Plywood is a versatile material used for house construction, DIY projects, furniture making, etc. Nowadays, you will hardly find a home where plywood is not being used anywhere. To work with plywood, you will need the right size of nails to combine plywood together. Also, you will need a nail gun.
If you have a nail gun that is best for plywood sheathing, working on a plywood sheathing project will be much easier.
We will guide you to get the right nail gun according to your demand through this article.
Which Type of Nail Gun Is Better for Plywood?
You can use either a framing nailer or a brad nailer for plywoods depending on the plywood thickness. For heavy-duty work and thicker plywood, you will need a framing nailer. 15- or 16-gauge framing nailers are the most suitable ones for the job. Apart from this, you can use a framing nailer for installing Hardie siding as well.
If you want to see the best cordless framing nailers in 2022, check this article.
On the other hand, if the plywood is on the thinner side, you can use a brad nailer. They will be good enough for thinner plywood.
Top 3 Plywood Sheathing Nail Gun Comparison Table
Last update on 2023-02-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Reviews of 6 Best Nail Gun for Plywood Sheathing Project
As mentioned earlier, choosing the right finishing nailer is the key to completing a plywood project perfectly. So, let’s check out the top 6 nail guns that we think are the best for plywood.
1. Metabo HPT NR1890DRS Kit
The first nail gun we will be discussing is a widely popular one. One reason for that the nailer is from the former brand Hitachi. This is now from the brand called Metabo HPT. This nailer has immense power to push nails into plywood effortlessly.
- INCLUDED: NR1890DRS, Compact 3. 0Ah Lithium Ion Battery, Fast Charger,...
- CORDLESS FREEDOM: Pneumatic power with 18 volt cordless freedom
- FASTENERS: Accepts round head 21 degree plastic strip collated nails from 2...
Last update on 2023-03-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Metabo plywood nailer has a brushless motor capable of providing strength for heavy-duty work like installing plywood. Moreover, the tool is battery-operated, which makes it portable and easy to carry. It contains a 3 Ah lithium-ion battery. Additionally, the 21-degree angled magazine holder gives more room for reaching into tight spaces.
You can easily insert 2 inches to 3.5-inches nails using this nail. These longer nails are capable of holding thicker lumbers. Moreover, it can take up to 400 nails, making it very convenient for longer tasks.
Pros
- Sturdy build quality
- Suitable for heavier works
- Lithium-ion battery operated, cordless and portable
- Excellent maneuverability with a 21-degree angle
- It can load up to 400 nails at once
- It has depth-adjustor
Cons
- Unjamming can be hard when jammed
2. Freeman Pneumatic Framing Nailer (PFR2190)
Another great framing nailer that is good for plywoods is from Freeman. It is their pneumatic 21-degree nail gun. This angled nail gun also provides quite some space while working on a difficult-to-reach area similar to the previous one. All features combined make this ideal for plywood.
- Construction Applications: Designed for framing, subfloors, roof decking,...
- Compatible Nails: 21 degree plastic collated full round head framing nails...
- Built to Last: One piece hardened steel drive blade, and anodized aluminum...
Last update on 2023-03-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
In terms of build quality, this nailer is perfect. The body of the nail gun is magnesium-made, lightweight yet sturdy. It has an ergonomic design and is convenient to operate. You will get an interchangeable trigger with the help you can choose between bump shoot or sequential shoot.
Above that, the tip of the nailer is a no-mar tip which ensures that no damage is caused on the lumber while shooting nails.
For inserting nails on plywood, this roofing nail gun is perfect as it can fasten nails having a length between 2 to 3.5 inches. This is the standard length that provides the most strength. Being a pneumatic nailer, it is compelling, and it creates air pressure that is good enough to pierce through thick plywoods.
Pros
- Ergonomic design, lightweight yet durable
- The 21-degree round head
- Dual option for shooting
- No-mar tip
- It has a depth adjustment feature
Cons
- Oiling and maintenance are needed
- It does not allow toenailing
3. CRAFTSMAN Finish Nailer (CMPBN18K)
It can be a good option if you want a brad nailer or a finish nailer to set up plywood. This finish nailer is from the brand Craftsman. It is an impressive 18-gauge nailer that is suitable for vinyl siding, installing baseboards, trims, etc. This is a versatile tool that can be used in different wooden projects.
- MAINTENANCE FREE: The pneumatic nailer has oil-free motor for...
- EASY JAM CLEARING: Tool-free jam release mechanism for easy jam clear
- PROPER NAIL ADJUSTMENT: Tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment for proper...
Last update on 2023-02-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Generally, pneumatic nailers require some level of maintenance, but that is not the case for this pneumatic nail gun. Its oil-free motor does not require much-taking care of or frequent oiling. Above that, it has a tool-free jam release mechanism which makes it easy to work with.
Note:
You will need a compressed air supply to run this roofing nailer gun. If you don’t have an air compressor in your home to run this nailer, see our recommended air compressors for nail guns.
You might not be able to use nailer solely to install a thicker roof on plywood. However, it will provide additional strength for plywood. This finish nailer is also fantastic to work with thinner plywoods. It can shoot nails that are 5/8 to 2 inches long. Also, the magazine holder of the nail gun is straight is a design that might restrict reaching to tight areas. Otherwise, this nailer is incredibly powerful and works amazingly in plywoods.
Pros
- A good brad nailer for plywoods
- Sturdy and durable material
- It does not require oiling
- jam releasing feature is fantastic
- It has a depth adjustment, no-mar tip
Cons
- A bit heavy
- It can be hard to reach corners
4. Freeman Pneumatic Coil Siding Nailer (PCN65)
This nail gun from Freeman is built for heavy-duty work like cement siding, decking, and whatnot. Inserting nails on plywood sheathing is a piece of cake for this power tool. Above that, being a siding nailer, you do not have to worry about frequently reloading, especially while doing more extensive projects. It can hold up to 400 nails at once.
- Construction Applications: Designed for siding, cedar shingles, roof and...
- Compatible Nails: 15 degree plastic collated coil siding nails from 1-1/4"...
- Built to Last: One piece hardened steel drive blade and anodized aluminum...
Last update on 2023-02-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a pneumatic tool that can have 15-degree angled coil nails. You can use both plastic collated nails or wire collated nails.
The appropriate nail length for this tool is between 1-1/4 to 2.5 inches for plastic collated nails, and 1-3/4 to 2.5 inches for wire collated nails. You can get optimal efficiency from this nail gun.
The body is magnesium-made, and it has an ergonomic design. The nail bucket is transparent, making it easy to observe the nails and aesthetically pleasing. Some other features of this nail gun are the depth adjuster and the no-mar tips. These two features ensure you insert pins the way you want without damaging the plywood.
Pros
- Sturdy body and ergonomic design
- Both plastic and wire collated nails are suitable
- No-mar tip and depth adjuster included
- Can hold up to 400 pins at once
- It has a trigger lock and adjustable exhaust
Cons
- There can be malfunction using with air-compressor during winter
- More for homeowners, not professionals
5. BOSTITCH (F21PL) Round Head Nail Gun for Plywood Sheathing
Bostitch is a notable name when it comes to power tools. No wonder one of their nailers will be on the list of nailers for plywood sheathing. This is their round head framing nailer.
- Two nailers in one: includes two quick change nosepieces to convert tool to...
- Patented push button adjustable depth guide of the framing nailer gun sets...
- Lightweight magnesium design for durability
Last update on 2023-02-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A great thing about this nailer is that it is a dual-purpose nail gun. The shooting tip can be interchanged between a framing nailer or a metal connector. That means once you are done using it as a framing nailer for your plywood, you can also use it as a metal connector applicator.
This magnesium-made framing nail gun is lightweight yet durable and convenient to use. The magazine holder is angled at 21-degrees, and it makes it easy to reach difficult spots. It can have plastic collated nails of length between 1.5 inches to 2.5 inches.
Additional features of this power tool include depth adjustment, dual shooting options in the trigger, and a rafter hook.
Pros
- A powerful tool from a well-reputed brand
- Pneumatic nail gun with incredible strength
- Magnesium-made
- Dual nosepieces for dual purpose
- The trigger includes two shooting options
- It has a raft hook
Cons
- It might jam often
- Little bit heavy
6. DEWALT MAX Framing Nailer Kit (DCN692M1)
Another famous brand when it comes to affordable power tools is Dewalt. Dewalt has some of the best power tools, including this framing nailer kit on our list. This one is a 30-degree angled cordless framing nailer. The kit comes with a battery charger, carrying bag, and obviously the nail gun itself.
- DEWALT cordless framing nailer has dual-speed motor optimized to drive a...
- Framing nailer gun has tool-free selector switch for sequential or...
- Tool-free depth adjustment for precise nail placement
Last update on 2023-03-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The nail gun is powerful and easy to use. Having a design with a 30-degree angle and being cordless, the nailer provides ultimate maneuverability and portability. This dual-speed motor nail gun offers two options for shooting. One is bump shooting, and the other is sequential shooting. You can choose one among these two without the help of any other tool, but only using the trigger.
For nails, you can choose paper collated nails in length between 2 inches to 3.5 inches. Also, it has a depth adjustment feature.
This framing nailer is incredible for plywoods, especially for difficult-to-reach spaces. Moreover, it is suitable for more extended projects where there is more possibility of jamming. The nailer has a tool-free unjamming feature that comes in very handy for more significant projects.
Moreover, the firing tip contains safety mechanisms to prevent any unwanted shooting of nails.
Pros
- Good build quality
- Cordless and portable
- 30-degree angle lets reach on the corners
- It has a depth adjustment and dual shoot mode
- The trigger lock system is included
- It comes with a raft hook and case
Cons
- Little bit heavy
Ideal Nail Size for Plywood
Ideally, the most suitable length for most plywoods is 2 inches or more. 2 inches to 3.5 inches nails can hold the material and provide strength. As plywoods tend to be thicker, longer nails are required.
If shorter nails are used on thicker plywoods, they might not be efficient and powerful enough to hold the structure in place.
On the other hand, nails lengthening less than 2 inches can also be used if the plywood is thinner. 1.5 inches to 2 inches long nails are suitable for thinner plywoods.
Recommended Reading: Best Nails for Fencing
Can I Use Finish Nailer for Plywood Sheathing?
Framing nail guns are preferable for plywood projects. However, in some cases, finish nailer or brad nailers can be used too. A finish nailer might not be as strong and efficient as a framing nailer, but it can do the job to some extent, that is, if you are using thicker plywood. On the contrary, if you use thinner plywood, you can easily work with a finish nail gun.
What Is Better to Use Between Nails and Screws in Plywood?
Among nails and screws, it is better to use screws in plywood. Screws are more suitable for plywood because of their structure, and they are also removable. With nails, there is a possibility of plywood splitting, which can result in quite some damage. Above that, there is a chance of the pins bending, which is equally disastrous. These occurrences do not happen if you use screws in plywoods.
Nonetheless, there are projects where nails are required over wood screws. It is not like nails are not unusable in plywoods; they are just less compatible compared to screws. Therefore, based on your requirement, you can use either screws or common nails.
Final Words
Inserting nails on plywood sheathing is tough without a good nail gun. Also, it is a vital step in home construction, and you don’t want to mess that up. Therefore, it is better to choose a suitable nail gun for the task beforehand and practice for a while before starting nailing.
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