Modern power tools for woodwork include framing nailers. The five varieties of frame nailers range in angle from 15 to 34 degrees. Thirty degree framing nailers are widely advertised to business owners and those who desire to do their own work since they are the most typical framers used in framing.
So, you might ask if you can use 30-degree nails in a 34-degree nailer. Read the detailed answer below.
Can I use 30 degree nails in a 34 degree nailer
Yes, a 34-degree nailer can fire 30-degree nails. The magazines of the majority of 34-degree nailers are made to accept nails with collation angles ranging from 30 to 34 degrees.
However, it’s better to stick to the nailer the manufacturer suggests for not to waste time and resources. Although many professional users think it is acceptable to use 30-degree nails in a 34-degree framing nailer, it is advised to only use 34-degree paper collated nails in a 34-degree framing nailer. You can use only clipped (D-head) nails with 34-degree framing nailers.
Construction companies choose 34-degree framers over 30-degree models because they give greater precision. Qualified contractors often use them for pricey projects like building homes or businesses.
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Why we CAN use 30-degree nails in a 34-degree nail gun
- Nails with both angles of 30 and 34 have clipped heads.
- You can insert higher angle collated nails into 34-degree nailers.
- Nail sticking happens very rarely.
Why we CANNOT use 30 degree nails in a 34 degree nail gun
- It is a high risk of breaking the tool
- The tip of the nail can be jammed.
Let’s look at nail geometry
A framing nailer’s magazine is made with a particular angle so that it can work with the nails at that angle only. Currently, there are nails with four angles available: 21 degrees, 28 degrees, 30 degrees, and 34 degrees. There are benefits and drawbacks in terms of speed and capacity for each angle of the framing nail guns depending on a certain type of material.
Nail clips come in a wide variety of lengths, gauges, and even material varieties. Just keep in mind that 21-degree nail clips can only go with 21-degree nailers.
Another challenge is with a 15-degree nail gun that takes coil magazines only. On a building site, coils of these nails may hold 200–300 framing nails at a 15-degree angle and last nearly a full day.
What is the difference between 30-degree nails and 34 degree nails
30 degree nails
- The magazine rail and the tip are at a 30 degree angle
- There is additional space between collated nails
- There are full round head nails and clipped round head nails
- Both cut and full round nails can be used with the majority of 30 degree framing nailers
- 30-degree nails can be utilized in any climate or location
- 30 degree nails can be used for flooring, sub flooring, wall framing, roofing, exterior deck, window framing
34 degree nails
- The magazine rail and the tip are at a 34 degree angle
- There is no space between collated nails. The magazine can hold more nails.
- The highest angle collated nail that is now available in the places is a 34-degree nail. It makes it possible for the compatible nailer to be moved around with ease and to be fired in places where lower-angled nails cannot be used.
- 34-degree nails are only D-head or cut
- Due to its relatively poor holding capacity, this kind of nail is generally prohibited in areas where natural disasters happen. Furthermore, hot, humid weather frequently results in the damage of the paper strip used for nail collation.
- 34 degree framing nails can be used for engineered wood fitting, window building, wall sheathing, mobile homes, modular houses, interior and exterior decking.
These nailers provide you the most advantage on construction sites. Each of the nail strips can contain 80 nails and two complete strips of nails.
These clips are held together by a sturdy paper strip, which creates less clutter on construction sites and makes them simpler to use in confined spaces. The only disadvantage is its weight. It is heavier since there are more nails.
What size of nails should I use
It does not matter if you are a new person to this or an expert, this is a common question to ask. Definitely, you should refer to the maker of your nail gun if you want to be 100% sure.
For your small DIY projects choose the smaller gauge because it will be simpler for you to drive nails into your creation. When buying a new nail gun, then choose the larger gauge because it will provide you greater force when driving nails into wood or other materials.
You should not use small nail guns for heavy-duty tasks like building or renovation; instead, you should use them for small or light-duty tasks like hanging pictures or lights, or shelves.
It is a bit hard to say which size of nail exactly you should use for this or that project. Nevertheless, 2.5-inch nails are the standard length for use with nail guns. You can even use a hammer for driving the nail into the wood if you like.
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FAQs
Can I use 30-degree nails in a 28 degree nail gun?
Yes, you can use 30-degree nails in a 28-degree nailer. A 28-degree framing nailer can use either full-round or clipped nails which perfectly works with 30 degree nails.
Can I use 30-degree nails in a 21 degree nailer?
The most important thing to keep in mind when using nail clips is that if you have a 21-degree nailer, you can only use 21-degree nail clips.
What nails can I use in a 30-degree nailer?
You can use clipped head nails or offset nails. A 30-degree nailer’s capacity is 88 nails, thus you won’t need to reload it very often.
Does the degree matter on a nail gun?
What kind of nail heads and how many nails the nail gun can hold depending on the angle. For use on wall studs, floor joists, and other framing projects, 15-degree nail guns are the best choice since they can carry a lot of full-round-head nails. The use of full-round-head nails is frequently mandated by building rules for framing.
Final words
Answering the question if you can use 0-degree nails in a framing nailer with a 34-degree angle, yes, you can. Because most 34-degree nailers’ magazines are made to work with 30 to 34-degree nails.
However, it is advised to adhere to user manuals and use nails that the manufacturer recommends in a particular nailer to prevent unfavorable harm to the device.
The angles of nails range from 0 to 34. It appears that many nail brands focus more on the name of the gun than the angle. Keep in mind, that branded nail guns are difficult for non-branded nail guns to compete with. Take the protractor into the store and measure the angle of the nails if they are in line with the barrel.
