How To Change Nails: Essential Guide

Quick Summary:
Changing nails in your nail gun is a straightforward process. This guide will show you, step-by-step, how to safely and efficiently reload your nailer, whether it’s a pneumatic, cordless, or electric model, getting you back to your project in no time.

Hey DIYers, Jack Shaffer here from Nailerguy! Ever been in the middle of a project, hammering away with your nail gun, only to have it sputter and stop? It usually means it’s time to reload. It might seem a little daunting at first, but changing the nails in your nail gun is actually one of the simpler maintenance tasks you’ll do. It’s a skill every homeowner and woodworker needs in their toolkit.

Don’t worry if you’ve never done it before. We’ll go through it together, making sure you understand each step clearly. By the end of this guide, you’ll be comfortably changing nails like a pro, ready to tackle any project with confidence.

Let’s get your nailer loaded up and ready to work!

Why Knowing How to Change Nails is Important

You’re probably thinking, “It’s just loading nails, right?” And yes, it is! But knowing how to do it correctly makes a big difference. It’s not just about getting nails into the gun; it’s about doing it safely, efficiently, and making sure your tool works its best.

Project Continuity: The most obvious reason is to keep your project moving. Running out of nails mid-cut or mid-assembly can break your workflow and frustration.
Tool Longevity: Loading nails improperly can jam your nailer or even damage the magazine. Doing it right protects your investment.
Safety First: Nail guns are powerful tools. Understanding how to disarm and handle them during reloading is crucial to prevent accidental firings.
Versatility: Different projects call for different nail types and sizes. Knowing how to switch out nails allows you to adapt your tool for various jobs.

Understanding Your Nail Gun’s Magazine

The heart of your nail gun, when it comes to holding nails, is the magazine. This is where the ammunition – the nails – are stored and fed into the firing mechanism. While there are different types of nail guns, the basic concept of their magazines is similar.

Most nail gun magazines are designed to hold a strip or collation of nails. These nails are usually held together by a thin strip of paper, plastic, or wire. As you fire the gun, a spring-loaded mechanism (often called a follower) pushes the nails up into the firing chamber.

You’ll typically find a way to open or slide the magazine to load new nails. This is usually a latch, a spring-loaded tab, or a movable piece of the magazine itself. Pay attention to where the nails need to sit; they need to be aligned correctly to feed properly.

Types of Nail Guns and Their Magazines

While the core task is similar, the specifics of loading can vary slightly depending on the type of nail gun.

Pneumatic Nailers

These are powered by compressed air from an air compressor. Their magazines are usually quite robust and are opened by releasing a spring-loaded latch or sliding a section of the magazine.

Loading: Typically involves pulling back a spring-loaded plunger or releasing a latch to open the magazine.
Nail Collation: Usually use paper, plastic, or wire collated nails.

Cordless Battery-Powered Nailers

These offer great portability. They use a battery for power and often have an internal mechanism to drive the nail. Loading is usually straightforward, similar to pneumatic models.

Loading: Often involves a spring-loaded follower that you pull back manually or a latch mechanism.
Nail Collation: Primarily use plastic or wire collated nails.

Corded Electric Nailers

These plug into a wall outlet. They are less common for framing but popular for lighter craft or upholstery tasks. Loading mechanisms can vary.

Loading: May have a top-loading or side-loading magazine that slides open.
Nail Collation: Use various collations depending on the gun’s specific design.

Specialty Nailers

This includes framing nailers, finish nailers, brad nailers, staplers, roofing nailers, and more. Each type has a magazine designed for the specific size and collation of nails it fires.

It’s always best to consult your tool’s owner’s manual for the exact instructions for your specific model. You can usually find them online if you’ve misplaced yours. For example, Bostitch often has detailed PDF manuals available on their website.

Essential Tools and Materials for Changing Nails

The good news is, you usually don’t need a lot of fancy tools to change nails in your nail gun. Most of the time, your hands are all you need! However, having a couple of things handy can make the process smoother and ensure safety.

Your Nail Gun: Of course!
The Correct Nails: This is super important. Using the wrong type or size of nail can damage your tool and result in poor performance. Always check your nail gun’s manual for the recommended nail size, collation angle, and collation type. I often refer to resources like Fine Homebuilding’s guides to ensure I’m picking the right nails.
Safety Glasses: Always, always, always wear safety glasses when working with nail guns, even when you’re just loading them. You never know when a spring might pop or a nail might shift unexpectedly.
Gloves (Optional): If you have sensitive hands or are loading many nails, gloves can protect your fingers from sharp edges or the spring mechanism.
Owner’s Manual: As mentioned, your manual is your best friend for specific instructions.

Step-by-Step: How to Change Nails in Your Nail Gun

Let’s break this down into simple, actionable steps. Remember, safety is the top priority!

Step 1: Disconnect Power

This is the absolute MOST important step. Never, ever attempt to load or adjust your nail gun without disconnecting its power source. This prevents accidental firing.

For Pneumatic Nailers: Disconnect the air hose from the compressor or the nailer itself.
For Cordless Nailers: Remove the battery pack.
For Corded Electric Nailers: Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.

Double-check that the trigger is not obstructed and cannot be accidentally squeezed. For most modern nail guns, there’s a safety contact tip that must be depressed for it to fire. Ensure this is not engaged while you’re working.

Step 2: Locate and Open the Magazine

The magazine is the long, usually metal, housing on the front or side of your nail gun where the nails are inserted. You’ll need to open it to insert a new strip of nails.

Common Mechanisms: Look for a latch, a button, or a sliding part. On many guns, you’ll need to push a tab or lever to release the magazine cover or the follower mechanism. Some magazines flip open, while others slide.
What to Expect: You might feel a spring engage as you open it. This is normal; it’s getting ready to push the nails forward.

Step 3: Remove Old Nails (If Any)

If there are any leftover nails in the magazine, it’s best to remove them before loading a new strip. This prevents jams and ensures the new nails feed correctly.

Open the magazine fully.
Carefully slide out any remaining nails. Be mindful of the spring mechanism pushing them.
If nails are jammed, don’t force them. Consult your manual or look for specific jam-clearing instructions for your model before proceeding.

Step 4: Load the New Nails

Now it’s time for the new ammunition! This is where using the correct nails is critical.

Verify Nail Type:

Nailer Type	Common Nail Collations	Things to Check
Framing Nailer	Paper-taped, plastic-collated	Angle (.080 to .162 diameter), length (2″ to 3.5″)
Finish Nailer (15-gauge)	Paper-taped, plastic-collated	Head size (approx. 1/4″), length (1.25″ to 2.5″)
Brad Nailer (18-gauge)	Paper-taped, plastic-collated	Head size (very small, almost headless), length (0.5″ to 2″)
Stapler	Wire-collated staples	Crown width, leg length

Loading Process:

Orientation: Place the strip of nails into the magazine. Ensure they are facing the correct direction to be fed into the gun. Most magazines have a guide that dictates the angle or orientation. The heads of the nails should typically face towards the end of the gun that drives the nail.
Align the Collation: Make sure the collation (the paper, plastic, or wire holding the nails together) sits properly in the channel of the magazine.
Position the Follower: You’ll likely need to pull back a spring-loaded follower (a piece that pushes the nails forward). Pull it back as far as it will go, usually to the end of the magazine, to make space for the full strip of nails. Some nailers have a hook or notch to hold the follower in place while you load.
Slide the Nails In: Gently slide the strip of nails into the channel, ensuring they are seated correctly.
Release the Follower: Carefully release the follower. It should gently push the first nail into the firing position. If it doesn’t, you might need to give it a slight nudge or ensure the nails are fully seated.

Step 5: Close and Secure the Magazine

Once the new nails are loaded and the follower is engaged, close the magazine.

Ensure the cover or sliding part is properly seated.
You should hear or feel a click as it locks into place.
Give it a gentle tug to make sure it’s secure and won’t accidentally open during use.

Step 6: Reconnect Power and Test Fire

Now that the nail gun is loaded and secured, it’s time to get back to work!

Reconnect Power Source: Reattach the air hose, insert the battery, or plug in the power cord.
Safety First (Again!): Never point the nail gun at yourself or anyone else.
Test Fire: Find a scrap piece of wood. Hold the nail gun firmly and press the safety contact tip against the wood. Then, squeeze the trigger. You should hear the nailer fire and feel a nail driven into the wood.
Check First Nail: Ensure the first nail fired correctly and that no error lights or unusual sounds occurred.

If it fires correctly, congratulations! You’re ready to continue your project.

Troubleshooting Common Loading Issues

Even with the best intentions, sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

Nails Not Feeding

Cause: Magazine not closed properly, follower not engaging, or incorrect nail collation.

Solution:

Open and re-close the magazine, ensuring it’s secure.
Check if the follower is properly pushing the nails forward. You might need to manually advance it.
Ensure you are using the correct type and angle of nails for your specific nailer.

Nails Jammed

Cause: Wrong nail size/type, damaged collation, or improperly loaded nails.

Solution:

Disconnect power immediately.
Open the magazine and try to carefully remove the jammed nails. Do NOT force them.
If nails are stuck deep within the gun mechanism, consult your owner’s manual for jam clearing procedures. Sometimes, a small wiggle or a special tool (often included with the nailer) is needed. You can find helpful visual guides on clearing jams from tool manufacturers like DEWALT.

Magazine Cover Won’t Close

Cause: A nail is out of place, the follower mechanism is obstructed, or something foreign is in the magazine.

Solution:

Disconnect power.
Inspect the magazine for any obstructions or misaligned nails.
Try to reset the follower mechanism.
If the problem persists, carefully check for any damage to the magazine or its parts.

Table: Nail Compatibility Guide (General)

Disclaimer:** This is a general guide. Always refer to your specific nail gun’s owner’s manual for exact specifications. Compatibility can vary significantly between brands and models.

Nailer Type	Gauge	Collation Type	Collation Angle	Head Type	Typical Length Range
Framing	.113″ to .162″	Paper Tape, Plastic	21°, 28°, 30°, 34°	Round Head (Full or Offset); Clipped Head	2″ to 3.5″
Full Round Head Framing	.131″ to .162″	Paper Tape	21° (most common)	Full Round Head	2.5″ to 3.5″
Truss Head Framing	.131″ to .162″	Paper Tape	21°	Truss Head	2.5″ to 3.5″
Sheathing	.113″ to .120″	Plastic	21°	Round Head	2″ to 2.5″
Construction/Common	.131″ to .148″	Paper Tape	21°	Ring Shank, Smooth	2″ to 3.5″
Finish (15-Gauge)	.072″	Paper Tape	20° (most common)	Med. Round (approx. 1/4″ diameter)	1.25″ to 2.5″
Angled Finish (15-Gauge)	.072″	Plastic	30° to 35°	Med. Round (approx. 1/4″ diameter)	1.25″ to 2.5″
Brad (18-Gauge)	.047″	Paper Tape	90° (Straight)	Small Head (pin 1/16″)	0.5″ to 2″
Pin (23-Gauge)	.022″	Plastic	90° (Straight)	Headless (micro pin)	0.5″ to 1.25″

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How often should I change the nails in my nail gun?

A1: You change the nails whenever the magazine is empty, or you need to switch to a different size or type of nail for your project. There’s no set schedule; it’s