Symptoms
- Nail gets stuck halfway driven
- Gun fires but no nail comes out
- Nails feed in crooked
- Repeated jams with the same box of nails
Likely causes
- CommonBent, damaged, or wrong-size nails for the gunUsing nails outside the gun's rated length or gauge is the most frequent jam cause.
- CommonDirty or gummed-up nail channel and driver bladeWood dust, resin, and old oil build up and cause nails to catch.
- PossibleWorn or weak magazine spring/pusherA weak feed spring lets nails tilt before they reach the driver.
- PossibleLow air pressure or worn O-ringsNot enough force to fully drive the nail can leave one stuck partway.
- Less commonDamaged driver blade tipA chipped or bent driver blade will consistently mis-hit nails.
What to do
- Disconnect the air hose completely before clearing any jam or opening the gun.
- Open the magazine and nose latch and remove the stuck nail and any others in the strip.
- Check the nails against the gun's manual for correct length, gauge, and collation type.
- Clean the nail channel and driver blade area with compressed air and a dry rag to remove dust and resin buildup.
- Inspect the driver blade tip for chips or bending; a damaged blade needs replacement.
- Reload with a fresh, correct strip of nails, reconnect air, and test on scrap wood.
- If jams continue with correct nails and a clean channel, have the gun serviced, since the feed spring or driver assembly may be worn.
Tools and parts
- Compressed air or blower
- Rag
- Small flathead screwdriver
Correct nail strips for the gunSearch: “collated nails for [gun brand/gauge]”
Nail gun O-ring rebuild kitSearch: “nail gun O-ring seal kit”
When to call a pro
If jams persist after cleaning and using correct nails, a tool repair shop can replace the driver blade or feed spring.
Safety
Use caution
Always disconnect the air supply and never point the gun at yourself or others when clearing a jam.