Fencing requires driving hundreds or thousands of nails.
Using a hammer seems like a nightmare to me.
Getting the best nail gun for fencing will ease your pain and make your life easier.
Top pick
Metabo HPT Coil Siding
Premium package
BOSTITCH Coil Siding
Budget item
Freeman Fencing Nailer
Coil siding nailer is best for fencing. Some people even use framing nailers depending on the projects.
But the problem comes with a variation. You have an electric, gas or pneumatic, and a cordless nailer. There are variations in the magazine type and angle as well.
Picking the best nailer for fencing seems frustrating and overwhelming.
- For high-volume work, you need an air-powered nailer. But you need to deal with the compressor and hose.
Cordless Battery/gas type is good for places with no power sources. But you cannot use them in severe cold and must deal with heavy weight. - Electric nailer is good for DIY or home fencing, but you need to deal with cables, price, and electric charge.
| Best pneumatic nail gun for fencing | Freeman PCN65 Coil Siding Fencing Nailer |
| Best nail gun for fence pickets | HBT HBCN65P 15 Degree 2-1/2-Inch Coil Siding Nailer |
| Best cordless nail gun for fencing | DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Framing Nailer |
| Best electric nail gun for fencing | Arrow ET200BN Heavy Duty Electric Brad Nailer |
| Best coil nail gun for fencing | BOSTITCH Coil Siding Nailer (N66C) |
How to pick the Best Nail Gun for Fencing?
Not all siding or framing nailers are good for fencing. You have to use different types of nailers depending on the fencing type.
For example, brad or finish nailer can work in small indoor fencing but not in outdoor fencing. Similarly, stick framing nailers won’t work for large projects. You cannot even use a nail gun on a metal fence. So know how to pick the best nailer for fencing.
What kind of nail gun do I use for fencing?
I personally prefer using coil siding or framing nailer for fencing since fencing requires driving thousands of nails and strong holding power. They have a capacity of 200-300 nails and can drive more than 2 inches long shank ring nails.
For larger outdoor fencing projects, you must use larger ring-shank nails. These nails come with shank or rings on the body that holds the woods securely. Coil siding and framing nailers are capable of driving those shank nails.
Our suggestion for
Best coil nailer for fencing – BOSTITCH Coil Siding Nailer
Why did we suggest this coil nail gun for fencing?
Compared to the Freeman PCN65 Coil Siding Fencing Nailer, the Bostitch coil siding nailer is slightly more expensive. But you will get what you pay for. This nailer feels solid, well built, and balanced.
With less jamming and less misfire, you can handle the job smoothly. Loading and adjustment are easier as well. The hook is convenient for storing the nailer, especially when using a ladder.
Two firing modes allow nailing both sequential and rapid firing. You can use this Bostitch Nail gun for close board fencing, wood fencing, horse fencing, and fence pickets that makes this one the Best nail gun for putting up fence.
Features and Pros
- Drives 1-1-1/4-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch wire weld and plastic coil nails
- Lightweight aluminum body for added durability yet light design
- Rubber foot to protect your softer woods
- Tool-less adjustable exhaust to channel away hot air
- Adjustable depth to work with different thickness
- Suitable for hardwood and even light-steel.
- Shoots longer-length nails compared to its previous model
Cons
- Not powerful enough to drive 2.5-inch siding nails
- Sequential Trigger Instructions Incorrect
Some people want to use a 16 gauge finish nailer or 18 gauge brad nailer. But you cannot use a finish nailer or brad nailer for fencing. 16g nails or 18g brads do not offer enough power to hold wood boards. They will come loose as the boards expand or contrast.
But you can use a 16 gauge finish nailer or an 18 gauge brad nailer for small or indoor home fencing where thinner and softer woods are used.
Here is a suggestion for you if you want to do indoor fencing
16 gauge finish nailer – Metabo HPT Finish Nailer Kit
18 gauge brad nailer – BOSTITCH Brad Nailer Kit
Framing nailer for fencing
Again, framing nailer comes with different angles and different magazine types. stick vs coil framing nailer refer to the difference in storing the nails in their magazines. Coil nailers have their nails stored in a coil or circular shape. On the other hand, stick nailers have their nails collated vertically.
Stick framing nailer
Stick framing nailers usually come with a 21 and 30-degree angle. The angle represents how the nail magazine is collated. Remember, this is not the angle of shooting nails. They drive nails from 2 to 3.5 inches which are good enough to hold fencing boards.
21-degree nailers drive full head nails for stronger holding power and better local building codes. Also, for fencing and any outdoor big projects, 21-degree framing nailers will work better. That is why I always suggest using 21-degree nailers compared to 30-degree nailers that use clipped nail heads. Clipped nail heads offer less holding power and often come loose after a certain period.
Our suggestion for 21 degree – NuMax SFR2190 Pneumatic 21 Degree 3-1/2″ Full Round Head Framing Nailer
For 30 degree- Milwaukee 30 degree framing nailer
Read more: We also have a guideline to pick the right degree framing nailer for your project. You will even find the best 30 degree, 28 degree, and 21 degree nailers guide.
But the problem comes with the nail capacity since 21-degree framing nailers can hold a maximum of 70 nails. That means you will need to reload the nailers often. Also, maintain safety with the goggles and gloves while using the 21-degree nailers since they use plastic collated nails.
Coil framing nailer
Coil framing nailers, on the other hand, offer 3- 4 times more nail capacity than stick framing nailers. This helps you reload fewer times to complete a larger project faster. But with higher nail capacity, the weight increases. Also, you have to pay more since coil framing nailers are more expensive, up to 2-3 times compared to stick nailers.
Suggestion for the best coil framing nailer – Metabo coil framing nailer
Check out our guide for the best coil framing nailer.
That means for larger outdoor projects – go for coil framing nailer
For smaller yet powerful fencing projects – go for the 21 degree and 30 degree framing nailer
Power source of a nail gun
Along with the nailer type, a nail gun’s power source is also important. There are three types of nailers according to a power source.
Pneumatic nailer
Pneumatic nailers offer tremendous power to penetrate hard and softwood easily. They are lightweight and easy to handle. But you must deal with the hoses, wires, and air compressor. If you have power sources, pneumatic nailers for fencing will be a good choice.
Best pneumatic nailer for fencing- Freeman PCN65 Coil Siding Fencing Nailer
Why Freeman PCN65 Coil Siding Fencing Nailer?
Freeman PCN65 Coil Siding Fencing Nailer is the best air nailer for fencing for its lightweight design, versatile nail using capability, and many useful features.
This nailer supports 1-1/4” to 2-1/2,” and wire collated nails from 1-3/4” to 2-1/2”. It even supports Hitachi 13365H 2″ x .092 nails. For this, you can use this nailer for different types of fencing, such as fence pickets, cedar fencing, and others.
The safety trigger lock prevents auto-fire or accidents. Its side load magazine with a transparent bucket helps you see the nail status to prevent any misfire. With its 60-degree adjustable exhaust, you can direct away hot air from your face to ensure a soothing working experience.
Equipped with an air filter / anti-dust cap, it keeps the internal materials safe from dust during your fencing project. This will prolong the longevity of the nailer.
Nail guns are good for fencing for its fastening process, but only if you know how to use it properly. The same goes for Freeman PCN65 Coil Siding Fencing Nailer. It often double-fires if you pull the trigger in bumping mode. So be careful with it.
Overall, if your concern is to get the best nail gun for fencing and framing, this one is the ultimate pick.
Features and Pros
- Lightweight and durable for its magnesium construction
- Ergonomic grip handle offers more comfort and less fatigue while used for large fencing projects
- No-mar tip protects soft wooden fence
- Side load magazine can hold up to 400 wire or plastic coated for less reloading and more efficiency
- Depth adjustment allows using the nailer for fences with different thicknesses.
Cons
- Often double fire if not firing in right mode
- Need regular oiling
Battery power or cordless nailer
Battery powered or gas powered nailers need no compressor or hoses. You can easily use them for fencing projects where no power sources are available. They can drive up to 1000 nails per charge. But you must deal with the extra weight due to the gas cartridge and battery. Also, for lower temperatures, a gas-powered nailer won’t work.
Best cordless nail gun for fencing – DEWALT 20V MAX* 30 degree XR Framing Nailer
Why Dewalt nail gun for fencing?
Cordless nail guns are suitable for places with no power sources or when you don’t want any hassle with hose and wire. Compared to other cordless nailers, the Dewalt nail gun for fencing offers a better battery lifespan, a powerful motor, and versatile features.
This battery-powered framing nail gun comes with a brushless motor that prolongs the motor lifespan. You can drive 3-1/2-inch fasteners into dense lumber. Regardless of the thick wood, you can easily penetrate nails. Its 30-degree magazine can easily hold up to 55 paper collated nails.
With its dual-speed adjustment, you can easily adjust the speed to use the nailer for versatile woods. Tool-less depth adjustment makes it even more versatile.
The well-balanced design allows easy maneuvering despite the heavy weight of the battery. Find the nail selector switch at the base to select the nail size. Otherwise, you will experience jam from the first shot.
Equipped with a 6 AH battery, it keeps running for a long time. You can use this one to make horse fencing or larger projects smoothly.
So if someone asks which Dewalt nail gun for fencing, go for this cordless nail gun Dewalt.
Features & Pros
- Tool-free selector switch for easy sequential or bump-fire selection
- Tool-free depth adjustment to work with different woods
- Stall release lever and Easy access nosepiece for easy jam cleaning
- Adjustable rafter hook to hand the nailer with a belt and work in ladder
- Dry fire lock to prevent dry fire and prolong durability
Cons
- May experience jam if not used properly
Electric nailer
Electric nailers can work in extreme weather. But you need to deal with the wire and heavyweight. The price is higher compared to pneumatic nailers as well. You need to pay the extra electric bill too. But electric nailers offer consistent power. For DIY fencing, an electric nailer works great.
Best electric nail gun for fencing- Arrow ET200BN Heavy Duty Electric Brad Nailer
As we mentioned, you cannot use a brad nailer for fencing. They shoot narrow and short brads unable to hold the strong fencing woods. But you can use this electric nailer for indoor small fencing when dealing with thinner and softer woods.
Pros
- Depth control knob to control the nail driving depth
- Convenient quick release magazine for easy reloading
- 6′ power cord to get better reach
- soft comfort grip for less fatigue while working for a long time
- Full-sized trigger & contact safety for better maneuvering
Cons
- Need to deal with wire
- Not suitable for large project or thicker woods
Size of the fence
Size plays an important role in selecting a nailer. When working with a large size fence, you need to drive thousands of nails. For example, for a 100ft long fence, you may need to drive up to 1000 nails.
Also, for larger fencing projects, you need more holding power for the nails. In that case, a coil nailer, especially a pneumatic coil siding nailer, would be a better pick.
Know your fence type
People make different types of fences, and not all nailers are suitable for all types of fences. For example, close board fencing requires a good air coil nailer, whereas stock fencing will require a good cordless or gas nailer. Here are the types of fencing and suitable nailer for that particular fencing.
Best nail gun for fence pickets
6d to 8d or 11 gauge, 2 inches Galvanized ardox or Ring shanks are the best nails for fence pickets. They will hold the 5/8″ pickets to 2×4″ rails pickets (most common pickets or more) strongly together and do not come loose with time. 2-3/8 inches long nails are also used by some homeowners.
You need a coil siding kind of nail gun for fence pickets to deliver 11 gauge, 2-3/8 inches long nails. A framing nailer can also work to drive such size nails.
Some people prefer roofing nailers for fence pickets due to their ability to shoot 1.25” nails. But the roofing nailer is not designed for fencing pickets at all.
Some people even want to use a cordless nail gun for fence pickets. But I would not recommend a cordless nailer for fencing if the pickets require nailing more than 1000 nails. A cordless one cannot drive so many nails.
What size nail gun for fence pickets
15 degrees is the right size nail gun for fence pickets. It helps drive nails smoothly without bending your body too much. Remember that fence pickets are made from PVC, metal, ornament, and Vinyl. Nail guns might not work on metal or ornament.
Considering all the factors,
The best nail gun for fence pickets: HBT HBCN65P 15 Degree 2-1/2-Inch Coil Siding Nailer
Remember this one is not for contractors; instead, for personal use. It delivers 2-1/2-Inch Plastic or Wire Collated Coil Siding Nails easily. You can install approximately 100 fence pickets in 20 minutes due to its fast nail driving ability and less jamming.
Cleaning jam is easier thanks to its jam-cleaning nose. With its tool-free depth adjustment, you can adjust the nail depth quickly and conveniently.
You will also get a 360˚ adjustable exhaust to keep hot air away from you. It comes with sequential and contact fire to meet your different needs.
Equipped with a 360˚ swivel air plug, it reduces the hose twisting for added convenience. The magnesium housing makes the nailer lightweight and durable at the same time.
Nail gun for feather edge fencing
Feather edge fencing requires thick round-head 50mm galvanized nails for strong bonding. You can even use screws but nails are easier to use. Paslode comes in handy for edge fencing. The best Paslode nail gun for fencing will be Paslode F325R, 513000.
Nail gun for close board fencing
Close board fencing and feather edge fencing are the same thing. People call them differently. So the best nail gun for close board fencing will be the same as the best nail gun for feather edge fencing. Paslode F325R, 513000.
Nail gun for post and rail fencing
16d or 3 ½″ long nails are suitable to secure the post and fence rail. 20d nails are also suitable for 2×4 to 4×4 posts or rails.
So suggestion for the best nail gun for post and rail fencing – Metabo HPT Framing Nailer
Nail gun for horse fencing
Horse fencing requires standard Paslode nails 2″ to 3-1/2 inches nails. Also, you may not have an electric or air power source in the fenced area. Making it would be difficult then.
In that case, the best nail gun for horse fencing would be – DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Framing Nailer. This one is capable of driving 2-inch to 3-1/2-inch nails and run with a powerful battery.
Nail gun for cedar fencing
You will need stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized 1 1/4 inches longer nails. Western Red Cedar Association recommends these nails for cedar fencing since they do not rust over time.
So the best nail gun for cedar fence would be – Freeman PCN65 Coil Siding Fencing Nailer
Nail gun for stock fencing
Stock fencing is not any common type of fencing. You must deal with wire, and driving nails through the wire is not a good option. So, you cannot use a nail gun for stock fencing; you need a staple gun for stock fencing.
The best staple gun for wire fencing would be – DEWALT 20V MAX XR Crown Stapler
Best nail gun for fence panels
A second fix nail gun for fence boards would be better for fence panels. Some people want to use a staple gun for fence panels but trust me, that will not work. You need framing or coil siding nail guns for making fence panels. More specifically, an air coil siding nailer will work better.
Our suggestion for the best nail gun for fence panels – Freeman PCN65 Coil Siding Fencing Nailer
Best nail gun for fence palings
Fence palings are not different from other fencing projects. So a coil siding nailer driving 1 ½″ ring shank nails would be perfect.
Our suggestion for the best nailer for fence palings- Freeman PCN65 Coil Siding Fencing Nailer
Best nail gun for fence planks
Fence planks and fence pickets are the same. So if you know What nail gun you use for fence pickets, you can know what nailer is for fence planks.
The best nailer for fence planks – HBT HBCN65P 15 Degree 2-1/2-Inch Coil Siding Nailer
Wood/mesh wire fencing
Wood or mesh wire fencing requires using a staple gun instead of a nail gun.
Our suggestion for the best staple gun for fence will be – DEWALT 20V MAX XR Crown Stapler
| Specific fencing | Suitable nailer | Our suggestions |
| Nail gun for feather edge fencing | Heavy-duty framing nailer | Paslode F325R, 513000. |
| Nail gun for close board fencing | Air coil nailer | Paslode F325R, 513000. |
| Nail gun for wood fencing | Coil framing, roofing, or siding nailer | Freeman PCN65 Coil Siding Fencing Nailer |
| Nail gun for post and rail fencing | Screw or framing nailer | Metabo HPT Framing Nailer |
| Nail gun for horse fencing | Any cordless framing nailer | DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Framing Nailer |
| Nail gun for cedar fencing | Coil siding nailer driving 1 1/4 inches longer nails | Freeman PCN65 Coil Siding Fencing Nailer |
| Nail gun for stock fencing | Stapler | DEWALT 20V MAX XR Crown Stapler |
| Best nail gun for fence panels | Brad, finish, or even framing | Freeman PCN65 Coil Siding Fencing Nailer |
| Best nail gun for fence palings | Brad, finish, or even framing nailer | Freeman PCN65 Coil Siding Fencing Nailer |
| Best nail gun for fence planks | Same as fence pickets | HBT HBCN65P 15 Degree 2-1/2-Inch Coil Siding Nailer |
| Wood/mesh wire fencing | Use staple gun or finish nailer | DEWALT 20V MAX XR Crown Stapler |
Fence materials
Thick and strong fencing wood or materials require a strong nailer with higher power and holding capacity. The nail gun for wood fencing will differ from the nail gun for vinyl or PVC. For metal fences, nail guns do not even work.
Also, it will be difficult to drive nails for thicker woods like oak and maple. Coil or Framing nailers driving galvanized or stainless steel nails will work for hardwood.
For hardwood fencings like oak and maple – use a coil framing nailer
For softwood – use 21 degree framing nailer, finish nailer, or even brad nailer (Thinner wood)
1st or 2nd fix nail gun for fencing?
Finally, ask yourself whether you require a 1st fix or 2nd fix nail gun for fencing. 1st fix fencing means creating the frame whereas 2nd fix fencing means doing the rest of the part. If you have to do both the 1st or 2nd fix nail guns for fencing, get a nailer that can get both the job done.
For both the 1st or 2nd fix nailer for fencing- go for Freeman P4FRFNCB Pneumatic Framing & Finishing Combo
What gauge nailer do you need for a fence?
For fencing, you need 6d or 8d nails to hold the fence boards together strongly. 2″ to 2 1/2″ 4D galv ring shank nails are the minimum nail size for fencing. So a 6 gauge or 8-gauge nailer would be perfect for fencing projects.
Are you buying the nailer for one purpose only?
This is the last question you need to ask yourself when picking a nailer for fencing.
What’s your purpose for the nailer?
Do you need it for the fence only? Or do you want to use it for other purposes? If yes, then what are the purposes?
For example, you can use a coil siding nailer for fencing and other siding projects. But you cannot use a brad nailer or finish nailer for fencing or other large projects.
If your desire is to get a complete package, go for the combo kit.
Our suggestion for the nail gun combo kit- Freeman Pneumatic Combo
FAQ
Still got more questions to ask? Check the FAQ below.
I personally like galvanized, aluminum, or stainless steel shank nails with a length of 3-3.5 inches and with a clipped head. The screw works excellent as well.
3-1/2-inch Exterior hot dipped galvanized or stainless steel nails are good for fencing. They can handle thick fencing woods and keep them attached for a long time.
Wrap up
DIY fencing can be fun and money-saving for sure. But you need to pick the right tools and know the right process. Make sure to get the best nail gun for fencing to get the best out of it.
Some people consider the best Paslode nail gun for fencing. Yes, they are good. But which Paslode nail gun for fencing? Well, I did not find a good one available with so many useful features. You can comment if you are using one from Paslode.