best framing nail gun

Best Framing Nail Guns – Top 5 Framing Nailers

Gone are the days when framing or remodeling used to be rocket science, our all-inclusive guide has done the head-to-head comparison what will see you through because we can understand that even if everything is available at your fingertips, it is sometimes hard to differentiate between two things that seem same at the same time.

So, the best way is to use all of the Best Framing Nail Gun Reviews one by one and decide which one is going to be the real bad boy for your needs. We’ve done the research so that you don’t have to waste your valuable time searching for the best framing nail guns even if you’re a beginner.

Framing Nail Gun Reviews

During this wide-ranging review, we’ve looked at different features like whether the nail gun has been reasonably priced, does it offer tool-less depth selection, will you be delivered a no-mar tip, does it support the anti-dry fire feature, and several other factors.

Also, it is important to look at the warranty, i.e. is it backed by the warranty so that your money (that you invest when buying a framing nail gun) doesn’t go in vain. That’s the reason why we have made this guide so that we can help you take your framing to the next level.

Some framing nailers are operated by air or fas under pressure (i.e. they are pneumatic) while others run on batteries. Therefore, that’s what you also want to make sure while picking up the best framing nail gun for your framing requirements.

Best Framing Nail Gun Quick Picks

Top Pick
Freeman PFR2190 Pneumatic 21 Degree 3-1/2" Framing Nailer with Case
Cordless
Paslode, Cordless XP Framing Nailer, 905600, Battery and Fuel Cell Powered, No Compressor Needed
Best Budget
NuMax SFR2190 Pneumatic 21 Degree 3-1/2" Framing Nailer
Hitachi NR90AES1 Framing Nailer, 2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Plastic Collated Full Head Nails, 21 Degree Pneumatic, Selective Actuation Switch, 5-Year Warranty (Discontinued by the Manufacturer)
BOSTITCH Framing Nailer, Round Head, 1-1/2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch, Pneumatic (F21PL)
Freeman PFR2190 Pneumatic 21 Degree 3-1/2" Framing Nailer with Case
Paslode, Cordless XP Framing Nailer, 905600, Battery and Fuel Cell Powered, No Compressor Needed
NuMax SFR2190 Pneumatic 21 Degree 3-1/2" Framing Nailer
Hitachi NR90AES1 Framing Nailer, 2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Plastic Collated Full Head Nails, 21 Degree Pneumatic, Selective Actuation Switch, 5-Year Warranty (Discontinued by the Manufacturer)
BOSTITCH Framing Nailer, Round Head, 1-1/2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch, Pneumatic (F21PL)
$106.27
Price not available
$77.87
Price not available
$208.99
Amazon Prime
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Amazon Prime
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Top Pick
Freeman PFR2190 Pneumatic 21 Degree 3-1/2" Framing Nailer with Case
Freeman PFR2190 Pneumatic 21 Degree 3-1/2" Framing Nailer with Case
$106.27
Amazon Prime
Cordless
Paslode, Cordless XP Framing Nailer, 905600, Battery and Fuel Cell Powered, No Compressor Needed
Paslode, Cordless XP Framing Nailer, 905600, Battery and Fuel Cell Powered, No Compressor Needed
Price not available
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Best Budget
NuMax SFR2190 Pneumatic 21 Degree 3-1/2" Framing Nailer
NuMax SFR2190 Pneumatic 21 Degree 3-1/2" Framing Nailer
$77.87
Amazon Prime
Hitachi NR90AES1 Framing Nailer, 2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Plastic Collated Full Head Nails, 21 Degree Pneumatic, Selective Actuation Switch, 5-Year Warranty (Discontinued by the Manufacturer)
Hitachi NR90AES1 Framing Nailer, 2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Plastic Collated Full Head Nails, 21 Degree Pneumatic, Selective Actuation Switch, 5-Year Warranty (Discontinued by the Manufacturer)
Price not available
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BOSTITCH Framing Nailer, Round Head, 1-1/2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch, Pneumatic (F21PL)
BOSTITCH Framing Nailer, Round Head, 1-1/2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch, Pneumatic (F21PL)
$208.99
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Magazines also matter and if you really don’t want to miss out on speed, you’d choose “Metal” magazines. Another way is to think of corded or cordless nailers. Putting it a bit differently, if it is a cordless model, the magazine will be made of plastic.

At the end of this post, we will also let you know which one is best option, however, we don’t think that would be necessary because this guide has been designed with the user-friendliness in mind. Let’s get started with our first framing fail gun on the list.


Freeman PFR2190 Pneumatic 21-Degree Full-Head Framing Nailer

Freeman PFR2190 Pneumatic Framing Nailer

Being listed on the top, this nailer has completely nailed it! As you’ve read the title, it says “Freeman PFR2190” and it would never let you down.

This nailer comes in two variants: 21-degree and 34-degree nailer.

If you’re looking for the best framing nail gun under $200 or even $150, this is the perfect match for you, not just taking the price into consideration but the features are also worth your money.

While designing this one, durability and lightness were taken into account so that you won’t have a problem using it at all.

It comes with an ergonomic secure handle that will give you next-level comfort and you will be able to quickly fire it with the help of an interchangeable trigger or you may refer to it as “single-shot function”.

This Freeman Framing Nailer has been considered as the “best” nailing guns for professionals and contractors.

Even those who are planning to make a DIY-project with a framing nail gun, they can use this machine without any annoyance. You can either buy a 21º plastic collated full-head or 34º plastic collated clipped-head framing nail gun.

On top of that, not only is it powerful but it is also versatile – it can easily be adapted right in accordance with your different working surface, thanks to it’s tool-free finger depth adjustment, and don’t forget the “no-mar tip” which is the top priority when it comes to buying a perfect fit.

The company who this framing nail gun has been designed by is “Freeman” which has been a game-changer and won the hearts of thousands of people who are in the field.

Our Rating: 96/100

Freeman PFR2190 Pneumatic 21 Degree 3-1/2" Framing Nailer with Case
  • Construction Applications: Designed for framing, subfloors, roof decking, pallet and shipping crate assembly, and wood fencing
  • Compatible Nails: 21 degree plastic collated full round head framing nails from 2" – 3-1/2" L and 0.113" – 0.131" diameter
  • Built to Last: One piece hardened steel drive blade, and anodized aluminum magazine and cylinder result in a durable pneumatic tool resistant to damage
  • Anti-Dry-Fire Mechanism: Prevents empty fires and reduces damage to internal components
  • Dual Mode Trigger: Fast and easy to switch between single sequential firing for precision or bump firing for speed

Paslode Cordless XP Framing Nailer Review

Paslode Cordless XP Framing Nailer

This one comes from Paslode and has been highly rated on Amazon. Depending on the different sellers, the price of this nail gun could vary.

As we have talked about there is a corded or pneumatic framing nailers and another option is cordless nailers, so this is the latter option for you.

You don’t need a compressor, it uses a fuel cell (however, you will need to get it separately because it doesn’t come with the package). It is a lightweight nailer and very easy to use irrespective of what the job is.

As a result, it is highly portable and won’t give you a pain in the neck while using it on job sites. On a single charge, it has the ability to drive 50-percent more nails or putting differently, if you charge it one, it will easily deliver you around 6, 000 nails which is more than sufficient for most jobs.

Though it takes 2 hours to charge fully, if you are in a hurry, you can use the ‘quick-charge’ option that will deliver you the instant 200 nails, which is quite good if you desperately need to nail without having to wait.

Our Rating: 95/100

Paslode, Cordless XP Framing Nailer, 905600, Battery and Fuel Cell Powered, No Compressor Needed
  • Increased Productivity - Drives nails flush in LVL and other hardwoods that remodelers encounter.
  • All Season Formula - Works in temperatures down to 14°F.
  • Lightweight - 7.2lbs. for better comfort and control while working overhead or in tight spaces.
  • Guaranteed Durability 50% Longer Run-time with 7V Li-ion Battery for up to 9,000 nails per charge.
  • Compact Design: Fits between 16" o.c. studs, joists and roof trusses.

Numax SFR2190 21-Degree Framing Nailer

NuMax SFR2190 Pneumatic Framing Nailer

Thousands of customers are satisfied with the Numax SFR2190 21-Degree Framing Nail Gun.

It is a 21-degree pneumatic framing nailer which means that it won’t require the use of batteries to run.

Designed by Numax, it is extremely lightweight and it is compatible with generic brands of plastic collated 21-degree full head framing nails. It is so inexpensive that you can easily get it under 100 bucks (i.e. $100), from various different sellers.

It provides top-notch nailing and is highly durable and a perfect choice for the DIYers or Beginners.

If you buy this nailer, it delivers a 70-115 PSI operation. As far as the magazine capacity is concerned, it is “55 Fasteners” and not to mention that it is backed by a 1-year warranty and 30-day wearable parts warranty.

While it’s a nailer with a few minor cons, it delivers quality and consistent results. Don’t hesitate to buy this nailer.

Our Rating: 94/100

NuMax SFR2190 Pneumatic 21 Degree 3-1/2" Framing Nailer
  • Construction Applications: Designed for framing, subfloors, roof decking; pallet and shipping crate assembly; and wood fencing
  • Compatible Nails: 21 degree plastic collated full round head framing nails from 2" – 3-1/2" L and 0.113" – 0.131" diameter
  • Built to Last: One piece hardened steel drive blade results in a durable pneumatic tool resistant to damage
  • Anti-Dry-Fire Mechanism: Prevents empty fires and reduces damage to internal components
  • Dual Mode Trigger: Fast and easy to switch between single sequential firing for precision or bump firing for speed

Hitachi NR90AES1 Pneumatic Framing Nailer

Hitachi NR90AES1 Framing Nailer

If you’re looking for a budget framing nailer, this may not be the best choice, however, it gets the upper hands over other nailers when it comes to top-class features.

It is well-balanced and provides excellent maneuverability and less user fatigue. Like others, it also features a tool-less depth adjustment which is as good as it gets.

It uses a rugged and high-quality aluminum magazine that is replaceable with minimal expense.

The magazine angle delivered by this nailer is 21 degrees, which is more than good and the nail capacity is 64 (.131) which will give you a next-level experience and you will be able to get your work done in next to no time.

The air pressure PSI is 70 – 120 and it only weighs around 10 lbs which means it is extremely lightweight and therefore portable as well. In addition to that, it is compact too.

It is an air-power nailer and size is 2″ – 3-1/2″.

Our Rating: 91/100

Hitachi NR90AES1 Framing Nailer, 2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Plastic Collated Full Head Nails, 21 Degree Pneumatic, Selective Actuation Switch, 5-Year Warranty (Discontinued by the Manufacturer)
  • Hitachi Power Tools has renamed to Metabo HPT. Same great tools, with only a new name.
  • New head guard design allows for quicker disassembly during tool maintenance
  • Lightweight and well balanced for ease of maneuverability and less user fatigue
  • Selective actuation allows for quick changes between sequential and contact nailing with the flip of a switch
  • Tool less depth adjustment to countersink or flush drive into a variety of materials

BOSTITCH F21PL Framing Nailer

Bostitch f21pl framing nailer

You can take this nailer for granted as a “2 nailers in 1” because it comes with two quick-change nosepieces. In other words, you can use it for both framing applications and as metal connector applications.

It is a 1-1/2-inch to 3-1/2-inch framing nailer and delivers 1,050 inch-pounds of driving power.

Since it is lightweight, it is highly portable (as it only weighs 8.1 pounds which is very less).

You are backed longer than you could imagine with this nailer – it is supported by a 7-year limited warranty.

The Bostich F21PL Nailer has been designed to meet your requirements and certainly, that’s the reason why it has been listed as the “Amazon’s Choice”.

When we say best-in-class when it comes to power-to-weight ratio, we really mean it.

It is a cordless-electric nailer which should be considered if you are after this type of nailer – i.e. if your choice is not a cordless-electric nailer, I don’t think this is the right option for you. But it is highly recommended by our experts, so there should not be any problem with using it.

Our Rating: 92/100

Sale
BOSTITCH Framing Nailer, Round Head, 1-1/2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch, Pneumatic (F21PL)
  • Two nailers in one: includes two quick change nosepieces to convert tool to either framing or metal connector applications
  • Patented push button adjustable depth guide of the framing nailer gun sets nails to desired depths
  • Lightweight magnesium design for durability
  • Adjustable rafter hook allows users to hang tool on rafters and joists
  • Drives plastic collated 1-1/2-inch and 2-1/2-inch metal connector nails (.131-inch - .148-inch diameter)

How to choose the best Framing Nail Gun 2020?

Well, we’ve already described many of the features that you should look for when buying the best framing nail gun. But if you don’t remember, let’s remind you of the features that you should be looking at when purchasing the best framing nail gun whether corded or cordless.

You should be mindful of the following:

  • Nail Length
  • Nail Head Type
  • Nail Collection
  • Magazine Angle
  • Magazine Type
  • Actuation Mode
  • Depth of Drive
  • Jam Clearing
  • Anti-Dry Fire
  • Rafter Hook
  • Contact Tip

Apart from these considerations, you may come across something new and if that happens, you should first research that and then consider the best framing nail gun reviews.

Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Chad

Hello, I've been working with power tools since I was a young kid helping out grandpa on the farm. My interest in building things started with him and helped me decide to make a career out of construction. I've built just about everything from pipe organs, custom cabinets, to houses.