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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 sizes: 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!
Related
12 thoughts on “Selecting Pneumatic Nailers”
It’s good to see you guys finally in video! Keep up the hard work.
Thanks for the information. I ran into some trouble with putting up trim a while ago. I kept shooting though the wood. Turned out that I had the pressure set much too high on the nailer itself. Luckily my holes were easy to fill.
Hey Mark, yeah, we should have mentioned controlling depth. This can also be done by varying the pressure on the compressor.
If I’m using only one gun on a project I’ll usually just dial the pressure on the compressor to adjust depth. If I am using multiple guns I will adjust the depth on each gun so I dont need to change pressure when switching guns.
I have never used a combination gun. I assume its one that could handle 18g and 16g nails? I searched on Amazon to read some reviews. I only found one combination I would even consider. Its the BOSTITCH SB-2IN1. The main thing I dont like about a combo stapler/nailer is the gun uses the same ‘anvil’ to strike the brad/nail as the staple. When countersinking brads/nails you will get a staple sized recess hole. That may be fine or it may be horrible depending on what you are doing.
Hi there! My husband and I just installed a floating bamboo floor in our home but aren’t sure how to install the transition pieces and what nailer we could use to get them into our concrete slab.
Pin Nailers
Finish nailers
It’s good to see you guys finally in video! Keep up the hard work.
Thanks for the information. I ran into some trouble with putting up trim a while ago. I kept shooting though the wood. Turned out that I had the pressure set much too high on the nailer itself. Luckily my holes were easy to fill.
Hey Mark, yeah, we should have mentioned controlling depth. This can also be done by varying the pressure on the compressor.
If I’m using only one gun on a project I’ll usually just dial the pressure on the compressor to adjust depth. If I am using multiple guns I will adjust the depth on each gun so I dont need to change pressure when switching guns.
Thanks for the comment.
-B
Can a pneumatic nailer be used to affix, temporarily, a 2 x 4 to foundation concrete (to be used as a base for faux stone)? Thanks.
No
You would likely use tapcon screws or similar.
What do you think of the combi guns (brad/finisher) or even the 3-in-1 which includes staples, are they worth buying or are they troublesome?
I have never used a combination gun. I assume its one that could handle 18g and 16g nails? I searched on Amazon to read some reviews. I only found one combination I would even consider. Its the BOSTITCH SB-2IN1. The main thing I dont like about a combo stapler/nailer is the gun uses the same ‘anvil’ to strike the brad/nail as the staple. When countersinking brads/nails you will get a staple sized recess hole. That may be fine or it may be horrible depending on what you are doing.
BOSTITCH SB-2IN1 2-In-1 Narrow Crown Stapler/18-gauge Brad Nailer
It really comes down to what you need for your project.
Hi there! My husband and I just installed a floating bamboo floor in our home but aren’t sure how to install the transition pieces and what nailer we could use to get them into our concrete slab.
Glue! You wont be able to nail flooring to concrete. Use a construction adhesive made for this purpose.