Best Pneumatic Nailer: Top Air Compressor for Nail Gun 2023 [Updated]

After years of frustrating hammer use, you may have realized that the time is now to be in the market for a nail gun. Whether you’re a professional carpenter or roofer or you enjoy a bit of DIY a pneumatic nailer can be a great time-saving and safe device in comparison to the traditional hammer and nail method.

You may have heard of a pneumatic nailer and wondered whether this is the nail gun for you. Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we take a look at everything you need to know about a pneumatic nail gun and review some top products to help you narrow down whether this is the nail gun for you.

What is a pneumatic nailer?

The pneumatic nail gun is one of the most popular nail guns on the market today and it is easy to see why. A pneumatic nailer works through the addition of an air cylinder which draws air into the gun and uses this to power the nailer. Essentially then, compressed air is used to generate power in the nail gun. The pressure that is built up within the device is referred to in PSI (pounds per square inch).

Finish Nailer vs Brad Nailer– What’s the difference?

Brad Nailer use gauge sizes 18 (thinner nails for thin pieces)

Finish Nailer use gauge sizes 15 and 16 (larger nails for stronger attachment)

How do I use a pneumatic nail gun?

Thanks to the use of air pressure to power a pneumatic nail gun there is no need for battery power to use this nail gun, meaning it is always ready to use. When you turn your pneumatic nailer on-air will build up in the chamber until it is ready to use. The amount of pressure you need to build up in the chamber is dependent on the material you are inserting your nails into and how far you want them to go. Generally between 80 – 110 PSI will be the pressure range you will use and you can adjust this depending on what works for you.

Top Sales on Amazon	Product Name	Price
	(Editor's Choice)BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor Oil-Free 6 Gallon 150 PSI (BTFP02012)	from $99.00
	(Editor's Choice)NuMax SFR2190 Pneumatic 21 Degree 3-1/2inch Full Round Head Framing Nailer Ergonomic and Lightweight Nail Gun with Tool-Free Depth Adjust and No Mar Tip	from $79.79
	California Air Tools 8010 Ultra Quiet & Oil-Free 1.0 hp Steel Tank Air Compressor 8 gal Silver	from $225.29
	Metabo HPT NR90AES1 21 Degree Pneumatic Framing Nailer The Preferred Pro Brand of Pneumatic Nailers Lightweight and Well-balanced Easy Depth Adjustment Accepts 2inch to 3-1/2inch Collated Framing Nails	from $199.97
	DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor 6 Gallon 165 PSI (DWFP55126)	from $169.00
	BOSTITCH Framing Nailer Round Head 1-1/2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch (F21PL)	from $152.79
	Freeman PFR2190 Pneumatic 21 Degree 3-1/2inch Full Round Head Framing Nailer with Case Ergonomic and Lightweight Nail Gun with Interchangeable Trigger Tool-Free Depth Adjust and No Mar Tip	from $118.02
	PORTER-CABLE C2002 Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor	from $99.00
	Hitachi 20163S 3-1/4-in X .131 Framing Nails Full Round Head Hot Dipped Galvanized Plastic Strip Collation For 21 Degree Framing Nailers 1 000 Per Box	from $64.99
	B&C Eagle A312X131HD/22 Round Head 3-1/2-Inch x .131 x 22 Degree Hot Dip Galvanized Smooth Shank Plastic Collated Framing Nails (500 per box)	from $38.66
	Metabo HPT 115155M Air Nailer Hose 1/4-Inch x 50 Ft Professional Grade Polyurethane 1/4-Inch Industrial Fittings 300 PSI Remains Flexible in Cold Temperatures Spiral Reinforced	from $31.64
	Metabo HPT 20163SHPT 3-1/4-in x .131 Framing Nails Full Round Head Hot Dipped Galvanized Plastic Strip Collation For 21 Degree Framing Nailers 1 000 Per Box	from $28.78
	WEN 61720 3/4-Inch to 2-Inch 18-Gauge Brad Nailer	from $28.28
	B&C Eagle A2X113HDR/22 Round Head 2-Inch x .113 x 22 Degree Hot Dip Galvanized Ring Shank Plastic Collated Framing Nails (500 per box)	from $24.32
	Grip Rite Prime Guard GR04HG1M 21 Degree Plastic Strip Round Head Hot Dipped Galvanized Collated Framing Nails 2inch x 0.113inch	from $23.48
	Grip Rite Prime Guard GR408HG1M 21 Degree Plastic Strip Round Head Exterior Galvanized Collated Framing Nails 3inch x 0.120inch	from $22.97
	Grip Rite Prime Guard GR08RHG1M 21° Plastic Strip Round Head Exterior Galvanized Collated Framing Nails 2-3/8inch x 0.113inch (1 000per Box)	from $37.97
	B&C Eagle A238X113/22 Round Head 2-3/8-Inch x .113 x 22 Degree Bright Smooth Shank Plastic Collated Framing Nails (500 per box)	from $19.48
	WYNNsky Air Compressor Accessory Kit 1/4 Inch NPT Air Tool Kit with 1/4 Inch x 25Ft Coil Nylon Hose/Blow Gun/Tire Gauge - 20 Pieces	from $18.97
	Hitachi 2 in. x 0.113-Gauge Plastic 1M Galvanized Ring Shank Nails - 20171S	from $54.78
	B&C Eagle A312X131/22 Round Head 3-1/2-Inch x .131 x 22 Degree Bright Smooth Shank Plastic Collated Framing Nails (500 per box)	from $16.96
	Campbell Hausfeld 50 Foot Air Hose 3/8inch PVC with Bend Restrictors (PA121600AV)	from $15.97
	B&C Eagle A3X131/22 Round Head 3-Inch x .131 x 22 Degree Bright Smooth Shank Plastic Collated Framing Nails (500 per box)	from $15.87
	Capri Tools 2-Way Air Blow Gun with Adjustable Air Flow and Extended Nozzle	from $13.95
	Campbell Hausfeld 25' Air Hose (PA117701AV)	from $9.41
	Bostitch BTFP72333 Industrial 1/4-Inch Series Swivel Plug with 1/4-Inch NPT Male Thread	from $8.80
	BOSTITCH 18 Gauge Brad Nails 2-Inch Coated 1000 per Box (BT1350B-1M)	from $5.38
	Super Lube 12004 Air Tool Lubricant 4 oz Bottle Translucent Clear	from $3.91
	BOSTITCH PREMOIL-4OZ Premium Pneumatic Tool Oil	from $3.28
	Senco A209909 18-Gauge-by-1-2-Inch Electro Galvanized Variety Pack Brads	from $2.99

Once the desired pressure has been reached, your nailer is ready to dispense the nail. To do this, you will need to place the safety tip of the nail gun to the material and pull the trigger to release the nail. Most pneumatic nail guns will not allow you to release a nail unless the safety tip is touching the wood (or whatever material you are using). When the pressure gets low in the chamber the compressor will automatically start-up in order to raise the pressure so that the nailer is ready when you need it.

It is important to always wear goggles and ear protection when using a pneumatic nail gun for your own safety. Also, in order to maintain your pneumatic nail gun for as long as possible, you should make sure that you release all of the air from the compressor when you have finished using it (otherwise you may find rust builds up inside). Always take time to read the instruction manual that comes with your chosen pneumatic nailer to ensure you use your nailer in the safest and most effective way possible.

What can I use a pneumatic nail gun for?

You may be wondering whether a pneumatic nail gun is suitable for the projects you have in mind. Let’s first take a look at the different types of pneumatic nail guns available.

#1 Pneumatic Siding Nail Guns

First up are pneumatic siding nail guns. These are generally used for roofing but can also be used if you need to do some wall cladding. The nails used within this type of gun are compatible for use with materials such as wood, aluminium, and vinyl.

#2 Pneumatic Framing Nailer

This is a heavy-duty nail gun that can be used if you are going to be doing structural work such as working with heavy wooden beams or frames. Pneumatic framing nailers are capable of inserting large nails into both soft and hardwood and, thanks to the air compressor, thousands of these nails can be inserted consecutively as, being a pneumatic nail gun, the energy to power this gun is generated from the atmosphere. This type of pneumatic nailer can also be used for building fences, decking, and sheds.

#3 Pneumatic Pin/Brad Nailer

If you’re interested in investing in a nail gun for smaller woodwork projects then you might be interested in a pneumatic pin nailer. This type of nail gun uses very small nails that are typically difficult to manage by hand due to their size. With a pneumatic pin nailer you can install these nails accurately and safely. You can use this type of nail gun to create items such as bird–houses or doll’s houses.

Benefits of using a pneumatic nailer

While there are numerous nail gun types out there that can do the job, there are many benefits of using a pneumatic nailer over a fuel or battery-powered nail gun which makes the pneumatic a firm favorite amongst the experts. First of all, as a pneumatic nailer from the air via an air compressor there is no need to have a power supply in order to use it. This makes a pneumatic nailer an attractive option as it can be used anywhere and is especially useful for projects where a power source is absent.

Pneumatic nailers also tend to last longer than other nail guns and are also reliable in terms of delivering consistent force each time a nail is dispensed making it an extremely reliable machine. On the flip side, some find the need to carry around an air compressor in order to power a pneumatic nailer a problem so make sure you consider this aspect before purchasing.

Top 5 Pneumatic Nail Guns of 2023 [Updated]

If you have decided that a pneumatic nailer is the right tool for you then the next step is choosing the perfect model. In this next section, we take a look at some of the top pneumatic nail guns currently on the market making it much easier to narrow down the perfect one for your needs.

#1 Best pneumatic nail gun: Freeman’s PCN65 Pneumatic Nail Gun

If you’re working with flooring, roof sheathing, or fencing, then you’re going to want to invest in a high-quality pneumatic nail gun. This beast comes with a single piece of hardened steel as a driving blade and an impressive operating pressure between 70-110 PSI. This piece of kit is also supremely durable thanks to being made with fewer parts than battery-operated nail guns. The consistent force delivered by this nail gun is also a pleasure to behold.

Other things you’ll like about this pneumatic nail gun are that: it doesn’t require an electrical power source to function giving you greater flexibility over where you use it; it is suitable for use with hardwoods; the side loading magazine doesn’t jam easily and is super-efficient, and; it comes with an exhaust which is fully adjustable. The downside of this pneumatic nail gun is that it is very loud and you will also need to take care of it with oil if you don’t want it to jam up.

#2 Best Air Compressor for nail gun: Makita’s AC001 Compact

One downside of a pneumatic nail gun is that you will need to invest in an air compressor in place of your power supply. Whilst this compressor is not particularly cheap, it is worth the cost due to its compact design, durability, and impressive recovery time that makes it suitable for professional use. You’ll genuinely be surprised by just how small this thing is and it doesn’t hurt that it runs nice and quietly too.

Other pluses about this air compressor are that: it is capable of providing up to 125 PSI, more than most pneumatic nail guns are capable of; it is lightweight as well as small, adding to its portability; it is built in a protective casing helping ensure it lasts longer even if treated roughly; it comes with a clear instruction manual, and; it works with a variety of nailers, including 16 and 18 gauge options. The downside of this compressor is that it is pricey and is not powerful enough for larger jobs.

#3 Best all round nail gun: Hitachi’s NP35A Pin Nailer

Whether you are working on putting some cabinets together, tidying up some paneling, designing your own picture frame, or doing some basic craftwork, you’ll love this versatile nail gun. Complete with a protective housing shield and other safety features this model is suitable for use on delicate surfaces and softer woods. The handy exhaust also ensures excess oil, dirt, and debris are propelled away from your project making professional finishes easier.

Other benefits of this nail gun are that: it comes with a 5-year warranty; it has built-in depth adjustment making it suitable for use on a variety of materials from softwoods to cement; it has a larger pressure range than other nail guns on this list form just 65 PSI up to 100 PSI, and; it is suitable for use with headless pins. The downside of this nail gun is that it is not as powerful as some and it doesn’t have the clearest instructions either.

#4 Best air nail gun: NuMax’s SFR2190 Pneumatic Full Round

If you’re on a bit of a budget but need to get some flooring, roofing or framing done, then don’t despair! This great air nail gun won’t set you back much and will save you a whole load of elbow grease. With single shot and rapid-fire options as well as built-in depth adjustment and a no-mar tip, this nailer is suitable for a variety of projects too. For a versatile air nail gun on a budget, this bit of a kit is a good choice.

Other things to like about this air nail gun are that: it has a wide pressure range of between 70 and 115 PSI making it versatile for use on a variety of materials; it is easy to reload the magazine and it doesn’t get jammed easily even when full; it is pretty durable considering its low cost, and; it is lightweight and easy to maneuver. The downside of this nailer is that it is only suitable for use with 10-12 gauge full round-headed nails.

#5 Best Finish nail gun: The DEWALT Finish Nailer D51257k Model

If you’re looking for a nail gun that uses bigger nails than brad nail guns, then you should check out this model. Suitable for use on furniture, paneling, hardwood, and general home remodeling, this nail gun is a great piece of kit that won’t set you back an arm and a leg. One thing that sets this model out from other Finish models is its power and adjustability. This reliable performer with an operating pressure of 70-120 PSI is an excellent choice for the price.

Other benefits of this Finish nail gun are that: it has an exhaust cap with a full 360  degrees of rotation helping to prevent jams at every angle; it is versatile and can be used with 16 gauge nails between 1-2.5 inches; it comes with a handy carrying case, and; it comes complete with a sequential action trigger fully installed. The downside of this model is that it can be fiddly to load the nails and it tends to work better without a completely full clip.

Conclusion

Investing in a pneumatic nailer is a sure-fire way of saving you time when it comes to large-scale woodwork projects. These incredibly useful devices can administer thousands of nails purely from drawing energy from the air around us and, in doing so, can save you a whole load of effort, time and potential injury. There are different models available depending on the size and scope of your project so make sure you check out our buying guide and reviews to find the appropriate model for you.