12 Best Nail Gun For Paneling projects Successfully

Paneling is an excellent way to decorate and enhance comfort in the room. Carpenters and DIYers often make the mistake of choosing an inappropriate nail gun when doing paneling, which results in unwanted results. You need the best nail gun for paneling to complete all the paneling projects successfully.

Brad nailers and finish nailers are good options for paneling with their 1-inch to 3-inch nails. Finish nails will hold heavier panel boards but might split the softer woods. Brad nails are good for softer woods with less thickness. Pick the right nailer according to your board type.

In this writing, we will reveal the nuts & bolts of the best nail gun for paneling. After reviewing this article, you can select your best cordless nail gun for paneling & molding. With our detailed review of specific products, you’ll acquire vast knowledge about their specifications. So, let’s start without delay. 

Use and Model	Pictures	Price & Rating
For Wall paneling PCC790LA		Check on Amazon
For MDF Paneling Metabo HPT NT50AE2		Check on Amazon
For Wainscoting BOSTITCH BTFP12233		Check on Amazon
For T&G Paneling Makita AF505 2″		Check on Amazon
For Wood Paneling DEWALT DWFP12231		Check on Amazon

01. Best Nail gun for Wall paneling- PORTER-CABLE PCC790LA 

Wall paneling requires 1.5-2 inch finishing or brad nails. Finish nailer can come to mind first. But you should not use a finish nailer for wall paneling since it will split the wood and create large holes in the walls.

This Porter cable nailer has a 5/8 – 2-inch Brad driving capacity to fit your wall paneling needs. Besides, it has tool-free depth adjustment to cope with the thickness of your panel board.

This nailer also contains a Lithium-ion battery of 1.5 Ah power & 20-volt voltage. An expert paneling worker found that nailing 700-900 nails per single charge is possible, decreasing the charging hassle.

Makita XNB01Z is another one of the top cordless nail guns or battery-powered nailers, which uses a 5 Ah 18V battery & fires 1660 nails per charge.  But the battery is out of the box & the price is sky-high. So, in comparison, you should go for our selected model. The company is providing an easily portable, lightweight charger inside the box.

This PORTER-CABLE PCC790LA cordless brad nailer owns a depth adjustment wheel to help you countersink nails in desired places successively.

A multi-functional dual LED light is here to light up your workplace during the night working. Though it is 5.9 LBS weighted, it doesn’t seem too heavy for a good weight balance & built quality. Its magazine is capable of holding 100 nails at a time.

After a long usage time, it doesn’t get jammed instantly by any users. Its nail jam indicator will notify you if your machine requires jam cleaning.

This nail gun uses a nail of 18 gauge diameter, which is widely available and good for wall paneling. Moreover, this Nail gun without a compressor eliminates the need for a compressor & hose, making it the best nail gun without a compressor. So, it’s a good choice for restless paneling purposes.

Some people prefer using strong adhesive for wall paneling. But it would be best if you nailed instead of gluing since gluing will ruin the beauty of your wall when you pull off the board.

For whom this product is designed:

This is a great nail gun for wall paneling. This product is designed for carpenters or DIYers expecting to perform decorative projects like panel trimming with a satisfactory power backup. You can use it for wall paneling, including 4×8 paneling.

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02. Best Nail Gun for MDF Paneling: Metabo HPT NT50AE2

MDF or Medium medium-density fibreboard is made with residual wood. 1.5” brads are perfect for MDF paneling. The diameter of the nails should be 14-18g.

If you are looking for the best nail gun for MDF paneling, you can see Metabo HPT NT50AE2.

Why is this a good nailer for MDF paneling?

First of all, this air-powered brad nailer accepts 18 gauge brad nail sizes from ⅝” up to 2″. You need to deal with MDF with different thicknesses for paneling. Sometimes, 1-inch brads will be good enough for holding the MDF, whereas sometimes, 1.5 inches will not be enough.

You might need 2-inch nails to hold a thick MDF. It also features easy depth adjustment to deal with different thicknesses.

DEWALT DWFP12231, BOSTITCH BTFP12233, Makita AF505 2″, DEWALT DWFP12231 are our other discussed nailers & these all are weighted over 5 pounds, where our Metabo model is only 2.2 pounds. 

So, maintaining lightweight after taking a short price is admirable. Its 360-degree adjustable exhaust port helps to remove dust from the machine, as paneling produces a lot of dust. 

For a professional finish in paneling, nail depth adjustment satisfied most users. Moreover, the nail slot has a metal & plastic mixed build, which won’t threaten its durability.  This pneumatic nail gun provides a selective switch to perform both bump & sequential fire. 

There is a chance of damaging the work surface & thinking this; the company is offering a No-mar tip. So, no additional thinking about unintended marks. Besides, its magazine can hold 100 nails & when the magazine needs reloading nails, an indicator will inform you. With its help, the chance of dry firing comes to minimum. 

Pros	Cons
Good weight balance at a reasonable price	No L.E.D light
Selectable firing system for more convenience	The nail slot is below the quality
Exhaustible dust disposing of function for clear working surface	Build quality is slightly neglected
No-mar tip to avoid unexpected marks
Nail reload indicator to prevent blank firing
Comfort to hold for a long time

For whom this product is designed:

This is a great nail gun for MDF paneling. With its versatile nail capacity and easy depth adjustment, you can expect to complete fine paneling within a short budget range. With a comfortable feel & other conveniences, this item won’t be regrettable.

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03. Best Nail gun for Wainscoting: BOSTITCH BTFP12233

For doing delicate work like wainscoting paneling, BOSTITCH BTFP12233 can be the best nail gun for wainscoting paneling.

We picked this Bostitch model for its advanced technology, ensuring maximum convenience for wainscoting paneling.

Besides, you need a minimum of 18 gauge brads to ensure enough holding power for wainscoting. That is exactly what this model is offering. You can even drive up to 2.125 inches nails suitable for thick wood.

Its smart point nail placement technology helps to fix the nail heads in place & engineered for more subtle performance.

Besides, the best air nail gun for installing pine paneling on a wall can also be this model for this subtle finishing.  If we talk about jammed nail-releasing functions, this nailer provides easy functions. Its tool-free mechanism even helps beginners to do subtle paneling work. 

Its rear air exhaust keeps away derbies from the machine. To protect the work surface, this nail gun gives you no-mar tips. Unfortunately, it’s plastic-built, but users found it okay with careful extreme usage. Like some of the mentioned models in our writing, it has a selectable trigger system. 

If you want to do any part of your paneling fast, you can switch to a sequential mode for continuous firing. Besides, its magazine allows side load as it’s easy & holds 100 18 gauge brad nails to make panel projects spiffy. So, it’s a well-made, enjoyable unit.

We have covered a complete guide for the best nailer for wainscoting; you can check them.

Pros	Cons
Smart point nail replacement technology for subtle finish	Building material is unsatisfactory
Ensures strict countersinking of nails for more convenient	Weight could be some less
Oil-free operation for less maintenance and less hassle
Selectable trigger system for easy maneuvering
Nail jam release function for quick jam release
Rear exhaust to keep away derbies
Included no-mar tip to ensure surface safety
Improved control during paneling
Engineered for better flexibility & handy feel

For whom this product is designed:

This is a great nail gun for wainscoting. Anyone who wants to ensure perfect wainscoting without damaging the wood will love this nail gun. You can easily drive 2-inch panel nails to get your paneling job done easily.

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04. Best Nail Gun for Tongue and Groove paneling: Makita AF505 2″

You need a good nail gun for tongue and groove paneling that can drive long nails to deliver strong holding power. A 16 gauge finish nailer can be good for tongue and groove paneling.

But that can leave large holes. An 18 gauge will be a better choice for tongue and groove paneling. Considering that, Makita AF505 is our top suggestion.

This nailer is the best-built quality pneumatic nailer as it uses an efficient motor & strong built quality. Makita AF505 2″ air-powered nailers motor doesn’t require daily maintenance even after heavy usage. Other companies provide incorporated plastic parts in the machine, whereas Makita provides whole aluminum built. 

For a metal-built body, it’s quite heavy at 5.28 pounds weight. But, with a rubber cover and with a good grip, this nailer will give you a better feel while using. Its depth adjustment feature will help while performing varieties of paneling. 

A no-mar tip is present to save the work surface. Besides, its nail jam-clearing feature is good for removing jammed nails immediately. During the time of paneling, this nailer will fire 18 gauge nails from ⅝” to 2″, whereas Stanley TRE550Z Electric Staple/Brad Nail Gun can’t drive nails of more than 0.5″ in length. 

Besides, our mentioned model has a well-built magazine with 100 nail capacity. So, for its good built quality of every part & efficient power source, when performing the paneling work, there is the minimum scope of downtime & getting damaged by the nailer accidentally.

We have a complete guide for the best nail gun for tongue and groove. Check it out.

Pros	Cons
Strong aluminum built for durability and longevity	Slightly bulky for metal built
Efficient motor design for higher power	No oil-free motor
Good grip to provide better friction	Depth control feature isn’t preferable
Nail depth adjustment for convenience in various paneling
No-mar tip to protect the work surface
Presence of a nail jam feature
The magazine can hold 100 nails up to 2″
All the parts are metal built for sturdiness
Nail reload indicator to prevent dry fire

For whom this product is designed:

This is a great nail gun for tongue and groove paneling. For constructors involved with paneling in a big project in a hurry, this nailer can be their pick. If the question is what is the best nail gun to use for installing 3/4″ tongue & groove paneling, you should go for this model. Because, with extremely built quality & efficient motor service, this nailer can be a constructor’s choice.

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05. Best Nail Gun for Wood Paneling: DEWALT DWFP12231

Wood paneling is getting more and more popular due to its elegance. Besides, you have different options for wood.

For wood paneling, this Dewalt dwfp12231 18-gauge brad nailer would be a good option to pick.

This item is a perfect fit if we discuss a regular maintenance-free motor with good technologies at a reasonable price. The motor isn’t regular oil-hungry, which ensures less maintenance. This nailer has a depth adjustment feature for proper settings of nail heads. 

People think this feature is more favorable than our Makita AF505 2″,  Metabo HPT NT50AE2  & PORTER-CABLE PCC790LA models.

This nailer contains a jam release mechanism that helps to dispose of jammed nails. Jammed nails are a threat to a machine & their fast disposal decreases the possibility of hampering. 

When you are paneling, many contaminants that dirty the surface may be produced. The rear exhaust helps to keep those away from your work.

Besides, its tool-free depth adjustment helps new users place nailheads accurately. Its side-loaded magazine can hold 100 18 gauge brad nails up to 2″ in length at a time. 

An integrated, rubberized grip is used here to improve the user’s comfort. It has a sequential style trigger that helps perform continuous firing when paneling.

Overall, it is lightweight for a magnesium body, uses technologies, is low-maintenance, and has budget pricing – everything goes perfectly for this nailer. We can conclude it as the Best Nail Gun For Paneling.

Pros	Cons
Maintenance-free efficient motor	Poorly constructed piston ring
Nail depth adjustment feature	No contact mode firing
Nail jam disposal function	Average build quality
Rear exhaust to keep derbies away
Side-loaded magazine to load nails easily
Integrated rubber grip with better friction
The sequential trigger for serial firing
Attractive budget price

For whom this product is designed:

This is a nail gun for wood paneling. For carpenters & constructors who are looking for a good nailer for wood paneling with technologies at a reasonable price, this nailer is designed for them.

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7 Best Nail Guns for Wainscoting

Based on the abovementioned consideration, we have picked 7 amazing nailers for your upcoming wainscoting projects.

NEU MASTER Pneumatic Brad Nailer

It is a brad nailer that can drive 18 gauge brad nails 5/8 inch up to 2 inches in length and also drive 1/4″ crown staples inch up to 1-5/8 inch.

This nailer’s design is very user-friendly, with multiple tool-free settings. The magazine can hold 100 brad nails or crown staples at a time. That’s why it can complete board and batten, overlay, or raised panel wainscoting jobs.

This nailer has multiple features, like

• A 360-degree rotatable exhaust.
• Tool-free jam release mechanism removes jams easily.
• Lightweight (2.6 lbs.) and has excellent mobility and maneuverability.
• Comfortable rubber grip so that the user doesn’t get fatigued.
• Compressor can generate 60-120 psi of air power.
• Good build quality and perfect stability.

Some drawbacks

• Requires good maintenance and oiling to get better results.
• Not suitable for a thick wood surface.

Users really liked the simple, user-friendly design of this nailer. Some users complain that this nail gun sometimes doesn’t provide enough power to penetrate.

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Ryobi P325 One+ Finish Nailer

It is a good cordless nailer that shoots larger 16-gauge finish nails, which have more holding power than brad nails. The maximum length of the nails is 2-1/2 inches.

These nails can be used in flat panels or beadboard wainscoting. It’s slightly overweight (7.3 pounds) with a dimension of 4.13*11.6*12.7 inches.

Its power source is an 18-volt battery, but its kit bag doesn’t contain any batteries or chargers.

Some essential features are,

• Good air pressure adjuster to increase or decrease penetration power.
• Unique LED light can help, even in dark work spaces.
• Non-marring trigger increases safety by disallowing accidental nail firing.
• Special knobs to adjust the depth of the nails.
• Unique front has a jam-releasing mechanism.

Some drawbacks

• Heavy weight makes it a little hard to move.
• Battery is not included.

Some users complain about the bulkiness of the gun. There are also complaints about the nailer’s ability to damage thin pieces while wainscoting.

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Bielmeier 20V Cordless Brad nailer

It is a cordless nailer for wainscoting projects that can shoot 18g 5/8″ to 1-1/4″ long brad nails and 1/4″ long 5/8″ to 1/4″ crown staples.

This nailer can work on different types of panels made of oak, plywood, MDF, or soft materials like pine.

The power source of the nailer is a 20VDC 2000 mAh lithium-ion battery that needs approximately 4 hours to charge.

The nailer is pretty lightweight because it can only store 50 nails in its magazine at a time.

It comes with a kit bag that has a charger, a battery, 800 staples, 800 brad nails, and a full manual on how to use it.

Some special features

• User-friendly depth adjustment wheel to work with different materials and thicknesses.
• Safety striker guard mechanism doesn’t allow it to start nailing randomly, preventing accidents.
• An observation window to check how many nails remain in the strip.
• High-efficiency motor makes its impact rate reach 300 rpm.
• Unique charging protection to prevent accidents. After a full charge, it can fire up to 2000 nails.

Aren’t there any bad sides?

Yes, there are a few bad sides to this tool too.

• Its magazine has a small capacity.
• It doesn’t provide enough power for thicker materials.

Users are very comfortable with this nail gun. Some complaints are also there about not having enough power for thicker materials. Also, the magazine capacity is not sufficient for some users.

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Metabo HPT NV45AB2 Roofing Nailer

The Metabo HPT NV45AB2 is actually a pneumatic tool for the installation of roofing panels.

But it can shoot 16-degree roofing nails ranging in size from 7/8 inch to 1-3/4 inch, making it ideal for installing wainscoting too. It is incredibly lightweight, weighing only 5.5 lbs.

This nailer can also fire around 180 nails per minute. It has a quick response and swift driving mechanisms that let users work at a fast speed.

Its special features are

• Special side-loading magazine for faster reloading.
• Provides extra penetration power because of its quick drive mechanism.
• Adjust the depth of nails with its extraordinary depth adjuster.
• Carbide tip that can push the lever helps the user reduce wear.
• Rubberized hand grip allows the user to hold it tightly even in a tough workspace.
• Compressor can generate 70–120 psi.

Some drawbacks

• Needs maintenance and oiling.
• Nail heads sometimes bend and have to be driven by a hammer.

The Metabo HPT has been well-known for a long time, and experts recommend this pneumatic air tool for many projects, such as wainscoting insulation.

Users are really satisfied with the nail gun. They mentioned that it is lightweight, powerful, and can serve many purposes. But some users complain about the bending problem of the nails.

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NuMax SFR2190 Framing Nailer

This is a 21-degree angled pneumatic full-head framing nail gun that fires plastic collated nails ranging from 2″ to 3-1/2″.

Plastic collated nails are held together with a small strip of plastic, making them suitable for wainscoting projects.

It fulfils all the requirements for your wainscoting tasks. It provides 70-115 PSI. Its 21-degree angled magazine makes it an excellent option for wainscoting installation.

Its special features are

• 360-degree adjustable air exhaust compressor.
• Interchangeable trigger is ideal for a quick fire.
• Magnesium construction allows users to hold it tightly.
• Unique depth-adjusting mechanism for precise nailing.
• Non-marring tips protect you from unwanted accidents.
• No slipping teeth that can hold the workspace tightly to provide extra pressure.
• Ergonomic grip helps users by reducing hand fatigue.
• An interchangeable trigger to change nail firing mode.
• Special anti-dust clap has its inner components made from wood dust.

Some drawbacks

• Need maintenance and oiling for best results.
• Some people complain that sometimes it misfires.

Users are happy with the features this gun offers. Some issues are also there, but users are really comfortable with its user-friendly design and power.

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KIMO ‎9418A Cordless Brad Nailer

The KIMO 9419A is a cordless brad nailer that can fire both 18 gauge nails and 1/4″ crown staples.

It allows users to choose between nailing or stapling for wainscoting installation. It runs on a battery.

Typically, battery-powered tools are heavy and cause fatigue when used for an extended period of time.

Surprisingly, the KIMO 9418A is very compact, weighing only 5 pounds without the battery. It has both single-firing and contact firing modes.

It comes with a fast charger, which charges the nailer in less than an hour. It can drive up to 1400 nails with one full charge.

It can also fire around 80 nails in just one minute. There are complaints about the gun’s inability to penetrate thick materials. But overall, users are pretty satisfied with its capabilities.

Other features include

• Rotating, 360-degree air exhaust compressor.
• Switchable trigger on this nailer makes it simple to fire quickly.
• Magnesium body allows people to grip it firmly.
• Incorporates a unique depth-adjusting mechanism for accurate nailing.
• Users are protected from unintended accidents by their non-marring tips.
• Doesn’t have sliding teeth that could grip the work area and apply more pressure.
• Users benefit from its ergonomic grip by having less hand fatigue.
• Trigger on this nailer may be switched out to vary how the nails are fired.
• Interior parts of its unique anti-dust clap are formed of wood dust.

Bad sides

• Plastic build.
• Not suitable for thicker materials.

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Freeman Pneumatic Combo Kit

For a professional carpenter or home designer to work on different interior and exterior renovation projects that include wainscoting, then the Freeman Pneumatic Combo Kit is one of the best tools.

This combo pack includes,

• A framing nailer with a 21-degree angle for large wainscoting projects.
• An 18-gauge Brad Nailer does almost every wainscoting task.
• An 18-Gauge Narrow Crown Stapler for odd-shaped wainscoting panels.
• For heavier work, consider the 15-Gauge Angle Finish Nailer.
• A canvas storage bag containing oil, wrenches, and instructions.

This combo kit comes with some great handy features.

• Depth adjustment to work on different materials with different thicknesses.
• 360-Degree adjustable exhaust.
• Durable magnesium body.
• No-mar tip for giving protection to soft and delicate wooden surfaces.
• Oil-free design.
• Quick-release nose.
• Switch between modes smoothly.
• Durable magnesium body for added longevity.
• Easy loading system.
• Anti-dry fire mechanism.

A single nailer is preferable for a small wainscoting project, but it’s always better to have multiple nail guns as the user may work with different materials for different panels with different sizes and densities.

This combo kit contains everything a user needs. I would recommend this kit even for non-professionals and DIY interior wainscoting workers.

There are some complaints about this nail gun too. Some users face the jamming tendency of the framing nailer sometimes.

Some users also complain about the unavailability of the 21-degree 3-1/2 inch nails in many places. The kit needs high maintenance too.

This kit is the best value for money and can be the most helpful tool for your wainscoting projects because it has so many useful features and not many problems.

What Size Nails For Wainscoting?

Usually, 2″ long, 18 gauge or 16 gauge nails are suitable for almost all the wainscoting. These nails have more penetration and holding power. 18 gauge nails create smaller holes than 16 gauge nails, making them more effective for softwoods or holding panels together. There is also less chance of splitting or damaging the materials.

On the other hand, 16-gauge nails will give you bigger holes, so they need adhesive to cover the holes. Their penetration power is required for hardwoods or to attach two panels together. These nails can split wood panels, so do not apply extra pressure.

How We Have Reviewed?

You’ll be glad to hear that we emphasize the user’s opinion by recommending products to people. There are some confidential matters that companies don’t reveal. We try to expose those facts for the betterment of users. We collect opinions from the comment section of different sites & put them in our writing. 

It’s our foremost responsibility to make you understand product features. Our easy elaboration of different functions can easily make you understand the whole machinery process. Our writer spent around 3 hours per day studying & visiting the top site’s results for the desired product. So, we guarantee that our reviewing process is elegant & beneficial for users.

Should you use Nails or Adhesive for Paneling?

You should generally use nails instead of adhesive if the thickness of the MDF is higher than 1/2 inch. Adhesive cannot provide enough holding power with such higher thickness. Besides, you might need to hang TV or something heavy on the wall that adhesive fails to hold.

Adhesive damages the walls while removing the panels from the walls. On the other hand, rounded head nails go through the wall to ensure strong holding power to the panels and they does not destroy the walls while removing. Gaps between the wall and MDF will be smaller with the nails as well. You need to use the decorators caulk and a silicone to fill the gaps created with the adhesive.

However, adhesive will work better with the thin MDF panels. You will get enough holding power and the thin and soft panels will not be splitted due to the power of nails. Besides, if your wall is uneven, using the nails will make the paneling uneven. In such cases, using the adhesive will be a better option.

But if you are eager to use adhesive, Liquid Nails LN710 Paneling and Molding Adhesive is our suggestion.

What Nail Gun To Use For Paneling?

You should use an 18 gauge Brad nailer for paneling projects with lightweight panels such as wall paneling, MDF paneling, or wainscoting. A brad nailer drives 18 gauge nails between ⅝ & 2 inches long, which is optimum for paneling duties. 18 gauge nails are thin enough to leave small holes in the boards. Besides, they offer enough holding power without splitting the wood. People also call it a tacker or a stapler.

For heavier panels, using brad nails might not work. You can use a finish nailer to drive 16-gauge finishing nails that will hold the boards firmly without leaving larger holes. Projects like tongue and groove paneling require finishing nailers.

Experts put their opinion on purchasing a Brad nailer for paneling work. When hanging paneling, 18 gauge nails are highly recommended. A brad nailer is lighter & smaller as it is helpful for paneling projects. Framing nailers, pin nailers, or roofing nailers are out of the question here.

Should You Use a Staple Gun For Paneling?

You can use a staple gun for paneling, but it is recommended to use it. Staple guns are designed to drive staples into thinner materials, such as cardboard, fabrics, and thin wood. Paneling requires a more robust and secure fastening such as 15 & 16-gauge finish nails or brad nails to ensure the panels are securely attached to the framing.

Besides, staples have a smaller surface area than nails, which can result in a weaker bond between the panel and the framing. This can lead to the panels coming loose over time, causing damage to the walls and potentially leading to expensive repairs.

Another common issue with a staple gun for paneling is that it can split the wood, especially if it is dense or the staple is too long. This can lead to an unattractive and unstable paneling installation. You can use a stapler for thinner MDF or wood paneling since it drives staples.

What Panel Nail Gun To Use – Finish or Brad nailers?

Some people are often confused about picking between finish nailers and brad nailers for paneling.

Thicker wood requires strong holding power. Finish nailers can easily drive up to 2-2.5 inches 15 & 16 gauge nails. They offer plenty of holding power to attach the panel to the wall. But you have to deal with the larger holes when removing them.

On the contrary, brad nailers drive .5-2 inches brads with 18 gauge diameter. They can also deliver a good holding power but are less strong than a finish nailer. For medium delicate items, brad nailers work better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s check on common asking among buyers.

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