After Firing Hundreds of Nails, Our Favorite Nail Gun for Fencing Outperformed All Others

You can use a framer with nails or screws and an impact driver to install your fence, or you can up your game by investing in a dedicated nailer. These power tools can drive in fasteners far quicker than any other tool and speed along your DIY fence installation. 

A good nail gun for fencing is powerful enough to drive in the longer ring-shanked nails that a fence installation requires while being durable enough to take on a large project. They are available in lightweight pneumatic models or cordless models that don’t require dragging along an air compressor. To find the best framing nailer for fence installation, we tested four top models. We found the Metabo pneumatic roundhead framing nailer, with its top-notch build quality and ability to bury longer nails, to be the best of the bunch. 

Read on to see how the Metabo and other framing nailers fared in our testing and to find out more about which factors to consider when shopping for the best nail guns for fencing. 

1. BEST OVERALL: Metabo HPT 3½-Inch Pneumatic Roundhead Framing Nailer
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: NuMax Pneumatic 21-Degree 3½-Inch Round Head Nailer
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3. BEST UPGRADE: DeWalt 20V MAX Brushless Cordless Framing Nailer Kit
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4. BEST COIL FRAMING NAILER: Bostitch N80CB-1 Coil Framing Nailer
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5. BEST CORDLESS: Milwaukee M18 FUEL 21-Degree Framing Nailer Kit
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6. BEST FOR SMALL PROJECTS: DeWalt 20V MAX Angled Finish Nailer Kit
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7. BEST COMBO KIT: Freeman Pneumatic Framing and Finishing Combo Kit
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8. ALSO CONSIDER: Ryobi ONE+ HP Brushless Cordless Framing Nailer Kit
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Nail Guns for Fencing Comparison Chart

Our Top Picks

The following are what we believe to be the best nail guns for fencing. Each provides solutions to a wide variety of fencing tasks.

Best Overall

Metabo HPT 3½-Inch Pneumatic Roundhead Framing Nailer

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What We Like

• Durable all-metal build quality 
• Easily switches from sequential to bump firing
• Excellent nail-driving power
• Lighter than most framing nailers

What We Don’t Like

• No dry-fire lockout
• Exhaust is not adjustable

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Specs 

• Power: Pneumatic
• Nail sizes: Full round, 2 to 3.5 inches
• Weight: 7.5 pounds

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.8/5; Performance 5/5; Ergonomics 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5 

With its superior build quality, performance, and ergonomics, the Metabo NR90ADS1 tops our list of the best framing nailers. Framing nailers tend to get knocked around quite a bit, whether in use building a fence or framing a house, so we liked that the Metabo NR90ADS1 is built to endure a beating, largely thanks to its metal housing and magazine. 

The NR90ADS1 is also lighter than average, weighing under 8 pounds, and it comes equipped with a rubberized grip. This made it easier to wield than some of the heavier nailers we tested, a key for fence projects that involve firing hundreds of nails over a period of many hours. 

We fired close to 100 full head ring shank nails with the NR90ADS1, and it sank nearly all of them even when operating it at a lower pressure of around 80 PSI. The only misfire occurred when we attempted to fire a nail through a knot. 

The NR90ADS1 also has some notable extras. Unlike other pneumatic nailers that require swapping out the trigger to bump fire, Metabo has a switch on the handle, so it’s easy to toggle between its two firing modes with the flick of a finger. The depth adjuster is also accessible from the trigger, so adjustments are possible on the fly. Unfortunately, the NR90ADS1 does not have an adjustable exhaust or a dry-fire lockout, so users need to pay attention to avoid a few blasts of air to the face or firing blanks. 

What our tester says: “This pick is built like a rock and yet is lighter than most framing nailers. Best of all, it buries nail heads so reliably that you can leave your hammer in your workshop. You’re not going to need it.” —Tony Carrick, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Metabo nail gun for fencing at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Walmart.

Best Bang for the Buck

NuMax Pneumatic 21-Degree 3½-Inch Round Head Nailer

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What We Like

• Equipped with a dry lockout
• Nail-driving power is comparable to pricier nailers
• User can adjust exhaust 360 degrees

What We Don’t Like

• About a pound heavier than other nailers
• Recoil can make it harder to control

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Specs 

• Power: Pneumatic
• Nail sizes: Full round, 2 to 3.5 inches
• Weight: 8.6 pounds

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.3/5; Performance 5/5; Ergonomics 3/5; Durability 4/5; Value 5/5 

The NuMax framing nailer may not have all the bells and whistles found in other models, but its low price makes it a great option for DIYers who may only use a framing nailer for one or two projects a year.

In terms of performance, it was on par with the other framing nailers we tested, consistently driving 3-inch nails through our stacked 2x4s at air pressure levels as low as 90 PSI. The NuMax also has some notable extra features, including a dry lockout that prevents firing blanks, an easy-to-access depth adjustment wheel, and tool-free jam clearing. Users can rotate the exhaust 360 degrees to keep air out of their faces when working from different angles, and there’s a no-mar tip for more delicate wood that users can remove for extra grip. 

There are some compromises with the NuMax. It’s noticeably heavier and produces more recoil than other framing nailers, which makes it harder to control. This could easily lead to more arm fatigue during larger projects like fence installation. Also, users have to go through the tedious process of trading out the trigger to switch between single-fire and bump mode on the fly. But for the price, it’s a great option to have as a spare or as a primary tool for occasional users.

Get the NuMax nail gun for fencing at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best Upgrade

DeWalt 20V MAX Brushless Cordless Framing Nailer Kit

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What We Like

• No startup delay after pulling trigger
• Excellent nail-sinking power 
• Easy-to-use depth adjuster 
• Switch for bump or single-nail firing

What We Don’t Like

• Weighs more than 10 pounds

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Specs 

• Power: Cordless
• Nail sizes: Clipped, 2 to 3.5 inches
• Weight: 10.2 pounds (including battery)

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.8/5; Performance 5/5; Ergonomics 3/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4.7/5 

Dragging around a hose and pancake air compressor for a large job like building a fence can slow down a job considerably and lead to user fatigue. To leave that train of gear behind, then consider DeWalt’s cordless framing gun. 

With its advanced flywheel technology, there’s no delay between pulling the trigger and firing the nail, a problem that plagued earlier cordless framing nailers. As for power, this battery-powered nail gun matched our pneumatic models, consistently burying the heads of 3-inch nails into our stacked 2x4s, even when shooting nails in rapid succession while in bump mode. There’s also a knob for quick depth adjustment and a switch that allows quick toggling between bump and single shot modes. 

As with any airless framing gun, the trade-off for freedom from the hose and compressor is added weight. The DeWalt framing nailer weighs more than 10 pounds when loaded with the included 5 amp-hour (Ah) battery. The overmolded grip makes it comfortable to wield, but users’ arms will still notice that added weight, especially over an entire fence install. The DeWalt’s magazine is also too short to hold two strips of nails, which means pausing more often to reload. An extended magazine is available for purchase separately.

What our tester says: “It performs about as well as any pneumatic nailer I’ve tested, and you don’t need to drag a compressor around your yard. That alone makes it worth its steeper price tag and added weight.” —Tony Carrick, Product Reviews tester and writer.

Get the DeWalt cordless nail gun for fencing at The Home Depot, Amazon, or Ace Hardware.

Best Coil Framing Nailer

Bostitch N80CB-1 Coil Framing Nailer

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What We Like

• Can hold up to 300 nails 
• Compatible with a broad range of nail sizes
• Great nail-driving power, even at low PSI

What We Don’t Like

• Heavy when fully loaded
• Must switch out trigger to change firing mode

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Specs 

• Power: Pneumatic
• Nail sizes: Clipped, 1.5 to 3.25 inches
• Weight: 8.6 pounds without nails

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 5/5; Ergonomics 3/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.3/5 

With their ability to hold far more nails than a standard framing nailer, coil nailers are ideal for big jobs like installing a fence, and this model from Bostich is one of the best. With its ability to hold up to 300 nails in its magazine, it can last far longer than most can before having to stop to reload. Switch it to bump mode and the Bostitch has a definite advantage for projects that require hundreds of nails, such as a fence install. 

The Bostich coil framing nailer is versatile, too, as it can take nails ranging from 1.5 to 3.25 inches long. 

Bostitch has made a name for itself in the nailer world, and this model demonstrates why that is. It powered nails into our test 2x4s with ease, even when we lowered the pressure on our pancake air compressor below 80 PSI. 

Built with a heavy-duty aluminum housing that can take a beating, this is a nail gun suited for professionals. Just be prepared for a workout. Once loaded with all those nails, the Bostitch exceeds 10 pounds, which is on par with a cordless framing nailer. And unlike other framing nailers we tested that come with pre-installed air hose plugs, the Bostitch does not, so users will need to install one before connecting it to an air hose. Switching to bump nailing also requires trading out the trigger (which is included). 

Get the Bostitch nail gun for fencing at Amazon or Ace Hardware.

More Great Options

We also recommend the nailers below based on our hands-on testing for other product guides, extensive research, and our own experience with this type of tool. 

Best Cordless

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 21-Degree Framing Nailer Kit

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What We Like

• Tremendous firepower in a cordless package
• Switches firing modes with push of a button
• Easy-to-control depth adjustment knob

What We Don’t Like

• Heavy overall weight

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Specs 

• Power: Battery
• Nail sizes: Full size and offset, 2 to 3.5 inches
• Weight: 11.6 pounds with battery

Milwaukee tools don’t come cheap, and this framing nailer is no exception. But those looking for a top-of-the-line nailer that untethers them from a hose and compressor should consider springing for this M18 cordless framing nailer. We had already tested this model for a different guide and were impressed with its sheer firepower. It has the muscle to embed the heads of 3.5 inch nails into wood with every shot. Unlike other cordless nailers that have a delay, the M18 framing nailer fires instantly at the pull of the trigger. Depth adjustments are simple via an easy-to-reach knob, as is the switch from sequential to bump-firing mode with the press of a button. Just be prepared for a workout with the Milwaukee framing nailer. Cordless nailers are, by their nature, heavier than pneumatic models, but this one tips the scales at 11 pounds with a battery. 

Get the Milwaukee nail gun for fencing at The Home Depot. 

Best for Small Projects

DeWalt 20V MAX Angled Finish Nailer Kit

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What We Like

• Lighter than cordless framing nailers
• Easy depth adjustment
• Switches quickly between firing modes

What We Don’t Like

• Only applicable for smaller garden fences

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Specs 

• Power: Battery
• Nail sizes: Finish nails, 1.25 to 2.5 inches
• Weight: 6 pounds with battery

While most fencing projects require the large nails that a framing nailer is capable of driving home, you can get away with using a finish nailer for smaller garden fences. We have tested this 16-gauge finish nailer in the past and were impressed with its performance. It has the firepower to bury nails up to 2.5 inches long. Plus, it’s loaded with features, including sequential- and bump firing, a tool-free jam release, and an easy-to-use depth adjuster. It’s easy to load, and it sinks nails below the surface of the wood reliably, so there’s no need to follow up with a hammer. And since it weighs just 6 pounds, it’s far easier to wield than a framing nailer. 

Get the DeWalt angled nail gun for fencing at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best Combo

Freeman Pneumatic Framing and Finishing Combo Kit

See It

What We Like

• Includes a nail gun for every fencing job
• Carryall included
• Outstanding value for the price

What We Don’t Like

• Occasional quality-control issues
• Framing nailer is heavy

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Specs 

• Power: Pneumatic
• Nail sizes: From 18-gauge staples to 3.5 inch full round
• Weight: Not listed

This nail gun combo from Freeman has a tool for every fencing task. There’s a stapler that can be used for lightweight plastic or wire mesh, a brad nailer, a finish nailer, and a framing nailer. The set also offers the versatility to tackle just about every nailing job around the home, from upholstery to stud work.

All of the nail guns boast quality features. They have tool-free jam clearing, depth adjustment, and 360-degree rotating exhausts. The framing nailer has sequential and bump modes, plus dry-fire lockout to prevent damage. An air supply of 2.5 CFM at 90 PSI is recommended for the framing nailer, which demands the most power of the set.

Generally speaking, Freeman nail guns are trouble-free. We have seen occasional fault reports, but nothing that appears frequently.

Get the Freeman nail gun for fencing at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Also Consider

Ryobi ONE+ HP Brushless Cordless Framing Nailer Kit

See It

What We Like

• Capable of driving 3.5 inch long nails
• Easy to change depth
• Toggle switch for firing modes

What We Don’t Like

• Heavy overall weight

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Specs 

• Power: Battery
• Nail sizes: Full head, 2 to 3.5 inches
• Weight: 9.1 pounds without battery

With a price tag that’s more affordable than other cordless framing nailers, this model from Ryobi is a good option for DIYers who may only need the services of a nailer for a few projects throughout the year. Similar to other top cordless nailers, Ryobi uses a technology that provides instant nailing power with a pull of the trigger. It can drive in nails up to 3.5 inches long, it comes equipped with tool-free depth adjustments, and it has a switch that allows a quick toggle between single sequential and bump firing. As with other cordless framing nailers, this one isn’t light, weighing more than 11 pounds with the battery. 

Get the Ryobi nail gun for fencing at The Home Depot. 

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Chose and Tested the Best Nail Guns for Fencing

We put the four nailers we tested through a series of tests to determine which ones were up to the task of fence building. First, we considered how easy it was to set up and load each nailer. We then used each model to fire about 100 3-inch and 2-inch nails to join pine 2x4s and pickets, using both single-fire and bump modes. We purposely chose ring shank nails, which are the recommended picket fencing nails for a nail gun, and which require more power to drive in. We evaluated how well the nailer fired nails into wood, noting any misfires or nails left standing proud. Ease of use was also an important part of our testing, so we considered the weight, balance, and ergonomics for each tool. We also evaluated how easy it was to switch between firing modes and adjust nail depth, awarding points for such features as dry lockout and tool-free jam clearing. 

For those nailers, we did no hands-on test. Instead, we leaned into our extensive experience with such tools, along with thorough research, comparing specs and user reviews to inform our selections. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Nail Gun for Fencing 

Assembling a fence is not a job for everyone, and those who’d rather hire a contractor should check out how to choose one of the best fence companies. But anyone preparing for the task should consider these details when shopping for the best nail gun for fencing.

Nail Gun Type

Four basic types of nailers are used for fencing: brad nailers, finish nailers, framing nailers, and coil nailers.

Brad nailers are the smallest and most manageable type. Although some folks believe they lack the fixing strength for fencing, we disagree—depending on the material being used. It’s true that the 18-gauge (or 18GA) brads they fire are very slender (0.0475-inch), but at up to 2 inches long, they provide an efficient fixing for lightweight, decorative fencing panels and trellises. (Check out this comprehensive article on great brad nailer options.)

Next up in size, the finish nailer fires nails up to 3.5 inches long that are also thicker than brads at 14 or 16 gauge. Otherwise, there is little difference between the two tools.

Framing nailers are a big step up. As an alternative to a hammer and nails, they are capable of firing round head nails up to 3.5 inches long used in heavy-duty perimeter fencing.

Coil nailers are often the choice of professionals because their magazines can hold from 200 to 300 nails at a time. However, these are among the most expensive nail guns for fencing.

Wood Type and Fence Size 

The type of wood fencing chosen will influence the best nail gun to do the job. A lot of inexpensive fencing is made from softwoods such as fir, pine, or spruce, which are relatively easy to nail. A brad or finish nailer could be sufficient for attaching softwood trellises or panels to softwood posts. The latter are often pressure-injected with preservatives to last longer.

Cedar, while technically a softwood, is much harder than pine and requires considerably greater force to nail. Hardwoods present the same challenge. Standard pickets are 0.625 inches thick, though they can be thicker. To nail these harder materials successfully, a framing or coil nailer is recommended.

Power

Most nailers are either cordless or pneumatic (powered by compressed air). Cheap brad nailers may be corded, this type of electric nail gun isn’t common. There are also nailers that use small fuel cells (gas cartridges). These were popular with professionals before the introduction of cordless tools, but these days, they’re relatively rare.

Either 18-volt or 20-volt (V) batteries power cordless tools, and cordless mobility allows the user to work just about anywhere without worrying about the compressor, hose, or electrical supply. The battery makes this portable nail gun very maneuverable but also often makes them heavier than pneumatic tools. Limited runtime can also be an issue when using powerful framing or coil nailers. Cordless models tend to be considerably more expensive than their pneumatic counterparts.

However, while pneumatic nail guns might be cheaper and lighter, they require an air compressor to operate. These devices can easily run from $200 to $300, and users must consider the inconvenience of connecting a rigid hose and toting the compressor during the task. The compressor must be plugged into an electrical outlet or a generator, which means more equipment to move.

With pneumatic nail guns, it’s vital to check the air supply required. This is usually given in standard cubic feet per minute (CFM), with an air pressure rating in pounds per square inch (PSI). Trying to economize on compressor performance is a mistake because insufficient air flow means the nail gun will not operate properly.

Pneumatic nail guns for fencing are often the professional’s choice thanks to their virtually limitless power. For DIY users with relatively small amounts of fencing to erect, a battery-powered nail gun is often the best choice. For the keen DIYer or home auto mechanic, however, a compressor can be a worthwhile investment because it can also power drills, drivers, sanders, and other tools.

Firing Mechanism

Most basic brad nailers fire a nail when the trigger is pulled. They generate relatively little power, so accidental firings seldom cause injury (still, never point a nail gun at anyone).

More powerful nailers frequently have a safety tip that must be in contact with the material and compressed before the trigger can be pulled and the nail fired. This is called sequential firing.

Pro-grade nail guns may also offer what is called bump firing. With no trigger to be squeezed, a nail is fired each time the tip “bumps” into the material. Bump firing can theoretically drive several nails per second, though in reality the speed is limited by how fast the user can move the gun. Control can also be challenging when bump firing, and it takes practice to achieve consistent accuracy.

Additional Features 

Other things to keep in mind when considering the purchase and use of a nail gun include the following:

• Check the minimum and maximum length of nails the gun can fire. The wider the range, the more versatility the nail gun has for other tasks.
• All nail guns jam from time to time, often because of small faults in mass-produced nails. A gun with tool-free jam clearing makes getting back to work quicker and easier.
• Depth adjustment is usually provided to compensate for the hardness of material being nailed. Again, this should be tool-free.
• Pneumatic nail guns have an exhaust to expel surplus air. This should be moveable so that it doesn’t blow air toward the user’s face.
• Some nail guns have a shield around the tip so that spent waste (the small piece of plastic or metal that holds the nails together in strips) is not ejected toward the user.
• A storage case or bag for the nail gun is nice, though not many models include them.

FAQs

Now that you have ample information for buying and using a nail gun for fencing, we thought it’d be helpful to answer some common queries about fence construction.

Q. Which nail gun should be used for fence pickets?

Framing nailers work well for fence pickets. Coil nailers are popular with professionals due to their greater nail capacity, but they tend to be much more expensive.

Q. How long should fence nails be?

The length of fence nails depends on the type of fencing. While brads can be as short as 0.375 inches, a range of 1 to 1.5 inches provides good hold in lightweight constructions. Round-head nails being driven through boards into sturdy posts can be from 2 to 4 inches, depending on board thickness. Longer nails maximize grip, but be careful that they don’t go all the way through and leave a sharp point on the other side.

Q. Is it better to screw or nail a fence?

Screws technically provide stronger fixing, but nails are faster and usually the preferred option. Ring-shanked nails provide additional grip.

Q. Do fence posts go on the inside or outside?

Generally speaking, fence posts go on the inside so that the “best” side faces out. However, if access for nailing is difficult, it may be necessary to place posts on the outside.

Q. How many nails should be in each fence board?

You should use two nails to secure the picket at each rail contact point. So, if there are two rails, you’ll use four nails to connect each picket to the rail. 

Meet the Tester

Tony Carrick is a freelance writer specializing in home improvement, landscaping, technology, home security, and design. His articles have been featured on such sites as Popular Mechanics, Futurism, SFGate, Pro Tools Review, and more. Tony has conducted rigorous product testing on everything from power tools to home security systems to backyard grills. With each review, his goal is to help readers determine whether a product meets their needs and if it is or isn’t worth its price tag.

Additional research provided by Bob Beacham.

 

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