Best Nail Gun For Plywood Sheathing 2022

Performing plywood sheathing is a heavy-duty purpose.

People get confused about selecting a heavy-duty nailer.

As sheathing plywood is the ledge of material attached to the structural frame of the roof, a roofing-oriented nailer can be preferred. But the question is – what is the best nail gun for plywood sheathing?

There are varieties of models & features & it’s difficult to come to a stable decision after comparing. To liberate you from this thinking, we’re here. After reading our expert’s analysis, you’ll gather a vast amount of knowledge about the best nailers recommended for sheathing work. Without making a delay, let’s get into the article.

What type of nailer should I use on plywood?

This point is based on the thickness of the plywood. Randomly, experts suggest going for framing nailers. Framing nailers have the fame of performing good results in sheathing projects. There are both 21-degree & 30-degree framing nailers. The 30-degree framing nailers are more compact & capable of holding a bit more nails in the magazine than 21-degree nailers.

Best Nail Gun for Plywood Projects – BOSTITCH F21PL

  • Multiple nose pieces for metal connector applications
  • Lightweight agnesium construction for durability
  • Adjustable depth for versatile plywood projects
  • Rafter hook for easy storage and haning
  • Both sequential and bump trigger
  • Plastic collated 1-1/2-inch
  • 2-1/2-inch metal connector nails
  • Rubber skid and rubber grip for less fatigue

What’s our method of reviewing?

You’ll be glad to hear that we emphasize the user’s opinion recommending products to people. Our expert article writer tries to hold mentionable points of a product maintaining a sequence of importance. It helps a reader to realize the product’s features keenly. 

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

Quick summary

Best Pneumatic nailer for plywood: Paslode, Pneumatic Framing Nailer

Best engineered technology with firing capacity of 12 nails per second & bump firing.

Best Battery-powered: Metabo HPT Cordless Framing Nailer

“With 3.0 Ah, 18 V powerful battery & capacity of firing 400 nails per charge”

Best nail gun for roof sheathing: Freeman PFR2190 

“In a short pricing, good build quality with overheating reducing functions.”

Best Nail gun for plywood floor: BOSTITCH Framing Nailer (F21PL)

“Good magnesium built with the optimum weight and conventional features.”

Best Overall for plywood sheathing: DeWalt DCN692M1

“Complete package with selectable firing mode, compact 20V battery & many more features.”

5 Best Nail Gun for Plywood Sheathing

We are going to introduce you to our researched & selected top 5 models of framing nailers & you’ll learn about the best nail gun for plywood sheathing.

01.Best Pneumatic nailer for plywood: Paslode Pneumatic Framing Nailer

  • Item Weight: 8.4 pounds
  • Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 20 x 14.5 inches
  • Power Source: Air-powered
  • Maximum Pressure: 120 Pound per Square Inch
  • Compatible Fastener Range: 2″-3.5″
  • Certification: certified frustration-free
  • Nail Capacity: 2 strips (up to 84 nails)
  • Nail Angle: 30°
  • Batteries Required: No

The Paslode Pneumatic Framing Nailer is engineered for firing 12 nails per second. When working with a dedicated project like sheathing, this firing speed will provide betterment to the work. With 2 strips of nail capacity, this nailer’s magazine can hold up to 84 nails of 2″-3.5″ sizes. When working on a sheathing project, you won’t want a recoil issue & the company has reduced it to a minimum. 

Besides, this model is a little heavy weighted but for good weight balance, it doesn’t bring much fatigue to the muscle. Besides, this nailer uses an air-deflector cap and the main valve that improves airflow and performance over a wide range of operating conditions. There is a bump fire trigger for bump firing or contact firing. Using this feature, the user can instantly press the tip against the nailing surface for gaining non-stop firing. 

This nailer is dedicated to serving with lower jam & misfiring. Misfiring rate is lower than Metabo HPT Cordless Framing Nailer Kit, 18V, Brushless Motor; Freeman PFR2190 Pneumatic 21 Degree Framing Nailer; BOSTITCH Framing Nailer, Round Head, 1-1/2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch (F21PL) & DeWalt 20V Max DCN692M1. The convenient design of this nail gun with a soft grip provides a solid feel.

ProsCons
Engineered for firing 12 nails per secondThe weight is slightly higher
Almost zero recoilNail capacity is below the satisfaction
Presence of air-deflector
Good weight balance doesn’t bring fatigue
Bump fire trigger
Convenient researched design 
Minimum nail jamming
No misfiring, no waste of nails
Soft grip for handy feel

For whom this product is designed

This nail gun is suitable for those who are experts with sheathing tasks. If they want to complete their tasks with the use of technologies like air-deflector & bump firing with low recoil & good weight balance, this item is their pick.

02.Best Battery-powered: Metabo HPT Cordless Framing Nailer 

  • Item Weight: 10.1 pounds
  • Product Dimensions: 13.5 x 5.38 x 13.5 inches
  • Batteries: One 18v Lithium-ion battery
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Depth of Drive: Tool-less
  • Motor Type: Brushless
  • Driving Speed: Up to 2 Nails/Sec
  • Nails per Charge: Up to 400
  • Firing Modes: Sequential/Bump

Sheathing projects are a kind of finishing project & for avoiding the hassle of plugging in, people select battery-operated nailers. A Brushless motor is used here for a mind-blowing performance. A compact 18V, 3.0 Ah lithium-ion battery is used here which is only 0.6 lbs weighted. A fast charger is provided in the box. It is capable of driving 400 nails per charge & firing 2 nails per second.

Metabo HPT Cordless Framing Nailer uses 21-degree plastic collated nails from 2 inches to 3 ½ inches sizes. It is also offering some great features besides the compact battery. Its nail depth adjustment helps to fix nail heads in the desired depth. This nail gun is determined to prevent dry firing which affects the battery charge & wastes nails. So, the manufacturer is offering a side lock trigger for avoiding this circumstance.

There are both sequential & contact firing modes. Contact firing mode allows firing nails continuously. Paslode 501048 pneumatic nailer model’s contact firing technology is equivalent to this model but we think that the trigger of our dealing model is authentic in quality. We would like to tell you about the battery charge indicator & soft-grip handle which could be convincing to you. 

ProsCons
Compact battery with 400 nails firing per chargeSo much heavy for steel-built
Fast charging supportedThe nail firing speed is not fast
Both sequential & contact firing modes are availableFast charger produces some heat when charging
Low-battery indicator
Soft grip with better friction
Nail depth adjustment feature
Side-lock trigger for preventing dry firing

For whom this product is designed

Metabo has designed this product for extreme battery backup hungry people. When doing sheathing projects in a place where no plug-in system is available, this model can perform the task finely. Sheathing workers can select this for awesome features like depth adjustment, dry firing lock-out, low battery indicator, etc. 

03.Best value for the money: Freeman PFR2190 Framing Nailer

  • Item Weight: 8.5 pounds
  • Product Dimensions: 18 x 2 x 12 inches
  • Style: 21º Plastic Collated Full-Head
  • Material: Magnesium, anodized aluminum, and steel
  • Power Source: Air-powered
  • Magazine capacity: 55 nails
  • Dual firing mode: Yes
  • Nail depth adjustment: tool-free
  • No-mar tip: Yes
  • Teflon-O rings: Yes
  • Batteries Required: No

If we talk about the budget killer nailer model perfect for sheathing projects,  Freeman PFR2190 framing nailer is the choice. This model is promising to give you an ergonomic secured handle with interchangeable firing mode in the best budget. Its secured handle provides additional safety to the machine. Interchangeable firing mode allows the user to shift between regular & bump firing modes. 

It has a tool-free nail depth adjustment feature which can be useful for different applications of the nailer. It is providing a no-mar tip which helps to avoid damaging the surface of working. Teflon O-rings are present for resisting the high amount of heat produced by the nailer. This feature also ensures the high-performance of the nailer for a very long time. None of our discussing models are able to provide these functions with its price.

21-degree plastic collated full round head framing nails from 2″ to 3 ½” are used to fire this nailer. For extended use, this nailer is offering a magnesium-built body in a short price range. It also offers good durability with attractive built quality. The aluminum-built magazine can hold 55 nails at a time. Besides, its 360-degree adjustable exhaust allows the user to pass air away from the forepart of the body.

ProsCons
Magnesium built with good durabilityWeight is not appreciable
Ergonomic secured handleThe magazine could hold some more nails than 55 
Teflon-O rings for reducing overheating
Aluminum built magazine
360-degree adjustable exhaust
Selectable trigger for both regular & bump firing 
No-mar tip to prevent surface damage

For whom this product is designed

As it’s a budget killer item, sheathing project workers can choose this for saving some currency. This item is specially designed for providing features like Teflon-o rings, selectable trigger function & 360-degree adjustable exhaust in a short price range. Sheathing workers, having a lack of money but want something worth it, just go for this model.

04.Best Nail gun for plywood floor: BOSTITCH Framing Nailer (F21PL)

  • Item Weight: 4.17 pounds
  • Product Dimensions: 23 x 16 x 6 inches
  • Power Source: Pneumatic
  • Depth Adjustment: Yes
  • Fastener Length: 2-3 1/2 in
  • Fastener Type / Gauge: 21 Degree 
  • Firing Mode: Sequential with Contact Trigger Included
  • Jam Clearance: Yes
  • Magazine Capacity: 60
  • Magazine Loading: Bottom Load
  • Operating Pressure: 80 – 120 psi

BOSTITCH Framing Nailer (F21PL)  is only 4.17 pounds weighted as it’s convenient for portability. Its body is constructed with magnesium which is considered one of the best durable metals for nailers. It is attractive that after using metal elements, the company has reduced the weight to the lowest where our all discussing models are around 8 pounds. 

This nailer has a patented push-button for adjusting nails to the desired depth. When working with sheathing, you’ll need to place the nails perfectly & this feature will be your helping hand. This model drives plastic collated & metal connector nails. Driving both types of nails is a great feature for performing versatile projects. Quick change of nose pins allows this nailer to be used as a two-in-one nailer.

The integrated rubber grip is offering better grip as a part of the improved built quality. A bottom-loaded magazine is included which can have 60 nails at a time. Its adjustable rafter hook permits users to hang the tool on rafters. Sequential firing mode with contact trigger is present for bump firing. It helps to perform dedicated tasks with extreme firing in a very short time.

ProsCons
Magnesium built offers the best durabilityOffering low magazine capacity
Easily portableNo dry fire lockout preventing blank firing
Compact designNo wear guards
Very appreciable light-weight & balanceIntegral joist hanger is below the quality
Adjustable rafter hook for hanging
Both regular & contact firing options
Patented push-button for adjusting the depth of nails
Capable of using two types of nails
Okay with extreme usage

For whom this product is designed

This nailer is offering conventional features & talking about a reasonable price range. What if this nailer provides something more like good durability & compact design? Yes, this model is super durable & long-lasting as it’s lightweight, magnesium-built. People who will love these for sheathing can pick this item.

05.Overall best nailer for plywood sheathing: DeWalt DCN692M1 framing nailer 

  • Item Weight: 7.8 pounds
  • Product Dimensions: 18.5 x 6.88 x 15.56 inches
  • Batteries: 1 Lithium-ion battery required
  • Material: Plastic
  • Rafter hook: Yes
  • Dry fire lockout: Yes
  • Fastener length: 2 to 3-1/2 Inches
  • Firing mode: Sequential & bump
  • Magazine Angle: 30 degree
  • Magazine capacity: 55 nails
  • Magazine loading: Rear load

Now, we’re at the point of exposing the editor’s choice. Considering the use of technologies, value for money & other criteria, we have selected DeWalt DCN692M1 framing nailer as our pick item. This nailer is providing a selectable switch for sequential & bump firing. The sequential mode can be used for regular nailing & for continuous nailing, bump firing can be selected. 

It has a dry fire lockout function which can prevent dry firing. There is a stall release liver that can reset the nailer blade when a nail jam occurs. A user can get easy access to the nose pins which helps to dispose of the jammed nails easily. It is 7.8 pounds weighted & built with a plastic body. Though it’s using plastic material, it’s not brittle at all. Its no-mar tip helps to protect the work surface as well as the nailer.

The magazine of this model holds around 55 paper collated nails & fires up to a 3.5″ fastener. Its rear load magazine provides a convenient situation while reloading the magazine. This is a battery-powered nailer & the 20V long-lasting lithium-ion battery can be useful for sheathing projects by supplying plenty of power. In reasonable pricing, providing these features on a battery-operated nailer has convinced us.

ProsCons
Selectable firing modePlastic built
No-mar tip present to prevent the damage of the surfaceSlightly heavy compared to others
Compact 20V battery for fruitful backup
Easy access to the nose pins for disposing of jammed fastener
Rear loading convenient magazine 

For whom this product is designed

This is an all-rounder product. People who are interested in performing sheathing work with a reasonable pricing nailer can pick this item. This model is full of necessary functions like rear-load system, selectable firing system with dual speed motor & so on. So, if you’re searching for something valuable for money for sheathing, buy this model. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Having some common questions in mind? Take a quick visit here. 

Is the finish nailer perfect for the sheathing project?

No, because the finish nailer uses a different diameter of the fastener. It requires from 15 to 18 gauge nails but sheathing projects need 8d common nails.

Is the finish nailer & framing nailer the same?

No, both aren’t the same. A finish nailer shoots 14 to 16 gauge nails whereas a framing nailer shoots bigger nails.

What is the degree of framing nailer?

The degree of framing nailer refers to the difference in the sizes of used nailers.  The difference indicates the different angles used to the different nailers.

What Size Nails Do I Use For Plywood?

You do use 8d common nails for plywood sheathing. It’s not necessary to use longer 16d common nails which are widely used in attaching thick structural elements together.

What Kind Of Nails Do You Use For Plywood?

Common nails are needed for plywood sheathing. You need to use 2.5 inch long 8d common nails for plywood.

Conclusion

At the end of the article, we think you have become able to gather a vast amount of knowledge. Different nailers have different functions & we have tried to expose their applications & beneficial sides. The companies try to show only the positive sides of the machine. We’ve tried to expose some cons of the products with complete elaboration. We hope reading the whole article helped enrich your knowledge about framing nailers. 

At the endpoint, we’re declaring the best nail gun for plywood sheathing. DeWalt DCN692M1 framing nailer is our pick because, with a battery backup, selectable firing mode & easy disposal function of jammed nails, it’s offering attractive pricing. You can have this for completing your sheathing project nicely. Moreover, you can look over different segments as per your necessity.