Best Nail Gun Reviews UK 2023 – Top 10 Comparison

Last Updated On December 27th, 2021

A nail gun is a fantastic tool that can be used for a range of activities. For example, it can be used for upholstery and re-covering your furniture. Alternatively, you can use nail guns for fitting new carpets, or re-tacking existing carpets that have come loose at the edges. Nail guns are also useful for general DIY and woodwork.

If you feel you would benefit from using such a product, we have found the best nail gun UK stores have to offer, and nine other suitable nail guns and staple guns. We also provide a useful buying guide so you know what to look for when buying one of these tools.

Best Nail Gun Reviews – Top 10 Picks

1. Makita AF506 18G Brad Nailer (Editor’s Choice)

If you want a heavy-duty brad nail gun, the Makita AFF506 18g is a suitable option. This is a robust tool that is suitable for tougher work such as woodwork, framing, and thick carpets. Regardless, it still has a great design and a strong air system that is suitable for up to 16 gauge nails.

Features

This framing nailer is air-powered and requires air compressors to run. It has an operating pressure of between 70 to 120 psi which means it is great for advanced tasks that require more force.

In terms of nails, it can take up to a 16 gauge nail, and nail lengths of between 15mm to 50mm. This makes the device versatile for a range of DIY tasks.

We also like the design and shape of this gun as it has a slim nose, and a large rubber handle. The magazine and air connector are also logically placed for quick accessibility.

This Makita product is a good choice, but you could still experience some small issues. For example, some customers have found missing parts or accessories on delivery. Moreover, this is not the lightest nail gun available and some could find it heavy to operate.

2. Ryobi R18N18G-0 ONE+ 18G AirStrike (Luxury Choice)

The Ryobi ONE+ is our choice for the best nail gun for fencing. It is a powerful tool and has excellent build quality. For woodwork and outdoor usage, this is a suitable product as it offers depth adjustment, a higher-powered operation, and it is also cordless. If you need a versatile brad nail gun for tougher projects, this is a great choice.

Features

The Ryobi ONE+ is a durable and robust gun that is a great cordless option. It uses patented Ryobi AirStrike technology that removes the need for a compressor or large battery pack.

It is classed as a finishing tool and can be used with 18g brads up to 50mm long. This means it can be used for such items as mouldings, chair rails, furniture, cabinets, and baseboards among other woodwork.

We also like that this device has two firing modes. This includes a sequential mode when precision is required, and a contact actuation mode, for rapid nail firing.

The Ryobi ONE is a great product, but it may not be infallible. For example, this is not the lightest tool to use, weighing 2.5kg. For prolonged usage, this could be quite heavy. Also, you could find this nail gun jams often when using it.

3. TOOLZILLA Heavy Duty (Best Value)

The TOOLZILLA Heavy Duty Staple Gun is a simple nailer that comes with an extensive pack of staples for quick usage. It has a basic design that could be suited for those who have minimal DIY experience. This tool requires pressure only and doesn’t need a battery, fuel cell, or air pressure to operate. If you need a simple no-fuss tool, this is a great value option.

Features

These tools use easy squeeze gun technology which means the device is simple to operate. All you have to do is apply pressure to the handle and the staple will fire. It also has a great reload system that enables you to add new staples or clear any jams in seconds.

The standard package comes with 200 staples, 200 cable staples, and 200 brad nails which will last you for quite some time. We also like that this nailer has a lightweight design and weighs just 680g.

The chassis is made from metal, and the handle has an ergonomic design that is comfortable to grip. Also, it has a dial on the top of the nailer that allows you to adjust the strength.

We like this TOOLZILLA heavy duty gun, but it could have a few issues. For example, if you are using this tool for carpet, you could find that you have to adjust the power rating otherwise the staples won’t connect properly. Also, you could find it difficult to find suitable staples for this tool after you have used the included 600 items.

4. Silverline 868544 50mm Air Brad Nailer (Best Lightweight)

The Silverline 868544 50mm Air Brad Nailer is our choice for the best DIY nail gun in the UK. It is a versatile tool that can be used for carpets, upholstery, woodwork and more. The design is durable, but it is still relatively easy to use. If you are handy with DIY work and regularly undertake projects around the house, this could be one of the best nail guns available.

Features

The Silverline 868544 weighs 1.2kg and has a body made from aluminium. It also features a wide handle that is easy to grip. In terms of power, it has an air consumption of 5-6cfm.

For improved safety, it also has a safety trigger. This means that you cannot accidentally fire the gun when reloading, or clearing misfires.

With a maximum pressure of 100 psi, it is ideal for finishing, and secondary work where some fixing has already been used.

This Silverline tool is a great air-powered gun, but when using it, you could find that the brad nails jam frequently. Also, if the nails do jam, you could find that they are difficult to remove and that the firing mechanism is difficult to clear.

5. Bosch PTK 3.6 LI Cordless Tacker (Best Cordless)

Of our nail gun reviews, the Bosch PTK 3.6 Li Tacker is the best cordless option. It has a small and lightweight design and you can use it freely without a fixed power source. You can also rely on the fantastic Bosch design, durability, and ergonomics.

Features

This Bosch product is the best nail gun with a cordless operation. It is electric and runs on a lithium-ion battery. One full, electric battery charge should last for up to 400 nails.

We like the understated design of this gun. It has a large textured handle on the top and a large trigger underneath. For quick usage, it also has an indicator that shows when the magazine is empty, and when the battery is low.

In terms of nail type, it is suitable for use with 8mm and 10mm staples.

This battery-powered nail gun is a solid choice, but one drawback is that it may lack the necessary power for tackling tougher DIY jobs. Also, there is no power adjustment for this tool and you cannot adjust its firing power to suit different strength materials.

6. Stanley 0-TRE550 Heavy Duty Electric (Best with Flush Nose)

The Stanley 0-TRE550 Heavy Duty Gun is our next pick for the best electric nail gun. It uses a lithium-ion battery and has a cordless operation which means you are not constrained to a power outlet or compressor. For driving nails, this tool is a great choice and it is also comfortable to use with an ergonomic design.

Features

This nail gun offers great utility and has some excellent features. Firstly, it has a Hi/Lo power operation for different materials. Next, it has a flush-nose design which means you can still use the gun in tight spots.

Also, it has a clear indicator to show when you are low on brads and need to reload the gun. For comfort, the grip is contoured which allows you to hold it firmly. Also, it has a quick-jam-clear mechanism so you can easily reload it, and remove brads that have misfired.

This Stanley nail gun is our top choice, but it may not be perfect. For example, you could find that over time, this tool eventually starts misfiring. Also, some customers have reported that the adjuster ring has broken after prolonged usage.

7. Silverline 633524 18 Gauge Air Nailer Stapler (Heavy-duty Option)

The Silverline 633524 18 gauge air nailer stapler is a tough and robust tool that is one of the best framing nailer tools available. It operates at a high power level and can drive nails up to 18 gauge. In terms of pressure, it operates at 60 to 100 psi. For tough DIY projects, this is an excellent choice and a durable tool.

Features

These tools have a traditional nail gun design with a central handle, a rear air pipe, and a bottom-loading magazine. They can be used for finishing with up to 16g nails and have a working pressure of between 60-100 psi.

We also like the trigger as it has a built-in safety feature. This will help prevent accidental firing which is a common cause of injury for these tools.

The body of this nail gun is made from aluminium, and the handle is coated in rubber. This gives a firm grip but means the gun is still relatively light.

This Silverline air nailer has a great build quality but it may not be perfect. When using the device you could find that it jams frequently. Also, whilst some tools feature a starter set of nails, this product does not come with any additional accessories, staples, or brad nails.

8. LANNIU 3 in 1 Manual (Best Manual)

The LANNUI 3 in 1 manual nail gun is a simple but well-built nail gun that requires minimal DIY knowledge to operate. It has no power source and simply uses force for driving nails. If you want a simple nail gun for the occasional DIY job, this is is a suitable tool.

Features

This device is great for framing and finishing and has a traditional staple design. We like the reload mechanism which is a simple 4-step process. All you have to do is push the loading mouth, remove the loading rod, push a new strip of staples in, and push the loading rod back in place.

It can accept the main three types of staples, and also comes with a 100% manufacturers warranty. We also like that you can easily adjust the power of this nailer using the simple knob on the top of the device.

This is an excellent nail gun, but it could still have a few minor issues. Firstly, the handle is stiff as intended, but this could mean you have to exert great pressure when stapling through tougher materials. Also, you could find that this product jams frequently but it is relatively easy to clear.

9. Tacwise 50mm Brad Nailer (Air-Powered Option)

The Tacwise 50mm Brad Nailer has a great range of features and is a versatile product for various DIY projects. This could be one of the best finishing nailers available, but it can also easily cope with larger projects such as framing and finishing carpets.

Features

This Tacwise nail gun is air-powered and can drive nails up to 16g. You can use Tacwise brand brads, but standard nails will also work fine.

The design of this Tacwise product is slender and has a large rubber handle. Also, the handle has textured grooves that provide a firm grip.

The air connection is at the rear and it has a simple trigger underneath the grip. For maintenance, changing, and clearing jams, this Tacwise nail gun also features a quick-release system that is easy to use.

This Tacwise nailer is a great product, but it may not be perfect. For example, if you use large gauge nails, you could find the device is temperamental. Also, as with all air guns, you will need air compressors to use it and this nail gun does not come with a compressor – you must buy one separately.

10. Kohree Stapler 3 in 1 (Best Starter Set)

The Kohree Staple Gun 3 in 1 is a simple but effective tool that is well-balanced and a great product for driving nails. It is a handheld tool that requires no power source or batteries and operates on the principle of force. If you want nail guns that are easy to use and do not have complicated outlet sources, this is a great choice.

Features

This nailer has a simple design in which you force the top handle down to release the nail and drive it through the surface. It comes with a large pack of 3000 staples including the main three types – this is the largest starter pack we have seen.

We also like the reloading mechanism as you simply open the rear compartment of the nailer and push in a new strip of staples. The loading rod helps you easily push the staples into position.

If you want to use this nailer for different materials, it also has a simple strength adjustment knob. This dial on the top can be twisted to alter the force you apply. The handle is also made from non-slip material and is comfortable to hold.

Although this is a well-balanced staple gun, it could have a few issues. Firstly, when using these nailers, you could find that more than one staple fires at once. Secondly, due to the design, you could find this staple gun jams quite often – it is easy to clear, however, which lessens this problem slightly.

How to Choose a Suitable Nail Gun?

There is an excellent range of nail guns to choose from. The design, style, and functionality can vary greatly, and different nail guns can be suitable for different jobs. To help remove any confusion, we have created a simple buying guide on how to pick the best nail gun UK stores have to offer.

First, let’s look quickly at how nail guns work. Nail guns are used to drive nails into surfaces like wood and fabric. The nails can be brad nails, finisher nails, or even heavy-duty staples. To drive the nail into the surface, the tool has some type of power mechanism – usually compressed air, gas, electromagnetism, or physical force.

Power Source

One of the first considerations you should make when choosing a nail gun is the power requirements. In the above guide, we have three types of nail gun – compressed air, physical force, and battery-powered.

Each has its pros and cons. Air-powered nail guns, for example, offer greater force. On the downside, they require air compressors to operate which you have to buy separately. Battery operated nail guns require no cords, gas canisters, or air which means they are more flexible. However, their battery life can be unpredictable, and you may not get as much force.

Finally, nail guns that use physical force require no power at all. You can use them freely. The downside of these nail guns is that they have limited nail driving force and do require greater physical exertion to use.

Brad Nail Gauge/Staple Size

Different nail power tools can accept different gauge nails. This is important to consider as it directly affects what type of DIY jobs you can use these power tools for. Common nail gauges include 16 gauge and 18 gauge. Heavier 18 gauge nails are typically used for framing and carpentry, whereas smaller gauge nails like 16 gauge could be better suited for carpets and finishing.

Also, consider the nail length that the nail gun can accept. Aside from the gauge, different tools can accept a different nail length. This is important as again it dictates what type and thickness of materials you can drive the nails through.

Reloading and Maintenance

Regardless of the design, even the best nail guns can jam. Sometimes nails get stuck or misfire. As a result, the nail gun should have a simple reloading mechanism that easily allows you to clear the chamber and remove the misfired nail.

Also, it should have a simple reloading mechanism. Usually, a framing nailer and other variants will have chambers that allow you to load strips or magazines of multiple nails. This should be easily accessible and straightforward to change.

Comfort and Safety During Operation

Finally, you should look at safety and comfort. Nail guns are notorious for causing injuries and it is not uncommon for people to accidentally shoot themselves! As a result, look for any additional safety features the device has. Common safety features include a safety trigger to prevent accidental firing.

Also, look at the comfort – this includes the size, weight, and design of the handle and trigger. Ideally, the nail gun should be lightweight, but also has a comfortable handle so you can grip it firmly.

Conclusion

We hope you have found this guide on nail guns useful. If you regularly undertake DIY work and want to refrain from hiring a tradesperson, a nail gun is a handy tool. Alternatively, you may be a tradesperson and need a new nail gun for your work. Whatever the purpose, nail guns are certainly useful products that can be used for a range of tasks.

Any one of the ten nail guns we have listed above will make a suitable choice for home or trade usage. However, our top pick for the best nail gun in the UK is certainly the Makita AF506 18G Brad Nailer. This durable product has an ergonomic design and is comfortable to use. With an operating pressure of 70 to 120 psi and a nail gauge of 18g, it’s ideal for a variety of soft and hardwood applications.

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