How to choose the right nail or stapler gun

The nail guns being used on construction sites or by roofers today are most likely the professional pneumatic models that require a separate electric air compressor connected to the nail gun by a high-pressure air hose. This makes for an overall cumbersome setup. A common complaint with air hoses, just like extension cords, is that they often get caught on things, become stiff in colder weather, can be a tripping hazard and are a pain to coil up after use. The good news is that there are now plenty of power tool brands and models that offer cordless, battery-operated nail guns that make a wide range of nailing tasks for the DIYer much faster and easier. Which nail gun is right for you depends on what type of nails you need to drive for your task or project. The smallest would be a “pin nailer” for driving small nails with virtually no head to attach various wood pieces (beading and molding) to furniture or for installing medium size window trim, baseboard, crown molding, and door casings. The next size up is a “brad nailer” for 18-gauge brad nails ranging from 3.2-16.1 centimeters in length (the maximum length for a specific brand of nail gun can vary) that are good for building furniture and installing paneling, trim, baseboard, and so on. The next size up from that would probably be the largest most DIYers would use, which is a “finish nailer” to drive 15-gauge finish nails, although the even larger “framing nailer” can be used for framing out new structures.

How to choose the right nail or stapler gun

The nail guns being used on construction sites or by roofers today are most likely the professional pneumatic models that require a separate electric air compressor connected to the nail gun by a high-pressure air hose. This makes for an overall cumbersome setup. A common complaint with air hoses, just like extension cords, is that they often get caught on things, become stiff in colder weather, can be a tripping hazard and are a pain to coil up after use. The good news is that there are now plenty of power tool brands and models that offer cordless, battery-operated nail guns that make a wide range of nailing tasks for the DIYer much faster and easier. Which nail gun is right for you depends on what type of nails you need to drive for your task or project. The smallest would be a “pin nailer” for driving small nails with virtually no head to attach various wood pieces (beading and molding) to furniture or for installing medium size window trim, baseboard, crown molding, and door casings. The next size up is a “brad nailer” for 18-gauge brad nails ranging from 3.2-16.1 centimeters in length (the maximum length for a specific brand of nail gun can vary) that are good for building furniture and installing paneling, trim, baseboard, and so on. The next size up from that would probably be the largest most DIYers would use, which is a “finish nailer” to drive 15-gauge finish nails, although the even larger “framing nailer” can be used for framing out new structures.

How do they work?

The nail guns being used on construction sites or by roofers today are most likely the professional pneumatic models that require a separate electric air compressor connected to the nail gun by a high-pressure air hose. Pneumatic nail guns use short, sharp bursts of air to drive a piston which impacts the nail. The bigger the nail, the more pneumatic power needed (and the need for larger, more power air compressor).
With the rise of more powerful battery-powered nail guns, you might be wondering how such a compact tool can work without a separate air compressor. First, cordless nail guns are used to drive larger, longer nails like pneumatic nail guns. Cordless nail guns use the same technology as pneumatics, eg compressed air, it’s just a smaller compressed air cylinder that provides the firing power.
Explore our nail or stapler gun

Did you know? The first modern nail gun

Nail guns are a relatively recent innovation in the world of power tools. Engineer Morris Pynoos developed the prototype of a nail gun used in the construction of the Hughes H-4 Hercules “Spruce Goose” strategic airlift flying boat. But the first commercial pneumatic nail gun was invented by three construction workers (Marvin Hirsch, Rueben Miller, and John Ollig). It became available in 1954 and was designed for use while standing to nail down layers of flooring such as subflooring and sheathing.

Did you know? The first modern nail gun

Nail guns are a relatively recent innovation in the world of power tools. Engineer Morris Pynoos developed the prototype of a nail gun used in the construction of the Hughes H-4 Hercules “Spruce Goose” strategic airlift flying boat. But the first commercial pneumatic nail gun was invented by three construction workers (Marvin Hirsch, Rueben Miller, and John Ollig). It became available in 1954 and was designed for use while standing to nail down layers of flooring such as subflooring and sheathing.

Worx Advantage

Worx advantage: nail and staple guns

The Worx Nitro 20 V PowerShare cordless 18 gauge nail and staple gun with Nailforce™ Air Impact technology is a DIYer’s dream power tool. With this two-in-one combination nail gun and staple gun, you can drive both 18-gauge brad nails as well as 18-gauge narrow crown staples. This multi-function power tool increases the range of tasks a DIYer can take on, including building furniture, building cabinetry, installing trim, baseboards, crown molding, door casings, etc. Narrow crown staples are perfect for across-the-grain hold on thin pieces like lattices without splitting the wood. Nailforce™ Air Impact Technology utilizes a sealed compressed air cylinder and battery to work together to provide the air bursts that drive brad nails and narrow crown staples precisely and accurately. No air cartridges are required. Innovative features include a quick-load magazine for fast, easy changes, two firing modes, depth adjustment, a non-marring firing tip and much more, all in a lightweight, compact tool that weights less than 2.94 kg.

One gun, two functions: the stapler and nail gun combo

Smart DIYers are always interested in getting more work done with fewer tools, which many users prefer brands and models of power tools that offer multiple functionalities in just one device. Look for innovative designs in power tools that help you reduce the overall number of tools you buy over time. The most common multi-function power tool you’ll find in this category combines a nail gun and a staple gun in one cordless handheld tool.

The importance of easy depth adjustment

When looking at different brands and models of cordless nail guns, be sure to check that has an easy, tool-free way to adjust the depth to which each nail is driven. Keep in mind that two other factors affect this, including the hardness of the wood and the length of the nail being driven. The same length of nail is going to naturally go deeper into a softer wood like pine than a harder wood like maple. Trying to drive too long a nail into a harder wood will be more difficult. A handy knob or dial that lets you quickly change drive depth allows you to experiment on a piece scrap to get the depth setting just right for the task at hand.

Getting out of a jam

Any nail gun or staple gun is going to jam once in a while. Lower-quality nails and staples may jam more frequently. When evaluating different brands and models of nail guns and staple guns, check to see how easy it is to clear a jam. Some models will offer tool-free jam clearance while others may require the use of an Allen wrench or other tool to gain access to the area of the tool where the nail or staple is jammed.

Pro-tip: bump firing for faster nailing and stapling

Sometimes, you need to drive a lot of nails or staples that don’t require precise placement. Look for brands and models of nail guns that offer two different modes of firing. One will be called single shot or sequential mode so you can precisely locate where each nail goes and pull the trigger to fire a single shot. The other firing mode is called contact actuated, though most people call it “bump firing” or “bounce firing” because the gun will fire when you tap the tip against the surface of the workpiece. This allows for much faster driving of a series of nails or staples.

Pro-tip: bump firing for faster nailing and stapling

Sometimes, you need to drive a lot of nails or staples that don’t require precise placement. Look for brands and models of nail guns that offer two different modes of firing. One will be called single shot or sequential mode so you can precisely locate where each nail goes and pull the trigger to fire a single shot. The other firing mode is called contact actuated, though most people call it “bump firing” or “bounce firing” because the gun will fire when you tap the tip against the surface of the workpiece. This allows for much faster driving of a series of nails or staples.

Electric motors: brushed vs brushless

Higher-quality brushless electric motors have many advantages over traditional brushed motors. A brushless motor is quieter, 25% more powerful, runs 50% longer, has an overall 10% longer life, and is also smaller, allowing for even more compact and lightweight power tool designs.

Worx Advantage

Worx advantage: the Worx Nitro stapler and nail gun

If what you want is a staple gun that can handle a wider range of crown staples as well as 18-gauge brad nails, then you’ll want to check out the Worx Nitro 20 V PowerShare 0.95 cm cordless crown stapler and nail gun with Nailforce™ Air Impact technology. This staple gun and and nail combination tool can handle larger 0.95 crown staples varying in length from 0.63-1.42 cm. This gun can also fire 18-gauge brad nails with a length of up to 1.50 cm. This power tool gives you an impressive 2,000 shots per charge, has dual LED lighting, an ergonomic handle with micro-texture grip, a non-marring pad, tool-free depth adjustment, and an easy-view window to see remaining fasteners in the quick-load magazine.

Better batteries drive more nails

For cordless nail guns, you want to know how many nails you can drive on one battery charge, so check that out when comparing different brands and models. The higher the quality of the tool and battery, the higher the shots per charge you’ll get. Another consideration is to look for brands and models with integrated battery platforms so you can share the same battery and charger across multiple tools to reduce battery and charger purchases.

Worx Advantage

Worx advantage: the Worx Nitro stapler and nail gun

The Worx nail and staple guns mentioned in this buying guide are powered by the exclusive 20 V PowerShare battery pack that can be used across multiple tools, including more than 70 power tools in the PowerShare family. This innovative approach combines excellent power and easy portability while saving you money with fewer batteries and chargers.

A real scenery

Stages are similar to parallel dimensions, and technicians are their makers. They avoid spotlights, but not much goes on without their contribution.

Scenography is not just about fancy backgrounds - it’s about creating an environment. It has to take spectators to a different time and space. It’s a lot of work, but still it has a short life. Drapery, panels, curtains, and the frames they are attached to, are often very flashy and showy, but at the same time, the most fragile. We once used a lot of nails and screws, but nowadays, if you choose the right staples, a nail gun makes life much easier.

A real scenery

Stages are similar to parallel dimensions, and technicians are their makers. They avoid spotlights, but not much goes on without their contribution.

Scenography is not just about fancy backgrounds - it’s about creating an environment. It has to take spectators to a different time and space. It’s a lot of work, but still it has a short life. Drapery, panels, curtains, and the frames they are attached to, are often very flashy and showy, but at the same time, the most fragile. We once used a lot of nails and screws, but nowadays, if you choose the right staples, a nail gun makes life much easier.

Same battery, expandable power
Up to 80 nails per minute productivity

20V cordless nailer - tool only - WX840.9
Up to 60 staples per minute productivity

Cordless Stapler 20V - Tool Only - WX843.9

Fires up to 80 nails per minute to complete jobs at a fast, efficient pace

20V Cordless 18 Gauge Brad Nailer - Tool Only - WX842.9

Up to 80 staples per minute productivity

20V Cordless 18 Gauge Narrow Crown Stapler - Tool Only - WX844.9

Fires up to 80 nails per minute to complete jobs at a fast, efficient pace

20V cordless 18 Gauge brad nailer - with battery and charger - WX842

Explore our nail or stapler gun
If you spend more time in your shed than your living room, you’re probably wondering what can we possibly teach you about tools that you don’t already know, right? Challenge accepted.