There is a sound every woodworker hates. You hold your trim in place. You press the tool down and pull the trigger. Instead of a loud pop, you hear a click. Or you hear the fan spin but nothing happens.
When my Paslode brad nailer is not firing, it is usually because of a small mess. I use these tools on big jobs all week. They are like small car engines. They need air, fuel, and a spark. If one part is dirty, the whole day slows down.
I have spent years fixing my own gear on the job. I have learned that you do not need to be a pro to fix a misfire. Most of the time, you just need five minutes and a clean rag. Here is how I get back to work fast.
The Fast Fix List for Your Nailer
Before you get mad, check the basics. I call this my “truck tailgate test.” Most issues come down to these three simple parts.
| Part to Check | What to Look For | My Quick Fix |
| Battery | Solid green light | Swap with a fresh one. |
| Fuel Cell | Use-by date | Use a new, warm cell. |
| Nail Strip | No bent pins | Slide the strip to clear it. |
Step 1: Check the Gas and Juice
The first thing I check is the fuel. I once left my fuel cells in my cold shed all night. The next day, my nailer would not fire at all. Gas needs to be warm to turn into a mist.
Fuel cells have a date on the bottom. If your cell is old, the seal might leak. Even if it smells like gas, it might be weak. Always keep your fuel in a warm spot. I keep my spare cells in my pocket on cold days.
Next is the battery. A green light is a good sign, but it is not a sure thing. If the battery is old, it might not have the power to spark. I always try a second battery before I take anything apart. It saves a lot of time and stress.
Step 2: Listen to the Fan
Your tool talks to you. When you press the nose against the wood, the fan should start. This whirring sound is the tool mixing air and gas. If it is silent, the tool is not ready to fire.
If the fan does not start, check the nose. Sawdust can get stuck in the sliding parts. I give the nose a quick wiggle to make sure it moves. If it can’t slide up, the safety switch won’t tell the fan to run.
If the fan runs but you hear no pop, you have a spark issue. Sometimes a tiny wire inside comes loose. This happens after thousands of shots. It is a quick fix once you open the cap.
Step 3: Clear the Hidden Jams
A jam is a real pain. It happens when a nail hits a hard knot. The driver blade gets stuck and cannot go back up. If the blade stays down, the tool will not reset.
| Jam Type | The Cause | The Easy Solution |
| Dry Fire | Empty magazine | Reload with new nails. |
| Stuck Blade | Bent nail in nose | Push blade up with a driver. |
| Strip Drag | Dirty magazine | Wipe the track with a cloth. |
I always pull the battery before I look for a jam. I open the latch on the nose and look for bent metal. I use a small driver to push the blade back into the head. Once the blade is up, the tool can breathe again.
Step 4: The Clean and Oil Secret
If your Paslode brad nailer is not firing every time, it is likely dirty. These tools make a tiny explosion for every nail. That leaves black soot inside. If you do not clean it, the soot makes the parts sticky.
I clean my tool every time I finish a box of fuel. I use the Paslode spray to wash out the grime. I never use other sprays because they can melt the rubber seals. The right spray makes the tool feel fast and new.
After I clean it, I add two drops of oil. Do not use too much oil. Too much oil will just catch more dust and make a thick paste. A little bit of care goes a long way for these tools.
Step 5: Warm It Up
Cold weather is a nailer’s worst enemy. When it is cold, the gas stays as a liquid. It won’t mix with the air. I have spent many mornings trying to fire a frozen tool.
If the tool is cold, the “pop” will be very weak. I like to run the fan for a few seconds to warm up the chamber. If that fails, I bring the tool into my van for ten minutes. A warm tool is a happy tool that fires every time.
When to Call for Help
Sometimes a fix is too big for the job site. If you hear a hissing sound, you have a leak. This usually means an O-ring is torn. This is a job for a repair shop.
I tried to fix a leak once on my own. I ended up with springs all over my floor. Now, if it hisses, I send it in for a pro tune-up. It is worth the cost to have it done right.
Keeping your Paslode brad nailer not firing issues away is easy. Clean it often and use fresh fuel. If you treat it like a fine tool, it will work like one. It makes my work much more fun when the tool just works.
FAQs: Paslode Brad Nailer Is Not Firing
Why is my Paslode brad nailer not firing when the fan is running?
This often means you have a spark or fuel issue. Check the date on your fuel cell. If it is old, it will not fire. Also, make sure the spark wire is not loose.
Can I use other brands of fuel in my Paslode tool?
It is best to stick with Paslode brand fuel. Other brands may not fit right or have the wrong mix. This can cause gunk to build up and stop the tool from working well.
How often should I clean my cordless brad nailer?
You should clean it after every five fuel cells. Use the Paslode spray to remove black soot. This keeps the tool fast and stops it from skipping shots on the job.
What does a blinking green and red light mean?
This light code usually points to a service issue. It could mean the tool is too dirty or has a part fail. Try a deep clean and a fresh battery to see if that fix works.
Why does my nailer stop working when it is cold outside?
Cold gas stays as a liquid and will not mix with air. Keep your fuel cells in your pocket to stay warm. A warm cell will help your tool fire on a cold winter day.