The best nail gun is one you can use for home and work. They are not always the cheapest or easiest to find, so when you go looking for the best home nail gun, do your homework and know what you need it to do for the long-term use.
Top Picks
 | Editor’s Top Choice: | Porter-Cable PCC790LA 20V Brad Nailer |
| | Runner Up: | Metabo HPT NR1890DCS Nailer Kit |
| | Most Economical: | BHTOP 18Ga Cordless Nail Gun |
| | Most Simplistic: | BHTOP 20V Brad Nailer＆Stapler |
| | Highest Rated: | KIMO 9418A 20V Nailer/Stapler Kit |
| | Amazon's Choice: | CRAFTSMAN CMCN618C1 Nailer Kit |
Comparison of Top Performance Nail Guns on the Market
Reviews of the Best 12 Nail Guns (Rated & Ranked)
12. Ryobi P320 3 Piece One+ Airstrike Brad Nailer Kit
- Voltage: 18 Volts
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Amperage Capacity: 2.0 Ah
- Max Length of nails: 5/8 in. to 2 in.
- Special Features: AirStrike Technology
- Details and Advantages: Tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment / Single sequential mode / Charges ONE+ batteries.
- Batteries Included: Yes
- Batteries Required: Yes
- Battery Cell Type: Lithium Ion
- Included: P320, P190 and P118b compact charger.
Weight: 6.07 pounds, Power: Lithium-Ion Battery, Voltage: 18 Volts, Warranty: 90-day limited warranty
The Ryobi 3 Piece 18V One+ Airstrike Brad Nailer Kit is the best nail gun for adjustable air pressure. You can select the mode for air compression to help you drive up to sixty nails per minute. The battery uses a strong lithium-ion battery to drive every nail, so you don’t need an external compressor to get your job done.
Reviews for the Ryobi Nail gun are positive for home improvement projects. The nail gun is just a little over the lightweight limit and it’s easy to use. It also does not take long for the battery to recharge when it is empty.
- A belt clip comes on the nail gun so you can hang it from your belt.
- The nail gun can drive eight gauge nails up to two inches long.
- An LED light comes built-into the nail gun.
- The nail gun may be too heavy for some users.
- The warranty lasts only for 90 days.
Our Opinion
Despite being a little heavy, this nail gun absolutely nails the right features. You don’t need a compressor to get the job done and the battery recharges pretty fast.
11. Bostitch BCN680D1 Cordless Brad Nailer
- Voltage: 20 Volts
- Power Source: Battery Powerd
- Amperage Capacity: 2.0Ah
- Nail Length: 5/8-inch to 2-1/8-inch.
- Application: Multiple Application
- Special Features: Narrow Nose
- Details and Advantages: Tool-free selector switch / Tool-free jam release / Multi-functional LED lights / Tool-free stall release lever.
- Batteries Included: Yes
- Batteries Required: Yes
- Battery Cell Type: Lithium Ion
- Included: charger, and a kit bag.
Weight: 5.4 pounds, Power: Lithium-Ion Battery, Voltage: 20 Volts, Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
The BOSTITCH 20V MAX Cordless Brad Nailer Kit is the best all-purpose nail gun you can buy. The nail gun does not need a compressor and comes with a jam-release feature for miss-fed nails. The motor is strong and can drive eighteen gauge nails completely into your project.
Reviews for the Bostitch nail gun are favorable for the accuracy of the nail gun and how light it is. Buyers also liked how quickly the rechargeable battery charges and the infrequency of jamming.
- The nail gun is very accurate.
- The nail gun comes with a carrying bag.
- You do not need to wait long for the battery to recharge fully.
- The weight of the nail gun may feel too heavy for some.
- The nail gun does not have enough power for long jobs.
Our Opinion
Its impressive jam-release feature makes this a worthy buy for beginners. Jamming this nail gun is truly a challenge, so if that happens a lot with your old one, consider replacing it with this.
10. Porter-Cable PCC792B Finish Nailer
- Voltage: 20 Volts
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Amperage Capacity: 4.0 Ah
- Max Magazine Capacity: 100 Nail
- Max Length of nails: 1 to 2-1/2-inch
- Shots/full charge: 1,000 shots per charge
- Special Features: Lightweight and Optimal
- Details and Advantages: TOOL-FREE STALL RELEASE LEVER / TOOL-FREE JAM RELEASE / DEPTH ADJUSTMENT WHEEL / MULTIFUNCTIONAL L.E.D. LIGHTS.
- Batteries Included: No
- Batteries Required: Yes
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Weight: 5.7 pounds, Power: Lithium-Ion Battery, Voltage: 20 Volts, Warranty: 3 year limited warrant
The PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Finish Nailer comes with multiple settings o you can adjust the pressure for every type of nail. The motor is resistant to temperature changes, so you will be able to keep working even when it is cold.
Reviews for the Nail gun indicate that it is the best cordless nail gun for home improvement jobs. Buyers like that it does not have an external compressor or gas canister to get in the way. Some reviews indicate that the nail gun battery strength starts to lag after six months of use.
- You do not need a compressor to use the nail gun.
- You can do several hundred nails before you need to recharge the batteries.
- The nail gun is very lightweight, even when loaded with nails.
- The nail gun is not as fast or responsive for long-time builders.
- Frequent jamming can start when oil is not used.
Our Opinion
As long as you use quality oil, you’ll have no problems with this gun. You can go through hundreds of nails before its battery runs dry, and even when that does happen, charging takes very little time.
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9. BHTOP 18V Cordless Nailer
- Voltage: 18 Volts
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Amperage Capacity: 2Ah
- Max Magazine Capacity: holds up to 100 nails/staples.
- Max Length of Nails: （1″ to 2“） 18 Gauge; Suitable staples: (1 3/16″ to 1 9/16″) 18 Gauge.
- Max Firing Speed: 100nails/staples per minute.
- Shots/Full Charge: 400 nails
- Special Features: Lightweight / Heavy duty / Safety designs
- Details and Advantages: LED indicate light / Depth adjustment wheel / Neil viewer window / Single Contract Firing Knob / Belt hook.
- Battery Type : Lithium-ion
Weight: 11.08 pounds, Power: Lithium-Ion Battery, Voltage: 18 Volts, Warranty: Contact seller for warranty details
The BHTOP Cordless Nailer & Stapler is a two-in-one nail and staple gun. You can nail up to fifty-millimeter nails (two-inches) and staples up to forty-millimeter staples (1 9/16-inch). The nailer has an alternating firing mode so you can switch between nails and staples throughout your job.
Reviews for the BHTOP Nail and Staple gun indicate that it has the best battery you can get as it lasts through at least five hundred nails before you need to recharge it. You also will like the time it saves because it does not require a compressor use.
- The BHTOP gun does nails and staples.
- The nail gun is lightweight, as well as heavy-duty.
- You can use up to five hundred nails on a single charge.
- The nail gun can jam without frequent oiling.
- The built-in compressor could be stronger.
Our Opinion
With this 2-in-1 machine you can switch between modes on the fly. So if you’re doing a complicated project, you’ll have no problem getting nails and stapes done consequently. It can last up to 500 nails before you need to recharge it.
8. Ryobi P320 Airstrike 18V Cordless Brad Nailer
- Voltage: 18 Volts
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Amperage Capacity: 4 Ah
- Max Firing Speed: o-700 nails
- Max Length of nails: 50 millimeters.
- Details and Advantages: Drives up to 1700 nails per charge / No compressors / Convenient adjustment dial / Low-nail indicator.
- Batteries Included: No
- Batteries Required: No
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Weight: 3.04 ounces, Power: Lithium-Ion Battery, Voltage: 18 Volts, Warranty: Contact seller for warranty details
The Ryobi P320 Airstrike 18 Volt One+ Lithium-Ion Cordless Brad Nailer will allow you to drive up to seventeen hundred nails per charge. You do not need a compressor as it has a built-in one. Adjusting the pressure is easy to do by regulating the pressure for each type of nail.
Reviews for the nail gun indicate that it is the best pneumatic nail gun you can buy as it does not require an air compressor to use, and you can remodel most types of home improvement projects.
- You do not need an air compressor to use this nail gun.
- The nail gun is lightweight.
- You can drive up to seventeen hundred nails on a single charge.
- The nail gun can start shooting nails every other time.
- The battery is not included with the nail gun.
Our Opinion
From the user reviews we can see that this is one of the best pneumatic nail guns that you can buy. You can drill up to 1700 nails before recharging it, making it perfect for long projects. You can also easily regulate the pressure for each individual nail.
7. BHTOP 4V Cordless Brad Nailer/Staple Nailer
- Voltage: 4 volts
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Amperage Capacity: 1.5 Ah
- Max Firing speed: 30 pcs/min. brad nails: 6-10mm staples: 4-10mm length
- Shots/full charge: 1000 shots
- Details and Advantages: Bottom-load magazine / Magazine window/ LED level indicator / Triple lock mechanism / Loading Advise.
- Batteries Required: No
- Included: Rechargeable USB Charger. (Include 1500pcs Staples and 1500pcs Brad Nails).
Weight: 2.57 pounds, Power: Lithium-Ion Battery, Voltage: 4 Volts, Warranty: Contact seller for warranty details
The BHTOP Cordless Staple Gun, 4V Power Brad Nailer/Staple Nailer, makes it easy to switch between staples and nails by changing the gauge. The nail and staple gun has a triple lock mechanism to keep you safe and prevent the gun from firing when you don’t want it to. The nail gun can fire thirty staples or nails in a minute and comes with a large magazine for both.
Reviews for the BHTOP Staple and nail gun are positive with durability and power as the main reason for the ratings. The nail and staple gun is resistant to jamming and is the best framing nail gun you can use for your work.
- The gun comes with extra safety features.
- The staple and nail gun are resistant to jamming.
- You get a two-in-one staple and nail gun.
- You may have to pound the nails with the regular hammer to finish the job.
- You cannot use the nail gun in the upside-down position because it jams.
Our Opinion
This two-in-one nail and staple gun is lightweight and perfect for light projects. It can fire 30 nails and staples per minute, which makes it very fast compared to other products on the market. The downside is that it’s not meant for heavy duty tasks.
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6. Craftsman CMCN618C1 Brad Nailer Kit – Amazon’s Choice
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Voltage Capacity: 20 Volts
- Special Features: Lightweight
- Details and Advantages: Fully cordless design / Provides consistent firing power / Tool-free depth / Tool-free jam and stall.
- Batteries Included: Yes
- Batteries Required: Yes
- Battery Cell Type: Lithium Ion
- Included Components: Lithium Ion Charger, 100) 2″ Brad Nails(100) 1-1/4″ Brad Nails,
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Weight: 7.64 pounds, Power: Lithium-Ion Battery, Voltage: 20 Volts, Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
The CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Brad Nailer Kit comes with a twenty-volt battery capacity. Fully cordless, the nail gun has a built-in air compressor so you will not need an external one with a hose. The nail gun is lightweight with a balanced design that places maximum weight in the middle of the nail gun.
Reviews for the nail gun are positive for being the strongest nail gun for any project you undertake. It is easy to use on baseboard and molding and is accurate every time. The nail gun does not come with a hook to hang it from your belt or an extra carrying bag.
- The accuracy of the nail gun is almost perfect.
- The nail gun design makes it resistant to jams.
- You will be able to use the nail gun for all types of jobs, as it is very balanced.
- The nail gun is not cheap.
- No carry bags or hooks come with the nail gun.
Our Opinion
With peak accuracy and jam-resistant design, this nail gun is perfect both for professionals and absolute beginners. It can be used for all types of jobs and it doesn’t require a separate air compressor to work properly.
5. KIMO 9418A Brad Nailer/Stapler Kit – Highest Rated
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Voltage: 20 Volts
- Amperage Capacity: 2 Ah
- Max Magazine Capacity:100 pcs 18 gauge brad nails
- Max Length of nails: 18GA 3/4″ ~ 2″ brad nails, and 18GA 3/4″ ~ 1-5/8″ staples)
- Max Firing Speed: 90 nails/min.
- Shots/full charge: 1400 shots per charge
- Compatible: with either 100 pcs 18 gauge brad nails (3/4” to 2”) or 1/4” narrow crown staples (3/4” to 1-5/8”) for maximum versatility.
- Special Features: Lightweight and Compact
- Details and Advantages: 2 IN 1 Brad Nailer & Staple Gun / Dual-Mode Toggle Switch / Fully Cordless Design / Tool weight / LED Lights & Bulid-on Error indicator / Triple User-Friendly Design / Manual Nail Depth Adjustable.
- Batteries Included: Yes
- Batteries Required: Yes
- Battery Cell Type: Lithium Ion
- Included Components: Fast Charger, 700 PCS 18GA nails, 300 PCS 18 GA crown staples, and 1*Allen Wrench.
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Weight: 6.2 pounds, Power: Lithium-Ion Battery, Voltage: 20 Volts, Warranty: Contact seller for warranty details
The KIMO 20V 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer/Stapler Kit is a two-in-one tool. You can switch seamlessly between staples and nails to complete your projects without the need for an external air compressor or hoses. It is easy to alternate between staples and nails using the dual-mode toggle features, and it is the best nail gun for trim.
Reviews for the Kimo nail gun indicate that it is the best home nail gun for working with hardwoods. It is also the best all-purpose nail gun for work or home improvement projects.
- The nail gun has plenty of power behind each nail without the need for an air compressor.
- You can use the nail gun on thin metal.
- There is a filter to help eliminate noise, making it a very quiet nail gun.
- Rapid-fire might not be fast enough for some experienced builders.
- Using the nail gun on thick metal might require additional hammering.
Our Opinion
If switching seamlessly between nails and staples is your top priority, this gun should be a perfect fit. The dual-mode feature is excellent and it is by far an appropriate gun for working with hardwood and on home improvement projects.
4. BHTOP 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer ＆ Stapler – Most Simplistic
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Voltage: 20 Volts
- Amperage Capacity: 2Ah
- Max Magazine Capacity: holds up to 100 nails/staples
- Max Length of nails: 50mm 18 Gauge Brad Nail
- Max Firing Speed: 100nails / staples per minute
- Shots/full charge: 400shots
- Details and Advantages: LED indicate light / Depth adjustment wheel / Nail viewer window / Single Contact Firing Knob / Belt hook
- Special Features: Ergonomic & Compact Design
- Batteries Included: No
- Batteries Required: No
- Battery Cell Type: Lithium-ion
- Included Components: 2 Batteries, Charger, Wrench, Manual, Case, 1 Box of Nails.
Weight: 9.31 pounds, Power: Lithium-Ion Battery, Voltage: 20 Volts, Warranty: Contact seller for warranty details
The BHTOP Cordless Brad Nailer can nail brad nails up to fifty-five millimeters (two inches) without jamming. The design of the nailer allows you to alternate between firing modes with a toggle switch for complete control over the depth of the nail. An integrated air compressor comes built into the nail gun so you will not need tubes or an external compressor to get your jobs done.
Mixed reviews for the BHTOP nail gun indicate that it is an excellent nail gun to use for pressure adjustments and is the best cordless nail gun for repairing baseboards, molding, or building new cabinets. Some complaints indicate that switching between nails for different projects can cause the nail gun to jam more frequently.
- The nail gun is lightweight, so almost anyone can use it, and it is the best nail gun for fencing.
- It is easy to reload the nail gun when it is empty.
- You can easily adjust the amount of pressure you need for each type of wood or nails.
- Jams will occur if changing the size of nails without adjusting the pressure.
- The staple feature jams easily on rapid-fire mode.
Our Opinion
This multi-purpose nail gun is great for building new cabinets and repairing baseboards, as well as fencing. Its main drawback is that it can jam easily on rapid-fire mode or when you change the size of the nails without adjusting the pressure.
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3. BHTOP 18Volt 18Ga Cordless Nailer & Stapler – Most Economical
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Voltage: 18 volts
- Amperage Capacity: 2 Ah
- Max Firing Speed: 100nails/staples per minute
- Max Magazine capacity: holds up to 100 nails / staples
- Max Length of nails: 50mm (2″) 18 Gauge Brad Nail
- Max Length of staples: 40mm(1 9/16″) 18 Gauge light duty
- Shots/full charge: 400shots
- Details and Advantages:: Adjustable Nailing Depth / Nailing clip / Portability Design / LED lighting / Malfunction Indicator LED / 2 working modes.
- Battery Cell Type: Li-ion battery
- Batteries Included: No
- Batteries Required: No
- Battery Cell Type: Lithium Ion
- Included: Charger and Carrying Case
Weight: 9 pounds, Power: Lithium-Ion Battery, Voltage: 18 Volts, Warranty: Contact seller for warranty details
The BHTOP Cordless Brad Nailer and Stapler can staple nails up to fifty millimeters long (two-inches) as well as staples up to forty millimeters long (1 9/16-inches). You can change the firing mechanism to alternate between staples and nails so you can do multiple jobs with a single gun. The gun has an integrated air compressor, so the entire process requires no tubing or separate air compressor, which makes it the best all-purpose nail gun.
Reviews for the nail gun are positive for the length of time you can use the nail gun, and how versatile it is in the jobs you can use for it. Some negative reviews are indicating that it can frequently jam on the rapid-fire setting.
- An LED light comes built into the gun for use in darker areas.
- The nail and staple cartridges are easy to refill.
- The battery that comes with the nail gun has a long lifespan.
- The strength of the built-in compressor could be greater.
- It is easy to jam the nail gun.
Our Opinion
The nail gun doesn’t require any tubing or air compressor to work properly. You can use the nail gun for a long period of time without worrying about recharging the battery, and aside from occasional jamming on rapid fire mode, you can’t really say anything bad about it.
2. Metabo HPT NR1890DCS Cordless Framing Nailer Kit – Runner Up
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Voltage: 18 Volts
- Amperage Capacity: 3 Ah
- Max Length of nails: 2-In to 3.5-In length
- Shots/full charge: 400 Nails
- Fasteners Size: 30° magazine holds approximately 47 paper strip
- Details and Advantages: Pneumatic power / Depth Adjustment / Sequential Mode and Bump Fire Mode.
- Special Features: Brushless Motor Technology
- Batteries Included: Yes
- Batteries Required: Yes
- Battery Cell Type: Lithium Ion
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Weight: 9.9 pounds, Power: Lithium-Ion Battery, Voltage: 18 Volts, Warranty: Tool – Lifetime, Battery – 2 years
The Metabo HPT NR1890DC 18V Cordless Framing Nailer formerly, Hitachi Power Tools, the nail gun comes with new engineering as well as a new name. Air springs drive the internal system to produce each nail at a rate to increase production. The nail gun has recoil similar to a pneumatic nail gun, which makes it responsive to each squeeze of the trigger.
The reviews for the Metabo nail gun are positive, with many people loving the charging times for the Metabo battery, which is only ten minutes. The design of the nail gun eliminates the need for a compressor and makes it easy to clear a jam when one does occur, which makes it absolutely fantastic for most any job.
- The nails you use will not bend when used.
- You need no tubing or compressor to use the Metabo.
- Charging times for the battery is only ten minutes total.
- The batteries are cold-weather sensitive.
- The nail gun can be heavy for some users.
Our Opinion
The Metabo nail gun is an excellent choice for those looking to squeeze as much pneumatic power without actually having a pneumatic gun. Its air springs are good enough for any job that a nail gun can handle, and it has a charging time of merely ten minutes.
1. Porter-Cable PCC790LA 20V Cordless Brad Nailer Kit – Editor’s Top Choice
- Power Source: Battery-Powered
- Voltage: 20 Volts
- Shots/full charge: 1,300 nails
- Details and Advantages: Tool-Free Stall Release Lever / Depth Adjustment Wheel / Multi functional dual LED lights function.
- Special Features: 20 volts MAX
- Batteries Included: Yes
- Batteries Required: Yes
- Battery Cell Type: Lithium
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Weight: 5.9 pounds, Power: Lithium-Ion Battery, Voltage: 20 Volts, Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
The PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Cordless Brad Nailer Kit comes with a strong battery that does not need a compressor, a hose, or any cartridge to use. The nail gun comes with a 1.5 amp-hour twenty-volt lithium-ion battery that will last through multiple jobs.
Reviews for the nail gun are positive. The buyers are happy to do a job without the cumbersome cords and gas cartridges. It is not a heavy nail gun at 5.9 pounds so that anyone can use it, and it is the best framing nail gun.
- You do not need an air compressor to use this nail gun.
- A 3-year limited warranty comes with the nail gun.
- Your nail gun is easy to carry up and down ladders.
- The striker in the nail gun can jam.
- The nail gun can stop working after six months of continuous use.
Our Opinion
This nail gun’s strong battery will last you through numerous jobs without needing recharge. Its light weight makes it a perfect fit for almost everyone, and the majority of user reviews are highly positive.
Frequently asked questions
Choosing a nail gun for your needs gets a lot easier once you know what details to look for. Here we will also try to cover the most common questions that pop up regarding nail guns.
I have heard that there are several types of nail guns. What are they?
There are lot of nail guns out there that were built for specific purposes. The two main variants that play a role in choosing one are the pneumatic nail gun and the combustion nail gun. Combustion nail guns work similarly to actual guns, in the sense that the fire-dummy cartridge in the back of the chamber acts directly on the surface of the nail to propel it forward. Penumatics, on the other hand, require air compressors or a tube connected to the nail gun that pumps out air and releases the nail from the cartridge. Lesser-known nail guns are the surly spitting man and the make-believe varieties. However, we would not recommend the former ones.
What’s the deal with a tensioned-spring activated nail gun?
The main difference between tension-spring activated nail guns and the models that we talked about earlier is the fact that these nail guns are meant for brads, not nails. If your projects involve working solely with brads, not nails, then a tension-spring activated nail gun might be your best option.
If I want to fasten a larger crown and baseboard trim, what nails should I use?
Depending on the finer details of your project, you might need brad nails and finish nails. Brad nails are formed from a fine 18 gauge wire, while finish nails are made from heavier 16 or 15 gauge wire. As such, brad nailers are good for small moldings, and finish nailers are good for larger bases or crown moldings.
Final Thought
Having a high-quality nail gun is a must for any job you do at work or at home. Do your homework before you buy your next nail gun to make sure you get a long-term use tool as that will hold up through any job you put it through.
A good nail gun won’t always be the cheapest, but it must get the job done. Please let us know what you use and what you would recommend to others for work or home jobs in the comment section below.