Nailers come in all kinds of designs, the big difference being the energy source. A gas nailer is the easiest to use. Powder-actuated guns are the most powerful. Which nail device is the best choice in your case depends on the type of work. Ask yourself these questions before choosing a nailer: which fixation do you want to achieve, and on which surface? Here we list the different types and advice on the most suitable devices for various applications.
Autonomous nailers
Nailers without an external energy source offer the greatest freedom of work. We can distinguish three types of autonomous nailers: battery nailers and devices that work on gas and powder nailers.
Battery nailers
As with all battery tools, being able to work without a cable is the main reason for choosing a cordless version. And if you use other tools from the same brand, the batteries are often interchangeable, which is not only convenient but also cost-effective. However, there are also disadvantages. The battery makes the device heavier, which can become tiring during prolonged work. And a battery nailer is not the optimal choice for intensive use.
Gas nailers
Nail devices with gas cartridges offer a good combination of user comfort and impact energy. They give you the same freedom as battery devices but are lighter and more powerful. The combination of features makes the higher operating costs of purchasing gas cartridges worthwhile for many users. These versatile devices are popular, especially among carpenters, roofers, plasterers and electricians.
Powder guns
The gunpowder cartridges on which these devices work provide a true power explosion. The great energy released makes powder-actuated guns ideally suited for fixings on concrete and steel. However, it also makes working with a powder-actuated gun heavy and tiring; undergoing such impact energy for extended periods demands a lot from the user.
Pneumatic nailers
Pneumatic nailers are perfect for wood-to-wood fastening yet less suitable for other applications. Their big plus is the high firing speed, reaching up to 3 nails per second. They are also powerful and relatively cheap to use. The hose and compressor make pneumatic nail tools less compact and limit the freedom of use.
