Solved: Can I use 30-degree nails in a 34-degree nailer?

Use 30 Degree Nails In A 34 Degree Nailer: Best Helpful Tips
24 Dec

Solved: Can I use 30-degree nails in a 34-degree nailer?

In the framing nail guns process, 30-degree frames are most commonly used. They are sold to contractors and homeowners who want to get the job done.

34-degree frames are more popular in the construction industry because they provide better accuracy than 30-degree models. They are commonly used by professional contractors or for high-end jobs such as residential or commercial construction.

There are many different types of nailers on the market. The 34-degree framing nailer has a 30-degree opening angle, which makes it popular with users. Now the question is, can I use 30-degree nails in a 34-degree nailer?

Yes, you can drive 30-degree nails with a 34-degree nailer. However, it’s best not to try any other type of nailer other than the one recommended by the manufacturer – there’s no point in wasting time on one that isn’t designed for the job.

use 30 degree nails in a 34 degree nailer

Why can we use 30-degree nails in a 34-degree nail gun, and why not?

We can use the following:

The magazines of the 34-degree nailers are designed to drive nails that are grouped at a high angle.

  • Both 30- and 34-degree nails basically have cut heads.
  • Nail sticking is very rare.

We cannot use the following:

  • Jamming of the nail occurs at the tip.
  • There is a risk of instrument damage.

Nail geometry

The framing nailer has an angle in its magazine, and it only accepts nails that match that angle. Currently, straight a nail-clipped head comes in four angles: 21°, 28°, 30°, and 34°.

This is many types of nail-clipped different heads, such as length, gauge, and material type.

However, the most important thing to remember is that you can only use a 21-degree nail-clipped head with 21-degree nailers.

In addition, each angle of the framing nail guns is concerned with different types of materials, which has advantages and disadvantages in terms of speed and capacity.

A 15-degree nail gun that only accepts coil magazines complicates things further. Spools of these nails typically hold 200-300 nails in a 15-degree framing nailer and can last almost an entire day on a construction site.

What grade of nail gun is best?

There is no such thing as a top-notch nail gun. Nail guns of each grade offer different jobs. 30- and 34-degree framing nailer work really well in complex spaces, which 21- and 28-degree nails can’t do.

But 21 and 28 full round head nails tighten more securely than 30-degree paper nails or 34 cut head nails. Each popular framing nailer serves a different purpose, and you should choose according to your needs.

At present, if you need some guidance, I would go with the Bostich 30-degree framing nailer. Its excellent build quality and lightweight add even more to its value. Two in one makes it special. The Bostitch 30-degree nail gun is used for both joining metal and as the framing nailer. It comes with a 7-year warranty, making it more reliable.

30- and 34-degree mounting nails

Nailers like these are often found on construction sites and give you maximum efficiency in tight spaces.

The nail strips can be filled with 80 nails each and a magazine holds two full nail strips.

A strong paper tape secures these clips together, reducing clutter in workspaces and making them easier to use in hard-to-reach areas. The disadvantage of any nail gun is its weight. There are more nails, so it is heavier.

Straight clamp nailers are the heaviest and require significant upper body strength all day long.

Using 34-degree nails

34-degree nails can be used for:

  • Engineering wood fittings.
  • Window building.
  • Wall cladding.
  • Mobile homes.
  • Modular houses.
  • Internal and external finishing.

34-degree nails are the highest-angle nails available in the spot. This allows a compatible nailer to be easily maneuvered and can shoot into places where lower-angle nails cannot come freely. 34-degree nails are only cut or D-headed.

This is why many disaster-prone regions do not allow this type of nail to be used due to its comparatively low holding capacity. In addition, the paper strip used for picking nails is often damaged in humid and hot weather.

Are nail-gun nails interchangeable?

The answer to this question is yes and no. Not all nail guns are interchangeable.

28-degree nail guns use only 28-degree nails or nails of this type. A 30/34-degree framing nailer accepts 30/34-degree nails. Because some nailers only use graded nails, in the case of a framing nailer, they cannot be used interchangeably.

But when using other simple nailers, you can replace the nails.

21 and 28-degree nails are interchangeable for the same range. For example, 22-degree Porter Cable nails fit both 21-degree nail guns and 28-degree nail guns. These nails are light, and plastic, magazine capacity is 60 nails.

What’s more, 30-degree and 34-degree nails are interchangeable, as they both use clipped head nails. Thus, it can be said that the same set of nails can sometimes be interchanged. However, it is recommended to use nails of the same grade as the grade of the nailer.

What is the difference between 30-degree nails and 21-degree nailers?

The 30-degree nail magazine uses clipped head nails. They can easily shoot in tight spaces. A paper strip holds the clamps.

But in wet weather, the 30-degree nail paper strip shrinks, so it cannot be used in such humidity regions.

Framing nailers with an angle of 21 degrees drive nails with a full round head. Not very suitable for tight spaces. But this nail gun throws out plastic parts as it fires, so it’s a little dangerous to use it without protective materials.

FAQs:

Can I use 21-degree nails in a 20-degree nailer?

The magazine angle of this type of nailer usually varies between 20-22 degrees, depending on the manufacturer. As a rule, a deviation of three degrees gives the user some freedom in choosing the angle.
Similar to 15-degree helical framing nailers, the 21-degree skeletal nail gun drives round head nails. The difference in this angle lies in the type of picking, where the nails are held together with a plastic strip rather than a wire spool.
These framing nail guns can hold 60 to 70 nails, so not as many mounts as with a 15-degree nail gun, meaning more reloads.

What is the most common degree for a framing nailer?

The most common degrees of framing nailers are 15, 21, 28, 30, and 34 degrees.

Are nails for nail guns interchangeable?

You can use any brand of nails as long as they are of the same grade as your framing nailers and are within the length specified for your gun.

Can I use 30-degree nails in a 21-degree nailer?

If you have a 21-degree nailer, you can only use 21-degree nail clips.

Can I use 30-degree nails in a 28-degree nail gun?

Yes, as long as they meet the specifications of the pneumatic 28-degree nailer.

Conclusion

Based on the specifications and features of the 30-degree nails and 34-degree nailers and compatible framing nails, we can answer the question. Can I use 30-degree framing nails in a 34-degree nail gun?

Yes, we can use 30-degree framing nails in 34-degree framing nailers. Because the magazines of most 34-degree nails are designed for 30-34 degree framing nails. But it is recommended to follow the user manuals and nails suggested by the company in the specified mounting gun to avoid unexpected damage to the tool.

ByChuck H

Chuck is from Durango, CO and he is a carpenter with 20 years of experience. ​He has a passion for tools, especially hand tools, and how they should be used and maintained.

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