Nail Guns Useful, But Can be Dangerous and Deadly
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Nail guns, once used exclusively by professional builders and carpenters, are now common consumer power tools. While these devices can make construction projects considerably more efficient, they also pose a far greater risk to the health and safety of the user than the old hammer-and-nail method.
Nail guns are available in a wide variety of styles, but there are some features common to virtually all models. In general, the gun will have a contact muzzle and a trigger, both of which must be depressed for the nail to fire. The force of the nail’s placement is so great that the nail gun will recoil, similar to a firearm. Inexperienced or distracted users might be caught off guard and lose control of the device. Even proper technique and attention to detail can’t prevent every problem - imperfections in the wood have been known to redirect nails, causing them to fire out of the wood in unpredictable directions.
Unfortunately, nail gun injuries are common and can be very severe. Most nail gun injuries occur to the hands or arms of the user, but eye injuries, dental injuries, and sprains have also been documented. Nail guns have even been known to cause penetrating wounds to the head and neck of a user. Sadly, nail gun-related deaths are not unheard of.
With nail guns becoming more prevalent in the consumer market, it is likely that injuries will continue to increase. Manufacturers, realizing this trend, should be integrating safety features to protect less experienced users while not diminishing the usefulness of the nail gun. If you or someone you know has been injured by a nail gun, be sure to seek medical attention. We can help you find out if the manufacturer or seller provided you with an unreasonably dangerous product.