Types of Nail Guns
Nail guns, also called nailers, are power tools designed to drive nails into materials such as wood, metal, and concrete. They have largely replaced hammers in wood-frame construction due to their speed and efficiency.
Common Types of Nail Guns Used in Construction:
- Pneumatic Nail Guns: Powered by compressed air.
- Powder-Actuated Nail Guns: Use explosive cartridges to drive nails.
- Electrical Nail Guns: Powered by electricity or batteries.
Key Facts:
- Nail guns are powerful, easy to use, and significantly increase productivity on construction sites.
- They are responsible for an estimated 37,000 emergency room visits each year—68% involve workers and 32% involve consumers.
- Most common injuries: Struck-by-flying-object incidents, typically puncture wounds to hands and fingers.
- Nail guns can fire nails at speeds of up to 1,400 feet per second, capable of penetrating stressed concrete up to 0.4 inches (10 cm).
- Many nail gun injuries go unreported or do not receive proper medical treatment, highlighting the importance of proper training and safety practices.