Nano-sized $SnO_2$ thick films were prepared by a screen-printing method onto $Al_2O_3$ substrates. The sensing characteristics were investigated by measuring the electrical resistance of each sensor in a test box as a function of the detection gas. The nano-sized $SnO_2$ thick film sensors were treated in a $N_2$ atmosphere. The structural properties of the nano $SnO_2$with a rutile structure according to XRD showed a (110) dominant $SnO_2$ peak. The particle size of $SnO_2$:Ni nano powders at Ni 8 wt% was about 45 nm, and the $SnO_2$ particles were found to contain many pores according to the SEM analysis. The sensitivity of the nano $SnO_2$-based sensors was measured for 5 ppm $CH_4$ gas and $CH_3CH_2CH_3$ gas at room temperature by comparing the resistance in air with that in the target gases. The results showed that the best sensitivity of $SnO_2$:Ni and $SnO_2$:Co sensors for $CH_4$ gas and $CH_3CH_2CH_3$ gas at room temperature was observed in $SnO_2$:Ni sensors doped with 8 wt% Ni. The response time of the $SnO_2$:Ni gas sensors was 10 seconds and recovery time was 15 seconds for the $CH_4$ and $CH_3CH_2CH_3$ gases.