumatic framing nailer is available to do the task efficiently and with much ease.
In past pneumatic framing nailer was usually used by the professional carpenters. But now such pneumatic nailers are available in the market which can be used by a layman with ease. These machines have been designed to cater the requirement of beginners and it also has safety features as well as all the good qualities of the best tool and can be operated by beginners comfortably.
However, a large number of verities of the framing nailers are in the market, you can choose from them
But wait!
You deserve to have the best tool as it has become the household item. It is a fact that the framing nailers being produced, nowadays are very simple to operate yet for choosing a good framing nailer is a tricky task in the presence of a lot of brands having a variety of specifications. So we are here to guide you to select the best pneumatic framing nailer.
★★★★★
Metabo HPT NR90AES1
- Less reloading time
- Mode selector
- 5-year warranty
★★★★★
Bostitch F21PL
- Two nailers in one
- Magnesium body
- Jam clearance
★★★★★
NuMax SFR2190
- Budget-friendly
- No-mar tip
- Adjustable air exhaust
Nowadays everyone, before making a mind for shopping anything, goes for collecting information on the product through the internet and then decide about its purchase.
No doubt a lot of information about the product is available on the media but the markets are full of products with different specifications, features, and with different brands and labels. So it becomes difficult for an ordinary person to choose the best tool within his budget. So keeping in view this we have prepared a list of best pneumatic framing nailers.
Table of Contents
List of Top Pneumatic Framing Nailers of 2020
| Pneumatic Framing Nailers | Ratings | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Metabo HPT NR90AES1 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Check Price |
| Bostitch F21PL | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Check Price |
| Freeman PR2190 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Check Price |
| Metabo HPT NR83A5 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Check Price |
| Makita AN924 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Check Price |
| NuMax SFR2190 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Check Price |
| PORTER-CABLE FR350B | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Check Price |
| Milwaukee 7200-20 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Check Price |
| Valu-Air 9021C | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Check Price |
| PORTER-CABLE FR350B | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Check Price |
1–Metabo HPT NR90AES1:
Metabo is the new name of Hitachi Company. These are well-reputed companies in the field of framing nailers. Metabo HPT NR90AES1 is an awarded pneumatic framing nailer and rated pro preferred for nailers for 6 years (2014-2019).
MAIN FEATURES:
- Rubberized grip
- Next-generation industrial design
- Selective actuation switch
- Versatile tool
- Tool-less depth adjustment
- 5-year warranty
- Less reloading time
- Lightweight
- Mode selector
- No rafter hook
- No anti-dry lockout feature
The lightweight of this tool makes it handy and can be used the whole day without fatigue. This pneumatic hitachi framing nailer or you can call it by its new name Metabo, is a multi-purpose tool, it is not only used for framing but also for roof decking, subflooring, window buildup, wall sheathing, etc.
Metabo really cares about the comfort of its users. It has saved the user from the changing of triggers every time for sequential and bump mode by providing the selective actuation switch. This switch allows the user a quick transition from sequential to bump mode. The sequential mode is recommended for beginners however, bump mode is used to do things quickly.
Let’s have a look at the design of this tool. Metabo has provided the next generation industrial design in this model. It has an open nose design which helps the user to clear the jam easily. Its rubber grip makes it easy to handle and the firm grip of the hand on the tool. Although it has many other necessary features but it does not come with an adjustable exhaust port. It has also tool-less depth adjustment feature which helps the user to fire the nails into the wood at the desired level
2-Freeman PR2190:
Freeman PR2190 is a 21-degree pneumatic framing nailer. This tool operates with the pressure of 70-115 PSI and has a magazine that has the capacity of holding 55 nails. This is a versatile tool, it is not only used or framing but also for other things like subflooring, roof decking, and wood fencing, etc.
MAIN FEATURES:
- Interchangeable triggers
- Magnesium body
- Tool-free depth adjustment
- No-mar tip
- Air exhaust
- Dual triggers
- 360-degree air exhaust
- No-mar tip
- Versatile tool
- Ergonomic grip
- Tool-free depth adjustment
- 7 years warranty
- Price is increased a bit
- No rafter hook
Freeman PFR2190 gives users the freedom to use it at his will. It comes with dual triggers. One trigger is for sequential firing mode and second for bump fire . Sequential firing mode is to do a job in a normal time means no hurry however, the bump is used to do things quickly. The anti-dry fire mechanism of this tool helps to prevent empty fire and internal damage.
Let’s talk about its other significant feature which is tool-free finger depth adjustment. This helps you to sink the nail into the desired level and this feature has saved users from the use/hassle of the hammer. This Freeman tool is a pneumatic nailer means you require air compressor for its operation, if you want to check out cordless then you can also check the best cordless framing nailer.
Its no-mar tip protects the surface from damage. Users can also remove a no-mar tip to reveal no-slip teeth for better grip on to the wood. The Freeman Company has raised the price of this model which is quite unjustified, but still, its price is not that high that a layman can’t buy.
Freeman PFR2190 is a good tool to go with. Although it has few complaints about double firing which can sometimes irritate the user but it’s a bit rare. No matter if you are home DIY users or a professional this tool won’t disappoint you.
3-NuMax SFR2190:
NuMax SFR2190 is a budget-friendly pneumatic framing nailer that everyone can buy easily. This is a 21-degree full round head framing nailer that is not only used for framing but also for truss assembly, sheathing, subfloors and deck work, etc.
MAIN FEATURES:
- Interchangeable triggers
- Ergonomic grip
- No-mar tip
- Tool-less depth adjustment
- 1 year limited warranty
- Budget-friendly
- Adjustable air exhaust
- No-mar tip
- Anti-dry fire
- No rafter hook
NuMax SFR2190 is a nailer that is ideal for both professionals and DIY users. This nailer comes with interchangeable triggers. One trigger is for sequential firing and other for bump firing. Sequential firing is recommended for new users. It has a durable body made of magnesium and has a magazine with the capacity of holding 55 nails. Its magazine accepts 10-12 gauge 21-degree plastic collated full round head framing nails of 2 to 3.5 inches.
Tool-less depth adjustment of this tool helps the user to adjust the depth of nail sinking so no need to use the hammer for that purpose. Its no-mar tip prevents the working surface from damage. However, this no-mar tip can also be removed, and then teeth will be exposed so that it will help for a better grip with the wood.
This 21 degree framing nail gun has a safety feature called an anti-dry fire mechanism. This mechanism stops the nailer from firing when a few nails are left in the magazine. 360 adjustable air exhaust in this tool keeps the air away from the face of the user. The downside of this tool is that few people had faced the issue of multiple nails driven on a single trigger pull but this is a rare case.
4-Bostitch F21PL:
Up next is Bostitch F21PL. Bostitch is a reputed brand and many people’s favorite/like it. This Bostitch model F21PL is a 21-degree framing nailer that is designed excellently to drive nails into engineered lumbers.
MAIN FEATURES:
- Two nailers in one
- Rafter hook
- Magnesium body
- Jam clearance
- Adjustable rafter hook
- 7 years limited warranty
- Tool-less depth adjustment
- No actuation mode selector
- No anti dry fire mechanism
Bostitch F21PL is one of the best Bostitch pneumatic framing nailer. Bostitch F21PL is two nailers in one. You can use it either for framing or as a metal connector according to your choice. It comes with two quick nose pieces that convert the tool to framing or metal connector. Its magnesium made body is durable.
This framing nailer’s magazine accepts nails of 1.5 inches to 3.5 inches and has a capacity of holding 60 nails which is simply amazing. Bostitch F21PL weighs 8.1 pounds and operates at the pressure of 80-120 PSI. It has an adjustable rafter hook which helps the user to hang the tool when not in use. Adjustable air exhaust.
Bostitch F21PL is a decent framing nailer. Although it does not have an actuation mode selector but keeping in view its positive aspects and other good features it’s good to go with. By buying this you don’t need to spend money on a metal connector as it works for both as a framing nailer and metal connector also.
5-Metabo HPT NR83A5:
Metabo HPT is the new name of Hitachi power tools. Hitachi was known for its quality products. Metabo HPT NR83A5 is a 21-degree pneumatic framing nailer and has exceptional features.
MAIN FEATURES:
- Selective actuation
- Ergonomic non-slip rubber grip
- Rafter hook
- Depth adjustment
- Good magazine capacity
- Open nose design
- Selective actuation
- Rafter hook
- 5 years warranty
- Jam clearance
- Not too light
- May be high in price
Metabo HPT NR83A5 is a powerful pneumatic framing nailer that has a cylinder driven system for rapid response and operates at the pressure of 70-120 PSI. Metabo has facilitated its customers by providing selective actuation on triggers. You don’t have to change triggers all the time from switching to sequential mode to bump mode. All you need to do is the use of selective actuation for your preferred mode.
Jamming can be annoying and can break the flow of work. To save the time of the user this tool has an open nose design to clear the jam easily. This 21-degree pneumatic framing nailer has a magazine with a capacity of 64 nails. Metabo HPT NR83A5 accepts plastic collated full head nails from 2″- 3-1/4″ inches.
This air framing nail gun weighs 8.8 lbs without a rafter hook, if you install a rafter hook then the weight will be 9.1 lbs.
Ergonomic non-slip rubber grip of this tool has increased its handling and comfort. Tool-less depth adjustment is a very important feature of this tool.
Metabo HPT NR83A5 has many great features but lacks the feature of an anti-dry mechanism. If you can keep eyes on nails to avoid dry fire then you can simply forget this feature. Actually, this depends on person to person. If talking about the power of this tool it has a cylinder drive system and has good power.
6-PORTER-CABLE FR350B:
PORTER-CABLE FR350B is a lightweight 22-degree pneumatic framing nailer that can easily drive the nails up to 3-1/2-inch by 0.131-inches into the lumber easily with the pressure of 70-120 PSI.
MAIN FEATURES:
- Low nail lockout feature
- Selectable triggers
- Over-molded grip
- Reversible hook
- Lightweight
- Tool-free depth adjustment
- Excellent grip
- Rafter hook
- 3 years limited warranty
- No tool-less jam clearance
- Throw clips everywhere
- Does not come with a carrying case
PORTER-CABLE FR350B only weighs 73 lbs. which means it will be easy to use and handle, no matter if you are at the ground or on the ladder this tool won’t cause pain in your hand. This tool comes with a selectable trigger that has a trigger lockout which allows for restrictive or contact actuation mode.
This framing pneumatic nail gun is a 22-degree pneumatic framing nailer. Its magazine is set at an angle of 22 degrees, so it means you have to use 22-degree plastic collated nails. The magazine of PORTER-CABLE FR350B has a capacity of holding 60 nails which is a good one .Tool-free depth adjustment of this PORTER-CABLE FR350B gives the user complete control of shooting the nails at the desired level quite easily.
The reversible hook is very handy for both left and right-hand users, they can easily hang the tool when not in use. It has an over-molded grip that provides comfort and more control over the tool and also has a low nail lockout feature which indicates when the least number of nails are left in the magazine. This feature protects the tool from dry fire and internal damage.
PORTER-CABLE FR350B has no tool-free jam clearance option, although it does not have too many complaints about jamming but what if this jammed, so you have to keep this thing in mind when buying this.
7-Makita AN924 – Full Round Head:
Makita AN924 is a 21-degree full round head pneumatic framing nailer. Its construction is durable which further enhances its robust performance. This pneumatic framing nailer is a multitasking tool. It is not only used for framing but also for roof and floor decking, wall sheathing, and subflooring, etc.
MAIN FEATURES:
- 2-mode selector
- Aluminum magazine
- Faster nail driving speed
- Nail lockout
- Reversible hook
- Tool-less depth adjustment
- Anti-dry fire
- 3 years limited warranty
- Large capacity magazine
- Hook
- No tool-free jam clearance
Makita AN924 is a 21-degree full round head framing nailer that has faster nail driving speed and large air chamber capacity has increased its performance. This pneumatic accepts 21-degree plastic collated nails of 2’’-3.5’’ inches and .113 to .148 in diameter. It has a solid top-loading magazine that has increased its life and has a capacity of holding 73 nails which is a really good number. It also has a front cover for the magazine as additional nail support.
Makita AN924 that weighs 8.3 lbs. comes with a two-mode selector which allows the user to switch between sequential and bump mode. This is an air framing nailer which means it requires air compressor for its operation. The anti-dry fire mechanism serves as the protection for this tool. It stops the nailer from firing when three nails are left in the magazine. This mechanism is annoying for most users because they can’t shoot the last few nails but this mechanism protects the tool from dry fire and internal damage.
Let’s talk about its handling. It comes with an ergonomic grip that has increased its comfort level and handling. It does not come with tool-free jam clearance, but still, there aren’t any complaints about its jamming. Tool-less depth of drive adjustment gives the user freedom to sink the nail at the desired level into the lumber. The Rafter hook of this tool is handy for hanging the tool when not in use.
Makita AN924 has all the necessary features that the best pneumatic framing nailer has except tool-less jam clearance. However, no one ever complained about it jamming. Other than this it’s really good. It has a mode selector switch, faster nail driving, 3 years limited warranty, and many others. So this can be a nice addition to your tool collection.
8-Valu-Air 9021C:
Valu-Air 9021C is a second budget-friendly nailer in our list, first was Numax SFR2190. Valu-Air 9021C is a 21-degree full round head framing nailer that has improved design and durability. It is a versatile tool, not only just used for framing but also for decking and general-purpose fastening,
MAIN FEATURES:
- Wide range of applications
- Interchangeable triggers
- Solid rear-loading aluminum magazine
- Tool-less depth adjustment
- Can use both plastic and wire collated nails
- Non-slip grip
- Versatile tool
- Depth adjustment
- No tool-free jam clearance
- No rafter hook
Valu-Air 9021C is a 21-degree pneumatic framing nailer that weighs 8.8 pounds and accepts full head plastic or wire collated nails from 2” to 3.5 inches, with 0.113 inches to 0.148 inches shank diameter. It comes with two triggers. One for sequential fire and other for the bump. The sequential mode is used for normal fire and speed. However to finish things quickly bump mode is used.
This valu air nail gun is a versatile tool, you can use it for decking and general-purpose fastening too. Non-slip grip handle provides more comfort and ease to handle the tool. Tool-free depth adjustment allows the user to set the depth of the nail according to the need. So you don’t have to use the hammer further to sink the nail at the desired level. However, some people complain about depth adjustment.
Valu-Air 9021C is a low budget pneumatic framing nailer. It doesn’t have tool-free jam clearance, and many people complain about its jamming. But at this price may be fine. If you have a good budget then spend more money and buy a good one.
9-3PLUS H2190SP:
3PLUS H2190SP is a low-cost framing nailer. Yes, a low cost that you cannot even think of. This is the cheapest framing nailer in our list. This is a 21-degree full round head framing nailer. Like many other nailers, this can also be used for truss building, roof decking, sheathing, and flooring, etc.
MAIN FEATURES:
- Dry lockout
- Tool-free depth of drive
- Mode selector
- Rear load magazine
- No-mar tip
- Multidirectional exhaust
- Selective actuation switch
- 360 adjustable exhaust
- Anti-dry fire mechanism
- Not too durable
- Frequent jamming
3PLUS H2190SP is a 21 degree light duty framing nailer. It accepts 21 full round head plastic collated nails from 2-3.5 inches. This low-cost nailer has almost all the necessary features that a good framing nailer should have. It has a tool-free depth adjustment feature that can be used to adjust the depth of the nail sink. Some of you may have faced the issue of air discharge onto the face. But this tool has a solution for this. It has 360-degree adjustable air exhaust, for keeping air away from your face.
This is an air powered nail gun means you need an air compressor to operate this gun.The selective actuation switch is placed near the trigger of this tool. This switch is used to select sequential and bump mode depending upon the user’s need. 3PLUS H2190SP has an anti-dry fire mechanism that stops the nailer from firing when a few numbers of nails are left in the magazine. The downside of this tool is that there are many complaints about its frequent jamming and limited life span.
3PLUS H2190SP is the cheapest framing nailer in our list. Many people complained about its limited life span and frequent jamming. But at this cost which is not a big deal for many people you can go for this. If you are not a regular user and have a limited budget then you can go for this but we will recommend you to have a look at other products in the list.
10-Milwaukee 7200-20:
MAIN FEATURES:
- Selectable trigger
- Rear loading magazine
- Self-cleaning air filter
- Dry lockout
- Adjustable exhaust / adjustable air deflectors
- Depth adjustment
- Lightweight
- 5 years warranty
- No availability of parts if broke
- No tool-free Jam clearance
Milwaukee 7200-20 is a full round head framing nailer that weighs 7.4 lbs. It accepts 20-22 degree full round head plastic collated nails of 2” to 3.5 inches in length, diameter .113” to .148”. This tool comes with a self-cleaning air filter that prevents it from dirt and has extended the tool’s life too. Many of you get annoyed with the air of the tools that directly come onto the face while working. So this tool has a solution for this. It has an adjustable air exhaust that you can adjust it away from your face.
Milwaukee 7200-20 has a reload indicator that works on the basis of an anti-dry fire mechanism. Due to the anti-dry fire mechanism, the nailer doesn’t shoot the last few nails to prevent the tool from dry fire and internal damage in case you forget to reload the magazine. The capacity of the magazine is 64-72 nails.
This pneumatic framing nail gun operates with the pressure of 70-120 PSI and comes with a tool-free depth adjustment that helps to sink the nail at the desired level. An adjustable rafter hook is also handy for both left and right-hand users. Other than these really good features this tool has a downside that is its availability of parts. You cannot get its parts easily in case you broke anything of it.
Milwaukee 7200-20 does not have a tool-free jam clearance mechanism, however, there aren’t any complaints seen about its jamming.
Buying Guide:
It is a prerequisite for a long term investment where we are going to spend a good amount of money, we must have a clear idea about our requirements. The producers of the nailers produce generally two types of tools i.e. one for professional and other for the layman. Here we have chalked out a detailed list to help you to choose the right type of tool which suitably fulfills your requirement.
Power Source:
First you need to understand that there is no term like pneumatic cordless framing nailer. Framing nailer is either cordless or pneumatic. Power source of pneumatic framing nailer is air compressor. You need air compressor for its operation.
Operating Modes:There are two operating modes of pneumatic framing nailers. The first mode is sequential and the second is bump mode. The sequential mode is used for a single fire while bump mode is used to do work quickly. Some pneumatic nailers come with interchangeable triggers for sequential and bump mode. You can use the trigger or mode you want. While some of the nailers come with a selector switch which can be used to change the mode. So it depends on you what you like interchangeable triggers or selector switch.
Depth Adjustment:While choosing the best pneumatic framing nailer for you, you must know about this important feature. This feature helps you to adjust the depth of the nail easily. You don’t need to change/increase the pressure to sink the nail at the desired level. All you need is to adjust its depth, pull the trigger and all is done. Many framing nailers come with tool-less depth adjustment. This means you don’t need any tool to set the depth of the nail. You can simply adjust it with your fingers, that’s the reason it’s called tool-free depth adjustment. So it’s important for you to look for this feature while choosing a best pneumatic framing nail gun.
Anti-Dry fire Mechanism:While reading the pneumatic framing nailer reviews you must have seen the word Anti fry fire. An anti-dry fire mechanism is basically a safety feature in nailers. This mechanism stops the nailer from firing when a few numbers of nails are left in the magazine and numbers of nails vary from a nailer to nailer. This feature prevents the nailer from dry fire and internal damages. Most of the nailers called this feature a dry lockout, so don’t get confused, both are the same things.
Weight And handling:Weight is an important factor to discuss. You have to carry the nailer around you when you are on a ladder or in different places. If the nailer is heavy, then it will be too difficult for you to control it and you can’t work the whole day with this heavyweight nailer. Weight directly affects handling, it’s difficult to handle heavyweight things. So choose the nailer with lesser weight so that you can handle it easily.
Jam Clearance:No one wants disruption in the work. Everyone wants to finish the task quickly. So jamming can waste a lot of your time, which you can spend in a fruitful manner in completing the task. Jamming is a common problem in nailers. Many nailers come with tool-free jam clearance. Means you need not any outside help to clear jamming. So that’s an important feature in a nailer. While choosing the best pneumatic framing nailer this thing must be kept in mind.
Air exhaust:How would you feel if the nailer is blowing the air directly onto your face? Definitely, you will feel bad. Adjustable air exhaust is the solution to this problem. Many nailers come with adjustable air exhaust to turn away air from blowing into your face and that’ important for smooth work.
Rafter hook:The Rafter hook allows you to hang the tool when not in need. It’s very handy especially when you are at the ladder. Many nailers come with adjustable rafter hooks, which really helps both left and right-hand users.
Magazine:Capacity: If the magazine holds a large number of nails then the frequency of its reloading will be less. It means the higher the capacity of magazine lesser time you waste in reloading. So high capacity magazine saves a lot of time
Some commonly asked questions are explained below:
In today’s busy life everyone is short of time and desires to consume a little time in a day to day affairs. For that purpose, one needs the support of an efficient tool so that a task is performed with minimum hard work and within the shortest possible time. So for fixing nail etc. we need a pneumatic framing nailer but purchasing the best quality tool having all the features fulfilling our requirement is very difficult as the markets are full of a large number of varieties of nail guns. So we advise you in your best interest never compromise on quality since it’s a long term investment. But the foremost factor which you have to consider is your requirement so always go for the tool that carter your requirement even if you have to spend a bit more amount over and above your budget.