A nail gun, also known as a nailer, is a power tool designed to drive nails into various materials quickly and efficiently. It uses compressed air, electricity, or fuel combustion to fire nails into wood, drywall, roofing materials, and other substrates. Nail guns are widely used in construction, carpentry, roofing, and framing for tasks such as installing subfloors, attaching siding, and building wooden structures, significantly speeding up the nailing process compared to manual hammers.
The nail gun has evolved from manual nailing methods as a means to increase productivity in construction and woodworking. Early nail guns were large, heavy, and primarily used in industrial settings. Over time, they have become more compact, versatile, and user-friendly, with cordless and pneumatic models becoming popular. Advancements in technology have led to improvements in safety features and ease of use, making them accessible for both professional and DIY applications.
The main purpose of a nail gun is to drive nails into materials with speed and precision. It is used in tasks that require a large number of nails, such as framing houses, installing decking, and attaching molding. Nail guns save time and effort, allowing users to complete projects faster and more consistently than using a hammer, especially in large-scale construction and carpentry projects.
The nail gun operates through different power sources. Pneumatic nail guns use compressed air to push a piston, which in turn drives the nail into the material. Electric nail guns use an electric motor to power a mechanism that fires the nail, either through a solenoid or a spring-loaded system. Combustion nail guns use a small fuel cell and a spark to create a mini-explosion that drives the nail. The user triggers the nail gun, and the power source actuates the mechanism that propels the nail, which is held in a magazine, into the workpiece.