There’s a certain buzz when you use a nail gun. It doesn’t matter if you’re tackling a project at home or working on a big job site – this tool speeds up your work, and let’s face it, it’s pretty cool to handle.
My trusty DeWalt nailer has been my go-to for various tasks, from building stud walls to creating frames and attaching baseboards.
But even the top-notch nailers can let you down sometimes. I’ve had those frustrating moments when my DeWalt nail gun stops working out of the blue, refusing to fire right when I need it most.
I’ve turned my frustration into something useful: a guide on fixing a DeWalt nail gun not firing. Here’s a list of steps to take when your nailer stops working. These tips cover the common reasons it might break down so you can return to your projects.
Table of Contents
Steps to Fix a DeWalt Nail Gun Not Firing
When your DeWalt nail gun has firing issues, check out the step-by-step methods below for the most frequent issues to get your nailer working again.
Check the Battery
I always check the battery first. This may seem like a no-brainer, but a dead or disconnected battery is often why your DeWalt nail gun won’t fire. Here are some quick tests you can run.
- Check if your battery has a full charge.
- Inspect the connection between the battery and the nail gun to spot any dirt or damage.
- Pull the trigger and listen for the motor’s sound.
If you hear the motor but the gun doesn’t shoot nails, you might have a power problem. I’ve seen that a weak battery can make the nail click without firing nails.
Look for Nail Jams
When you’re sure the battery isn’t the problem, look for stuck nails next. This happens a lot and can prevent the gun from shooting. Here’s how to check and clear any blockages:
- Look at the manual to remove the battery and search for blockages.
- Loosen the bolts at the bottom to access the magazine.
- Look for nails or any leftover bits from the nail strips that might have gotten trapped.
- If something’s stuck, try pulling it out with needle nose pliers.
More stubborn jams might force you to get into the nail gun barrel. DeWalt has made this task quite simple:
- Get your allen key stored in the magazine.
- Loosen the allen screws on the nailer’s top.
- Remove the magazine to access the barrel.
- Look for and clear out any junk or broken or jammed nails inside.
It’s crucial to reassemble everything after you fix the jam so your nailer can run.
Check the Firing Pin
The next check involves the firing mechanism to see if the battery is working and if there are no obstructions. A faulty or worn-out firing pin can prevent the nail gun from operating. Follow these steps:
- Remove the battery and nails from the magazine.
- Use your allen key to take out the screws at the top of the gun.
- Open the housing to access the firing mechanism.
- Look at the firing pin for any clear signs of damage.
- Check the springs around the firing pin to spot wear or damage.
Some Other Things To Try
- Get rid of any junk: Over time, your nail gun can collect dust and junk inside, which can interfere with its firing. Give it a good cleaning of the parts that make it shoot and where you put the nails.
- Check out the safety trigger: Be sure the safety trigger (the part you push against what you’re nailing) moves and isn’t jammed.
- Watch for loose screws: Screws can come loose as time goes on, which can throw off how well the gun works. Look for any loose screws and tighten them.
- Take a closer look at the depth setting: If your nail gun fires but doesn’t push the nails in, you might need to adjust its firing depth. Just remember to take out the battery before messing with any settings.
- Give the magazine spring a once-over. A spring that’s worn out or damaged can lead to feeding issues. Examine it to spot any signs of wear and tear.
Keep safety your top priority when troubleshooting firing problems on your nailer. Always disconnect the battery.
Common Causes of DeWalt Nail Gun Misfires
Here are some typical reasons why your DeWalt nail gun might fail to fire. Understanding these issues can help you solve the problem and return to work.
Battery Issues
As stated earlier, the battery should be the first thing you check when your DeWalt nailer stops working. People often forget, but battery problems cause most issues. Make sure your battery has a full charge and fits securely. A low battery can sometimes make the gun click without driving a nail.
Jammed Nails
As we discussed, your nail gun might misfire when your nails get stuck. This issue can be tricky to notice because you can’t always see it from outside. Follow the steps we talked about earlier to check for stuck nails.
Weak Springs
I’ve noticed that weak springs can cause major issues with firing. The springs in your DeWalt nail gun play a crucial role in how it fires. These springs can weaken or snap over time, which leads to misfires or nails not going in all the way.
To check the springs:
- Remove the gun’s back cover.
- Examine the springs to find visible wear or damage.
- Pay attention to the profile spring, as it shows signs of wear over time.
If you notice any issues with the springs, you should swap them out. You might consider fixing them yourself, but using genuine DeWalt replacement parts is your best bet.
Stuck Solenoid
The solenoid that controls the firing pin can jam. This happens when the gun sits unused for a while or lacks oil. If you hear a faint click without firing, this might be the cause.
Problems with Lubrication
Remember that DeWalt cautions against oiling specific parts of the nail gun. Excessive lubrication has a negative impact rather than a positive one. If you’ve put oil on your gun and it’s not shooting, you might need to get rid of the extra oil.
Debris Build-up
When you use your gun frequently, dust and debris can accumulate inside, interfering with its firing. Cleaning your gun every so often helps to prevent this issue.
How to Lubricate Your DeWalt Nail Gun
When you’re oiling your DeWalt nail gun, here are some key points to remember:
Do’s:
- Read the manual: Check if your specific DeWalt model needs oil. Some newer models don’t need lubrication.
- Put oil in the inlet: If the tool needs oil, add it to the inlet where the fitting is.
- Adjust amount: The oil quantity changes based on the nailer. Framing and finishing nailers need about 10-15 drops, while coil roof and framing nailers require more.
- Distribute the oil: After oiling the tool, hook it up to an air source and fire it 2-3 times to spread the oil inside.
Things to avoid:
- Leave some parts unlubricated: DeWalt warns against oiling certain nailers in some cordless models.
- Maintain dryness in key areas: The driver blade and flywheel must stay dry. They rely on friction to function.
- Watch out for reduced performance: A drop in power after oiling might mean your nailer needs a thorough cleaning by a professional.
FAQ's
Your DeWalt nail gun might stop firing for a few reasons. The most common problems include a dead battery, stuck nails, a broken trigger, or a faulty air compressor (in pneumatic models). Start by checking whether the battery is charged or the air compressor works correctly. Then, check the magazine for any stuck nails or debris. If these quick checks don’t solve the issue, the problem might lie with the internal parts. In that case, you might need a professional to repair it.
Unplug or remove the battery to fix a DeWalt nail gun not firing. Then open up the nose and get rid of any nails or junk that’s stuck in there. You might need to grab some needle-nose pliers but watch out not to break anything. Give the nail channel a clean and check for bent or broken parts. Before you put it all back together, ensure you’ve got the right size nails in the magazine for your specific model.
A DeWalt nail gun might fail to fire due to several factors. Damaged O-rings, a faulty piston, or a weakened return spring can impact its performance. For pneumatic models, incorrect air pressure may also cause the gun to malfunction. Using the right type and size of nails is crucial, as improper fasteners can lead to problems. To prevent misfiring, you should clean and lubricate your gun.
Maintaining your DeWalt nail gun ensures its optimal performance. Clean it after each use to remove dust and debris. Oil the moving parts if you use the gun or monthly for occasional use. Check for worn or damaged parts every few months. For pneumatic models, drain the air tank to prevent water accumulation. Follow the maintenance schedule in your manual; this will extend your nail gun’s lifespan and boost its efficiency.
You can’t stick just any nails in your DeWalt nail gun. Each model works with specific nail types, sizes, and collation angles. Using nails that don’t fit can cause the tool to jam, misfire, or damage. It’s a good idea to check your user manual to determine which nails are right. Using DeWalt’s suggested nails or ones that match up helps your tool do its job well and keeps you out of harm’s way.
When your DeWalt nail gun starts leaking air, worn O-rings or seals are the culprits. These parts can fail over time, allowing air to escape. Loose fittings, a cracked air hose, or damage to the main valve or piston might also cause leaks.
To fix this problem, you need to locate the source of the leak. You can apply soapy water to suspected leak areas and look for bubbles. After you’ve pinpointed the issue, replace any worn-out O-rings or seals and secure any loose connections. If you can’t solve the problem, getting a professional to check it out is best.
Is Your DeWalt Nail Gun Not Firing? Here's How To Fix It
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