Which coil nailer

How do I choose the

right coil nailer?

I have spent my life as a carpenter on building sites making a living from the talents of the trade that I posses and the vast array of quality tools in my kit. They say a good tradesman should never blame his tools! Which is true, and I have never met a good tradesman with low quality tools.

In saying that the first thing to look for whenever you are in the market to purchase (not just a coil nailer but any tool) should be good quality, this would be the first thing to check off you list! A well known brand is a good place to start.

I have fallen victim in the past buying cheap imports thinking I had found a bargain but in fact it was just the opposite, those imports did not even finish the first project I was working on at the time of purchase.

The next thing for you to do is determine what you intend to use your new coil nailer for? Each nailer has its own uses. Coil Framing Nailers are larger packing more punch, driving in nails averaging 2 ½ to 3 ½ inch in size which is ample size nails for framing. I have never used over a 3 inch nail in all the years I have been framing. A distinct advantage of using a coil framing nailer over a stick framing nailer is that the magazine hold considerably more nails.

Roofing and siding nailers are of similar size, roofing coil nailers will often have adjustable shingle guides to help keep your work consistent. If you are looking at a gun for dry wall, fibre cement or any project that marks easily you need to be sure the nose of the gun is not sharp and aggressive. On the other hand an aggressive nose is very handy on most other projects making it easy for the tip of the coil nailer to grip to the surface you are nailing when angle nailing.
As I say you should be looking for good quality from a well know brand such as Bostitch, Hitachi, DeWALT, Porter Cable, Milwaukee, Max, Makita, Duo-Fast, Wen, Paslode, Ridgid, Senco and Craftsman.

This doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune! but if you do pay a little more for a quality coil nailer I can assure you it will save you time and money in the long run.