Ballistic parameters and trauma potential of direct-acting, powder-actuated fastening tools (nail guns)

Abstract

Since their introduction in the 1950s in the construction and building trade, powder-actuated fastening tools (nail guns) are of forensic and traumatological importance. There are countless reports on both accidental and intentional injuries and fatalities caused by these tools in medical literature. While the ballistic parameters of so-called low-velocity fastening tools, where the expanding gases act on a captive piston that drives the fastener into the material, are well known, ballistic parameters of "high-velocity" tools, which operate like a firearm and release the energy of the propellant directly on the fastener, are unknown. Therefore, it was the aim of this work to investigate external ballistic parameters of cal. 9 and 6-mm fastening bolts discharged from four different direct-acting nail guns (Type Ideal, Record Piccolo S, Rapid Hammer R300, Titan Type 1). Average muzzle velocity ranged from 400 to 580 m/s, while average kinetic energy of the projectiles ranged from 385 to 547 J. Mean energy density of the projectiles ranged from 9 to 18 J/mm(2). To conclude, this work demonstrates that the muzzle velocity of direct-acting high-velocity tools is approximately five times higher than the muzzle velocity of piston-type tools. Hence, the much-cited comparison to the ballistic parameters of a cal. 22 handgun might be understated and a comparison to the widespread and well-known cal. 9 mm Luger might be more appropriate.

Ultrasound guided interventional approach to intraperitoneal nail gun injury: a case report with literature review

“…Nail guns are commonly used in many industrial occupations. Due to the powerful force that these devices may produce, injuries from using them may be potentially serious 16 . While nail gun-related injuries to the hand, fingers, lower extremities, trunk, and head are rather common 17 , injuries to the abdomen are comparatively rare.…”

Survival after multiple nail gun injuries to the brain, lung, and heart: a case report and a review of the literature

“… 8 Most of the reported injuries appear to be related to unintentional nail gun discharge or misfire. 9 Although the majority of nail gun-associated injuries are puncture wounds to the extremities, reports of cases involving the chest or torso are increasing, especially for self-inflicted wounds. 10 , 11 Intentional self-harm attempts with nail guns are usually fatal.…”

“… 5 The former delivers less energy, while the latter has been reported to have similar ballistic parameters and injury potential to those with conventional firearms. 9 Injuries related to pneumatic nail guns are more common than injuries from powder-actuated nail guns, most likely because the former are more widely used owing to accessibility and low cost. 8 Overall, nail gun injuries have better outcomes than other penetrating injuries, such as those caused by firearms.…”

A case of abdominal trauma

“…The nail gun used was powered by a powder-actuated system. A study by Frank et al [ 1 ] looked at the ballistic parameters and trauma potential for such tools. While they did not look specifically at the Ramset™ brand, four other similar tools were assessed for their ballistic parameters.…”