Nail guns are time-saving power tools used to insert nails, and sometimes staples, into wood, metal and almost any other material. They are used in place of the traditional hand-held hammer because of their ease of use and quick results. Because nail guns get so much use on construction sites, they also jam quite often. Removing a jam from a nail gun is an extremely easy task, but proper safety precautions must be taken to prevent injuries.
Step One
Unplug the nail gun from the power supply and make sure that there is no air in the chamber before commencing repair. If the nail gun is electric, simply remove the power cord from the electrical outlet. If the nail gun is battery operated, remove the battery from the gun.
Step Two
Locate the jam release lever, if present, and lift out on the lever to release the jammed nail or nails. Not all nail guns have a jam release lever, but many of the newer models do.
Step Three
Open the nail compartment of the nail gun and examine the front of the compartment for nails that have turned in the wrong direction. Also look at the very front of the gun to see if a nail is jammed in the opening. If this is the case, use another nail to push the jammed nail out of the compartment.
Step Four
Close the nail compartment and reconnect the nail gun to the power source.