Let us get right into the facts! Sheathing plywood is not an easy task at all. Even though the task might seem simple, you will struggle a lot while attaching the layer of plywood to the roof.
We even faced a lot of difficulties while trying to carry out a project such as that when we used regular nailers for the job.
Well, after finding out about the best nail gun for plywood sheathing, the projects we carried out afterward felt just like dragging a hot knife into butter. Attaching the sheets is now a piece of cake. But choosing one of those nailers was not easy. However, it will be easier for you as you came to the right place!
10 Best Nail Gun for Plywood Sheathing
After we heard about these nailers, we did tons of research. And we even tested out plenty of different models as well. From all that, we concluded that these ten models do offer not only a good value but also higher performance than the others:
1. WORKPRO 6-in-1 Manual
One misconception that revolves around tools is — if it is manual, it will not be that easy to operate. If your thinking is like that, this product from WORKPRO will surely prove you wrong.
So what makes this one easy to use? Well, there will be no need to adjust anything once you load it up with different types of nails or staples. It will adjust automatically. There is a patented mechanism, which will lower the occurrence of jams.
It also adopts a highly functional handle lock design. The handle is retractable, which will enable you to save some space while storing it. And activating the lock is pretty easy too.
You will also find a unique dual power lever. That will make it easier to sheath plywoods of different thicknesses.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
Even though it is manual, it is pretty easy to operate. Also, it has a patented mechanism to lower the chances of a jam occurring.
2. YEAHOME 4-in-1
After getting the best nail gun for plywood sheathing, you have to get yourself some nails or staples to start working. However, if you get this package from YEAHOME, there will be no need to worry about that.
Unlike some of the other brands, YEAHOME includes 4000 staples and nails of different types with the tool. You can basically get into working with the plywood after unpacking it.
On that note, the tool itself is pretty sturdy. The construction is of high-quality steel. It can handle tough loads without struggling one bit. And there is a chrome finish that will make it rust-proof.
There will be no need to drop a single drop of sweat while using it because it has an over-molded grip. That will make the handle comfortable to hold on to and make the tool easy to operate. It even has a power adjustment mechanism.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
The fact that it includes 4000 staples and nails in the box makes it totally worthy. Also, the unit is pretty durable and is easy to operate.
3. PORTER-CABLE PCC790LA
We have looked at two of the manual nailers for plywood sheathing. Let us now move into something that is not manual, shall we?
On the topic of capability, the motor that this unit packs can offer consistent firing power. And the power will not degrade even if the condition of the environment worsens.
As the tool is cordless, there will be no need to worry about dealing with any hose, compressor, and costly gases. It even has multiple adjustable settings. And the good part is that all of them are tool-free.
The overall weight of the unit is pretty low as well. It even has the center of gravity at the right place. Both of them are going to do a proper job in making the operational process easier.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
This is a cordless unit that packs a good amount of power. There are plenty of adjustable settings that are tool-free. Also, it is lightweight.
4. NEU MASTER NTC0060
Versatile tools are going to be your best friend when it comes to handling tasks like sheathing plywood. And a good pick of a tool such as that would be this one.
This corded nailer can handle both staples and brad nails. Also, as it is corded, it is going to use a motor, which means it will not need any compressor and hose. That will make handling it easier.
Talking of which, the motor is pretty efficient. It holds the ability to shoot 30 shots in one minute. The handle also has an over-molding. For that reason, it will be highly comfortable to grip it.
It even has a selectable power knob. That will allow you to lower and increase the firing power. Also, the magazine has a viewable window, letting you know how many nails or staples are left inside while working with it.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
This tool from Neu Master is reasonably versatile. Also, as it packs a highly efficient motor, you would be able to finish off the sheathing tasks quickly.
5. BOSTITCH N66C
Having total control over the operation will let you get a flawless finish on the sheathing tasks. And this tool is going to offer you exactly that!
The thing that makes it offer the maximum amount of control is the adjustable depth guide. It will let you select different firing depths easily. Also, as the unit is pretty light in weight, it will be possible to control it pretty easily.
Even though it is lightweight, it is not one bit behind in terms of durability. The aluminum body would be capable of handling tough sheathing tasks. Also, there is a soft rubber foot, which will ensure that it leaves no marks on the workspace.
It even has an exhaust that is adjustable. That will make sure that all of the contaminants and dust particles go away from you. Basically, you can get flawless results by using this for plywood sheathing tasks.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
Like always, the manufacturer BOSTITCH did not disappoint us with this product. It offers a higher amount of control and is pretty light in weight as well.
6. NuMax S2-118G2
Want to opt for something that is lightweight and highly durable at the same time? Look no further because NuMax has got exactly that for you!
The overall construction of this one is of aluminum. This material is light in weight and highly durable at the same time. Also, it has an anti-vibration grip, which will let you control it pretty easily.
On that note, the handle is pretty comfortable to hold onto. You can work on sheathing the plywoods for a long amount of time. And, there is a tool-free adjustable knob for controlling the firing depths.
It is also highly versatile. The tool can handle both 18 gauge brads and crown staples. And you will also be able to adjust the pressure from 60 PSI to 110 PSI.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
It is exceptionally light in weight and is highly durable simultaneously. Also, it offers proper control and is reasonably versatile.
7. Metabo NR90AES1
The brand Metabo has been around for a long time. And the time they have been around in the industry, all they offered is highly reliable tools. This one is a prime example of that.
First, there is a selective actuation knob. That will let you change between two different firing modes. And thanks to the tool-free depth adjustment control, it will be possible to drive different nails flush to the plywood while sheathing.
Talking of which, it accepts 2 inches to 3-1/2 inches collated nails. The tool is pretty light in weight as well. It weighs just 7.5 pounds and has a well-balanced design to offer the highest amount of comfort.
Even the handle has a proper coating on the surface. That coating will make it easier to securely grip the handle. So, you will get total control over the applications.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
The fact that it has an actuation knob and can handle different-sized nails makes it worthy of purchase. It even has a well-balanced design.
8. NEU MASTER NTC0023
Looking for a cordless nailer but worried that you might have to charge it pretty frequently? Well, in that case, have a look at what Neu Master is offering here.
This cordless unit comes with a high-capacity battery. With a full charge, it can shot up to 1100 nails. That means there will be no need to worry about running out of juice while sheathing plywoods.
It even integrates spiral-drive technology. That will make each of the shots powerful. You can get the nails flush and properly countersink. Also, as it is cordless, it will be easier to handle it around.
The tool is reasonably versatile as well. It can handle brad nails and staplers at the same time. Also, the non-marring tip on the front will do a proper job of offering you a flawless finish.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
It is a cordless unit that utilizes a high-capacity battery. Also, thanks to the spiral-drive technology, it can offer powerful shots.
9. DEWALT DCN692B
When it comes to reliability, there are few brands such as DEWALT. And to know how reliable their products can be, go through this review.
The thing that makes it so reliable is the motor it packs. It has a dual-speed motor, which is optimized to drive a broad range of different types of fasteners. Also, it has a dry fire locking system that will prevent the tool from dry firing.
Even the magazine of this one has a high capacity. It can hold up to 55 collated nails. And it can drive nails that are up to 3-1/2 inches long. Also, the jam releasing mechanism is pretty easy to work with.
It has a depth adjustment knob as well. And it is tool-free. That means there will be no need to work with a small tool just to adjust the depth. It can also offer a good amount of precision.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
This offering from DEWALT is highly reliable. It can also handle different types of fasteners, and there is a tool-free depth adjustment knob.
10. Freeman PFBC940
On the hunt for a powerful and versatile nailer? Well, today might be your lucky day because we have that exact thing for you here!
First of all, it has a lightweight body. The die-cast aluminum body keeps the weight low. But it is not flimsy at all. It holds the ability to handle higher loads and go through heavy-duty workloads without any issues.
It even has an ergonomic handle. That handle is pretty comfortable to hold onto. And as it has a rubber grip on the exterior, you can get a secure grip as well. Also, there is a tool-free jam releasing mechanism.
The unit is highly versatile too. It can work both as a nailer and a stapler. Thanks to the depth adjustment mechanism, you can gain a higher amount of accuracy as well. It can offer a relatively higher firing power too.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
The tool is versatile and highly powerful too. It has an ergonomic handle and has tool-free jam releasing system.
What to Look for Before Buying?
Before you make a purchase decision, there are a couple of things that should be in your mind. And by keeping them in your mind, the chances of getting something that is worthy of the money will be high. So, without further ado, let us describe them.
Power
When it comes to power, it will vary from one to another. For the cordless and the corded ones, you need to consider the motor. If the motor is not that powerful, it will not be able to provide that much firing power.
For the pneumatic ones, check the pressure range. The higher the maximum pressure, the more powerful the nailer is going to be.
Adjustable Knob for Power
Having higher power is a great thing. However, if you can not control it, the high power will not be an advantage. It will be hard for you to work with some of the plywoods. For that reason, check whether there is any knob for adjusting the power or not.
On that note, for the pneumatic ones, look for pressure adjusters. Those are basically the alternative of power adjusting knobs that are on the cordless and corded ones.
Jam Releasing Mechanism
Jams are sure to occur for nailers. However, with a proper jam releasing mechanism, it will be easier to handle them. So, we would highly recommend getting the units that have jam releasing mechanisms that are easy to work with. Also, do consider whether the mechanism is tool-free or not.
Depth Adjustment Mechanism
The depth adjustment mechanism offers extra control over each of the fires alongside the power knob. By adjusting it, you can precisely drive nails into the plywood. And as a result, it becomes possible to get flawless results afterward.
Non-Marring Tip
It is pretty important to check whether the tip has non-marring rubber on it or not. Without this, the nose might leave marks on the plywood. And you would not want scratch marks, dents, and dings on the plywood, would you? So, get the nailers that have non-marring tips on the nose.
Weight
Another important thing that you need to consider is weight. Nailers are generally held by hands. And handling anything heavy is not always easy, especially when you require a higher amount of accuracy. Because of that, our recommendation would be to stick with the models that are light in weight.
Handle
The last thing that you need to consider is the handle. Make sure that it has an ergonomic shape and has a rubber coating on the surface. Without them, it will be impossible to comfortably hold the handle and work with the tool for a long time. Also, you will not get proper control over the nailer.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of nails do you use for sheathing?
Builders are generally going to use 8d nails that are approximately 2-1/2 inches long. And we would recommend using the same nails as well. But do make sure that the nails are 6 inches apart and not more than that. Also, they should be 3/8 inches from the panel edges and ends.
2. Can I use a finish nailer for plywood?
For the thicker plywood pieces and adhering the MDF pieces together, you can use a finish nailer. The finish nails are strong enough to hold all of the pieces together. Also, most of the finish nailers are strong enough to drive nails properly through the plywood pieces.
3. Can I use a framing nailer for sheathing?
Yes, you can use framing nailers for sheathing. But do make sure that the nails you are using are long enough to properly hold the pieces together, or else they might come apart when the weather takes a turn.
4. What kind of nails do you use for plywood?
The most common nails to use for sheathing plywood are the 8d nails. They have proper holding power and can keep the sheets of plywood together.
5. Which side of OSB goes down?
Look for “this side down” on the OSB. Even though it states that that side should go down, but it should basically go up. Instead, the other side should go down.
Final Words
If you really want to make the process of sheathing the plywoods down easier, you should not look for anything other than the best nail gun for plywood sheathing. And we can safely assure you that each of the models we reviewed is nothing but that. So pick one without worrying too much.
