The first thing you should determine is how deep you need the nails to go and, afterward, how long your nails should be. Using a nail gun isn’t like picking up a hammer — the clip you buy is only compatible with one size and length of nail — so it’s important to choose something you know will work throughout your project. Too long, and you could deal with dangerous pieces of nail jutting through the back of your surface. Too short, and your pieces won’t be secured.
For thin materials and light-duty jobs like upholstery and simple carpentry, you can utilize a staple gun to get results without driving too deep. On the other hand, framing nail guns are one of the more heavy-duty options out there, including a clip that holds nails that are up to 3 ½ long. For projects in between, there are siding and roofing nail guns. Roofing nail guns usually use nails from ¾ to 1 ¾ inches long, while siding nail guns work with nails 1 ½ to 2 ½ inches long.