Nail Gun Hammer Not Returning – Problems With Solutions

Nail guns are one of the most versatile tools that a person can own. They are great for both home projects and professional work. But, like any tool, they can malfunction. One of the most common problems with nail guns is that the hammer will not be returning. This can be a very frustrating problem, but there are a few things that you can do to fix it. In this blog post, we will go over some of the most common causes of this issue and how to remedy them. 

Nail Gun Hammer Not Returning:

There are many possible reasons why your nail gun hammer is not returning. It could be a problem with the air pressure, the nail gun trigger, or a jammed firing pin. There are a few things you can try to fix a nail gun hammer that won’t return.

1. The air compressor is turned off or not providing enough pressure:

If the air compressor is turned off, the nail gun will not be able to function. Make sure that the air compressor is turned on and set to the correct pressure. If the air pressure is too low, the nail gun will not work properly.

2. Check the trigger:

The problem could also be with the trigger. Make sure that the trigger is not stuck in the “on” position. If the trigger is jammed, you will need to replace it.

3. Clear a jammed firing pin:

If the firing pin is jammed, the nail gun will not be able to fire. Use a paperclip or other small object to clear the jam.

4. Check the air hose:

The air hose could be blocked or kinked. Ensure that the air hose is not blocked and that there are no kinks in it.

5. Reset spring is broken or damaged:

One of the most common causes of a nail gun hammer not returning is that the reset spring is broken or damaged. The reset spring is located in the handle of the gun and is responsible for returning the hammer to its original position after each use. If the reset spring is damaged, it will need to be replaced. 

6. The air pressure in the nail gun is too low:

Another common cause of this problem is that the air pressure in the nail gun is too low. If the air pressure is too low, it won’t be strong enough to return the hammer to its original position. To fix this, you will need to increase the air pressure using an air compressor. 

7. Problem lies with the firing valve:

If none of these solutions work, it’s possible that the problem lies with the firing valve. The firing valve is responsible for controlling the flow of air to the nail gun. If it’s not working properly, it can prevent the hammer from returning. The firing valve needs to be replaced in order to fix this problem.

8. Damaged O-ring:

One of the possible reasons why your nail gun hammer is not returning could be that the O-ring located at the back of the driver guide might be damaged. This O-ring is responsible for providing a seal between the driver guide and the piston, and if it’s damaged, it can cause air to leak out, which in turn prevents the piston from being able to return.

9. Debris and Dust:

It’s also possible that there is something preventing the hammer from moving freely inside the gun. This could be something as simple as a piece of debris or a build-up of dirt and grime. Whatever the case may be, you will need to take apart the gun and clean it out thoroughly in order to fix the problem.

10. The safety switch is engaged:

The safety switch is a key component of the nail gun that helps to prevent accidental firing. When this switch is engaged, it will physically block the trigger from being pressed. This is a safety feature to help prevent accidental nail gun discharge, but it can also be the reason why the hammer will not return.

11. Jam nail gun:

There could also be a jam in your nail gun that is preventing it from returning to its original position. This can happen if the chamber becomes blocked with nails or if there is some other obstruction preventing the hammer from returning to its original position.

12. Gun is not properly lubricated:

It is necessary to properly lubricate nail guns so they can function properly. If the gun is not properly lubricated, the hammer may stick or bind, making it difficult to return.

13. Nails are too long:

Nails that are too long may be another cause of the nail gun hammer not returning. Too long nails might prevent the hammer from fully retracting, causing the hammer to get stuck in the firing position.

14. Too short nails:

On the other hand, if the nails being used are too short, they will not provide enough resistance against the hammer, which can cause the gun to misfire.

15. Gun is not being held level:

The nail gun must be held level when fired, in order to prevent misfires. If the gun is not level, the nails may get stuck in the wood, preventing the hammer from returning.

16. Bent nails:

The nail gun hammer may also not return if the nails used are bent. Bend nails can get stuck in the wood, making it impossible for the hammer to return.

17. Unsteady gun:

It is important to hold the nail gun steady when firing, as this helps to prevent misfires. Unsteady firing can lead to nails getting stuck in wood, preventing the hammer from returning and causing the nails to get stuck.

18. Surface too far from gun:

Nail guns should be held close to the surface when firing, as this is important to prevent misfires. If the gun is not held close enough, nails can be fired at too shallow of an angle, causing them to get stuck and hindering the hammer from returning.

19. Not squeezing trigger hard enough:

It is important to squeeze the trigger of the nail gun hard enough so that the nails are fired with enough force. If the trigger is not squeezed hard enough, the nails can be fired at too low of a velocity, causing the nails to get stuck and locking the hammer.

20. Something blocking the nozzle:

There may also be something blocking the nozzle of the nail gun if the nail gun hammer is not returning. This can occur if wood or other debris is blocking the nails’ path. It will be impossible for the nails to exit the gun if this happens, and the hammer will not be able to return.

21. Gun not compatible with fasteners:

There is also the possibility that the nail gun hammer is not compatible with the fasteners being used. This can happen if the wrong type of nails or screws are used for the particular gun. It is possible for nails or screws to get stuck in the gun, so that the hammer will not return.

22. Oil or grease on the fasteners:

Nail gun hammers that do not return can also be caused by oil or grease on the fasteners. If the fasteners are not cleaned before being loaded into the gun, this can occur. The oil or grease can prevent the nails from being properly seated in the gun, causing them to get stuck and making the hammer incapable of returning.

23. Wear plate is damaged or missing:

If the wear plate of the nail gun is damaged or missing, this can also be a contributing factor to the nail gun hammer not returning. Wear plates are small metal plates that prevent nails from damaging the interior of the gun. When this plate is damaged or missing, nails can become stuck in the gun, making the hammer unable to return to its original position.

24. Damaged or missing bump stops:

The bump stop may also be damaged or missing if the nail gun hammer won’t return. When the bump stop is damaged or missing, it can cause nails to become stuck in the gun, hindering the hammer from returning to its original position. If this piece is damaged or missing, the nails will get stuck.

25. Dirty or clogged air filters:

There is also a possibility that the nail gun hammer is not returning due to a dirty or blocked air filter. A dirty or blocked air filter can cause nails to become stuck in the gun.

26. The air supply line is leaking:

A leak in the air supply line may also be the cause of the nail gun hammer not returning. Air will leak out of the gun if it isn’t properly attached to the gun or has a hole in it. This will prevent the nails from being fired with enough force if this occurs.

Precautions you can take to prevent your nail gun hammer from not returning:

• Keep the air supply clean and free of contaminants.
• Change the air filter regularly.
• Lubricate moving parts according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Do not use the nail gun in dusty or dirty conditions.
• Keep the work area well-lit.
• Inspect the nail gun regularly for damage or wear.
• Do not use a damaged or worn nail gun.
• Follow all safety precautions when using a nail gun.