Best Nail Gun for Plywood Sheathing in 2024 : Top 5 Picks

Plywood sheathing is a messy, time-consuming job that can be very difficult without a proper nail gun for DIYers. A nail gun specifically made for sheathing plywood will save you time and effort while also making the process more precise. 

The best nail gun for plywood sheathing should be lightweight with adjustable depth settings to get your sheathing done without damaging the plywood. Plus they got an ergonomic design so you can work comfortably without getting tired or injured.

In this article, we will discuss nail guns that can be used in plywood sheathing, their in-depth features, buying tips, and general FAQs.

Our Top 5 Picks of Nailer for Plywood Sheathing

The best nail gun for plywood sheathing comes in all shapes and sizes. They all have individual advantages as well as limitations like all power tools, but the main fact you need to know is the capability of the nailer to finish your job. 

We have chosen our products based on our product research so that you don’t need to browse through all the products on the market.

1. Metabo Nail Gun for Plywood

Truss build-up and housing construction are two sectors of the industry that rely on strong framing nails for fastening their projects together without compromising on quality or durability. That’s where you will find the Metabo NR90AES1 framing nailer as the best choice for everyday use nailer for plywood. 

This Metabo nailer for plywood is a fantastic choice for ensuring that your projects are finished strong and on time. Constructed with lightweight housing and a plastic head, this gas-powered framing nailer has the weight of 7.5 lbs but all the power you need to get the job done.

These framing nailers have a magazine capacity to hold 64 nails at once that will be driven into the wood effortlessly and without jamming or misfiring.

In addition, this framing nailer features Metabo HPT’s next-generation industrial design so that it can stand up to the wear and tear of everyday use.

Manufactured by Metabo, this NR90AES1 framing nailer is designed to provide power, accuracy, and flawless performance for your everyday construction needs.

This framing nailer features a rugged design as well as sequential and contact nailing capabilities. In addition, this Metabo NR90AES1 has a depth adjustment feature for countersinking or flush driving into a variety of materials like thick or thin plywood.

Moreover, the NR90AES1 accepts plastic collated 2-inch up to 3-1/2-inch nails with diameters ranging from 0.113 to 0.148. As it is a pneumatic nailer, all you have to do is set it up with an air compressor with 70-120 psi and it is good to go.

If you are worried about the maintenance work then all you have to do is remove the head guard for easy disassembly of the nailer.

All in all, The Metabo NR90AES1 framing nailer is a tough, low-maintenance appliance that can be used for a variety of projects around the house to improve durability and efficiency.

Highlighted Features:

• Lightweight and easy to use with tool-free jam clearing.
• Operating pressure of 70-120 psi with 0.09 scfm air consumption.
• Accepts plastic collated 2-inches up to 3-1/2 inch nails.
• It has a magazine capacity to hold 64 nails at once.
• Rugged design with depth adjustment capability for countersinking.

2. Freeman PCN65 Nail Gun for Exterior Plywood and Siding

The freeman PCN65 nailer for plywood sheathing is the perfect device if you’re looking to do hard-working projects that require 15-degree coil nails.

The lightweight, durable construction of this framing nailer is made with magnesium, and the ergonomic grip handle provides comfort during long days on the project site. The belt hook allows you to keep your hands free and your project moving.

Nails can be loaded from the side of the magazine of these framing nailers with a capacity of  400 nails, and the transparent bucket allows you to easily see how many nails are left.

Nailer for exterior plywood and siding comes with a magazine that can hold plastic collated nails from 1-1/4†to 2-1/2†and wire collated nails from 1-3/4†to 2-1/2â€.  

The bump firing trigger of the cladding nailer drives nails accurately. The precision depth adjustment feature allows you to customize the firing depth for different types of projects.

No-mar safety tip obstructs firing without the nose being in contact with an exterior work surface and the tip saves from scratches and minor damages. Also, the nose contains a magnet to hold the coil nails for firing in the intended places.

It comes with 1/4″ NPT fixtures right out of the box and the nailer requires an operating force of 70-110 psi. NPT also features an anti-dust cap to make sure that the internal parts are free from dust and debris.

The adjustable exhaust of 360 degrees directs air from your face so that your breathing is protected from the dusty construction site.

The nailer has all these features that makes it the best nailer for various projects like building fences, installing concrete cladding, plywood works, etc.

Highlighted Features:

• Durable construction made of magnesium for durability and comfort.
• Ergonomic grip handles for comfort on the job site.
• It can hold 400 nails, and shows their number on its transparent side.
• The bump firing trigger of the cladding nailer drives nails accurately.
• No-mar safety tip saves from scratches and minor damages.

3. PORTER-CABLE 18 Gauge Nail Gun Plywood

Porter-cable 20v max is perfect for hassle-free nailing work because it features no hose or air compressor which you have to drag around.

User friendly features of this 18 gauge nailer plywood include tool-free settings for increased productivity and user safety while maintaining battery power level.

Porter-Cable Brad Nailer Kit comes complete with a belt hook to secure the instrument until duty is finished without having to fiddle or fuss with it constantly. 

The nailer allows you to nail plywood panels in sequential firing mode and the jam release mechanism of this brad nailer is tool free for hassle free removal of nail jams.

Firing power is ensured by the unique motor design of this battery powered nailer that works in all weather conditions and different types of materials.

The lightweight rubberized grip combined with an optimal center of gravity reduces user fatigue in multiple positions.

Two status LED lights indicate fueling status as well as whether there are any problems during insertion which adds additional convenience when it comes to user safety.

Adjustment wheel is tool free in this cordless nailer which ensures depth settings according to the demand of work. The magazine capacity of the nailer is 100 pcs and the side loading design offers easy and quick access when in use.

It comes equipped with a 20V charger and a battery of 4.0 Ah to make it easy to go into action as soon as you need.

All in all, Porter-Cable 18V cordless brad nailer is great for both newbies and experts with its ergonomic design, easy to use features of the product.

Highlighted Features:

• Unique motor design of this nailer ensures power in any weather.
• Rubberized grip reduces user fatigue in multiple positions.
• Status LEDs show the battery status and any device errors.
• The cordless nailer has a tool free adjustment wheel for easy depth settings.
• The nailer has a 100-piece magazine and a side-loading design.

4. BOSTITCH 651S5 Plywood Stapler

Are you looking for a nailer to install plywood sheathing? Then the Bostitch 651S5 stapler is perfect for you. The maker boasts of Stanley’s professional grade, and compact design which makes this unit very versatile. 

This plywood stapler drives 16 gauge 7/16th inch crown staples from 1-inch all the way up 2-inches with its lightweight punches 10+ nails per second.

At only 4.2 pounds this makes installation quick and easy on any lengthy project or high vertical application such as roof decking, wood shingles, etc. The siding nailer adapter helps to make the proper material installation.

The nose flip open makes clearing jams quick and easy. It perfectly seats wood shingles as well as plywood panels with its adjustable depth of drive and contoured grip for comfort.

The adjustable rafter hook offers easy storage and transport. A contoured grip for comfort is very nice for the long days of work ahead. Selectable trigger allows easy conversion from contact to sequential firing.

It features a magazine capacity of 160 nails and the angle of the magazine is straight by design and the operating pressure of this nailer is 70-120 psi.

The 651S5 is perfect for you if you are looking for a professional-grade nailer to install plywood covering. The nailer works well for lathing, roofing nail, and many others.

Highlighted Features:

• Easily drives 16 gauge 7/16th inch crown staples up to 2 inches.
• This is 4.2 pounds, so it’s perfect for longer projects or high vertical uses.
• The vinyl cladding adapter helps to make the proper cladding installation.
• Its nose flip design makes clearing jams quick and easy.
• Its adjustable depth of drive allows for correct staple seating every time.

5. BOSTITCH F21PL Nail Gun for Plywood

Bostitch F21PL round head nailer is a versatile instrument that can be used for mounting, sheathing, and more. The nailer is perfect for use as a construction project nailer. It drives nail heads from 1-1/2″ up to 2-1/2″ in length. 

As two nailers in one, this nailer for plywood includes two quick-change nosepieces, so it can be converted between frame or metal connectors easily.

There is 1050 in/lb driving power built into the Bostitch F21PL, as well as an adjustable depth guide that can be adjusted via a push button on the handle.

Additionally, the patented push-button adjustable depth of drive makes setting nails of this round head nailer at desired depths quick and convenient. You can do it all without having to use a tape measure. 

Despite its lightweight construction, the magnesium-built housing weighs only 8.1 pounds and provides a comfortable experience. It also works great as a roofing nailer.

The F21PL framing nailer also offers an adjustable rafter hook for convenience, along with a 16-in layout indicator for achieving correct distances between studs and rafters quickly and conveniently.

The framing nailer features a bottom loading magazine with a capacity of 60 nails which can be plastic collated or metal connector type and the 21-degree magazine angle fires nail in sequential mode with contact trigger incorporated.

This nailer is pneumatic in nature and the operating pressure varies between 80 and 120 pounds per square inch.

The framing nailer is widely used for plywood decking, cladding, metal connectors, trusses, bridging wood to masonry, and exterior decks.

Highlighted Features:

• As it drives nails from 1-1/2″ to 2-1/2″, it is perfect for the construction site.
• The nailer provides 1050 in/lbs of driving power.
• Adjustable depth drive enables you to set nails at desired depths. 
• Lightweight magnesium construction makes this housing only 8.1 lbs.
• These framing nailers feature magazines with a capacity of 60 nails.

Factors to Consider:

There are various nailers on the market and you may have a hard time choosing among all sorts of nailers. Additionally, not all of them will serve your purposes. Below are some of the factors to pick up the best nailer which will suit your purposes. 

Types of Nailer:

When buying a nailer for plywood cladding, the first question you should be asking yourself is if it is a nailer or a stapler. A staple driver drives staples into the surface of the wood and will need to be hammered to fully go into the plywood.

A nailer shoots small nails through the surface and can be used as a pinning device for securing other materials, such as roof sheathing panels in place, and will not need to be hammered in.

Dimensions:

One of the main factors to consider while purchasing a nail gun for plywood siding, for instance, would be dimensions as well as portability. 

The weight would be determined by how often you would use the device and also how far you were carrying it at any particular time. 

If you will be using it for hours at a stretch, then purchase one with ergonomics which is lightweight.

Power:

Pneumatic or air powered nailers are the most powerful types of nail guns. They have the capacity to drive nails in with ease and are capable of taking on heavy-duty jobs with ease.

When you buy framing nail guns, you are heavily investing in the productivity of your machine. Lightweight framing nail guns like cordless nail guns is a huge time saver, as it reduces stress from your body. This will allow you to shoot more nails in less time, which is definitely a great value.

Environment:

It is vital to take environmental factors into account while buying nail guns. The best option is to go for gas nail guns if you are working in an outside environment as it can be used without worrying about the power.

Comparatively, if you need to do indoor work, cordless battery powered nail guns are the better option.

Safety Features:

When buying a device, you must always think about the safety features of the required product you are looking for. The nail gun you use must be equipped with safety features that will prevent shooting nails at unintended items. 

You must also ensure that the rubber part of different nailers does not directly contact the plywood sheeting. This ensures that your project is done without much hassle.

Price:

When buying nailers for plywood sheathing, you must consider your price range as it can be as low as 140$ to as much as 500$. Pneumatic nail guns can be pricey, but they are also effective in heavy-duty nailer work. You have to find the perfect balance between quality and price to get the most out of your nailers.  

Additional Tips:

1. You may want to purchase a model with an adjustable depth setting so you can easily fix it flush to the desired surface. Nails can cause the plywood to come apart, so the adjustable length can keep it in place.
2. Cordless models that use high voltage batteries provide greater mobility and convenience while increasing productivity. These models can also provide easier access to confined places.
3. Shorter nails like 2-1/2 inches size nails are usually sufficient for sheathing thin plywood. The plywood boards come in various thicknesses, but you can mostly complete your project within a nail length of 3-1/2 inches.

FAQ:

What Kind of Nail Gun Do I Need for Sheathing?

A framing nailer should be your first choice as it has a shorter nose with light-duty steel springs which can handle typical trim work, frame work or construction projects.

Can I Use a Finish Nailer for Sheathing?

Yes, you can comfortably use a finish nailer for plywood sheathing works. One of the good things about finishing nailers is that they are lightweight and easy to use.

What Type of Nail Gun Do I Need for Plywood?

It is recommended to use a heavy duty nailer as a framing nailer for sheathing plywood. This is because the fastener will take all the load off of the nailer and framing nailers can accommodate long nails.

What Size Nails Should You Use for Plywood?

You will want to use round head nails that are 2½” long. It is prudent to adjust the nail length based on the plywood’s thickness.  

Conclusion:

The best nail guns for plywood sheathing can be used on a surface made of plywood or similar materials. 

When working with fabricated materials such as this, you will need to invest in tools with longer needles and varying depth settings. You should also invest in a nail gun that has a mechanism that allows the nails to be fired more easily.

We hope you have found our article helpful and we wish you good luck in your woodworking projects.