Electric Nail Gun: Pros and Cons

You’re trying to decide between a pneumatic and electric nail gun for those spring and summer projects you’ve been making plans for. The problem is, you can’t decide. This article will attempt to help you decide between the two types of nail guns available by listing the pros and cons of owning an electric nail gun.

Pros

Both types of guns have a number of good things that can be said about them. Below you will find a list of positive reasons for owning an electric nail gun.

• Lighter weight than pneumatic - This means you’ll be able to work longer with much less fatigue than with an air operated nail gun.
• Cordless capability - If you buy a cordless electric nail, you won’t have a cord or a hose to drag around behind you, creating a tripping hazard in an already hazardous workspace.
• Quieter operation - This is especially important in a residential area. There is no need for a loud air compressor to power an electric nail gun. The operation of an electric nail gun is also much quieter than a pneumatic nail gun.
• Lower cost - Corded electric nail guns will cost on average of 25% less than a comparably powered pneumatic nail gun. Cordless nail guns, while actually more expensive than pneumatic, won’t need an expensive compressor, which will also mean cost savings.
• No need for messy oils - Pneumatic tools must be oiled every so often in order to prevent rusting and to lubricate the internal mechanisms. Electric nail guns don’t.

This by no means a complete list of all the positive reason for buying an electric nail gun, but does give a good idea of why they are sometimes preferable to a pneumatic gun.

Cons

As with the positive reasons, there are also a number of reasons to not buy an electric nail gun instead of a pneumatic version. Some of these are listed below.

• Power supply - If you’re doing an in-depth remodeling project, you may have to turn power off in the area you’re working in. This will mean that you’ll need a number of power cords to keep your nailer powered up. With a pneumatic nailer, you can plug your compressor in where there is power and run the hose to your work area.
• Lacking in power - Most corded nailers and all cordless nailers have less impact power than a pneumatic nail gun. This means you may have to go back around with a hammer to fully drive your nails.
• More susceptible to damage - Pneumatic nailers are of a heavier duty construction to withstand the increased driving force they operate with. Because of this, they are less susceptible to debilitating damage if(when) dropped.
• Battery working life - If you decide on a cordless nailer, you’ll have to swap out batteries every so often. In order to keep working, this means you’ll need at least 3 batteries.
• Battery overall lifespan - Cordless nailers require a great deal of electrical power for proper operation. This means you’ll be swapping the batteries out well before they are actually completely dead, which decreases useful life.

Considering a pneumatic nail gun? Compare brands, types and prices with our Air Tools Buyer's Guide.