Nailer › Nail gun jams and maintenance
Nail gun jams and maintenance
Jams are the most common nail gun problem. Clearing one is safe only if you do it in the right order.
Step one: make it safe
HSE says injuries have happened during maintenance when the gun was still connected to its air supply, battery or gas canister, or still loaded. So before you touch a jam:
- Disconnect the air line, or remove the battery and the gas canister.
- Take the nails out of the magazine.
- Point the nose away from yourself and others.
- Keep fingers away from the trigger.
Never defeat or disconnect the safety features to clear a jam. Read more on nail gun safety.
Clearing a jam
Most nailers have a quick-release latch or door on the nose. Open it, remove the bent nail with pliers (not your fingers near the driver), and check the driver blade for damage. Refit the cover, reload and test on a scrap piece. If it jams again, stop and look for the cause.
Why nailers jam
- Wrong nails: wrong collation angle, length or gauge. See collation angles and nail sizes.
- Damp or damaged strips: paper collation can fall apart in warm, wet or humid conditions.
- Hard material or knots: nails bend and block the nose.
- Low power: wrong air pressure, a flat battery or a weak gas cell.
- Dirt and debris: sawdust, resin and plastic from broken strips clogging the nose. Plastic pieces break off from plastic-collated strips as you work.
- Worn parts: a worn driver blade or seals.
Routine maintenance
Always follow the manufacturer's manual, as maintenance differs by type. In general:
| Type | Typical care |
|---|---|
| Pneumatic | Drain the compressor tank, check hoses and fittings for leaks, use the right pressure and oil the tool only if the maker says to |
| Gas cordless | Clean the combustion chamber and filter as the maker advises, check the fuel cell date, keep batteries charged |
| Battery-only | Keep the nose clean, check the battery, store dry |
| All | Wipe clean after use, check safety contact tip moves freely, store in the case |
Check before each use
- Safety tip moves and returns freely.
- No cracks or loose screws.
- Correct nails loaded.
- Power source connected only when you are ready.
- Test fire on scrap, pointing away from people.
Storage and transport
Carry the tool in its case with the nails and power source removed, and keep it dry. Store gas cells upright in a cool, dry place according to the maker's guidance, and keep tools out of reach of children.
Keep a spares kit
A small box with the right pliers, a few spare nails of the correct size, a clean rag and the manual makes jams quick to deal with and keeps you from improvising unsafely.
When to stop
If the safety mechanism is stuck, the tool double-fires, or you see damage, stop using it and have it repaired or return the hire tool. Do not modify the gun, and use only manufacturer-approved parts, as HSE says. See gas vs cordless vs pneumatic for how each is powered, and hire or buy.
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
How do I clear a nail gun jam?
Disconnect air, battery or gas, remove the nails, open the nose latch, remove the bent nail with pliers and test on scrap.
Why does my nail gun keep jamming?
Common causes are wrong or damaged nails, hard material, low power and dirt in the nose.
Do I need to oil my nailer?
Only if the manufacturer's manual says so. Check the manual.
Can I use the tool with the safety tip stuck?
No. Stop and repair it. Never defeat safety features.