Electrical Safety Advice for Nail Guns

Nail guns usage and safety

Nail guns are handy for heavy-duty jobs such as installing decking, flooring or fencing. But it’s important to choose the right one for your needs, and not to be complacent in taking proper safety precautions.

Nail guns are designed for specific tasks, such as framing nailers for construction, brad nailers for trim, pin nailers for delicate woodwork, and roofing nailers. Smaller models are palm nailers or staple guns.

Although many are powered by compressed air (pneumatic) or gas, some models use batteries and use a rotating motor that holds back a powerful spring attached to a hammer. The spring is released when the trigger is pulled, driving the hammer forward with enough force to fire the nail.

Key points

All electric nail guns (or their chargers) must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug and fuse.
Whichever type you choose, avoid buying second-hand nail guns.
Nails can get deflected and splinters can fly around, so wear proper eye protection, gloves, and a dust mask.
Press the nail gun firmly against the surface before smoothly pressing the trigger.
Keep a nail gun unplugged when not in use or when doing maintenance on it.

Buying a nail gun

Whichever you choose, buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as it may not have passed all the necessary safety checks.
Avoid buying second-hand nail guns as you won’t know their history and they may not meet the latest safety standards.
Safety features to look for include a nose safety tip to prevent the gun from firing unless the nose is pressed firmly against the workpiece, a two-step trigger and a secondary lock to prevent the trigger from being engaged when not in use, a dry-fire lockout to prevent the tool from firing when it is almost out of nails, and protective guards.
Register your nail gun so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall. It’s also much easier to return a faulty product or order a repair if it’s registered.

Using a nail gun safely

Before you start, for cabled nail guns make sure the cable is long enough to easily reach the area you’re working in. If it isn’t, plug the nail gun into an extension lead or fully unwound cable reel to extend your reach safely.
When using a nail gun, nails can get deflected and splinters can fly around, so wear proper eye protection, gloves, and a dust mask.
Don’t wear long sleeves, baggy clothing, or dangly jewellery that could get in the way.
Tie back long hair and keep pets and children away from the area you’re working in.
Check the nail gun for any signs of damage or a chewed cable and don’t use it if you spot anything suspicious.
Position yourself safely with nail gun pointing away from you and keep your hand away from the firing line. If using a cabled nail gun, keep the cord well out of the way.
When operating, press the nail gun firmly against the surface before smoothly pressing the trigger.
Don’t hold the trigger while carrying the gun as you may accidentally fire it.
Never fire a nail gun at someone as they could get seriously hurt.
Unplug the nail gun and remove nails before cleaning or storing away. Store it in a cool, dry place such as a shed or garage.
If you notice a burning smell or any unusual noises, switch the nail gun off immediately, unplug from the mains and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.
Unplug the nail gun before doing any maintenance on it and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks should there be a fault with the nail gun. If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the nail gun is plugged in.
For a cordless nail gun, only charge the battery using the original charger or a replacement charger obtained from the manufacturer or reputable retailer.
Charge it in a safe place on a stable surface and disconnect batteries once they are charged. Don’t leave it charging overnight as this could be a fire risk.
If there are unusual odours, sparks, smoke, swelling, cracks, or any form of damage, stop using the battery immediately and make sure it is unplugged from the charger.
If you need a replacement or additional battery, or if your current battery no longer holds a charge, buy directly from the original manufacturer or authorised retailer.
Don’t use batteries from other manufacturers or battery adapters, as these may pose safety risks.

ALWAYS

Do plenty of research first before buying.
Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer.
Register your nail gun with the manufacturer.
Store the nail gun in a cool, dry place.

AVOID

Buying second-hand heat guns or from third-party sellers online.
Holding the trigger while carrying the nail gun as you may accidentally fire it.
Using the nail gun if you spot any signs of damage.
Charging a cordless nail gun overnight.

Stay safe with electrical products

Check plugs and sockets

Don't ignore burn marks, ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) sounds, fuses blowing, circuit-breakers tripping, or if it feels hot to touch.

Unplug and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or a qualified repair technician.

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks if a product is faulty.

If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the product is plugged in.

Fit smoke and heat alarms

Ensure there is at least one smoke or heat alarm per floor in your property. Fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start.

Test alarms at least once a month. Replace them every ten years or when the replace by date is reached.

Additional info

Electric nail guns, both corded and cordless, offer efficient, intermittent energy usage, largely eliminating the continuous power draw and maintenance costs of pneumatic compressors.

Cordless models typically use 18–36V batteries, driving 400–2,000 nails per charge, while corded nailers provide consistent power for high-volume, continuous work without battery limits.

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

View all consumer faqs

When does a periodic inspection need to be carried out?

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

3 years for a caravan
1 year for a swimming pool

Who should carry out a periodic inspection?

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

My electrician told me that they were registered; however I now believe that they are not, as they have not given me a certificate. What should I do?

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

Has your electrical product been recalled?

Electrical products are recalled more regularly than you might think, but the response rate to a recall is often worryingly low. This means there are potentially millions of recalled electrical items still in UK homes.

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Nail guns