Should you use a PPN nailer over loose twist nails?

No matter what we do for work, we will always be on the lookout for ways to make our lives easier and carpenters are no different.

Whether it’s to do a job better or to do it quicker without cutting corners, we’re always hearing about how you want to boost efficiency.

One recent suggestion was whether it was worth using a PPN nailer instead of using loose twist nails for projects. Some have claimed that the time saved by using one is notable, which is helping you complete projects quicker, but without losing out on quality. 

At Multifix, we stock both PPN nails and loose twist nails, so we’re well-placed to offer an objective view on the matter.

That’s why we’ve written this article, as we have weighed up the pros and cons of both.

Come the end of the article, you’ll know their strong points, weaknesses and what projects they’re best suited to.

What is the main difference between a PPN nailer and loose twist nails?

When you use a PPN nailer, you are using a nail gun to fire nails into a material. When you are using loose twist nails, you are physically taking the nail with your hands and placing it into the material with a hammer.

Essentially then, it is a case of determining whether using a machine is better than using your own two hands for a project.

What are the pros of a PPN nailer?

Speed and precision are two of the most important aspects of a carpenter’s job and a PPN nailer can provide both in abundance.

The nailers themselves are designed for consistent speed and it’s also very quick to reload them, so if you’re up against it, they are valuable.

They also have a collation system installed, which will give you a very uniform and precise finish when you actually fire the nails.

Above all else though, they are simply very easy to use. PPN nailers are extremely user-friendly; they are easy to load and you can use them for a while without being tired.

As such, you can crack on with them without having to worry about too much.

And the pros for loose twist nails?

If you want an exact finish, then loose twist nails are the way to guarantee it. For those who may not know, an exact finish is something that is incredibly precise. With loose twist nails, there’s no anticipating where a nail might go, as you decide exactly where it is inserted into the material.

Therefore, if you want the highest level of control, then loose twist nails are the best thing you can use. You also have much more manoeuvrability when using loose twist nails, too.

They couldn’t be much simpler to use, either. All you need to do is pinpoint where you want the nail to go with one hand and hammer it in with the other.

It’s a method that has stood the test of time, as for decades this has been a highly effective way of getting the job done. They’re also very cheap, which is a big pro.

What about the cons of PPN nailers?

While they are quick and accurate, PPN nailers are generally quite heavy. This is because they’re quite bulky, so they’re not the most comfortable or easy to move about.

This in turn means that they’re not the best suited for small projects. When it comes to things like trim work or furniture assembly, where it’s not so much about speed, but being able to move freely to be precise, they’re a bit heavy-handed.

You may also have a misfire or a jam when using a PPN nailer, which can add time to your day if it’s not a quick fix.

What cons do loose twist nails have?

Speed. If you don’t have time on your side, you could spend hours on a project individually hammering each nail in. By contrast, using a nailer would do it in a fraction of the time.

If you’re on a big project and have to use loose twist nails, you could potentially add days onto the projected completion time.

As a result, not only are you going to suffer from a lack of speed, but you’re going to have deadlines bearing on you as well.

Which is best for my project?

Unless you’re working on a small project, using a PPN nailer is always going to be more efficient. Everything is faster, you still get precise finishing and you can get so much more done.

However, if you are working on a smaller project and space isn’t on your side, using loose twist nails is likely to be a great shout.

They’re a massive budget saver compared to using a PPN nailer, you can afford to be exact and while it will take longer, you can almost guarantee accuracy.

We understand that the cost of a nailer and the nails that come with it can seem steep, but if you would like to discuss pricing with our team, you can do so here.