Nailer › Nail collation angles explained
Nail collation angles explained
The angle on a box of gun nails describes how the strip is joined together, not how the nail is driven. Getting it wrong means nails that won't fit.
What collation means
Collation is how nails are held together in a strip or coil so the gun can feed them. The angle is the angle of the strip, set by the nail magazine. According to a framing nailer guide, the angle refers to how the nails are collated, not the angle they're driven. A nail gun's magazine is shaped for one angle, so you must buy nails that match.
The common angles
| Angle | Collation | Heads | Notes (from the source) |
|---|---|---|---|
| About 20 to 22 degrees | Plastic strip | Full round heads | Magazine holds up to about 70 nails, compact for tight spaces. Plastic pieces break off, so wear eye protection and tidy up. |
| About 30 to 34 degrees | Paper strip | Clipped or offset heads | Often two strips so fewer reloads. Less mess than plastic but paper can fall apart in warm, wet or humid conditions. |
| About 15 degrees | Wire coil | Full round heads | Holds up to about 300 fasteners, resists moisture but is heavier. |
| About 28 degrees | Wire strip | Varies | Compact, but can't use 30 degree nails. |
These notes come from a single published guide about framing nailers in the US market, and UK makers may describe angles differently, so check your tool's manual and label. UK first fix guns are commonly described by angle in the same way.
Choosing between 21 and 34 degrees
- Plastic-strip, 21 degree: full round heads (more holding power) and a compact tool, but plastic debris.
- Paper-strip, 30 to 34 degree: more nails per strip and less mess, but sensitive to damp.
The choice often comes down to head type and local building rules rather than angle alone. If a structural specification calls for full round heads, a clipped-head tool may not be suitable. Check with the person who specified the work.
Storing strips and coils
Keep nails in their original boxes in a dry place, off the floor. Paper-collated strips in particular can fall apart if they get damp, and bent or crushed strips cause misfeeds. If a box has been damaged or has gone soft, do not use it in the tool.
Do not mix and match
Never force the wrong strip into a magazine. It can jam the gun or fire unreliably, and it is dangerous. See jams and maintenance for what to do if a tool misfeeds.
Finish and brad nails
Finish and brad nailers use their own strips, normally straight or at a slight angle, and these are matched to the tool by gauge and length. See nail sizes and gauges.
Checklist when buying nails
- Note the angle, collation and head type printed on the tool or in its manual.
- Buy nails of the same angle, collation and head type.
- Check the length and gauge in the tool's range.
- Store strips dry, especially paper.
Back to types of nail gun.
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
Does a 21 degree nail fit a 34 degree gun?
No. The magazine is shaped for one angle.
What is the difference between plastic and paper collation?
Plastic gives full round heads but leaves debris. Paper is cleaner but can fall apart when damp.
Does the angle change how the nail is driven?
No, it describes how the nails are collated, not how they go into the wood.
Are clipped-head nails allowed?
One source says they may not be allowed in some areas. Check the specification for your work.