Nail gun guide for UK DIY and trade
A nail gun drives nails faster and straighter than a hammer, but only if you pick the right type. This guide explains the options in plain words.
Why use a nail gun
A nailer drives nails in a fraction of a second, so you can fix studwork, fence panels, flooring or skirting far faster than by hand. It also leaves both hands free to hold the workpiece. But the wrong tool splits wood, leaves big holes or won't drive the nails you have, and an unsafe grip can injure you. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) notes people have shot themselves in the torso or hand while using nail guns, so take safety as seriously as the choice of tool.
The big choices
- What job? Rough carpentry such as framing and roofing needs a first fix (framing) nailer. Visible woodwork such as skirting, architrave and door linings needs a second fix (finish or brad) nailer. See first fix vs second fix.
- What power? Gas-cartridge cordless, battery-only, or air (pneumatic) with a compressor. See gas vs cordless vs pneumatic.
- What nails? Length, gauge and collation must match the tool. See nail sizes and collation angles.
- Buy or hire? For a one-off job, hire often makes more sense. See hire or buy.
Types at a glance
| Type | Typical job |
|---|---|
| Framing nailer (first fix) | Stud walls, joists, roof timbers, fence frames |
| Finish nailer (second fix) | Skirting, architrave, door linings, trim |
| Brad nailer | Light trim, mouldings, small furniture work |
| Pin nailer | Delicate trim and glue-ups, leaving a tiny hole |
| Roofing nailer | Felt, shingles and similar roofing materials |
| Flooring nailer | Tongue-and-groove boards |
| Stapler | Upholstery, sheet material, fixing membranes |
More on each in types of nail gun.
Safety first
HSE guidance says workers need training before operating nail guns, that safety features must never be defeated and that you should disconnect the air line, remove the battery or gas canister and clear the nails before maintenance. Wear eye protection and keep your fingers off the trigger when carrying the tool. Read the full nail gun safety page, and the guide to jams and maintenance.
DIY or trade?
Trades use nailers every day and usually own several. A home DIYer needs far less: often a single finish nailer or a hire framing nailer for a weekend job such as a shed or fence. Whether you are a DIYer or a trade, the rules on training and safe use are the same, and employers have legal duties for employees. Check HSE's website for the details that apply to you.
A sensible way to read this site
If you already know the job, jump straight to the matching page. If you are starting from scratch, read types of nail gun first, then pick a power type, then check the nails. Many first-time buyers do it the other way round: they buy a tool because it was on offer and then discover it will not take the nails or do the job they had in mind. Ten minutes with the tool's manual and a few offcuts of your own timber saves money and frustration.
Common mistakes
- Using a framing nailer on trim, then spending hours filling and sanding dents.
- Buying nails that look right but have the wrong collation angle.
- Skipping eye protection because the job is only five minutes.
- Clearing a jam with the battery still in or the air line still connected.
About this guide
We do not rank brands or recommend particular models. Nail sizes and tool specifications vary by maker, so check your own tool's manual. Where we give typical figures, we say so and name the source. Questions? Use the contact page.
This is general information, not a substitute for the manufacturer's manual or training. Always check the nail sizes and collation your own tool accepts.
Frequently asked questions
What nail gun do I need for skirting boards?
A second fix (finish or brad) nailer is the usual choice for skirting, architrave and trim, as it leaves a smaller hole and is less likely to mark the wood.
Do I need a compressor?
Only for pneumatic (air) nailers. Cordless gas or battery nailers do not need hoses or a compressor.
Is a nail gun dangerous?
HSE reports injuries to the torso and hands. Training, eye protection, keeping fingers off the trigger and never defeating safety features reduce the risk.
Should I buy or hire a nail gun?
For a one-off job hire is often cheaper. For regular use, buying can pay back. See the hire or buy page.