21 Vs 28 Degree Framing Nailer | Ultimate Comparison
The framing nailer is available at various angles from zero to 34 degrees. A framing nailer with a higher angle allows you to work in a tighter place.
Sometimes people misunderstand the concept of angles. They think that a 21-degree framing nailer means that the nailer will shoot nails at a 21-degree angle and a 28-degree angle means the nailer will shoot the nails at a 28-degree angle.
But the fact is the angle does not affect the angle at which the nail emerges from the head of the nailer. In a 21-degree framing nailer, the nails are organized at a 21-degree angle, and in a 28-degree framing nailer, the nails are organized at a 28-degree angle inside the magazine.
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21 Vs 28 Degree Framing Nailer | Differences and Comparison
21 Framing Nailer
The ideal fact is that the nails inside a 21-degree framing nail gun will remain at a 21-degree angle but in reality, it is almost impossible to maintain the angle strictly. The angle can vary from 20-22 degrees. You will be happy to know that this 3-degree variation is useful for your work. It gives you flexibility during shooting nails.
The 21-degree framing nail gun is designed for full-round head nails. You know most of the locations allow full round head nails in the building which is an advantage of using a 21-degree framing nail gun.
To hold the nails together plastic strips are used. The plastic strips break and fly out in tiny pieces during firing the nail. So, wearing safety gear during shooting nails with a 21-degree nail gun is a must. The plastic strips make a lot of debris that you need to clean after work.
One can load about 60-70 nails in one clip of this nail. It is a disadvantage as you have to reload the magazine frequently which hampers the speed of your work.
28-Degree Framing Nailer
I already have said that the higher the degree the steeper the nail gun. So, a 28-degree framing nail gun will provide you with more flexibility in work.
You can load a total of 3 kinds of nails in a 28-degree framing nail gun including full-round head, offset, and clipped head nails. You can load more nails in its magazine than a 21-degree framing nail gun. It reduces the time of reloading the magazine. Since you can load more nails in its magazine its weight increases as a consequence.
The nails of a 28-degree framing nail gun are held together with a wire strip. The wire strips do not create a lot of debris like plastic strips. So, you do not have to spend much time for clean up like the 21-degree framing nail gun.
The nails are held together in the magazine with a wire strip that does not create a lot of debris like the plastic strip. It is safer too as it does not fly like the plastic strip during work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 28-degree nails in a 21-degree nailer?
No, you can’t use 28-degree nails in a 21-degree nailer.
What degree nail gun is best for framing?
If you are asking for the best gun for framing then you should go for a 15-degree framing nailer instead of a 21-degree and 28-degree.
What degree of nail gun is best for tight places?
Between 21-degree and 28-degree nailers, the 28-degree nailer is best for nailing in a tight place.
What degree of nail gun is best for stud walls?
For stud walls, the full round head nail is needed. And the 21-degree framing nailer and 29-degree framing nailer, both are capable of nailing the full round head nails.
Final Words
People ask a common question when they compare a 21-degree framing nail gun and a 28-degree framing nail gun that is which one is best?
It is a tough question to be answered. If I say that a 21-degree framing nail gun is best then it will be wrong and at the same time, if I say that a 28-degree framing nail gun is best then it will also be wrong.
The answer to the question depends on the circumstances. You have to decide by yourself depending on your work, working site, physical capability, and personal preference.
