Selecting Pneumatic Nailers




Handyguys Podcast - Home Improvement and DIY Advice show

Summary: http://youtu.be/NbMTWDI3KfA In this show The Handyguys discuss selecting pneumatic nailers also known as nail guns. Nail Gun Choices Below is a listing of different nail guns from small to large to specialty, this list will help you in Selecting Pneumatic Nailers. Pin Nailers 23 gauge pin nailers are the smallest of the lot. They are used when you need to nail small, delicate, parts and want the smallest nail hole possible. This type of nailer is usually used in furniture building. An Uffy Tools TH-T-CZ10 is shown in the video. Brad nailers 18 gauge brad nailers are usually used for small moldings and small trim pieces. Nailing things like shoe moulding and screen moulding are best done with an 18g brad nailer, larger nails will cause splits. Finish nailers Finish nailers come in two sized. 16g and 15g. Both will do the job for most trim work like window and door trim and some crown moulding. The 15g nailer is angled and the 16g nailer is straight. The angle of the 15g nailer makes it easier to get into corners but the 16g makes a slightly smaller hole. Framing nailers These are the 'big boys'. They are, obviously, used for framing. What many people don't realize is framing nailers can accommodate many other style nails as well. Things like ring shank nails, decking nails and more. You can use a framing nailer (with the correct nails) for putting down subfloor, roof sheathing, some siding and other building tasks. Specialty nailers There are specialty nailers for specific purposes as well. Selecting pneumatic nailers specific to the task at hand will help your project go faster. Roofing nailers make fast work of installing shingles. Flooring nailers are made for installing hardwood floors. There are 'cap nailers' made for installing felt paper and house wrap. There are various pneumatic staplers for upholstery, wire fence installation and other tasks. Selecting Pneumatic Nailers How do you select your first nailer? It depends on the task at hand. If you are finishing a basement then you may want to consider a kit that includes a framing nailer, finish nailer and maybe a brad nailer. If you are installing crown moulding then go with a 15g finish nailer. The bottom line, let your project dictate the nailer choice. The nailer choice will drive your air compressor choice (a future topic). Watch the video to learn about selecting pneumatic nailers for your project. You can also listen to our older audio podcast on the subject of nailers here or watch a video of The Handyguys using a nail gun for target practice!