Are you looking to hit the market for the best nail gun in the UK? Hold on a bit! Nailers or nail guns come in three designs for different scales of nailing tasks: framing, brad, and finish nailers. They also have two broad modes of operation – pneumatic and battery-powered.
We divided this review into three sections for each nail type – best framing nail guns, best brad nail guns, and best finish nail guns in the UK. More so, we didn’t just assume that you have vast experience with nailers: so, we added a FAQ section to guide your purchase decisions.
Nail Guns: Our Top List
| Picture | Model | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Dewalt DCN660N-XJ | 9.6 | Check |
 | Makita AF506 | 9.6 | Check |
 | Ryobi R18N16G-0 | 9.6 | Check |
 | Makita AN924 | 9.2 | Check |
 | Silverline 868544 | 9.2 | Check |
 | Paslode IM65 | 9.0 | Check |
 | Tacwise GDA64V | 9.0 | Check |
 | Tacwise DFN50V | 8.2 | Check |
 | DeWalt DCN692P2-GB | 8.2 | Check |
Best Framing Nail Guns
1. DeWALT DCN692P2-GB Angled Framing Nailer
DeWALT has an incredible reputation for top-quality products with advanced design and superior-grade performance. It is no surprise that one of its nailers makes our top picks.
Features
A 5Ah Lithium-ion battery powers this nail gun, and a brushless-type motordrives its nailing operation. Both combine to provide longer runtime, fast speed nailing,optimization of its power to work demands, and quicker fire readiness.
It features a bump and sequential firing actuation- the sequential mode allows for precision placement, and the bump action ensures an optimum production speed. Unlike the pneumatic-powered ones, its mechanical operation makes it maintain consistent performance without overheating or the need for oiling or maintenance.
DCN692P2-GB comes with the versatile 30-34 degree magazine angle suitable for most clipped heads, collated wire welds, andoff-centre round head paper tape framing nails. Even better, there is a 2-speed setting that optimizes the power levels for firing all lengths of nails.
Its reversible belt/rafter hook provides better compatibility and versatility on the job-sits, allowing easy depth adjustments from the thumb wheel depth adjuster.
The dry fire lockout on this tool prevents it from firing on an empty magazine, and the contact trip lock-off function disallows accidental discharge of fasteners. It also has an integrated belt hook, tool-free jam clearing for more runtime, and an ergonomic design that lets it fit between a 400mm centre stud.
Finally, supplied with this device are two 5Ah Li-ion batteries, a reversible belt hook, a no-mark tip, a carrying case, and a charger.
Nailing Performance
| Nail Diameter | 2.8 – 3.3 mm |
| Magazine Angle | 30 – 34 degrees |
| Magazine Loading | Rare- load |
| Nail Length | 50 – 75 mm |
| Magazine Capacity | 55 nails |
| Firing Mode | Bump and Sequential |
Warranty
DeWALT offers a 1-year standard warranty on this product. But if the buyer registers the machine within four weeks of purchase, the guarantee extends to 3 years.
Product Specification
| Dimension | 340 x 125 x 338 mm (L x W x H) |
| Machine’s Weight | 4.1 kg |
| Power | 18 V, 5Ah Li-ion battery |
Pros
- Excellent firing ability
- Cost-saving gas-free operation
- Longer runtime with the extra supplied battery
- Built with superior-grade materials
Cons
- Expensive
2. Makita AN924 Framing Nailer
Unlike the DeWALT DCN692P2-GB, this fantastic nail gun utilizes the pneumatic operation. It easily sits on our list as the best pneumatic framing nailer in the UK.
Features
This nail comes with a 2-mode selector switch for conveniently choosing between its sequential or bump nailing options for either precision placement or more production speed.
In contrast to motor-powered tools, pneumatic devices use air pressure to create their driving force- the bigger the pressure, the more power it produces. This tool has a large capacity air chamber for increased power to drive big nails needed for framing operations. It maintains a lightweight construction with a heat-treated S7 steel driver blade and a solid aluminum top-loading magazine for durability.
As with top-quality nail guns, this one features a tool-less depth adjustment function for more accurate flush and countersink nailing. It also has a nail-lock-out mechanism that prevents firing when the magazine is empty to protect the tool and workpiece.
Available on this device are rubber bumpers that protect the tool and surface from damage, and sharp, pronounced spurs grip wood for controlled inclined nailing. Its ergonomic rubberized grip handles provide a firm grip, and the reversible hook lets it remain close.
Supplied with the toolare a hex wrench, air fitting, safety glasses, and pneumatic nailer oil.
Nailing Performance
| Nail Diameter | 2.9 – 3.76 mm |
| Magazine Angle | 21 degrees |
| Magazine Loading | Top-load |
| Nail Length | 50 – 90 mm |
| Magazine Capacity | 73 nails |
| Firing Mode | Bump and Sequential |
Warranty
Makita provides a 1-year standard guarantee on this device and an option for 3years extended warranty if registered online.
Product Specification
| Dimension | 558 x 121 x 349 mm (L x W x H) |
| Machine’s Weight | 3.8 kg |
| Power | 4.9 – 8.3 bar, Pneumatic. |
Pros
- Supports longer and wider nails
- Lightweight design
- Anti-dry fire mechanism
- Sturdy overall construction with long service life
Cons
- Fairly small magazine angle
- Pneumatic tool- regular maintenance and running cost
3. DeWALT DCN660N-XJ Framing Nailer
If you’re a DIYer looking for a framing nailer, this amazing nail gun is an excellent option to consider. It comes with a lightweight design, more-quiet operation, longer runtime, andsuited for small or finishing jobs.
Features
Like with both products above, this device comes with two firing modes- the sequential mode for precision placement and the bump operation mode for production speeds of up to four nails per second.
It has the lightest weight of the products on our top framing nail guns in the UK. Thus, it easy to use, suitable for DIY jobs and second fix applications, but robust enough for a worksite environment.
DCN660N features a brushless motor technology with optimized speeds and power for easily driving nails into hard and softwoods. The drive system and advanced battery technology both combine perfectly for long runtime and extended tool service life.
The product has the tool-free jam clearance option that reduces its downtime and protective pads to lay the tool down on its head safely. Its depth adjustment has a read gauge with high readability, and the device incorporates LED lights for error notifications.
The dry fire lockout function prevents firing at an empty magazineand a trigger and contact trip for locking-off the device to disallow an accidental discharge.
Nailing Performance
| Nail Diameter | 1.6 mm |
| Magazine Angle | 20 degrees |
| Magazine Loading | Rare-load |
| Nail Length | 32 – 63 mm |
| Magazine Capacity | 110 nails |
| Firing Mode | Bump and Sequential |
Warranty
This product has a 1-year standard warranty and an option for an extended 3-year warranty if registered within four weeks of purchase.
Product Specification
| Dimension | 310 x 95 x 305 mm (L x W x H) |
| Machine’s Weight | 2.3 kg |
| Power | 18 V, Li-ion battery |
Pros
- Perfect for finishing jobs
- Lightweight design
- Durable, long-lasting construction with an excellent warranty
Cons
- Bare tool
- Only suitable for light-scale jobs
Best Brad Nail Guns
1. Ryobi ONE+ R18N16G 16G AirStrike Nailer
Without any doubt, this awesome nail gun conveniently takes our #1 spot for the best battery-powered brad nailer in the UK.
Features
AirStrike 16G uses an 18V battery and high-quality motor for its driving system. Thus, eliminating the noise, maintenance, and running cost of pneumatic tools. The tool comes with two non-marking pads that, as the name implies, prevent work surfaces from tool marks.
It fires 16 gauge nails via two selectable firing modes- a full sequential mode for precision and a contact actuation mode for fast firing. It also comes with the Dry-fire Lockout function to disallow operation on an empty magazine.
Its tool-less jam release option lets you easily remove clear nails, and the tool-less depth of drive adjustment option protects work surfaces by allowing proper nailhead settings. There is a no-nail indicator on this tool to give operators a prior warning for reloading.
This tool comes with Ryobi Grip-Light technology- a function that engages the tool’s integrated twin LED lights when the handle is grasped. Being part of the ONE+ system, it is sold as a bare unit. But if you previously own an 18V power tool from this brand, its battery will work perfectly on this nailer, saving you extra cost.
Finally, the product has the new and improved GripZone overmould for comfortable handling, and it allows mounting of a belt hook to either of its sides for more convenience.
Nailing Performance
| Nail Size | 16G |
| Magazine Angle | 20 degrees |
| Magazine Loading | Rare-load |
| Nail Length | 18 – 64 mm |
| Magazine Capacity | 100 nails |
| Firing Mode | Bump and Sequential |
Warranty
Ryobi offers a 3-year limited warranty on this tool.
Product Specification
| Dimension | 366 x 110 x 330 mm (L x W x H) |
| Machine’s Weight | 2.9 kg |
| Power | 18 V, Li-ion battery |
Pros
- Superb overall nailing performance
- Top-quality construction with an excellent warranty
- Loaded with outstanding features for excellent user convenience and safety
Cons
- Bare tool
2. Makita AF506 18G Brad Nailer
This product is our best pneumatic brad nail gun in the UK.
Features
This pneumatic nail gun operates at 70 to 120 PSI, giving it more than enough power to drive 18gauge brad nails into hard or softwood. It comes with a narrow-nose design and power ideal for trim work, flooring, baseboard and crown molding installation, and other applications.
The tool features an aluminum body, cylinder, and magazine construction for strength, durability, and lightweight. It has a cast and machine nose for fast and easy nail extraction and a built-in air duster for convenient airflow to clear work surfaces.
Like with the Ryobi 16A Airstrike, this product comes with a non-marring rubber nose and bumpers to protect workpiece surfaces from scratches and damage. There is, likewise, a tool-less depth adjustment dial suitable for a wide range of finishing applications.
The device’s magazine is loaded from the side and can hold up to 100nails. Its dual-nail reload indicator alerts the operator on low-magazine to prevent blank firing. With its multi-directional exhaust port, the machine’s exhaust air directs away from users, and the integrated rubber over-moulded soft-grip design provides firm and comfortable handling.
Nailing Performance
| Nail Size | 18G |
| Magazine Angle | 90 degrees |
| Magazine Loading | Side-load |
| Nail Length | 15 – 50mm |
| Magazine Capacity | 100 nails |
| Firing Mode | Bump and Sequential |
Warranty
Makita provides a 1-year standard guarantee on this device and an option for 3years extended warranty if registered online.
Product Specification
| Dimension | 256 x 70 x 249 mm (L x W x H) |
| Machine’s Weight | 1.32 kg |
| Power | 70 – 120 PSI, Pneumatic. |
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Tough, sturdy, and durable construct with long service life
- Superb overall performance
Cons
- Nail shoots are relatively small for some jobs
3. Silverline 868544 50mm Air Brad Nailer
If you’re on a budget and looking for a top finish air nailer in the UK, this product may be your best bargain.
Features
This trustworthy nail gun comes with many standard features despite its low price. It uses less air pressure than the Makita AF506 but fires the same nail size with almost similar performance. The tool is ideal for second-fix jobs like laminate floors, panels, cabinets, trims, moulding, and more.
Silverline 868544 brad nail gun comes with lightweight construction- the lightest tool in this section- but thanks to its aluminum body construction (magazine, body, and cylinder),the durability isn’t compromised.
The tool features a safety trigger to prevent accidental firing and a non-marring rubber nose/bumpers for protecting the workpiece surface from scratches or damages. Its reversible belt hook keeps it close when in use, and the rubber handle finish allows for convenient but a firm hold of the device.
Supplied with the productis a bottle of air tool oil, two hex wrenches, and a 76mm quick connector. It has a straight load magazine angle and would hold up to 100nails.
Nailing Performance
| Nail Size | 18G |
| Magazine Angle | 90 degrees |
| Magazine Loading | Side-load |
| Nail Length | 10 – 50mm |
| Magazine Capacity | 100 nails |
| Firing Mode | Bump and Sequential |
Warranty
This product has a 3-year manufacturer guaranty.
Product Specification
| Dimension | 270 x 60 x 230 mm (L x W x H) |
| Machine’s Weight | 1.2kg |
| Power | 100 PSI, Pneumatic. |
Pros
- Supports smaller nails
- Very lightweight construct
- Affordable
Cons
- Not as powerful as pricier competitors
- Lacking in high-end features
Best Finishing Nail Guns
1. Paslode IM65 Finishing Nailer
Paslode IM65 combines gas power and lithium-ion batteries for delivering top-performing finish nailing operation. Hence, it takes the #1 position for the best finish nailer in the UK.
Features
This tool is a battery and gas-fuel cell-powered, motor-driven finish nail gun capable of firing up to 64mm straight brads at 10,000 shots per charge. It is ideal for tongue and proves paneling, stair rails, doorstop, dado rails, skirting boards, window casing, beading, architraves, cladding under the roof, and MDF fitting.
With its 30J impact force, the nailer can efficiently perform any of its intended purposes on both soft and hardwood. It also comes in an improved and balanced weight construction for fatigue-free work than its predecessors.
IM65 nail gun features a tool-less depth of drive adjustment for quick and easy applications on a wide range of tasks. It also has a quick-clear nose cover that lets you get easy access in any case of a jam. Being rear-loaded, it holds up to 2 strips of brads that allows for longer runtime before the need for a reload.
Its reversible belt hook lets you keep the device close by at all times, and the on/off battery lock position allows for better battery-power efficiency.
Lastly, the machine is supplied with a 2.1Ah Li-ion battery, charger, cleaning solution, short bad kits, safety glasses, charger, and high-impact carrying case.
Nailing Performance
| Nail Size | 18G |
| Magazine Angle | 90 degrees |
| Magazine Loading | Side-load |
| Nail Length | 16 – 63 mm |
| Magazine Capacity | 100 nails |
Warranty
This product has a 2-year manufacturer guaranty.
Product Specification
| Dimension | 301 x 90 x 288 mm (L x W x H) |
| Machine’s Weight | 2.1 kg |
| Power | 2.1 AH, 18V Battery or Gas Fuel Cell |
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Combines gas-drive with lithium-ion technology for improved performance
- Powerful and extended firing runtime
Cons
- Expensive
- Straight magazine angle makes reaching confined places difficult
2. Tacwise GDA64V 15G Finish Angled Air Nailer
Tacwise is an industrial leader and manufacturer of solely nailing equipment. Its precise attention to nail gun production, with innovation and advanced designs, allows us to quickly find the best air finish nailer in the UK from its range of available products.
Features
GDA64V operates between 70 to 120PSI of pressure and would deliver top-notched nailing performance with a small compressor. Being angled (having a slanted magazine), it can reach those confined places quite easily and wouldn’t need you to take unsafe working positions while working in those tight areas.
It incorporates a quick depth control system to countersink nails and for a wide range of other applications. The tool features a quick-release mechanism that allows clear jam easily and very quickly.
The nail gun features a non-marring nose and bumper design for protecting work surfaces from scratches and damages. It also has an adjustable exhaust system that allows you to direct the exhaust gas away from you; thus, guaranteeing safe working conditions.
With its firing section button, you can conveniently select between single shots and auto shots for either more control or speed the nailing process.
Finally, the product includes few standard accessories like air tool oil and a blow-mould carry case for easy mobility.
Nailing Performance
| Nail Size | 15G |
| Magazine type | Angled |
| Magazine Loading | Bottom-load |
| Nail Length | 38 – 64 mm |
| Magazine Capacity | 100 nails |
| Firing Mode | Single or Auto Shots |
Warranty
This product has a 3-year manufacturer guaranty.
Product Specification
| Dimension | 430 x 140 x 420 mm (L x W x H) |
| Machine’s Weight | 4.08 kg |
| Power | 70 – 120 PSI, Pneumatic. |
Pros
- Highly durable driver blade
- Adjustable exhaust port
- Rubber-grip design for better handling
- Angled magazine for easy reach in tight corners
Cons
- Bulky and heavy
- It does not come with safety glasses
3. Tacwise DFN50V 16G Finish Air Nailer
This nail gun is a cheap alternative to Paslode IM65 nailer, and it may be an excellent choice if you want good value at a bargain price.
Features
DFN50V comes with similar features as GDA64V, but it uses a bigger nail gauge and utilizes a straight magazine rather than an angled one. It is, however, suitable for carpentry or joiner operations on both new and renovation tasks.
With its Ultra-Quick release reloading system, you can conveniently clear jams or reload the magazine without hassle. It also has a quick depth adjustment system for more versatile applications.
The nailer also utilizes 70-120 PSI air pressure; thus, making it as powerful as pricier competitive models and requiring only a small compressor. The pump type is automatic, and the machine features two firing modes for single or auto shots.
Finally, the ergonomic rubber over-moulded handles on the tool ensure comfortable handling, and its drive blade is highly durable.
Nailing Performance
| Nail Size | 16G |
| Magazine Angle | 90 degrees |
| Magazine Loading | Side-load |
| Nail Length | 20 – 50mm |
| Magazine Capacity | 100 nails |
Warranty
This product has a 2-year manufacturer guaranty.
Product Specification
| Dimension | 385 x 120 x 345 mm (L x W x H) |
| Machine’s Weight | 2.9 kg |
| Power | 70 – 120 PSI, Pneumatic. |
Pros
- Lighter and more compact design
- Affordable
- Ultra quick release reloading system
- Highly durable driver blade
Cons
- Its straight magazine makes it unsuitable for reaching confined places
FAQ
What kind of nailer do I need?
The scale of the nailing task you intend to carry out will determine the nail gun-type best suited for you. Fortunately, the nailer-types are named by their intended application. Framing nail guns are best for framing operations with keen attention to the power needed to drive big nails. Brad nailers are suitable for driving brad nails, and finish nailers are ideal for finishing jobs.
What is the difference between Brad nailers and Finish Nailers?
Brad and Finish nailers may look very similar, but their intended purpose of use creates the discrepancy. Brad nail guns use thin 18G nails, come with less holding power, and ideal for attaching light trims without splitting; thus, making them an excellent choice for lightweight boards and moldings. In contrast, finish nailers use 16 and 15G nails, can withstand higher payload and are suited for finishing furniture, casings, or other carpentry work on heavy plywood, MDF, baseboards, and more.
Can I use a Finish Nailer for Framing?
While it is not ideal to use a toolfor other than its intended purpose, there is a possibility of using a finishing nailer for framing. When using thin and shorter nails for medium-scale framing tasks, you can use a finish nail gun rather than a framing one.
Pneumatic Vs. Battery-powered Nailers
Pneumatic nail guns utilize air from a blower for their operation. In comparison, battery-powered nailers use energy from the battery cells. Pneumatic nail guns provide greater intensity, but their convenience, mobility, start-up time, and maintenance needs are inferior to cordless, battery-powered nail guns.
Final Words
Certainly, you now have ample information on what nail gun type and mode of operation suits you best. We are also confident that you’ve found your ideal product from our best nail gun UK review. However, nailers, irrespective of their integrated safety features, pose a significant risk of accident and injury if not correctly used. We recommend that you read the safety instructions on the tool’s supplied manual before you start to use it.