Scared of Using a Nail Gun? Follow These Nail Gun Safety Tips

Nail guns are a convenient tool for tasks like framing, roofing or attaching baseboards or trim. If you didn't use a nail gun for those home improvement tasks, it could take forever using a traditional hammer and nails. If you've never operated a nail gun before, it can be intimidating and perhaps a little scary! (At least, it was for me!) The noisy air compressor and the POW! Sound the nail gun makes when it's firing is almost frightening. However, as long as you know how to operate a nail gun safely, there's no reason to be scared of this powerful tool.

Read the nail gun instruction manual:
Yes, this means reading the guide cover to cover. Nail gun operation various for each make and model. Get to know your nail gun and all of its parts before you even think about plugging it in.

Gather all protective gear
You'll need safety glasses, ear plugs or ear protection headphones and heavy duty work gloves in order to safely operate the nail gun. When you fire a nail gun, these particular body parts are always in harm's way after pulling the trigger. Your fingers are subject to accidentally nailing them with the gun, your ears need protection from the noise, and scraps and small pieces of wood might fly out when the nail is fired into the wood.

Understand General Nail Gun Operating Safety Guidelines
No matter what brand of nail gun you use, abide by the following:
1.) Just like you would with a real firearm, never point or aim the nail gun at anything you don't intend to shoot. Don't even put your finger on the trigger unless you're ready to fire the nail into a piece of wood or roofing material.
2.) Don't climb ladders holding the nail gun. Have another person hand you the gun once you reach the desired height.
3.) Always treat the nail gun as if it were loaded-again, treat it as you would a real firearm.

Know what kinds of accidents could occur
Nail guns are not toys! Always treat it as if it were a loaded gun-this cannot be stressed enough. Nail gun accidents aren't pretty. They can result in a loss of a limb, stitches and in the worst cases, death.

Storing the nail gun
When finished for the day, detach the nail gun from the air compressor or electrical outlet, unload the nails and place in its designated case. Most nail guns are sold with a case in which to keep the nail gun. Never leave the nail gun unattended and always, always, ALWAYS put it away when finished.