Any tips on pneumatic nail guns?

[parnold]

I'm strongly considering purchasing a pneumatic nail gun or two for my upcoming trailer build, as well as the occasional project around the house. I am completely ignorant, and I'm hoping someone can provide a little tutorial. I see finish nailers, brad nailers, siding nailers, floor nailers, framing nailers, and roofing nailers.

For the trailer, most of my needs will be nails between 3/4 and 1 1/4 in long. The nails are primarily to hold everything in place while the glue dries. For home projects, something equivalent to 8 penny nails.

My thoughts are that I'll need a brad nail gun and a framing nail gun. I don't plan on buying the best since these will be used a few days each year. I have harbor freight tools that I purchased 15 years ago, and with the light use I give them, they still are fine.

Any thoughts or comments are welcome, including those that may tell me these tools would be completely unnecessary.

Oh yeah, I have a 3 1.2 hp compressor, capable of deiivering 80psi at about 8 cfm.

[Cliffmeister2000]

I used a brad nailer and a finish nailer on my build, as well as a stapler. They came in a kit with all 3 at Christmas time the year before I built. That would have been 2007. I would like a framing nailer someday too, but probably would not have used one on my build even if I had had one. A Kreg Jig, now that was a valuable tool on my build. That and a semi-random orbital sander, and a router. Used the heck out of all 3.

[Tom Kurth]

Sounds like an 18-gauge brad/finish nailer would do most of what you want. My small one shoots nails up to 1.25"; the larger one from .75" to 1.625" (I think). The small one is about 7-8" tall; the large about 13" so consider the spaces in which you will be working. If most of what you're doing involves gluing as well as nailing, headed nails as opposed to brads are probable unnecessary. As a plus if you have to dis-assemble brads will usually pull through while headed nails will typically shred the outer board. An 18-gauge would not be acceptable for framing work but will handle most trim work.

Best,
Tom

[KCStudly]

Several years ago I got super lucky and found a Bosch finish nailer in the plastic case, brand new condition, sitting on the side of the road. Spotted it and flipped around before the guy going the other way could do the same. Score!

For my little brad nailer/stapler, which is also in like new, unused condition, I got it at the pawn shop for $18, talked down from $22. Of the two pawn shops on my route home from work (among others in the area) there seem to be a lot of nailers available to choose from. Good way to save some coin over new.

[Martiangod]

A framing gun will be totaly useless on a tear build.
A 16 guage is handy, but expensive.
18 guage brads and screws will get you through your build

[egjacks]

+1 on the 18 gauge, I picked up an 18 gauge stapler/brad gun at harbor freight for about $15 with one of their mailer coupons. It is not an amazingly quality tool but seems very sturdy for 15 bucks. I have shot maybe 500 nails and staples through it and I feel that it paid for itself with the first project.

This is the one i bought here.
http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/nailers-staplers/18-gauge-2-in-1-nailerstapler-68019-8341.html

besides for the price I paid I won't cry if I drop it and it breaks.

[len19070]

I'm gonna recommend the Harbor Freight one too Paul. It really doesn't sound like you've got that much use for one as far as Nail/staple guns go.

I bought the above mentioned guns Predecessor, a blue one, in fact I bought 2. One as a back-up for when the first one broke. That was about 5 years ago....I'm still on the first gun and I use it in some way about once a week.

Just keep it oiled.

Happy Trails

Len

[Cliffmeister2000]

I didn't have such good luck with my Harbor Freight Blue Brad nailer. But, it worked long enough to prove to me I needed/wanted one. The kit I bought was Senco, and it worked great for a few years, before I wore out the brad gun. Now I have a Bostitch oil-less nailer that I am very happy with.

[Dale M.]

For other than "finish work" I would consider staples.... More holding power (two prongs) and more surface area (bridge vs head)...

Dale

[parnold]

For other than "finish work" I would consider staples.... More holding power (two prongs) and more surface area (bridge vs head)...

Dale

I was worried that a staple may not sit flush as well as a nail. The nails/brads only have to hold long enough for the glue to dry. I have had a couple "cheap" electric staplers, and they never seemed to set the staples into the surface, so they would require hammering, or pulling out.

[StPatron]

I used both the Harbor Freight 18 g. brad nailer and the 1/4 Crown stapler. The brad nailer for small stuff and the 1/4 Crown for larger. My brad nailer has shot over 15,000 brads and is still working fine. You will get 2 hex keys with it. When you get the rare jam, take off the smaller front plate to clear the jam and you're good to go again. Keep it oiled. BTW: My brad nailer works best with the HF brads, doesn't do as well with the higher $ Porter Cable brads. Go figure...

Paul: With the two-prong staples (1/4 Crown and 1/2 Crown) you can set the depth of penetration. Depending on the usage, I'll either bury them or leave them proud for later removal.

[IndyTom]

Paul,
I just bought and use for the first time, the HF 18 gauge brad nailer/stapler. With 80-100 psi, I am having no problem getting staples flush to slightly countersunk. I have had one of the old dull red HF brad nailers for several years and have had virtually no trouble with it at all, but when I went to the stapler, I have been very pleased with the additional holding power. The interesting thing is, the more I use it, the more uses I seem to be finding for it in my build.

Tom

[crumbruiser]

This is what I'm using. Harbor Frieght 18ga brad nailer, 3 gallon compressor, 25 ft 1/4 inch coiled hose, brass quick disconnects. Probably under $100.00 and well worth it. This is my first air nailer, compressor etc and I am totally satisfied!
Frank

[linuxmanxxx]

Get the harbor freight combo 18gauge up to 2" nailer and stapler in one gun and you are good to go. I've used one on all 3 of my builds and it works exceptionally well and its a simple drop in to change the brads to staples. I use mostly the 2" brads because I build mine completely using 1 x 2 and sandwich walls so it works perfect to build all the 1 x 2 framing. The combo is usually on sale cheaper than anything for either 20 or 30 bucks depending on your month or week.

[halfdome, Danny]

Quality & maintenance is the key to longevity in pneumatic guns.
I have USA made Paslode staple & brad guns I bought in 1974 for about $75 - $100 each.
They work as well now as they did on day one with daily use of pneumatic oil.
My other guns are Senco and for the most part they have given me the same service.
The gun I enjoy the most is my Senco headless pinner.
The hole is so small you almost don't need to fill it.
Danny