A nail gun (also known as a nailer) is a power tool used to drive nails into wood. It is an effective alternative to traditional manual hammers, especially when dealing with a large number of tasks in a short amount of time.

Some of the trades that use nail guns include woodworking, carpentry, and construction. 

Nail Gun: A Brief History

The nail gun’s design is attributed to a trained civil engineer named Morris Pynoos when he worked on the late 1940s prototype airlift flying boat the ‘Spruce Goose.”

Basically, the first nail gun came to the markets in 1950. It relied on air pressure to help speed the construction of housing floor sheathing and subfloors. Back then, the newly introduced power tool allowed users to nail up to 60 nails per minute, with a maximum capacity of 600 nails.

Types of Nail Guns

There are several nail gun types, each designed for specific applications. Here are common ones:

• Brad Nailers: Brad nailers use small, thin nails called brads. This power tool is useful for light-duty tasks such as attaching trim, moldings, and delicate woodwork.
• Finish Nailers: Finish nailers are effective for driving slightly larger nails in finishing carpentry work. They are suitable for tasks such as installing baseboards, crown molding, and door casings.
• Staple Guns: Staple guns are suitable for driving staples into materials like fabric, insulation, or thin wood. They come in various sizes and are useful for applications such as upholstery, roofing, and cable installation. 
• Framing Nailers: Framing nailers are heavy-duty tools that use larger, thicker nails. They are used in construction for framing walls, sheathing, and other structural work. 
• Roofing Nailers: A roofing nailer is designed specifically for attaching shingles or roofing materials to the roof structure. This nail gun uses coil-style nails and allows users to control the nail depth as well.
• Flooring Nailers: A flooring nailer is used in hardwood flooring installation. These nail guns come in two types: manual, which requires striking with a mallet, and pneumatic, which relies on compressed air.
• Pin Nailers: Pin nailers are similar to brad nailers but use much smaller nails called pins. They are ideal for attaching delicate trim and molding pieces without leaving noticeable holes.
• Palm Nailer: A palm nailer is a compact and handheld nail gun that is great for tight spaces and small projects. It is useful for framing and joist hanger installation. 
• Concrete Nailers: Concrete nailers are suitable for fastening materials to concrete or masonry surfaces.
• Siding Nailers: These nail guns are useful for attaching siding materials such as vinyl or fiber cement to a structure.
• Cordless Nailers: Cordless nail guns rely on rechargeable batteries instead of an air compressor or an electrical outlet.
• Electric Nailers: These nailers utilize electricity and are suitable for medium-duty tasks.

Nail Gun Handling Safety

Nail guns are essential powerful tools in woodworking and construction, but they can be dangerous if not handled properly. Here are some safety tips for handling the tool:

• Proper Training: Learn how to use a nail gun properly with the help of a more experienced craftsman.
• Wear Safety Gear: Use protective gears such as safety goggles, hearing protectors, dust masks, and gloves.
• Check the Tool: Before each use, inspect the tool for possible damage or defects.
• Use the Right Nail: Use the correct size and type of nails for the specific material.
• Keep Hands Away: When firing, keep hands away from the gun’s muzzle, as well as the path of the nail.
• Sequential Trigger Mode: Use a nailer’s sequential trigger mode (also known as “single-shot” mode) to reduce the risk of accidental firing.
• Avoid Bump Firing: To prevent unintentional nail discharges, avoid bump firing. This means holding the trigger and bumping the nose of the gun against the work surface repeatedly.
• Be Cautious of Rebounds: Be wary of the potential for nails to bounce off hard surfaces. Always maintain a safe distance.
• Emergency Preparedness: Learn how to respond to nail gun injuries and seek medical attention if necessary.