Want to be highly efficient? Worried that you might not be able to install the shiplap properly and get the looks that you were actually shooting for? Well, we had the same issues when we wanted to start out the project. And trust us; it was pretty hard to carry one of these projects out without using the right tool
By the right tool, we are referring to the best nail gun for shiplap here. After getting one of these, we gained both the speed and efficiency to work with the shiplap easily. Also, it enabled us to get the looks that we were actually hoping to get. And we are going to make it easier for you to choose one.
10 Best Nail Gun for Shiplap
Though there are plenty of nailers available in the market, not all of the models will make the task of handling the shiplap easier. However, through thorough testing, we managed to find out the ones that actually do make it easier. And they are as follows:
1. WEN 61721
The brand WEN has been offering quality nailers for a long amount of time. And this model that we are going to have a look at is a perfect example of how good their offerings actually are.
To start with, it holds the ability to work with the 18 gauge brads that are from 3/8 inches to 2 inches. Also, thanks to the variable pressure changing mechanism, you can work with different lengths of nails pretty easily. The pressure range is from 60 PSI to 115 PSI.
This nailer also utilizes a ¼ inches NPT air fitting. Because of that fitting, there will be less chance of the air getting leaked. Clearing out the jammed nails will be an easy task as well, thanks to the nose latch it has.
Other than that, the magazine can hold up to 106 nails. That amount of capacity is not really that common. Also, it has a depth adjustment wheel, which will further increase the accuracy of the tool.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
It can work with different 18 gauge brads. Also, it utilizes an NPT air fitting, which means there will be a lower chance of air getting leaked.
2. DEWALT DWFP12231
When it comes to the best nail gun for shiplap, expecting it to be highly reliable is a pretty natural thing. And this one from DEWALT has lived up to that expectation.
The brand has opted for a good-quality motor. It does not require any maintenance at all. So, it will not be necessary to go through any hassles to keep the motor running at an optimal state. Also, the motor has a longer service life. That means it will last for an extended amount of time.
It even has a depth-of-adjustment knob. And the knob has detents for different nail heads. Because of that, the tool is capable of offering a higher amount of accuracy. Also, it is tool-free, which means you can easily adjust it while working with the shiplap.
Besides that, there is a rear exhaust that will keep the contaminants and dust particles away from the user. Also, it has a quick and easy-to-work-with jam releasing mechanism. With that, clearing out the jams will be a breeze.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
This one utilizes a highly reliable motor and can offer a higher amount of accuracy. So, we think it is 100 percent worthy of purchase.
3. BOSTITCH BTFP12233
It is not that easy to place the nails exactly where they need to be. However, with this tool from BOSTITCH, that task will become a piece of cake. Do not believe us? Have a read of the review!
The thing that makes it stand out the most is the Smart Point technology. This technology will make it easier to precisely place the nail. It even has a smaller nose, eliminating the need to compress the contact trip just to get accurate placement.
This tool holds the ability to handle 18 gauge brads from 5/8 inches to 2-1/8 inches nails. Also, it does not require any oil for the operation. That means there will be no need to worry about having oil stains on the surface of the projects.
Other than that, it has a tool-free jam releasing mechanism. For that reason, it will be easier to remove the jammed nails. It even has a dial-a-depth control to allow you to precisely control the depth. And the trigger has a variable trigger mode. You can switch between two firing modes.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
The unit features Smart Point technology. It can offer the maximum amount of precision and has an oil-free operational mode.
4. NEU MASTER NTC0040
Being able to adjust the power of the nailer will enable you to gain further control over the operation. But not all of the nailers offer that. However, the case is not the same for this one from Neu Master.
Like we mentioned, it has an adjustable power dial. With that, you can lower and increase the firing power. And by adjusting it accordingly, it will be possible to properly flush the nails on the shiplap. It is pretty versatile as well. The tool can handle both brad nails and staples.
Besides being versatile, it has a non-marring tip on the nose. That tip will allow you to get a flawless finish. And you will not have to worry about having scratches, dings, and dents on the surface. It even comes with 800 brad nails and 200 staples.
The tool also has an ergonomic handle. That will increase the overall comfort and allow you to work with it for hours without facing any discomfort. And, thanks to the soft rubber coating, it will be possible to get a secure grip on the handle.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
It offers a good amount of control over the total operation. Also, it has an ergonomic handle that will promote a secure and comfortable gripping experience.
5. NEU MASTER N6013
Another product from NEU MASTER that you need to check out is this one. It has something that most of the other brands do not include in their offerings.
So, what makes it different? The safety mechanisms would be the right answer to that! It has a couple of them. And those are going to ensure that the whole operation goes smooth. There will be a lower amount of unintentional firing as well.
This unit also has an adjustable power knob. It will be easier to lower and increase the firing power using that. And thanks to the quick releasing mechanism of the magazine, taking it out and reloading it will not be a hassle at all. Basically, it is pretty easy to use.
Other than that, it is exceptionally versatile too. It can handle the 18 gauge brad nails that are from ½ inches to 5/8 inches and T50 or TRA700 staples that range from 5/16 inches to 5/8 inches. And the handle has an ergonomic shape as well.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
The fact that it has plenty of different safety mechanisms and is pretty easy to use makes it worthy of purchase, according to us.
6. CRAFTSMAN CMCN618C1
Looking for a cordless nailer that can shoot adhesive collated nails? Well, you can stop your search right here because CRAFTSMAN has got the right thing for you!
Unlike some of the other nailers, this one is capable of working with the 18 gauge adhesive collated nails. Using those, the shiplap is going to stay secure to the wall, and you will not have to worry about them coming off. Also, it will not require any hose, compressor, or expensive gas as it is cordless.
The nailer also utilizes a highly capable motor. It can offer a consistent firing power in all climate conditions. Even when the battery level is low, you will get the same amount of firing power. So, it will be easier to maintain consistency on the project.
You will be highly efficient with the nailer as well. It has a tool-free jam releasing mechanism that is pretty easy to use. Also, there are different stall settings that are tool-free too. And, it is light in weight and has a center of gravity in the right place of the handle.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
It has the ability to work with adhesive collated nails. Also, it has a tool-free jam releasing mechanism and is pretty light in weight.
7. NuMax SFL618
Having an ergonomic shape is pretty important for nailers. Well, NuMax knew that exactly well, and it shows in this product that they are offering.
First of all, the handle of the unit has an ergonomic shape. It will promote a comfortable holding experience and will let you work for a long amount of time without facing any fatigue. The handle even has a soft rubber grip on the surface. That grip will make sure that you can get a secure grip on it.
It is exceptionally versatile as well. The tool can drive T-cleats, staples, and L-cleats. And, you can switch between one and the other quickly. Also, thanks to the replaceable base plate, worrying about buying a new tool when the original plate gets damaged will not be necessary.
Other than that, it is pretty light in weight. For having such a trait, it will be easier to move it and carry it around. However, it is not one bit behind in terms of durability. The aluminum body holds the ability to go through tough workloads without showing any issues.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
The unit comes with an ergonomic handle that is pretty comfortable to hold onto. Also, it is reasonably versatile, lightweight, and durable.
8. NEU MASTER NTC0060
While there are plenty of models out there, there are not that many that are versatile and efficient at the same time. Well, if you were looking for one, keep this one on your consideration list.
To begin with, it is reasonably versatile. It holds the ability to work both like a stapler and a nailer. Also, it is easy to use. Thanks to the over-molded grip, it will be easier to comfortably grip the handle. The handle even has an ergonomic shape, which will increase the comfort even further.
Talking of which, the efficiency of the unit is off the charts. It uses a highly capable motor that can shoot up to 30 shots in a minute. That means it will not take that much amount of time to finish off the shiplap attaching tasks. Also, it is light in weight. So, carrying and moving it around will be an easy task.
Other than that, there is a selectable power mechanism. With that, you can lower or increase the firing power. And it will make it possible to properly drive the nails into the shiplap.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
This is a versatile nailer that boasts a highly efficient motor. Also, it is light in weight and has an ergonomic handle. So, it is totally worthy of purchase.
9. Metabo NT50AE2
Having proper control over the firing mode can let you get a flawless finish on the shiplap. And that is what you are actually going to get if you opt for this unit that is from Metabo.
When it comes to controlling, it offers the maximum amount! There is a depth of drive dial that will let you precisely control the depth of each of the fires. Also, it has an adjustable exhaust. That will make sure that the working area is free of contaminants and dust particles.
This tool has a selectable trigger mode. It will let you switch from sequential firing modes to bump fire modes. And by adjusting that, it will be easier to work with a large-scale project because you would be able to place a large number of nails in a short time.
Apart from that, you will also find a no-mar tip on the nose. Because of having that, there will be no flaws on the work surface. Also, it has a reload indicator that will alert you when the magazine is running out of nails.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
The tool can offer the maximum amount of control over the nailing operation. It has selectable firing modes, an adjustable depth mechanism, and an adjustable exhaust.
10. NuMax S2-118G2
Want a lightweight nailer but do not want to sacrifice one bit on the lifespan? Well, NuMax might have the right offering for you here!
First of all, the unit is exceptionally light in weight. It utilizes aluminum for the overall construction. And the body is reasonably durable as well. It should be capable of going through intense workloads without showing any performance issues.
This tool has a proper handle too. The handle features an anti-vibration grip, which will work like magic in terms of offer a higher amount of control. Also, the grip will make it easier to comfortably hold the handle. And the lightweight nature will make it easier to move it around.
Other than that, there is a depth adjustment mechanism. Thanks to that, it should be possible to drive the nails properly on the shiplap. Also, it is pretty versatile. You can work with 18 gauge brads of different lengths and staples ranging from ½ inches to 1-5/8 inches.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
It is a lightweight nailer that does not skimp one bit on durability. So, it is going to last for a long amount of time. Also, it has an anti-vibration grip.
How to Nail Shiplap?
Other than just getting a proper nailer, you should also know how to nail a shiplap. And the steps for that are as follows:
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What size nails do you use for shiplap?
It is recommended to use 15 to 18 gauge nails for nailing shiplap when it comes to sizes. Also, do ensure that the length of the nails is within the range of 1.25 inches to 1.75 inches.
2. Do you need nail gun for shiplap?
Yes, a proper nail gun is an absolute necessity for installing a shiplap. Using a hammer will result in flawed results. Also, there will be too many marks on the surface.
3. How do you nail up shiplap?
First, you need to prepare the wall for the installation. Then, paint it, mark the vertical studs, make a guideline, and place the shiplap on the bottom. After that, nail each of the rows using a nail gun.
4. Can you use liquid nail for shiplap?
It is possible to use adhesive collated or liquid nails for installing shiplap. However, do make sure that they are of the proper size and have the right length for the job.
5. Is adhesive better than nails for shiplap?
Not really. However, if you are worried about the holding power of the nails, you can first attach the shiplap using adhesive and then use nails for the installation process. But we would not recommend using adhesive instead of nails.
Final Words
Installing shiplap can turn from being tiresome work to a piece of cake to carry out with the best nail gun for shiplap. And we assure you that each of the models we looked at is nothing but that.