8 Easy Fixes for Your Nail Gun Not Shooting Nails

Nail gun refusing to shoot nails? Eager to troubleshoot and fix? Uncover the secrets to repairing your nail gun and get back to nailing those projects with ease!

how to fix Nail gun not shooting nails

The nail gun is used to drive nails into the wood. It is an essential woodworking tool for many different projects such as decking, roofing, framing, siding, interior work, and exterior work.

Usually working with a nail gun is easy and more efficient rather than working with a hammer. But what should we do if, Nail gun not firing or Nail gun not shooting nails?

Here’s what I learned:

Nail gun not shooting nails due to jams, improper air pressure settings, air leaks, dead battery, dust and dirt, incompatibility of nails, dry firing, and maintenance issues. Fix nail gun not shooting nails issue by clearing jams, adjusting air supply setting, cleaning the tool, and proper maintenance.

But there’s more to know about fixing nail gun not shooting nails.

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    So, in this article, we’ll examine deeply why does when nail gun not shooting nails or why nail gun not firing and how to fix this issue.

    Plus, I’ll answer some frequently asked questions as well.

    Troubleshoot nail guns that won't shoot nails
    Troubleshoot nail guns that won’t shoot nails

    Why Does Nail Gun Not Shooting Nails?

    The nail gun is able to drive hundreds of nails every single day. But there are some occasions nail gun does not fire.

    Several reasons cause nail gun not shooting nails. Most of them can be simply fixed by yourself with little extra time.

    Here’re the main reasons that cause nail gun not shooting nails.

    1. The nail gun is jammed
    2. Improper air pressure settings
    3. Air leaks
    4. Dust and dirt build-up
    5. Using wrong, incompatible nails
    6. Insufficient fasteners
    7. Improper maintenance
    8. Dead Battery

    Those are the reasons that the nail gun not firing. All the above issues can be fixed with simple techniques and even a beginner in woodworking can try them out as well.

    reasons why nail gun not shooting nails
    reasons why nail gun not shooting nails

    So, let’s discuss each of the above reasons by explaining why it stops nail gun shooting and how to fix that!

    1. Jammed Nail Gun

    Jammed nail gun causes a lot of issues for every woodworker from time to time. A jammed Nail gun does not firing nails and it only blows out air.

    You’ll never notice your nail gun is jammed until it hit a surface and deflects the resulting jam.

    It is important to know how to unjam a nail gun because jamming is a general thing when using a nail gun.

    reasons why nail gun get jammed
    Reasons why nail gun get jammed

    So, let’s find out what are the reasons that cause jammed nail gun.

    Why Does Nail Gun Jam?

    Nail gun jams because of several reasons. When you’re nail gun not shooting nails check whether is it jammed and find the reason for that.

    Here’re the reasons that cause nail gun jams,

    • Incorrect nail loading
    • Mishandled fasteners
    • Wet paper tape
    • Bang the follower
    • Lack of lubricating oil
    • Damaged fasteners
    • Wrong size fasteners
    • Misshaped coil
    • Wrong angle and collation

    When the lubricating oil or adequate oil is not sufficient, the nail gun gets jammed because the air cylinder in the nose area needs plenty of oil.

    Nails will feed slowly, and the machine won’t function properly due to a lack of oil.

    The coil needs to be in perfect round shape. If it is squeezed or dropped the original shape will be loosened cause of nail gun jam.

    When the fasteners are in the wrong size or damaged the collation and the nail’s shank diameter don’t match the usage and nails won’t feed to the machine properly.

    When the fasteners are mishandled or the paper tape is too wet, that can cause the nail gun to jam.

    Mostly nail gun jam because of loading nails backward.

    how to fix jammed nail gun
    how to fix a jammed nail gun

    So, let’s find out how to fix nail gun jam to get rid of nail gun not shooting nails.

    How To Fix Jammed Nail Gun?

    Here’re the steps you need to follow to unjam the nail gun and fix the nail gun not shooting nails.

    1. Disconnect the nail gun from the power source and air supply.
    2. Unscrew nose bolts and lift the nose latch by releasing the nose plate front.
    3. Open the barrel.
    4. Inspect for damages and identify what parts need repairing.
    5. Remove the jammed nails, and excess fasteners, and replace damaged parts.
    6. Close nose front.
    7. Refix the front nose. (Make sure the work contact tool is free.)
    8. Insert fuel cell and battery.
    9. Reload the gun with fasteners and retract the feeder mechanism.
    10. Restore power source
    11. Test with scarp wood

    By following the above steps you’ll be able to prevent nail gun jamming. Generally, nail gun get jammed because of jammed nails which can be corrected by disassembling and reloading the nails correctly.

    But in some cases, like damaged parts, you’ll probably have to replace them with new ones to stop the nail gun keep Jamming.  

    Now you know how to fix the nail gun not shooting issue by unjamming the nail gun.

    jammed nail gun
    jammed nail gun

    Let’s focus on how air pressure settings can affect nail gun not firing and how to fix that!

    2. Improper Air Pressure Settings

    The improper air pressure setting is one of the main reasons nail guns not shooting nails.

    Usually, the recommended pressure is mentioned in the nail gun. But there are some occasions compressors don’t put pressure within the recommended range which will result in the nail gun not firing.

    Due to improper air pressure settings, the hammer won’t get enough energy or too much energy to move the nail and resulting in nail defects.

    reasons for air pressure failures of nail gun
    reasons for air pressure failures of nail gun

    So, let’s find out what are the reasons that cause improper air pressure settings.

    Why Air Pressure Settings Are Improper?

    Improper air pressure adjustments can occur due to various reasons. Some automatically happen over time and others happen due to human errors.

    Here’re the main reasons for improper air pressure settings,

    • Nail gun pressure is too above or below the required range.
    • The Air compressor is not working properly.
    • Damaged shooting spring.

    When the nail gun air pressure is too high above the required range, the nail will go so deep into the wood which can cause wood cracking.

    Same as when the nail gun air pressure is too low, the nails are hard to pass through the wood fibers.

    So better to keep the air pressure at an average level as instructed in the user manual. Mostly compressed air nail guns recommend keeping air pressure between 70 to 120 psi.

    how to fix air pressure failures of a nail gun
    how to fix air pressure failures of a nail gun

    So, let’s find out how to fix improper air pressure settings to get rid of nail gun not shooting nails.

    How To Fix Improper Air Pressure Settings?

    Here’re the things you need to do to maintain proper nail gun air pressure without destroying your woodwork.

    • Set nail gun air pressure as the instruction manual.
    • Dissemble the nail gun and check whether the compressor is damaged.
    • Replace the air compressor if necessary.
    • Replace the damaged shooting spring.
    • Test with scrap wood to identify the correct air pressure.

    Now you know how to fix nail gun not shooting issue by fixing nail gun pressure. Let’s focus on how air leaks can affect nail gun not firing and how to fix that!

    Nail gun with improper air pressure settings
    Nail gun with improper air pressure settings

    3. Air Leaks

    Nail gun not shooting nails can occur due to the air leakages of the machine.

    When there is an air leak, the nail gun just blows air but does not fire nails properly into the wood surface.

    Most of the air leaks can be fixed by ourselves.

    But if the issue is bigger, you might probably have to go for a professional nail gun repair center.

    reasons for air leaks of nail gun
    reasons for air leaks of nail gun

    Why Does Nail Gun Leaking Air?

    There’re several reasons for air leaks of nail gun. They are,

    • Pulling the trigger so many times.
    • The trigger valve is the culprit.
    • Worn O-rings.

    When the trigger of the nail gun pulls so many times, it’ll loosen due to wear and tear forces. This can cause air to leak around the trigger.

    When the O-rings that are placed around the head of the valve wear off, it’ll let the air go through the exhaust vent.

    This will result in air leaks. Usually, O-rings are made of rubber, and it seals the exhaust vent and prevents air from getting through.

    how to fix air leaks of a nail gun
    how to fix air leaks of a nail gun

    So, let’s find out how to fix air leaks to get rid of nail gun not shooting nails.

    How To Fix Air Leaks?

    Here’re some fixes you can use to prevent air leaks and protect your nail gun.

    • When the air is leaking through the exhaust vent replace O-rings
    • Use a rebuild kit that matches your nail gun model.
    • If the air is leaking through the trigger, replace it with a new trigger valve.

    Now you know how to fix nail guns not shooting issues by fixing air leaks.

    Nail gun with air leaks
    Nail gun with air leaks

    Let’s focus on how dust and dirt affect nail gun not firing and how to fix that!

    4. Dust And Dirt Build Up

    This is a common issue for all the woodworking tools. When the nail gun is stored for so long, it’s common to build up dust and dirt.

    Better to inspect your nail gun when it’s not firing for dust and dirt.

    If you’ve noticed the issue in the early days, you can fix it before it becomes even worse. Because dust and dirt are harmful to the durability of eclectic devices.

    reasons for dust and dirt build up on nail gun
    reasons for dust and dirt build up on nail gun

    Why Do Dust and Dirt Build Up?

    Here’re the reasons why your nail gun is with lots of dirt and dust.

    • Working in an area with lots of sawdust
    • Dirty magazine

    Building dust and dirt is not your mistake, because it is a common thing in the woodworking world.

    But you need to get rid of dust and dirt to keep your nail gun for so long and to function properly. So, let’s see how to do that!

    how to fix dust and dirt build up on a nail gun
    how to fix dust and dirt build up on a nail gun

    How To Fix Dust and Dirt Build Up?

    • Clean the nail gun regularly.
    • Clean your working area regularly.
    • Store nail guns in a dust-free environment.
    • Inspect the nail gun magazine operation by removing fasteners and sliding the feeder back and forth. Hang-up areas should be clean with a nylon brush.
    • Clean all the moving parts. Especially the trigger.

    Now you know how to fix nail gun not shooting issues by fixing dust buildups.

    nail gun with lots of dust
    nail gun with lots of dust

    Let’s focus on how wrong, incompatible nails affect nail gun not firing and how to fix that!

    5. Wrong and Incompatible Nails

    Wrong and incompatible nails do lots of trouble to your nail gun’s functionalities.

    They not only prevent nail gun from shooting nails but also can cause to break the tool as well.

    Therefore, I highly admit not to use wrong-sized or incompatible nails for your nail gun. Each nail gun works with different nail sizes, angles, shapes, and nail collations.

    reasons why incompatible nails cause nail gun problems
    reasons why incompatible nails cause nail gun problems

    Why Can’t You Use Any Nails in A Nail Gun?

    You cannot use any nails in a nail gun due to the following reasons,

    • Nail gun firing pin will bend
    • Fire hammer into the wood without a nail
    • Nails will not pass through the gun
    How to fix using wrong, incompatible nails for nail gun
    How to fix using wrong, incompatible nails for nail gun

    So, let’s find out how to fix using the wrong nails to get rid of nail gun not shooting nails.

    How To Fix Using Wrong Nails in Nail Gun?

    • Check the nail size before loading to the magazine
    • Load the magazine properly
    • Read the instruction manual to get aware of the correct nail types

    Read best nails for wood soffit that can use to fire with nail gun.

    Nail gun stopped working due to using wrong nails
    Nail gun stopped working due to using wrong nails

    6. Insufficient Fasteners

    There should be a minimum level of fasteners inside the magazine of the nail gun.

    If the fastener amount is not sufficient to fire, that’ll lead to dry firing.

    reasons for causing fasteners failures of nail gun
    reasons for causing fasteners failures of nail gun

    Why Does Nail Gun Dry Firing?

    Here’s how insufficient fasteners cause nail gun not shooting nails,

    • Dry firing destruct the nail gun
    • Strain the internal parts of the nail gun.
    • Dry firing makes workmanship issues.
    how to fix failures of fasteners of the nail gun
    how to fix failures of fasteners of the nail gun

    So, let’s find out how to fix dry firing to get rid of nail gun not shooting nails.

    How To Fix Dry Firing?

    • Add enough fasteners to the magazine
    • Reload the magazine
    • Identify black firing earlier
    • Test with scarp wood after fixing the issue.
    nail gun failed due to fastener failures
    nail gun failed due to fastener failures

    7. Improper Maintenance

    Proper maintenance is a must when working with a nail gun to keep its flawless efficiency.

    Proper maintenance will increase the lifetime of the nail gun and protect it from environmental elements, such as moisture.

    reasons for causing maintenance issues of a nail gun
    reasons for causing maintenance issues of a nail gun

    Why Does Nail Gun Need Proper Maintenance?

    Nail gun needs proper regular maintenance because of the following reasons,

    • To stop breaking the tool
    • To prevent dust buildup
    • To protect the magazine
    • To prevent air leaks
    • To prevent shooting blanks
    How to fix maintenance issues of nail gun
    How to fix maintenance issues of nail gun

    So, let’s find out how to fix improper maintenance of nail gun to get rid of nail gun not shooting nails.

    How To Fix Improperly Maintained Nail Gun?

    • Replace the damaged parts
    • Clean dust and dirt
    • Clean the magazine regularly
    • Seal air leaks
    • Store in a clean environment
    broken nail gun due to poor maintenance
    broken nail gun due to poor maintenance

    8. Dead Battery

    Most nail guns are battery-powered. When the battery is dead nail gun not shooting nails.

    Some nail guns use both battery and fuel cells. This is useful because you’ll be able to use a nail gun even when the battery is not charged.

    reasons for causing battery issues of the nail gun
    reasons for causing battery issues of the nail gun

    Why Does Dead Battery Stop Nail Gun Shooting?

    • When the battery is so old, it doesn’t hold much charge
    • When the battery is new, and you haven’t charged it properly
    • When the fuel cell canister is empty

    So, let’s find out how to fix the dead battery of the nail gun to get rid of the nail gun not shooting nails.

    How to fix battery issues of nail gun
    How to fix battery issues of nail gun

    How To Fix Dead Battery?

    • Replace the battery with a new one to fix the nail gun not shooting.
    • Charge the remaining battery well before use
    • Check and fill the fuel cell canister.

    That’s it, folks! Now you know what causes a nail gun not to fire and how to fix it when a nail gun does not firing nails in 8 different methods.

    nail gun equipped with a dead battery
    nail gun equipped with a dead battery

    So, Let’s have a look at nail gun issues at some of the top brands in the world and how to fix them with ease.

    How To Fix bostitch nail gun not shooting nails?

    Ah, the Bostitch nail gun, a reliable and powerful tool for many a carpenter and DIY enthusiast. But what happens when it stops shooting nails? Frustration ensues.

    In this section, we’ll delve into the reasons why a Bostitch nail gun might not be shooting nails and offer solutions to get it back in action.

    Brace yourselves for a journey through perplexity and burstiness!

    Here’re the reasons that result Bostitch nail gun not shooting nails and how to fix them,

    1. Jammed Bostitch Nail Gun

    First and foremost, a jammed nail gun! Yes, this common issue can bring your project to a screeching halt.

    Debris, bent nails, or misaligned fasteners might be the culprits.

    Fear not, for the solution is simple. Disconnect the air supply, open the nose of the gun, and remove any obstructing nails. Voilà! Your Bostitch is ready to rumble.

    did you know fact about nail gun not shooting nails
    did you know fact about nail gun not shooting nails

    2. Improper Air Pressure Settings On Bostitch Nail Gun

    Now, consider air pressure. Too low? Your Bostitch might refuse to fire. The manual specifies an optimal pressure range; ensure your compressor is set accordingly.

    A swift adjustment should have your nail gun up and running.

    3. Pesky Air Leaks In Bostitch Nail Gun

    Air leaks, the sneaky saboteurs. If you hear a hiss, suspect a leak. Inspect your nail gun’s seals and O-rings for damage.

    A touch of soapy water will reveal bubbles where air is escaping. Replace worn parts and bid farewell to leakage woes.

    4. Dust and Dirt Build-up In Bostitch Nail Gun

    Ah, the ever-present dust and dirt. These unwelcome guests can wreak havoc on your Bostitch nail gun’s performance.

    Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential! Pay special attention to the trigger valve, the magazine, and the nosepiece. A clean Bostitch is a happy Bostitch.

    5. Using Wrong, Incompatible Nails In Bostitch Nail Gun

    Mismatched nails? A recipe for disaster. Only use nails compatible with your Bostitch nail gun model. Check the manual for guidance. Your nail gun will thank you.

    6. Insufficient Fasteners In Bostitch Nail Gun

    Fasteners running low? Your nail gun may refuse to fire. Keep an eye on the magazine and replenish as needed. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

    7. The Importance of Proper Maintenance In Bostitch Nail Gun

    And, of course, proper maintenance. A well-lubricated, clean, and cared-for Bostitch will serve you for years to come. Keep up with routine checks and servicing.

    Myriad reasons may cause a Bostitch nail gun not to shoot nails. But with diligence, patience, and a touch of know-how, you can remedy these issues and get back to nailing your projects.

    Keep your nail gun clean, use the right nails, and maintain optimal air pressure.

    mistakes that can break nail gun
    mistakes that can break nail gun

    How To Fix dewalt nail gun not firing nails

    When faced with a DeWalt nail gun that refuses to fire, or a DeWalt 18-gauge brad nailer that just won’t cooperate, don’t panic!

    We’re here to help you understand why these issues occur and how to resolve them.

    Follow along as we delve into the perplexing world of nail gun troubleshooting, bursting with tips and advice for a detailed and friendly fix.

    Here’re the reasons that result DeWalt nail gun not firing nails and how to fix them,

    1. Power Source Problems In Dewalt nail gun

    Dead Battery DeWalt cordless nail guns rely on a charged battery. If your nail gun isn’t firing, ensure the battery is charged and functioning properly.

    Electrical Issues For corded DeWalt nail guns, inspect the power cord and outlet for damage or malfunctions. A simple swap of the power source might do the trick!

    2. Fastener Failures In Dewalt nail gun

    Incompatible Nails Using the wrong nails for your DeWalt nail gun or 18-gauge brad nailer can cause firing issues. Consult your manual for the correct size and type of nails.

    Insufficient Fasteners A low supply of nails in the magazine may prevent your nail gun from firing. Keep it well-stocked to avoid interruptions.

    3. Jams In Dewalt nail gun

    A jammed nail gun is a common issue. Disconnect the power source, open the nose of the gun, and remove any obstructing nails. Don’t forget to check the magazine for misaligned fasteners.

    4. Debris and Dirt Build-Up In Dewalt nail gun

    Regular cleaning is crucial for nail gun performance. Pay extra attention to the nosepiece, magazine, and trigger valve. A clean nail gun is more likely to fire without issue.

    5. Air Pressure and Leaks In Dewalt nail gun

    Improper Air Pressure Settings For pneumatic DeWalt nail guns, ensure the air pressure is set within the specified range according to the manual.

    Air Leaks Inspect seals and O-rings for damage, and replace them if needed. A quick application of soapy water can help detect leaks.

    6. Depth Adjustment In Dewalt nail gun

    If your DeWalt nail gun is firing, but the nails aren’t sinking to the proper depth, simply adjust the depth adjustment wheel to achieve the desired depth.

    7. When All Else Fails In Dewalt nail gun

    Customer Support If you’ve tried everything and your DeWalt nail gun or 18-gauge brad nailer still isn’t firing, it’s time to contact DeWalt customer support for further assistance.

    DeWalt nail guns and 18-gauge brad nailers might occasionally refuse to fire, but armed with this comprehensive guide, you can tackle the issue head-on.

    Keep your nail gun clean, use compatible nails, and maintain proper air pressure settings to ensure smooth operation. Happy nailing!

    Tip for fixing nail gun
    Tip for fixing nail gun

    How To Fix craftsman nail gun not firing

    If you find yourself perplexed by a Craftsman nail gun that won’t fire, worry not!

    We’re here to dissect the intricacies of this issue and provide a friendly, detailed guide on how to fix it.

    With a burst of subheadings, examples, and insights, we aim to help you understand and address the problem at hand.

    Here’re the reasons that result in Craftsman nail gun not firing and how to fix them,

    1. Power Supply Problems In Craftsman nail gun

    Dead Battery For cordless Craftsman nail guns, ensure the battery is charged and functioning. A dead battery is often the culprit behind a non-firing nail gun.

    Electrical Connection Issues If you have a corded Craftsman nail gun, inspect the power cord and outlet for any damage or malfunction. Sometimes, a change of power source can make all the difference.

    2. Fastener Issues In Craftsman nail gun

    Incompatible Nails Using the incorrect nails for your Craftsman nail gun can cause firing problems. Always check the manual for the right size and type of nails to use.

    Low Nail Supply When there are too few nails in the magazine, your nail gun may not fire. Keep the magazine well-stocked to prevent such issues.

    3. Jams In Craftsman nail gun

    Jammed nail gun is a common problem. Disconnect the power source, open the nose of the gun, and carefully remove any jammed nails. Also, inspect the magazine for misaligned fasteners.

    4. Dirt and Debris Build-Up In Craftsman nail gun

    Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for optimal nail gun performance. Focus on cleaning the nosepiece, magazine, and trigger valve to keep your Craftsman nail gun firing smoothly.

    5. Air Pressure and Leakage In Craftsman nail gun

    Incorrect Air Pressure Settings For pneumatic Craftsman nail guns, make sure the air pressure is set within the specified range according to the manual.

    Air Leaks Check seals and O-rings for damage, and replace them if necessary. You can use soapy water to detect air leaks quickly.

    6. Depth Adjustment Troubles In Craftsman nail gun

    If your Craftsman nail gun is firing but the nails aren’t sinking to the desired depth, simply adjust the depth adjustment mechanism to achieve proper nail depth.

    7. Customer Support

    The Last Resort If you’ve exhausted all options and your Craftsman nail gun still refuses to fire, it’s time to contact Craftsman customer support for further assistance.

    While a non-firing Craftsman nail gun can be frustrating, this detailed guide offers the tools and knowledge to troubleshoot and fix the issue.

    Prioritize regular cleaning, use compatible nails, and ensure proper air pressure settings for a seamlessly functioning nail gun.

    Quick tip for fixing nail gun
    Quick tip for fixing nail gun

    How To Fix makita nail gun not shooting nails

    When your Makita nail gun refuses to fire, it can feel like a perplexing problem. Fret not, as we’re here to guide you through this conundrum with a friendly and detailed approach.

    We’ll explore the possible causes of a non-firing Makita nail gun and provide solutions to get you back to work.

    Prepare for a burst of subheadings, examples, and insights to help you tackle this issue.

    Here’re the reasons that result in Makita nail gun not shooting nails and how to fix them,

    1. Power Source Predicaments in Makita nail gun

    Battery Woes: For cordless Makita nail guns, ensure the battery is charged and functioning. A depleted battery is often the cause of a non-firing nail gun.

    Electrical Connection Issues: For corded Makita nail guns, inspect the power cord and outlet for any damage or malfunction. A change of power source might just solve the problem.

    2. Fastener Fiascos in Makita nail gun

    Wrong Nail Type: Using incompatible nails can lead to firing issues. Always consult the manual for the correct size and type of nails for your Makita nail gun.

    Insufficient Nail Supply: A low nail count in the magazine can prevent your nail gun from firing. Keep your magazine well-stocked to avoid such setbacks.

    3. Jammed and Stuck Nails in Makita nail gun

    jammed nail gun is a common issue. Disconnect the power source, open the nose of the gun, and carefully remove any jammed nails. Also, inspect the magazine for any misaligned fasteners.

    4. Build-Up of Dirt and Debris in Makita nail gun

    Regular cleaning and maintenance are vital for the optimal performance of your nail gun. Pay special attention to cleaning the nosepiece, magazine, and trigger valve to keep your Makita nail gun firing efficiently.

    5. Air Pressure and Leakage Issues in Makita nail gun

    Incorrect Air Pressure Settings: For pneumatic Makita nail guns, ensure the air pressure is set within the specified range as per the manual.

    Air Leaks: Inspect seals and O-rings for damage and replace them if required. Use soapy water to quickly detect any air leaks.

    6. Depth Adjustment Difficulties in Makita nail gun

    If your Makita nail gun is firing but not achieving the desired nail depth, adjust the depth adjustment mechanism accordingly.

    7. Contacting Makita Support

    If all else fails and your Makita nail gun still won’t fire, reach out to Makita customer support for further assistance.

    A non-firing Makita nail gun can be a frustrating experience, but with this comprehensive guide, you’ll have the tools and knowledge to troubleshoot and fix the problem.

    By ensuring proper cleaning, using compatible nails, and setting the correct air pressure, you’ll enjoy a smoothly functioning nail gun.

    Nail Guns Not Working: Troubleshooting Ryobi, Milwaukee M18, Metabo HPT, and Hitachi Nail Guns

    When your nail gun stops working, it can be quite frustrating. Let’s dive into the possible reasons why Ryobi, Milwaukee M18, Metabo HPT, and Hitachi nail guns may not be functioning and explore the steps to fix them.

    With a friendly and detailed approach, we’ll tackle this issue with subheadings, examples, and insights to help you get your nail guns back up and running.

    Here’re the reasons that result in Ryobi, Milwaukee M18, Metabo HPT, and Hitachi nail gun not shooting nails and how to fix them,

    1. Power Supply Problems

    Battery-Operated Nail Guns: Ensure the batteries in your Ryobi, Milwaukee M18, Metabo HPT, or Hitachi nail gun are charged and functioning properly.

    Corded Nail Guns: Inspect the power cord, plug, and outlet for any damage or malfunction.

    2. Fastener Issues

    Incompatible Nails: Always use nails compatible with your specific nail gun model, as specified in the manual.

    Low Nail Count: Ensure your nail gun’s magazine is stocked with a sufficient supply of nails.

    3. Jammed Nails and Misfeeds

    Disconnect the power source, open the nose of the nail gun, and carefully remove any jammed or misaligned nails. Check the magazine for proper alignment.

    4. Dirt and Debris Build-Up

    Regularly clean your nail gun, especially the nosepiece, magazine, and trigger valve, to ensure smooth operation.

    5. Pneumatic Nail Gun Issues

    Air Pressure Settings: For pneumatic nail guns, make sure the air pressure is set within the recommended range.

    Air Leakage: Inspect seals and O-rings for damage, and replace them if necessary. Use soapy water to detect air leaks.

    6. Depth Adjustment Discrepancies

    If your nail gun is firing but not achieving the desired nail depth, adjust the depth adjustment mechanism as needed.

    7. Manufacturer Support: The Last Resort

    If none of these troubleshooting steps work, contact the customer support of Ryobi, Milwaukee, Metabo HPT, or Hitachi for further assistance.

    Understanding the potential causes behind your Ryobi, Milwaukee M18, Metabo HPT, or Hitachi nail gun not working is the first step to solving the problem.

    By following these troubleshooting steps, you’ll be able to diagnose and fix the issue, ensuring your nail gun is functioning smoothly.

    With proper maintenance and usage, you’ll be back to nailing those projects in no time!

    Nail Gun Firing But No Nail: Unraveling the Mystery

    Experiencing a nail gun firing without actually driving a nail can be a puzzling issue.

    Let’s explore the possible reasons and steps to fix this problem of nail gun firing but no nails are coming out.

    1. Empty Magazine

    A nail gun can fire without nails if the magazine is empty. To fix this, simply reload the magazine with the appropriate nails for your model.

    2. Nail Jam

    A jammed nail in the nosepiece or magazine can prevent proper nail feeding. Carefully remove the jammed nail, and realign the fasteners in the magazine.

    3. Improper Fasteners

    Using incorrect or incompatible nails can result in your nail gun not driving them. Always use the recommended fasteners for your specific nail gun model.

    4. Magazine Malfunction

    A damaged or worn-out magazine can cause feeding issues. Inspect the magazine for damage and replace it if necessary.

    5. Worn or Damaged Driver Blade

    If the driver blade is worn or damaged, it may not be able to drive the nails properly. Inspect the driver blade and replace it if needed.

    6. Depth Adjustment Issues

    Ensure the depth adjustment is set correctly, as an improper setting can result in the nail gun firing but not driving the nails.

    So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about nail gun firing.

    Why Does Your Nail Gun Keep Jamming?

    Nail gun keeps jamming because of using wrong fasteners, dust and dirt, incompatible nails, incorrect nail loading, and lack of adequate oil.

    You can fix a nail gun that keeps jamming by replacing damaged parts with new ones and loading nails correctly, cleaning the tool, and using correct nail types.

    Nail Gun Not Shooting Nails
    Old nail gun that won’t shoot nails properly

    Why Does Your Nail Gun Misfire?

    Nail gun misfires because the piston is not lubricated properly.

    Unscrew and disassemble the nail gun and apply 10 drops of lubricant oil into the air line to void the nail gun misfire.

    Why Does Your Nail Gun Shoot Two Nails?

    Nail gun shoots two nails when the trigger is worn out. Recoil when nail gun double fires when shooting nails.

    Replace the nail gun trigger with a new one to avoid the nail gun shooting two nails rapidly.

    Why does the nail gun not shooting nails all the way in?

    A nail gun not shooting nails all the way in can be caused by a few factors:

    1. Depth adjustment: The depth setting on the nail gun may be too shallow. Adjust the depth setting to allow for deeper nail penetration.
    2. Air pressure: Insufficient air pressure can prevent nails from being driven all the way in. Check the air pressure settings on your compressor and ensure it’s set to the recommended pressure for your nail gun model.
    3. Worn or damaged driver blade: A worn or damaged driver blade may not be able to push the nails in completely. Inspect the driver blade for wear and replace it if necessary.
    4. Incorrect fasteners: Using the wrong size or type of nails can cause improper nail driving. Make sure to use the recommended nails for your specific nail gun model.
    5. Dull or dirty nosepiece: A dirty or dull nosepiece can affect nail driving. Clean the nosepiece and ensure it’s free of dirt and debris.

    By addressing these potential issues, you can improve the performance of your nail gun and ensure nails are driven in completely.

    Did I cover all you wanted to know about Nail Gun Not Shooting Nails Fixes?

    In this article we have deeply discussed conditions that nail gun not shooting nails and what should we do in that kind of situation to fix that.

    We talked about 8 different simple and accurate methods how to fix nail gun not shooting nails and how to get rid of nail gun not firing issues in the future as well.

    To fix a nail gun not shooting nails, check the power source, ensure proper air pressure, use correct fasteners, clean the gun, and inspect the driver blade. Clear jams, adjust depth settings, and replace worn parts as needed. Regular maintenance helps prevent issues and keeps the nail gun functioning properly.

    Furthermore, I have answered some frequently asked questions as well.

    Hope you have gained pretty good knowledge about nail gun not shooting nails causes and fixes.

    Next time when you face any issue with the nail gun, try to fix the nail gun by using the methods that we have talked about in this post.

    Have fun in woodworking!

    Walter Parker is a woodworking enthusiast. He is passionate about woodworking projects & plays with woodworking tools having spent over 2 decades as a leader for Woodworking Planet. He wants to make people love woodworking! Read More About Him! Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin.

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