Nail Guns

About Nail Guns

Nail guns have revolutionised fastening work across the construction and joinery trades, transforming tasks that once took hours into jobs completed in minutes. These powerful tools drive nails quickly and consistently into timber, concrete, and other materials, making them essential equipment for professional tradespeople and serious DIY enthusiasts alike. Modern nail guns combine precision with speed, reducing fatigue and delivering professional results whether you're fixing floorboards, installing skirting, building decking, or tackling roofing projects.

Today's market offers an impressive range of options, from compact 18-gauge brad nailers perfect for delicate trim work, through to heavy-duty framing nailers and specialist concrete nail guns. The shift towards cordless battery technology has been particularly significant, with brands like DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, and Bosch leading the way with brushless motor designs that deliver petrol-like power without the hassle of compressors and airlines. Whether you need a second fix finish nailer for architraves and beading, a robust framing nailer for structural work, or a versatile combi tool that handles both nails and staples, there's a tool engineered for your specific requirements.

At TooledUp, our nail gun collection includes everything from entry-level cordless tackers ideal for upholstery and light fixings, through to professional-grade concrete nailers designed for securing fixings directly into masonry and blockwork. With models from trusted manufacturers including Makita, DeWalt, Bosch Professional, Milwaukee, and Stanley, you'll find tools that integrate seamlessly with existing battery platforms whilst meeting the demands of daily site work.

Jargon Buster

• 18V Cordless: The standard battery voltage for professional cordless power tools in the UK, offering an excellent balance of power, runtime, and weight. Most major brands use 18V platforms with interchangeable batteries across their tool ranges.
• Brushless Motor: Advanced motor technology that eliminates carbon brushes for greater efficiency, longer runtime, reduced maintenance, and extended tool life. Brushless nail guns deliver more power per charge and generate less heat than traditional brushed motors.
• Gauge (G): Refers to the thickness of the nail or brad – the higher the gauge number, the thinner the fastener. Common sizes include 15G and 16G for second fix work, and 18G for fine finishing and trim applications.
• Second Fix: The joinery phase after plastering and first fix structural work, involving fitting architraves, skirting boards, door casings, and decorative mouldings. Second fix nail guns typically use 15G, 16G, or 18G nails.
• Sequential Firing Mode: A safety feature requiring the tool's contact tip to be pressed against the workpiece before each trigger pull, preventing accidental discharge and meeting HSE guidelines for safer operation.
• Magazine Capacity: The number of nails or fasteners the tool can hold in its magazine before reloading is required. Higher capacity means less downtime on repetitive tasks.

Who Uses Nail Guns?

Nail guns are indispensable tools across numerous trades and applications:

• Carpenters and joiners – for second fix work, cabinet installation, and bespoke joinery
• Roofers – using specialist roofing coil nailers for felt and batten fixing
• Flooring specialists – securing hardwood, engineered timber, and floorboards
• Shopfitters – installing display units, shelving, and retail fixtures
• Decking installers – fastening deck boards and handrails efficiently
• Builders and general contractors – for framing, studwork, and structural carpentry
• Fencing contractors – assembling panels and securing rails to posts
• Picture framers and furniture makers – using brad nailers for delicate assembly work
• Electricians and plumbers – fixing cable clips, pipe brackets, and service boxes
• Upholsterers – attaching fabric and trim with staples and fine pins
• DIY enthusiasts – tackling home improvement projects from garden structures to interior trim

How to Choose the Right Nail Guns

Selecting the appropriate nail gun depends on understanding your specific requirements and working conditions:

Application and Nail Type: Match the tool to your primary tasks. Brad nailers (18G) excel at trim work and mouldings where you want minimal surface marking. Second fix nailers (15G-16G) suit heavier architraves, skirting, and door frames. Framing nailers handle structural work with larger fasteners, whilst concrete nailers are specialist tools for masonry fixings. If you work across multiple applications, consider a kit with interchangeable heads or multiple bodies sharing the same battery platform.

Power Source: Cordless 18V tools now dominate the professional market, offering genuine site mobility without sacrificing power. Look for brushless motor technology from manufacturers like DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, or Bosch for maximum efficiency and runtime. If you already own batteries from one of these platforms, staying within the same system makes economic sense. For workshop-based operations with access to compressed air, pneumatic nailers remain a cost-effective option, though they require a suitable compressor.

Professional vs DIY Grade: Professional tools from Bosch Professional, DeWalt XR, Milwaukee, and Makita are built for daily site use with metal magazine construction, superior seals against dust ingress, and comprehensive warranties. They're heavier but more durable. Entry-level models from brands like Einhell, Black & Decker, and Bosch DIY suit occasional home use at significantly lower price points, though they may lack the refinement and longevity of trade-grade equipment.

Key Features to Consider: Depth adjustment allows you to control how deeply nails are driven – essential for achieving a perfect finish without damaging timber. Tool-free jam clearing saves frustration on site. Belt hooks and LED work lights improve practicality. Sequential and bump firing modes offer flexibility between precision and speed. Magazine capacity affects how often you'll need to reload during repetitive tasks.

Budget and Battery Ecosystem: Prices range from under £100 for basic cordless tackers to £500+ for specialist concrete nailers. Consider the total cost including batteries and chargers – bare units are economical if you already have compatible batteries. Twin packs offering complementary tools can provide excellent value for those starting or expanding their cordless collection.

Popular Accessories

• Nails and Brad Pins: Stock appropriate gauge and length fasteners for your projects – typically sold in boxes of 1000-5000. Match the nail type to your gun's specifications and consider galvanised or stainless options for exterior applications.
• Additional Battery Packs: High-capacity 4.0Ah, 5.0Ah, or 6.0Ah batteries extend working time between charges, essential for all-day site work without mains access.
• Gas Fuel Cells: Some nail gun designs use small gas cartridges to supplement battery power for driving force – keep spares in your kit.
• Carry Cases: Purpose-designed cases protect your investment during transport and storage whilst keeping fasteners and accessories organised.
• Safety Glasses: Essential PPE for any nailing operation, protecting against flying debris and ricochets. Look for impact-rated designs meeting BS EN 166 standards.
• Tool Maintenance Kits: Lubricating oil and cleaning brushes keep pneumatic nailers functioning smoothly and prevent jamming issues.
• Belt Hooks and Holsters: Aftermarket options for secure tool carry when working at height or moving between fixing points.

Safety Information

Nail guns are powerful tools that demand respect and proper safety practices. Always wear appropriate eye protection meeting BS EN 166 standards – flying nails, wood splinters, and ricochets from knots or hard grain pose genuine risks. Consider hearing protection when using pneumatic or gas-powered models in enclosed spaces, as repeated firing can exceed safe noise exposure levels set by HSE guidelines.

Never disable safety mechanisms such as contact trip triggers, and always use sequential firing mode when working in awkward positions or around other people. Disconnect the battery or air supply before clearing jams or performing maintenance. Be particularly cautious when nailing near edges where fasteners might deflect, and ensure your supporting hand is well clear of the nailing zone. When working at height, use tool lanyards to prevent dropped equipment injuries.

Only use fasteners specified for your particular model – incorrect nails can cause jamming or dangerous misfires. Check timber for hidden nails, screws, or services before nailing, and never point the tool at yourself or others, even when disconnected. Store nail guns securely with batteries removed, and ensure anyone operating these tools has received proper instruction in their safe use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a brad nailer and a finish nailer?

Brad nailers use thinner 18-gauge pins ideal for delicate trim, beading, and small mouldings where you want minimal surface damage and filling. Finish nailers use heavier 15G or 16G nails providing stronger hold for skirting boards, architraves, door casings, and substantial timber work. Finish nails leave slightly larger holes but offer significantly greater holding power for structural applications.

Can I use any 18V battery with my cordless nail gun?

Only batteries from the same manufacturer's platform will fit and work safely. DeWalt 18V XR, Makita LXT 18V, Milwaukee M18, and Bosch 18V systems are not interchangeable. However, within each brand's ecosystem, batteries are typically compatible across the entire cordless range, making it economical to build a collection of tools sharing power packs.

Do I need a compressor for a cordless nail gun?

No – cordless/battery-powered nail guns operate independently without compressed air, using internal mechanisms driven by the battery and sometimes supplemented by gas cartridges. This makes them ideal for site work, second fix carpentry, and locations without power or compressor access. Pneumatic nail guns do require a suitable air compressor with appropriate CFM rating and pressure capacity.

Why won't my nail gun fire or keeps jamming?

Common causes include incorrect nail size or type, depleted battery charge, dirty firing mechanism, damaged driver blade, or worn contact trip. Check you're using the manufacturer's specified fasteners, ensure the battery is fully charged, clear any jammed nails following the manual's procedure, and clean dust and debris from the magazine area. If problems persist, the tool may require professional servicing.

Are nail guns suitable for exterior and treated timber?

Yes, but use appropriate fasteners. Standard bright steel nails will rust quickly outdoors – instead specify galvanised, stainless steel, or ring-shank nails designed for exterior applications. These provide corrosion resistance and superior holding power in treated timber. Check your nail gun's specifications to ensure it can accommodate these harder, coated fasteners without excessive wear.