Owner’s manual
How to unjam a 16 gauge Craftsman nail gun?
To unjam a Craftsman nailer like model 351181770, disconnect the air supply first, release spring tension in the magazine, open the quick-release nose cover, remove the stuck fastener with pliers, then close everything and confirm the driver returns fully upward before reloading. See the owner's manual for the exact jam-clear steps and safety notes.
- Disconnect the nailer from the air supply.
- Pull the pusher housing back until the pusher is clear of the nails.
- Depress the latch and let the housing slide forward to release tension.
- Slide the nail strip back and remove it from the magazine (fasteners can be under spring pressure).
- Pull the nose cover outward to disengage the pin, then swing the fastener guide plate open.
- Use long-nose pliers to remove the jammed fastener.
- Close the guide plate, hook the pin into the latch, and snap the nose cover closed.
After the jam is cleared, we recommend these checks to prevent repeat jams:
- Confirm the driver blade is fully returned to the up position.
- Inspect the nail strip; discard bent or damaged fasteners.
- Clean the magazine if it is dirty.
- Add 5 to 6 drops of air tool oil into the inlet cap if lubrication is low.
- Use the correct nail type and size for the magazine (wrong angle or gauge commonly causes jams).
| What you notice | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Nails keep hanging up in the magazine | Dirty or worn magazine | Clean the magazine; use a dry film lubricant |
| Frequent jams with a new strip | Damaged fasteners | Discard damaged fasteners; reload a straight strip |
| Tool cycles weakly and jams | Low lubrication or air supply issue | Oil the inlet; verify air supply is steady |
Clearing the jam the right way protects the contact trip safety system, prevents fasteners from ejecting under spring pressure, and helps avoid bending the driver/ram, which can turn a simple jam into a bigger repair.
Last updated: February 2026
Does Craftsman have a nail gun?
Yes. Craftsman makes nail guns, and your Craftsman model 351181770 is a pneumatic 15-gauge in-line angle finish nailer designed for trim, cabinetry, furniture, and door/window work. It drives 15-gauge finish nails and uses a 32° angled magazine for tight spaces (see the owner's manual).
This model is an air-powered finish nailer (not cordless). Key specs from the manual:
- Nail type: 15-gauge finish nails (0.068 to 0.072 inch diameter)
- Nail length range: 1-1/4 to 2-1/2 inches
- Magazine capacity: 100 nails
- Operating pressure: 70 to 110 PSI
- Air inlet: 1/4 inch NPT
| Feature | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| 32° angled magazine | Easier nailing in corners and tight trim areas |
| Contact-trip safety | Tool will not fire unless pressed to the workpiece |
| Depth adjustment knob | Helps set nails flush or slightly countersunk |
| Quick-release nose cover | Faster access when a nail jams |
Use these basics to get consistent driving power and reduce jams:
- Set the regulator to a starting point around 90 PSI, then fine-tune for your material
- Use clean, dry air; drain your compressor tank regularly
- Keep the air filter clean so pressure does not drop under load
- Use the correct 15-gauge nails in the supported length range
- Confirm the contact trip moves freely and returns fully
Craftsman makes several nailer styles (brad nailers, finish nailers, framing nailers). Knowing that 351181770 is a 15-gauge pneumatic finish nailer helps you choose the right nails, set the correct PSI, and avoid misfires or damage to trim.
Last updated: February 2026
Why won't my Craftsman nail gun shoot?
If your Craftsman power nailer model 351181770 will not shoot, the most common causes are a jammed fastener, the contact trip safety not fully pressed, or an air supply and lubrication problem. Start by disconnecting the air supply, then follow the jam-clearing and troubleshooting steps in the owner's manual.
- Disconnect the tool from the air supply before opening the nose or handling the magazine.
- Press the contact trip firmly against the workpiece; this model will not fire unless the contact trip is engaged.
- Check for a jam; the quick-release nose cover gives access to the fastener path.
- Use the correct fasteners: 15-gauge finish nails, 1-1/4 to 2-1/2 inches long.
- If it cycles weakly or inconsistently, add 5 to 6 drops of air tool oil into the air inlet.
- Disconnect from air.
- Pull the pusher housing back until the pusher is clear of nails; depress the latch to release tension.
- Slide the nail strip back and remove it (fasteners are under spring pressure).
- Open the nose cover, swing the fastener guide plate away from the magazine, and remove the jammed nail with long-nose pliers.
- Close the guide plate, snap the nose cover shut, reload, and test.
| What you see | Most likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Tool will not operate | Insufficient air supply | Check compressor output, regulator setting, and hose fittings |
| Tool operates slowly or loses power | Low lubrication, head valve binding | Oil the inlet; clean and grease internal moving parts per manual |
| Skips nails or fires inconsistently | Wrong fastener size, low air, buildup on ram/nose | Use correct 15-gauge nails; verify air; clean nose/ram area |
| Air leaking at cap or nose | Loose bolts, worn O-rings, damaged gasket/bumper | Tighten fasteners; replace worn seals as needed |
A nailer that will not shoot is usually either blocked by a jam or prevented from firing by the contact trip safety. Correcting the cause prevents dry-firing, damaged fasteners, and premature wear on the piston/ram and seals.
Last updated: February 2026
