Nail Gun Not Shooting Nails? 7 Fixes That Actually Work

Nail Gun Not Shooting Nails? 7 Fixes That Actually Work

A nail gun that refuses to shoot nails is frustrating and can significantly slow down your project. Before calling for professional repair, try these seven fixes. They address common issues and might just get your nail gun back up and running.

1. Check the Air Compressor

Many nail gun problems stem from issues with the air supply. Don’t overlook this fundamental component.

1.1. Insufficient Air Pressure

• Problem: The most common culprit is not enough air pressure being supplied to the nail gun. Nail guns require a specific PSI (pounds per square inch) to function correctly.
• Solution:
  1. Check the recommended PSI for your nail gun in its manual or on the tool itself (often near the air inlet).
  2. Ensure your air compressor is set to at least that PSI. It’s generally better to slightly exceed it (e.g., set to 90 PSI if the nail gun requires 80 PSI) to compensate for pressure drop in the hose.
  3. Monitor the air compressor’s pressure gauge while using the nail gun. If the pressure drops significantly below the required level, the compressor might be too small for the job or has a leak.

1.2. Air Hose Issues

• Problem: A kinked, damaged, or poorly connected air hose can restrict airflow.
• Solution:
  1. Visually inspect the entire length of the air hose for kinks, cuts, or bulges. Replace the hose if any damage is found.
  2. Ensure the hose is securely connected to both the air compressor and the nail gun. Check for leaks around the connections by listening for hissing sounds or applying soapy water (bubbles will indicate a leak).
  3. Consider using a higher-quality, wider-diameter air hose to improve airflow, especially for longer runs.

1.3. Air Compressor Maintenance

• Problem: Water build-up in the compressor tank can restrict airflow and cause corrosion.
• Solution:
  1. Drain the air compressor tank regularly (usually daily, or after each use) using the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. This removes accumulated water and debris.
  2. Check and clean the air compressor’s air filter periodically to ensure proper airflow. Refer to the air compressor’s manual for cleaning instructions.

2. Nail Strip Issues

Problems with the nail strip itself are another frequent cause of nail gun malfunctions.

2.1. Incorrect Nail Size or Type

• Problem: Using the wrong size or type of nails for your nail gun can cause jams or prevent the gun from firing.
• Solution:
  1. Consult your nail gun’s manual to determine the correct nail size (length and gauge) and type (e.g., round head, clipped head, framing nails, finish nails).
  2. Ensure the nails you are using match these specifications exactly.

2.2. Bent or Damaged Nails

• Problem: Bent, crushed, or otherwise damaged nails can get stuck in the magazine or firing mechanism.
• Solution:
  1. Visually inspect the nail strip for any damaged nails.
  2. Remove any damaged nails before loading the strip into the magazine.
  3. Handle nail strips carefully to avoid bending them.

2.3. Improper Loading

• Problem: Incorrectly loading the nail strip into the magazine can prevent the nail gun from feeding the nails properly.
• Solution:
  1. Refer to your nail gun’s manual for the correct loading procedure.
  2. Ensure the nail strip is inserted in the correct orientation (usually with the nail heads facing up).
  3. Make sure the nail strip is fully seated in the magazine and the magazine latch is securely closed.

3. Jammed Nails

A nail becoming stuck in the firing mechanism is a common issue.

3.1. Identifying a Jam

• Problem: The nail gun may make a clicking sound without firing a nail, or the nail might only partially drive into the workpiece.
• Solution: Look for visual cues. Is a nail visible within the firing chamber? Is the driver blade (the part that hits the nail) stuck?

3.2. Clearing the Jam

• Problem: A nail or piece of nail may physically obstruct the firing mechanism.
• Solution:
  1. Disconnect the air hose from the nail gun. This is a crucial safety step!
  2. Open the nail gun’s jam clearing mechanism (usually a latch or lever near the nose of the gun). Refer to the manual for the specific location and operation of the jam clearing mechanism.
  3. Use pliers or a small screwdriver to carefully remove the jammed nail or debris.
  4. Inspect the driver blade for damage. If it’s bent or broken, it may need to be replaced.

4. Driver Blade Issues

The driver blade is the part that strikes the nail. Its condition is crucial.

4.1. Bent or Broken Driver Blade

• Problem: A bent or broken driver blade won’t effectively drive nails.
• Solution:
  1. Visually inspect the driver blade for damage.
  2. If the driver blade is bent or broken, it needs to be replaced. This usually requires disassembling the nail gun, which may be best left to a professional if you’re not comfortable with mechanical repairs.
  3. Replacement driver blades can be purchased from tool supply stores or online retailers.

4.2. Insufficient Lubrication

• Problem: A dry driver blade can stick or bind, preventing it from moving freely.
• Solution:
  1. Apply a few drops of pneumatic tool oil to the driver blade.
  2. Cycle the nail gun (with the air hose connected and a nail strip loaded) a few times to distribute the oil.
  3. Refer to the nail gun’s manual for recommended lubrication points and frequency.

5. Safety Mechanism Problems

The safety mechanism is designed to prevent accidental firing, but it can also sometimes cause problems.

5.1. Safety Not Fully Depressed

• Problem: Many nail guns have a safety mechanism that requires the nose of the gun to be pressed firmly against the workpiece before it can fire. If the safety is not fully depressed, the gun won’t fire.
• Solution: Ensure the nose of the nail gun is pressed firmly and squarely against the workpiece. Experiment with slightly different angles and pressures to see if that resolves the issue.

5.2. Safety Mechanism Obstruction

• Problem: Debris or hardened grease can sometimes obstruct the safety mechanism, preventing it from moving freely.
• Solution:
  1. Clean the safety mechanism with a clean cloth and a small amount of solvent (such as mineral spirits).
  2. Apply a small amount of lubricant (such as pneumatic tool oil) to the safety mechanism to ensure smooth operation.

6. Insufficient or Incorrect Lubrication

Proper lubrication is vital for the internal workings of a nail gun.

6.1. Using the Wrong Oil

• Problem: Using the wrong type of oil can damage the internal seals and components of the nail gun.
• Solution: Only use pneumatic tool oil specifically designed for air-powered tools. Avoid using general-purpose oils or lubricants, as they may not be compatible with the nail gun’s internal components.

6.2. Lack of Lubrication

• Problem: Without proper lubrication, internal parts can become dry, causing friction and preventing the nail gun from operating smoothly.
• Solution:
  1. Add a few drops of pneumatic tool oil to the air inlet of the nail gun before each use.
  2. Consider using an in-line oiler, which automatically lubricates the nail gun as it’s being used.

7. O-Ring and Seal Issues

Internal seals (O-rings) are crucial for maintaining air pressure.

7.1. Leaking O-Rings

• Problem: Worn or damaged O-rings can leak air, reducing the nail gun’s power and preventing it from firing properly.
• Solution:
  1. Inspect the nail gun for air leaks, particularly around joints and connections.
  2. If you suspect a leaking O-ring, you may need to disassemble the nail gun to access and replace it. This is a more complex repair that may require specialized tools and knowledge. Consider consulting a professional if you’re not comfortable with this procedure.
  3. O-ring replacement kits are typically available for specific nail gun models. Be sure to purchase the correct kit for your nail gun.

7.2. Dried Out Seals

• Problem: Seals can dry out and crack, especially if the nail gun hasn’t been used for a long time.
• Solution: Periodic lubrication helps prevent seals from drying out. If the gun hasn’t been used in a while, add several drops of pneumatic tool oil and allow it to sit for a few hours before use. This can help rehydrate the seals.

By systematically checking these seven areas, you should be able to diagnose and fix the majority of "nail gun not shooting nails" issues. Remember to always disconnect the air hose before performing any maintenance or repairs.

Hopefully, these tips helped you get your nail gun firing again! Dealing with a nail gun not shooting nails can be frustrating, but a little troubleshooting can usually get things back on track. Happy nailing!