Nail Gun Types Explained: Which One Do You Need?

Nail Guns Demystified

First fix, second fix, framing, finishing, pin, brad - the nail gun world has a lot of jargon. Here's what each type does and which ones you actually need.

First Fix Nailers

What they do:

Drive larger nails for structural work. The stuff that gets covered up.

Framing nailer:

• Largest nail gun type
• Uses clipped or full head nails, 50-90mm
• For stud walls, roof trusses, fencing, decking
• Strip or coil magazine

First fix nailer (UK term):

• Slightly smaller than framers
• 50-90mm nails typically
• Structural work, joinery, construction

Power source:

• Gas/battery (most popular now - no compressor needed)
• Pneumatic (requires compressor but more power)

Second Fix Nailers

What they do:

Smaller nails for finish work that stays visible.

Finish nailer:

• 15-16 gauge nails
• 32-65mm typically
• Skirting boards, architraves, door casings
• Strong enough for structural grip but small head

Brad nailer:

• 18 gauge nails
• 15-50mm
• Lighter trim work
• Smaller hole to fill

Pin nailer:

• 23 gauge headless pins
• 15-35mm
• Delicate trim, mouldings
• Nearly invisible holes

Specialist Nailers

Flooring nailer:

• Designed for tongue-and-groove hardwood flooring
• Drives at 45-degree angle into tongue
• Usually mallet-actuated or pneumatic

Roofing nailer:

• Coil magazine holds many nails
• Designed for speed on repetitive work
• Usually pneumatic

Siding nailer:

• Full round head required for siding
• Similar to framing but specific to cladding

Power Sources Compared

Pneumatic (air):

• Pros: Powerful, consistent, cheap to buy, reliable
• Cons: Needs compressor, hoses, not portable
• Best for: Workshop, high-volume production

Gas/battery (e.g., Paslode):

• Pros: Portable, no hoses, quick setup
• Cons: Fuel cells add cost, can be temperamental in cold
• Best for: Site work, first fix, where mobility matters

Pure battery (e.g., DeWalt, Makita):

• Pros: No fuel cells, uses existing battery platform
• Cons: Can be less powerful than gas, batteries drain
• Best for: Second fix, general site work

Electric (corded):

• Pros: Consistent power, no batteries to charge
• Cons: Limited to where you have power, cable management
• Best for: Workshop, second fix at bench

Which Do You Need?

First fix carpenter:

• First fix/framing nailer (gas/battery) - essential
• Finish nailer - useful for some tasks

Second fix carpenter:

• Finish nailer (16 gauge) - your main tool
• Brad nailer (18 gauge) - lighter work
• Pin nailer - if doing detailed mouldings

Kitchen fitter:

• Brad nailer - panels and trims
• Pin nailer - delicate finishes

General builder:

• Framing nailer - structural work
• Finish nailer - trim and finishing

Buying Tips

• Match nail gun to most common nail size you'll use
• Consider your existing tool platform for battery compatibility
• Gas nailers need regular maintenance and fuel cells
• Buy quality nails - cheap nails jam and bend
• Check availability of specific nail collation in your area

The Verdict

Most carpenters need at least a first fix and second fix nailer. The power source depends on your work - gas/battery for mobile site work, pneumatic for workshop/production. Pure battery nailers on platforms like DeWalt and Makita are increasingly viable alternatives.

Don't buy a framing nailer expecting it to do finish work, or a pin nailer expecting it to fix skirting boards. Right tool for the job.