Nailer: Driver Won't Return
If the driver won't return on your nailer, check the following parts: o-rings, bumper, seals, driver, piston ring, springs, piston head valve, trigger valve, air tool oil, and gasket. Once you have the problem part figured out, read on for repair advice to help guide you through your own DIY repair. Refer to your owner's manual for information specific to your model.
![Seals](images/repair_center/Nailer_Parts_Seal.jpg)
![Springs](images/repair_center/Nailer_Parts_Spring.jpg)
![Valves](images/repair_center/Nailer_Parts_Piston_Valve.jpg)
![O-Rings](images/repair_center/Nailer_Parts_O-Ring.jpg)
Remove the top cap off of the nailer, the magazine and the bottom nose piece from the nail gun. Remove the cylinder from the nail gun, you may have to tap on the body with a rubber mallet to free it. Remove the...
Remove the top cap off of the nailer, the magazine and the bottom nose piece from the nail gun. Remove the cylinder from the nail gun, you may have to tap on the body with a rubber mallet to free it. Remove the piston/driver assembly from the cylinder. Remove the metal ring that supports the cylinder in the gun. There are O rings placed around the outside of the cylinder, and the metal ring that supports the cylinder. Inspect the O rings for tears, rips, and signs of deterioration.
Replace any damaged O rings (or all the O rings if you are rebuilding it). Remove them by placing a small screw driver under them and lifting up and walking them off. Install the new O rings and apply a little grease to the O ring. The grease is supplied in the kit or you can use Vaseline. Use a very tiny amount only. Remove the cage and valve from inside the head. (Some models just have a one piece piston head valve with O rings). Separate the inside portion of the valve from the outside portion by pulling them apart. There are O rings located on the outside and one on the inside. Replace these O rings. Replace the O ring on the nose piece. Do not apply grease to this O ring.
Reassemble the valve and reinstall into the head with the cage. Install the piston/driver assembly back into the cylinder. Install the nose piece back onto the housing and tighten the screws in an alternating pattern a little at a time to seat the O ring. Slide the metal ring over the cylinder assembly. Make sure the piston is all the way down in the cylinder for easier installation into the housing. Install the cylinder assembly back into the housing. Make sure the driver is aligned properly to the opening in the housing and press the assembly into place. Install the top cap and tighten the bolts a little at a time in an alternating pattern to seat the gasket properly.
![Gaskets](images/repair_center/Nailer_Parts_Gasket.jpg)
![Oil](images/repair_center/Nailer_Parts_Oil.jpg)
![Bumper](images/repair_center/Nailer_Parts_Bumper.jpg)
Remove the top cap, the magazine, and the bottom nose piece. Remove the cylinder from the nail gun, and tap on the body with a rubber mallet to free the cylinder. The cylinder will pop right out. Remove the piston/driver assembly out of the cylinder. Remove the bumper from the driver and inspect it for any signs of wear and damage.
Install a new bumper if needed. Reassemble the piston/driver assembly back into the cylinder. Install the cylinder back into the nail gun by pressing it into the housing. Install the nose piece and tighten the screws in an alternating pattern a...
Remove the top cap, the magazine, and the bottom nose piece. Remove the cylinder from the nail gun, and tap on the body with a rubber mallet to free the cylinder. The cylinder will pop right out. Remove the piston/driver assembly out of the cylinder. Remove the bumper from the driver and inspect it for any signs of wear and damage.
Install a new bumper if needed. Reassemble the piston/driver assembly back into the cylinder. Install the cylinder back into the nail gun by pressing it into the housing. Install the nose piece and tighten the screws in an alternating pattern a little at a time to seat the O ring. Reinstall the magazine. Reinstall the top and tighten the screws in an alternating pattern a little at a time to seat the gasket.
![Rings](images/repair_center/Nailer_Parts_Piston_Ring.jpg)
![Triggers](images/repair_center/Nailer_Parts_Trigger_Valve.jpg)
![Drivers](images/repair_center/Nailer_Parts_Driver.jpg)
To examine the driver lift the quick release and examine the driver. You may have to take it all apart to get a better view of the driver. To access the piston/driver assembly remove the cap on top of the nail gun and remove the cylinder and driver assembly. (You may need to tap on the side with a rubber mallet to free it up). Remove the piston/driver assembly from the cylinder. If the...
To examine the driver lift the quick release and examine the driver. You may have to take it all apart to get a better view of the driver. To access the piston/driver assembly remove the cap on top of the nail gun and remove the cylinder and driver assembly. (You may need to tap on the side with a rubber mallet to free it up). Remove the piston/driver assembly from the cylinder. If the driver is bent install a piston/driver assembly into the cylinder, apply a small amount of Vaseline or lube to the piston ring first. Install the cylinder back into the housing and reattach the top cap with a new gasket. Tighten the screws in an alternating pattern a little at a time to seat the seal properly.