Best Nail Gun For Plywood Sheathing 2023 – Top Picks Of The Year

Nothing can be so messy for you than plywood sheathing if you’re a DIYer at this project!

Plywood sheathing is a high-end task that necessarily requires a powerful nail gun. Since it is one kind of finishing project, you can go for a heavy-duty framing nailer. But the problem is the market is rounded up with a bunch of framing nailers.

There are numerous models and features, making it challenging to compare them and reach a definite conclusion. So, we are here with the 5 best nail gun for plywood sheathing. We can assure you that you will be able to gain extensive knowledge on plywood sheathing nailers after reviewing this article.

Besides, the buying guide regarding the features to look for in a nail gun for plywood sheathing will be useful for making a worthy decision. Let’s begin the guide without further ado:

What Type Of Nailer Should I Use On Plywood?

This usually depends on the diameter of the plywood. We would recommend framing nailers for plywood sheathing. Because they can provide the optimum performance in this project. You will find both 21° and 30° framing nail guns in the market. The 30-degree options are the most heavy-duty along with a lightweight structure. They can also drive more nails than the 21-degree options.

What Is The Best Nailer For Plywood Sheathing?

Different brands of nail guns offer the best performance such as Bostitch, Paslode, Freeman, Metabo, etc. BOSTITCH F21PL Framing Nailer is the overall best option for plywood sheathing in our recommendation. Because it is not only durable but also highly portable to reach difficult places. Its fast firing rate ensures a consistent and strain-free nailing experience.

Besides, the high magazine capacity can hold up to 60 nails at a time while the selective bump firing modes allow you to choose between sequential and contact firing modes.

Besides, we will review some of our best choices for nail guns with their pros and cons. We hope you will find your best choice from this guide.

Which Nailer Should I Use On 3/4 Plywood?

In general, plywood has a thickness of ½-inch. Generally speaking, thinner plywood calls for shorter nails. Even so, an 8d nail is nonetheless safe to use in this situation when it comes to 3/4 plywood. But occasionally you might need to use 6d or shorter (around 2″) length nails.

Our Top Recommendations Nail Guns for Plywood Sheathing

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The Best Nail Gun For Plywood Sheathing Reviews

1. BOSTITCH F21PL Framing Nailer

BOSTITCH F21PL has become the best nail gun for wood siding due to its portable design. The magnesium body makes it one of the most durable options available. Despite being constructed with metals, it only weighs 4.17 pounds; so you can use this easily for hard-to-reach siding projects.

This framing nailer has a bottom-loaded magazine type with the capacity of 60 nails at once. The high nailing capacity makes it the right choice for finishing projects like plywood sheathing. Besides, there is a flexible rafter hook for quick attachment of the tool.

Aside from the features, you can choose between bump and sequential firing with the help of a bump trigger. This incredibly increases the efficiency of operation by allowing the user to finish heavy-duty tasks quickly and with intense firing. The ability to drive metal and plastic nails are fantastic for completing a variety of projects.

Moreover, the tool comes with a patented push trigger that allows you to fix the nail to the preferred depth. This becomes one of the best features since sheathing projects require precise nail placement. The good news is you can also use the tool as a two-in-one nailer, thanks to its rapidly changeable nose pins.

Key Features

• Sequential and contact firing trigger
• 21-degree-long nail gauge
• Jam-releasing mechanism
• Bottom-loaded magazine type

What We Like

• The sturdy magnesium body improves the built quality
• Portable and compact
• Flexible rafter hook for attachment
• Patented push trigger for quick nail placement
• Two-in-one nailer

What We Don’t Like

• The tool doesn’t feature a dry fire lockout system

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2. Paslode 501000 PowerMaster Pneumatic Framing Nailer

Paslode 501000 wins the top position in our list as the best pneumatic nail gun for plywood sheathing. It has excellent firing capacity; you can drive 12 nails per sec with this powerful nailer. While working on an intensive operation, such as sheathing, this firing rate will improve the task.

Besides, it has a capability for two strips of nails, which can contain 84 nails in the 2′′–3.5′′ range of sizes. So, you can handle any heavy-duty nailing tasks with this. The best thing we found in this nailer is that you don’t have to face any recoiling problems when sheathing plywood.

For user safety, this nailer has additional features like lower nail jamming, no misfiring, and so on. It is also equipped with an air deflector cap and a primary valve to enhance ventilation and efficiency of the operation.

Despite being a bit heavyweight, this nailer maintains a good weight-to-power ratio. Therefore, you can work with comfort and less fatigue in hand. You can even choose between bump and contact firing, thanks to its bump fire mode. Finally, the comfortable design with solid ergonomics of the nailer ensures convenience at work.

Key Features

• Certified as frustration-free
• Two strips of nail capacity
• 120 psi optimum pressure
• Compatible with 2″-3.5″ fastener sizes

What We Like

• High firing capacity
• No issues with recoiling
• Inbuilt air deflector
• Well-balanced in weight and power
• No misfiring and lower nail-jamming

What We Don’t Like

• The product is a bit bulky

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3. Metabo HPT NR1890DRS Cordless Framing Nailer

Plywood sheathing falls under the category of finishing projects. If you want to reduce the inconvenience of plugging in the nailers so frequently, you can go for the Metabo HPT framing nail gun. It is a battery-powered nailer that boasts a brushless motor to provide optimum performance.

Firstly, the nailer can fire 2 nails per sec and drive 400 nails on a single charge. This high driving capacity makes it the best nailer for plywood sheathing. The package offers an 18V compact battery that ensures durability and a longer lifespan.

This 21-degree framing nailer has compatible fasteners ranging from 2″ to 3 ½” sizes. Therefore, you can perform versatile sheathing tasks with the tool. Besides, it comes with a depth adjuster that allows you to install the nail in the preferred depth. It can prevent dry firing and any kind of misfiring while you work.

In addition, there is a side locking system to prevent the waste of nails. Its contact firing system lets you use a continuous firing system. We mostly liked the ergonomic handle of the nailer that not only minimizes discomfort but also provides a soft feel during operation.

Key Features

• Powerful brushless motor
• Tool-less depth adjuster
• 18V lithium-ion battery
• Sequential or bump fire mode

What We Like

• Can fire 2 nails per sec
• Can drive 400 nails on a single charge
• Compatible fastener sizes
• Percent dry firing with side locking trigger
• Comfy ergonomic handle

What We Don’t Like

• There are some heating issues with the charger

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4. Freeman PFR2190 Pneumatic Framing Nailer

Freeman PFR2190 is going to be the best value for the money pick with a lot of user-friendly features. You will enjoy an adjustable firing mechanism and ergonomically-designed handle at the cheapest price. It has a durable magnesium body making it the best nail gun for OSB sheathing.

The solid ergonomic handle makes the tool safer to use. You can switch between the conventional and bump-firing methods thanks to the interchangeable shooting mechanism. There is a tool-free depth adjuster that allows you to get desired nail depth and more compatibility with applications.

Besides that, you will find a non-marring tip that prevents the work area from being damaged. One more appealing feature that the nail gun offers is Teflon O rings. This helps prevent additional heat generated by the nail gun. You will be glad that you are getting this amazing feature at a budget-friendly range.

This pneumatic nailer comes with a versatile fastener range with 2″ to 3 ½” sizes; so you can deal with most demanding sheathing tasks. It has an aluminum magazine that can fasten 55 nails easily. Furthermore, it features a 360° air exhauster that drives air away from the face of the user.

Key Features

• Durable magnesium body
• Dual firing system
• No-mar tip
• Adjustable depth guide

What We Like

• Interchangeable firing system
• Teflon O rings to prevent overheating
• Ergonomic handle for a solid feel
• Adjustable 360° air exhaust
• Affordable

What We Don’t Like

• The magazine capacity could be a bit more

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5. DEWALT DCN692M1 Framing Nailer

Last but not least, we have come up with our overall best nail gun for sheathing from Dewalt. The best feature of the DEWALT DCN692M1 framing nailer is its selectable firing trigger that allows you to choose between bump and continuous firing modes.

Unlike BOSTITCH F21PL, it features a dry-firing lockout system to prevent accidental firing. This nail gun stands out in the market with its innovative stall-releasing lever. This feature can prevent nail jamming by resetting the nailer blade.

The nose pins are easily accessible to the user, making it simple to remove stuck nails. It weighs 7.8 lbs and has a plastic casing. Although it is made of plastic, it is indeed not fragile. Its non-marring tip aids in defending both the work area and the tool.

On top of that, it boasts a rear-loaded magazine type that ensures quick reloading of the nails. The magazine capacity is also high and can fasten up to 55 nails at a time. By firing around a 3.5-inch fastener, this machine can deal with a variety of tasks. Once more, its 20V lithium-ion battery is quite long-lasting and enables maximum power.

Key Features

• Reliable lithium-ion battery
• Adjustable rafter hook
• Rear-loaded magazine
• Sequential and bump firing mode

What We Like

• Non-marring tip for preventing damage to the work surface
• Easily accessible nose pins
• Dry-fire lockout feature
• Selectable firing mode

What We Don’t Like

• The plastic body could be improved

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What To Look For in The Nail Gun for Plywood Sheathing | The Handy Buying Guide

Choosing the best nail gun for plywood sheathing will become easy when you know the features to look for in the nail gun. Different models come with different features but the most important features are described below:

Nail Gun Type

While choosing a nail gun for plywood sheathing, the first thing you should consider is the nailer type. You have two options available one is pneumatic nailers and the other is cordless ones. If your project demands more power and efficiency, then a pneumatic nail gun would be the best bet. On the contrary, a cordless nailer will suffice if you want convenience in your work.

Size of the plywood sheathing

The second thing you must take into account is the size of the plywood sheathing that you’re going to use. It is important to select a nail gun that can adapt to the diameter of the plywood sheathing.

Power

There are two power sources available for the best nail gun for plywood sheathing. These are pneumatic nail guns and cordless nail guns. Pneumatic nailers are powered through an air compressor and therefore they generate more power than a battery-operated cordless option. They also have high nail driving capacity, making them ideal for high-end, robust tasks.

On the other hand, cordless nail guns are highly appreciated if you want a portable option. They enable you to reach tough places with their lightweight construction. Besides, you can drive more nails within a short time with a cordless framing nailer. However, they are less powerful than pneumatic models.

Environment

You should also consider environmental factors before purchasing a nail gun for plywood sheathing. We recommend using a gas-powered nail gun while working in an outside environment so that you don’t have to take a hassle with the power issues. However, when working on your DIY project at home, a cordless option is the ideal choice.

Safety Features

When it comes to buying a nail gun, thinking about the safety features is a must. Otherwise, you may end up hurting yourself by accidentally shooting your nails.

Additionally, make sure that the rubber materials of your nailer do not come into direct contact with the plywood sheets. This guarantees that your project will be completed quickly and easily.

Ease of use

Ease of use is a vital factor to look for in a nail gun for plywood sheathing. Since plywood sheathing is a heavy-duty task, you must choose a nail gun that is easy and comfortable to use. Make sure to choose a lightweight nail gun that offers many user-friendly features like an ergonomic handle, no-mar tip, dry fire lockout function, quick jam-releasing, and so on.

Price

The cost of the nail gun is another crucial aspect to take into account. You must choose a nail gun that is both cost-effective and capable of satisfying your requirements. We would suggest picking a nail gun from the prominent brands that we have discussed above.

Warranty

Warranty is another factor that you should think of when purchasing a nail gun for plywood sheathing. Make sure to buy from a well-known brand that offers a significant amount of warranty period along with a money-back policy. Besides, reputed models also provide 24/7 customer service.

Additional Tips for Buying Guide

• You can also buy a nail gun that comes with an adjustable depth guide that allows you to get the desired nail depth and quick setup of the nailer. Besides, the adjustable setting also keeps the nails securely in place.
• We highly recommend buying a cordless nail gun that operates through a high-voltage battery. It not only offers a high productivity rate but also makes the tool easy to maneuver and use. You can also get easy reach ability at different places with this.
• In the case of nail sizes, 2-½” nails are good enough for installing plywood sheathing. Although plywood comes with various lengths and thicknesses, 3-½” nail sizes are sufficient to handle any plywood sheathing project.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What size nails for plywood sheathing?

Usually, 8d standard nails are quite good enough for plywood sheathing. It doesn’t necessarily need wide 16d nails like attaching dense materials.

Q: Can you use a nail gun on plywood?

Sure. A powerful nail gun can make your plywood sheathing projects quick and easy. Unlike screws or glues, a nail gun can offer maximum efficiency and precise nailing on plywood.

Q: What kind of nail gun is for plywood sheathing?

A powerful framing nailer either pneumatic or battery-powered is the best choice for plywood sheathing. It can be a time-saver while offering you the best results in sheathing projects.

Q: What size nails for OSB sheathing?

In general, 8d framing nails are a good choice for OSB sheathing.

Q: Can you put nails in plywood?

Plywood must be securely held in place due to its widespread use in supporting buildings. Therefore, to secure plywood, you would rather use nails than bolts or glue. Because if you use screws or glue to fasten the plywood, there may be the risk of piercing the wood.

Q: What kind of nails do you use for plywood?

You can nicely do plywood sheathing with common framing nails. It requires 8d typical nails that are 2.5 inches in length.

Q: Which nailer should I use on 3/4 plywood?

Plywood comes at a general thickness of ½ inches. Thus, an 8d framing nailer would be perfect to use on ¾ plywood.

Conclusion

In the end, we hope now you have earned an intensive knowledge of the best nail gun for plywood sheathing. The vast market of nail guns may get you confused and so we tried our best to give you the promising item. Nail guns for plywood sheathing vary from brand to brand and function to function.

We have selected our top 5 options after reviewing so much customer feedback and doing hands-on research. You will get every ins and outs of each product so that you can decide on which is the best pick for you.

To sum up, we would recommend DEWALT DCN692M1 Framing Nailer as the overall best nail gun for plywood sheathing. Because it is selling for a reasonable price and comes with a rechargeable battery, variable fire mode, and an easy disposal mechanism for stuck nails. However, you can choose based on your needs.