Framing nailer won't fire at all

Symptoms

• Trigger pulls but nothing happens
• No air movement or sound from the tool
• Tip doesn't depress fully against the work surface
• Worked yesterday, dead today

Likely causes

• CommonSafety tip not fully depressed against the workMost nailers require the nose safety to be pressed flush against the surface before they'll fire.
• CommonEmpty or jammed magazineThe tool won't cycle a nail if there's nothing to feed or a jam is blocking it.
• CommonInsufficient air pressure reaching the toolCheck the compressor output and hose for restriction.
• PossibleTrigger lock engagedMany nailers have a safety lock switch that's easy to forget about.
• Less commonWorn O-rings or internal valve failureA more involved repair needing disassembly.

What to do

1. Confirm the trigger lock/safety switch, if the tool has one, is in the unlocked position.
2. Check that the compressor is on, has adequate pressure, and the hose is fully connected with no kinks.
3. Open the magazine and confirm there are nails loaded and none are jammed or bent.
4. Press the nose safety firmly and fully flush against a piece of scrap wood while pulling the trigger.
5. Disconnect air and manually check that the nose safety element moves freely without sticking.
6. Add a drop of pneumatic tool oil into the air inlet if the tool hasn't been oiled recently.
7. If it still won't fire with air, nails, and a working safety tip, the internal trigger valve likely needs professional service.

Tools and parts

• Pneumatic tool oil

When to call a pro

If air, nails, and the safety tip all check out and it still won't fire, a tool repair shop can inspect the internal trigger valve.

Safety