To those far from building and construction, the most obvious nail tool is a hammer. However, if you have to perform large-scale tasks of working with wooden structures, it is better to pick a nail gun. But how do you find the right model? Which is better, cordless or corded electric roofing nailer? And what to look for when choosing? Check out the article to find the answers to these questions to help you choose the best roof nailer for you.
Curious about which nails you should use? Look through this guide of different types of nails, complete with insight from nail experts, to find out which nail style is best for you.
Nail Gun Types
There are many types of such instruments, including combined ones. However, the most popular options among professional roofers are pneumatic (electric) and cordless (battery-powered) tools.
Pneumatic guns
It is the most common type. All big brands produce such nailers with different characteristics, configurations, and application areas. Overall, they have a simple design making them reliable and easy to use. They require compressed air to work, so you will need a good compressor. Perhaps the main disadvantage of such devices is a cord that can get tangled and cling to the surrounding objects.
Cordless guns
These tools do not have a power cord, which makes them safer for use on a roof. However, such nailers tend to have less power. They are mainly intended for finishing tasks because they use small nails. Besides, if you have a lot of work to do, you will need to recharge or change a battery frequently.
Other Things to Consider
After you decide which is the best roof nailer is best for you, pay attention to the following parameters.
Design
When buying a nail gun, you need to pay attention to some design features. The most important indicator is how easy it is to disassemble a feed head. Quite often, a nail is bent and has to be removed manually. Moreover, the device should be easy to clean of debris and dust.
Weight and ergonomics
Nailers are tools with increased requirements for usability. Make sure the instrument is well balanced and fits comfortably in hand without outweighing on any side. A handle should have rubber pads; its thickness should correspond to your hand’s size for the most secure grip.
Depth adjustment
Make sure you can adjust depth depending on the work being done. In some cases, it is necessary that a nail is not driven to its full depth. This feature will make your tool more versatile.
Protection against accidental start
The function not only protects wood sheets from damage but also saves you from possible injury. Ensure that your device has it to eliminate the possibility of accidents while working with a cheap instrument.
Extra Tips on Choosing the Right Tool
Before buying a suitable device, you should determine the area of its application. Consider the specifics of materials you work with, the size of nails, and the ease of adjustments. Although roofing nailers can be used for other applications, most models only work with specifically sized nails. It partly affects the range of operations performed. For large-scale work, you should choose a powerful professional tool, while for home use, a more budget-friendly option is quite suitable.
