And they are intended for use on quick and high-powered wood projects, unlike other smaller and less powerful nailers that are more ideal for precision work.

Framing nailers are the heaviest duty nailers when you compare them to the many other types and they will save you a lot of time and energy.

These nailers will be handy for everything from building a house to making a chicken coop or doghouse. But, you still need to choose the best framing nailer from the many brands and models out there.

Our detailed guide below highlights some of the vital things you need to know about these powerful nailers, and also provides detailed reviews 10 of the best-rated framing nailers.

You can also read other nail gun reviews such as flooring nailer, finish nailer, brad nailer, roofing nailer, pin nailer, siding nailer, palm nailer. If you search for top-notch framing nailers, here are some reviews that I recommend you to read like Hitachi framing nailer, Bostitch framing nailer, Bostitch F21PL, Paslode 902600, Hitachi NR83A3, Bostitch F28WW, Porter Cable FR350B, DeWalt DCN692M1. 

10 Best Framing Nailer - Reviews

Your choice of framing nailer will have an immense effect on your woodworking projects. And to help you make the right choice, we compare 10 best-rated framing nailers using factors like power source, magazine angle, and weight.

#1. NuMax SFR2190 Framing Nailer

NuMax SFR2190 is the cheapest item on our framing nailer reviews but it still performs as good as many others that cost double the price or even more.

It is a pneumatic framing nailer with a 21-degree magazine and it comes with a dual mode trigger that makes it possible to select single or sequential firing which can be very convenient.

The framing nailer allows for depth adjustment to ensure that you can choose how far you want to drive your nails depending on the project or the material.

The NuMax SFR2190 also has a 360-degree adjustable exhaust to help keep air away from the user's face and to blow away debris, and an anti-dry fire mechanism to prevent internal tool damage.

Other things like the no-mar tip that protects the surface from scratches and ergonomic grip also help to make this a great framing nailer.

#2. Hitachi NR90AES1 Plastic Collated Framing Nailer

#3. Bostitch F21PL Round Head Framing Nailer

The two quick-change nosepieces that you get when you buy the Bostitch F21PL are some of the many things that make this a special framing nailer. These nosepieces make it possible to use the tool both for framing and metal applications.

It is also a well-built framing nailer with a lightweight and highly durable magnesium body. And it uses a 21-degree magazine with a capacity of 60 nails.

This framing nailer has a dual mode trigger that allows you to choose whether to use sequential or bump firing, and a simple push-button depth adjustment

Also, it will come with an adjustable hook to make it possible to hang it on rafters or joists when not in use, and it is backed by a 7-year manufacturer warranty.

#4. Freeman PFR2190 Full-Head Framing Nailer

#5. Hitachi NV90AGS Coil Framing Nailer

#6. Paslode 905600 Cordless XP Framing Nailer

Despite the Paslode 905600 being a battery-powered framing nailer, it is still the lightest framing nailer on our list. And so you can be sure of easy control and minimal hand fatigue when using it.

However, it is also the priciest on our list and has the smallest nail capacity which means it will require more frequent reloading.

This framing nailer also has a rubber grip handle to make it even more comfortable to operate. But, the significantly longer battery life is what many users will love as it will shoot up to an impressive 9,000 nails per charge.

Also, it only takes about 1-1/2 hours to charge but there is also a fast 2-minute charging when you do not intend to fire more than 200 nails. And this reduces downtimes significantly to help cement its places as one of the best cordless framing nailers out there.

The lithium-ion battery, charger, wrenches and carrying case are all included in the package to make this framing nailer ready for immediate use.

#7. Bostitch F28WW Framing Nailer

The easy to use Bostitch F28WW is a very useful power tool when it comes to siding, decking and general framing projects.

It is a 28-degree magazine nailer that is easy to control and maneuver and with a relatively higher nail capacity as it will accommodate up to 100 nails.

With the dual mode trigger, you also get to choose whether to use sequential or bump firing and the push button adjustable depth guide means you get to choose how far to drive the nails.

The lightweight and highly durable magnesium body will also make this a great tool. And because the manufacturers are sure that it will last, they will provide a 7-year limited warranty.

#8. Paslode PF350S Clipped Head Framing Nailer

For the woodworkers and carpenters that prefer to use the full head nails for their projects, the Paslode PF350S will be a great buy.

The framing nailer features a tough and more rugged construction to ensure that it can withstand regular use and the occasional falls or bumps into things. And it is also fitted with an equally durable driver blade.

Paslode PF350S uses a switchable trigger that makes it quick and easy to move between sequential and bump firing depending on the project requirements.

Also, it has a dry fire lockout mechanism to prevent firing when the magazine is empty and comfortable rubber grip to minimize hand fatigue.

#9. Hitachi NR1890DR Cordless Brushless Framing Nailer

If you want to get the efficiency of a pneumatic framing nailer without having to deal with hoses and air compressors, the Hitachi NR1890DR is what you need to buy.

It uses a unique air spring drive system that performs as good as a pneumatic model with no ramp-up time and faster nailing which helps to make this one of the best battery framing nailers.

The more efficient brushless motor provides longer run times for every charge while also requiring less maintenance and ensuring a longer tool life.

Hitachi NR1890DR allows for fast and tool-less depth-of-drive adjustment to make it ideal for various applications. And it also has a selective actuation trigger that makes it possible to switch between bump and sequential fire mode,

The dry fire lockout mechanism is also a great feature as it will ensure the framing nailer does not fire any nails when the magazine is almost empty which provides added safety.

#10. Porter-Cable FR350B Full Round Framing Nailer

Although the Porter-Cable FR350B looks rather basic, it is still well-built and with many fantastic features that help to make it one of the best pneumatic framing nailers out there.

The 22-degree angled magazine nailer weighs just 7.3 pounds which makes it one of the lightest items on our list, and it has a nail capacity of 60 which is not very low.

This pneumatic framing nailer has a selectable trigger to make it possible to switch between sequential and bump firing. And it also has a low nail lockout mechanism to enhance safety.

The tool-free depth of drive adjustment helps with proper setting of the nail heads and also makes this nailer ideal for various projects and for use on different materials.

Also, it has an overmolded grip that makes it comfortable to hold and will also improve control. And there is reversible rafter hook for hanging the tool when not in use.

Types of Framing Nailer

Because they do not have a battery, they are generally lighter than the cordless types, and will also not require regular recharging which often leads to more downtimes.

Pneumatic framing nailers are great for daily use and for heavy-duty projects like house building.

However, they can be quite inconvenient to use because you have to drag the compressor around, and there is also a hose to deal with. Also, the need for a compressor means higher operating costs and maintenance.

The cordless framing nailers offer the convenience of being able to use them almost anywhere provided the batteries have charge. And you will never have to drag weighty air compressors around or worry about getting tripped by a hose.

Since you will not need an air compressor, there is no additional cost to incur when using the cordless framing nailers, and they generally require less maintenance.

However, the presence of the battery makes them relatively heavier and also leads to more and longer downtimes as you have to recharge it often

Buying Advice: If you are looking for something more powerful for daily use or for heavy-duty and large-scale projects, the pneumatic framing nailer is the best choice.

The cordless framing nailers, on the other hand, are a more appropriate buy for those that want something portable for use in different work sites. And also those that hate having to drag an air compressor around or deal with a hose.

How to Buy the Best Framing Nailers

Coil Magazine

Coil-style magazine framing nailers have a larger nail capacity than the stick-style nailer. These nailers use nails that are joined with wires and arranged in flexible strings that then form a coil.

The shape of these magazines means that the framing nailers are able to fit into tighter spaces than those that use stick-style magazines. But, coil-style magazine nailers are generally more expensive.

Buying Tip: If you are going to be working on projects that require you to shoot hundreds of nails, a coil-style framing nailer is your best choice. But, if you will be using fewer (less than 40) nails per project, the more affordable stick-style magazine framing nailers are a good buy.

#2. Clipped Head vs. Round Head Framing Nailers

The debate on whether to go for a framing nailer that uses the clipped head or round head nails is not going away anytime soon. But, understanding the pros and cons of both will help make your choice more informed.

Clipped Head

The clipped head nailers or what many carpenter and woodworker fondly refer to as the D head nailers use nails with a D-shaped head which is a result of clipping off half of the male head.

This shape allows for more nails to be packed in the magazine which translates into fewer downtimes as you will not have to stop to reload as often as you would with the round head framing nailers.

Also, these nailers will generally have a smaller and lightweight magazine which can be a significant advantage for many woodworkers. And this is because it makes the tool easier to handle for long periods and improves maneuverability.

The clipped head nailers are also more cost-efficient because they hold more nails but the shape also makes them more prone to jamming. Building codes in many countries and jurisdictions also do not approve them for use in construction projects.

Round Head

Round head framing nailers are those that use nails with a full head and they are the more common type of the two.

The full head is what makes many woodworkers assume that they are more secure and provide greater holding power. But, this is not necessarily true because there is no proof that a full head provides more hold power than a clipped one

Building codes in many jurisdictions require you to use full head nails for construction as the design is considered generally safer. Also, the round head nailers provide for faster nailing and are less prone to jamming.

But, the magazines hold fewer nails because the full head means they cannot sit flush with each other. These nailers are also relatively more expensive but their popularity means that you will have a larger product selection to pick from.

Buying Advice: The choice between round and clipped head nailers should depend on the building code in your jurisdiction and preferences. But, many woodworkers seem to prefer the round head for construction while the clipped head is a good choice for other projects that require one to shoot many nails at a go.

#3. Magazine Angle

The angle of the magazine on your framing nailer will not only affect the maneuverability but also determines the nails that you can use.

When it comes to the magazine angle, the most common framing nailer options are 21, 28, 30 and 34-degree nailers.

The kind of project that you intend to use the framing nailer for and your personal preferences should guide you when it comes to choosing the most appropriate magazine degree.

#4. Weight and Comfort

Because most of the times you will need to hold the framing nailer for extended periods, the weight is important. And the lighter the nailer the better it will be as it causes minimal hand fatigue.

A lightweight framing nailer is also more comfortable to operate. But, also watch out for the size and type of grip as it also affects the comfort.

Here you should go for something ergonomic that is soft and rubberized as it will feel good on the hand, and will be much easier to maneuver.

#5. Depth Adjustment

Different framing projects will require different nail drive depths, and so a good framing nailer is one that allows for depth adjustment.

This feature is particularly important if you work with woods with varying thicknesses a lot. Besides being able to adjust the depth, the process should also be fast and easy, and without requiring you to use any special tools.

#6. Protective Guards

Safety should always be a key concern when using any power tool, and the framing nailer is not an exception.

One of the key safety features to look out for is whether the nailer comes with protective guards or not. Protective guards are important because they help to shield both the tool and the user from debris.

Conclusion

The best framing nailer for you whether you are a professional contractor or a hobbyist is one that will allow you to accomplish your woodworking projects fast and in a safe and easy manner.

A good framing nailer should also not cost a fortune. But, even with all this in mind, you still need to take into account the vital factors discussed above such as the magazine type and angle, depth adjustment and the type of nails that the nailer will shoot.

And with our detailed top 10 best framing nailer reviews for recommendations, it should not take a lot of time or effort to find the perfect framing nailer model and brand for you.