My wife and I bought an 1887 fixer-upper. We’re going to be installing things like interior trim, beadboard ceilings and bed molding on the porch, and corbels and spandrels on the porch.
That’s a lot of hammering of things that will no doubt get dinged up if I use a regular hammer. I see lots of air nailers out there and am not sure what type might be best suited for our purposes. We can’t afford to buy one of each kind and are wondering if there’s one type that might work reasonably well for all of these purposes.
We’re mostly concerned with the type of nailer (brad nailer, finishing nailer, etc.), but if you have brand recommendations, we’re listening.
Thanks!
Dave
Replies
I am not a pro, but if you are looking for a finish nailer and a brad nailer, I saw the other day that Home Depot has the Porter Cable combo kit for $299. It includes the compressor, a 16 gauge finish nailer and a bonus brad nailer. That said, i'm sure you will get many recommendations for other brands, but it seems like a pretty good deal for what you need it for.
Steve
16 guage, 2-1/2" finish gun( a gun that will shoot nails up to 2 and one half inches long) will be the most flexible. Whatever brand you can afford, remembering that you really do get what you pay for.
I would have to agree on the hammer thing. Some (I dare to use the word "most") carpenters figure that the more nails they can shoot in with a gun will compensate for bad cuts/fits etc. I firmly believe that you shouldn't be allowed to buy a nail gun for 3 years after completing a carpentry apprenticeship program - but that's another post.
If you must have one of these things, I like Porter Cable. Shop around a bit and you'll get a good deal (most box stores have good prices). I would also recommend the purchase of 2 guns. A trim gun (that'll shoot up to 2 1/2") and a crown stapler. For me, these 2 tools go hand in hand and I keep them both plugged in on the job.
As an aside: Buy yourself the Interior Trim book (Only from Taunton). The "For Pro's by Pro's" books have literally changed my life and my business. David H. "Splinky" Polston
Founder of Sawdust, Norfolk, Virginia
dp-
For the easy homeowner good functioning, save a tennis elbow, portability special a Paslode Impulse Trim nailer will serve you well. It's the orange colored ones that run on a fuel cylinder and battery so no hoses or compressor.
Doing what you're doing a $6 cylinder will last you a long time.
Sounds like you have a series of projects in mind as the years progress. Give it a looksee-tryout and you might end up getting the framing nailer too.
I would become self-employed except I'm too cheap to pay myself anything.
sobriety is the root cause of dementia
Thanks gang. I had seen a similar deal on the Porter Cable package a while back on Amazon and was tempted. I've had good luck with PC tools in the past, so I'd be willing to give that one a shot.
For those of you who think we need to "pay our dues" with a regular hammer, we have plenty of experience with home improvement and woodworking. I just don't relish the idea of pounding all those nails in awkward places and setting all those nails. I've used a nail gun in the past without putting a nail through any body parts (unlike that poor sap whose pic was posted here not long ago :-)
Thanks again!
Dave
A nice hammer is a good idea but it takes years of practice to swat a nail like a pro. Young carpenters sometimes never learn to use a hammer. You should see the thirty somethings drop their jaw when they see an ol' timer like me use a hammer. You had to have been there before nailers became the tool of choice. Now, like everyone else, I use a nailer for 99.99% of the nails I drive . Just treat it like a gun and don't aim it towards yourself or anyone else. Keep your finger off the trigger until you want to use it.
You can't go wrong with a Senco. SFN2.5 I think. First find out what nails are available and buy the compatable nailer. Senco makes the best nails IMO. Only buy galvanized nails too. If you use anything waterbased and you are nailing stain grade then it won't take much moisture to leave a black stain if you use bright nails.
You might also consider a brad nailer too. The PC is OK. The Senco is twice the price. Buy the one for 25 dollars more that shoots a 2" brad.
Mike,
Ever work with any 'old timers' that smack the sheeting in between nails just to keep the rythem going? So true about the younger carps hammer skills...especially with millwork.
Peace
dpsours,
No offense meant about the hammer thing...I presumed by your wording that you weren't very skilled with a hammer. I firmly believe that hammer skills should be mastered first.
I agree with whomever said find out what nails are available in your area for guns. PC will shoot all the senco nails I believe.
Peace
what those guys said... go to http://www.coastaltool.com think they have better price on PC compressor pkg w brad & finish gun, might be free shipping for web sales second the buy galvanized nails only, brights start rusting right in the box
I bought the porter cable pack with the 2 guns last spring when I was installing a bunch of trim. Home Depot at the time had a deal where if you spent $500 worth if pneumatics you would get a $100 gift certificate. So I also bought a Bostitch framing nailer to get over the $500. Sent in the rebate and I never got my gift card. Called the rebate center and they said that I was screwed unless I could produce copies of all of the paperwork. At this time I am rather pissed off!!. Called the 800 customer service # and they made it right. Fed Ex package 2 days later with a $100card and they sent me another one after they found my original paperwork.
I have only run a couple thousand nails thru each of small guns. They haven't given me any problems yet. The framing gun has built garage the mother of all dear stands and is being used to build a log cabin right now.
The compressor is not what I would consider industrial duty, but is acceptable for moderate use. And it beats dragging my large compressor around and where am I going to find 460v
Once you get them you will wonder how you ever got by without them. Sure you could go back to a hammer, but why.
Dave and Mrs.......I use framing, finishing nailers (coil and stick) and staplers on a daily basis and I've yet to pick my favorite......minus the time I'm off being a fireman...I do own A LOT of tools....Yeah guys and gals....I'm guilty of being a tool nut:) But I do still use my framing and finish hammer's.....(and I have enough for two full crews!! LOL) because I am old school and still love to watch those nails disappear....heck I even own a very nice palm nailer. I enjoy shopping around for new toys (tools). I know...scold me for calling my tools my toys..but I am a giant kid when it comes to tools:) I would love to own a set of the Paslode airless, fuel cell driven framing and finish nailers... IF they ever come down in price!!! Dave, IF you must purchase an air nailer (brad) try the right one for the job...galvinized and make sure you have a nailer that will drive the correct length of fastener for the material your using...I'm very partial to my SFN 30 because it's an angled, light weight and very comfortable to use for hours...I just had a brain fart earlier today..when I realized I didn't bring along my shorter angle finish nails (for my Senco SFN30 angle finish nailer when I was installing trim around two pocket doors.....Good thing I rethought about it after only driving the first nail !!! Anyways...I've got way too many tools for just one man I suppose...but I do use them all !!!! My crew consist's of two Carpenter helpers and a Laborer....they think I am absolutely nuts for having so many tools..but I do not hear them complaining when they have to use them when I assign them a certain task and they ask me if they can use this or that tool....no matter the tool.
Anyhows...good hunting for your purchase on a finish nailer...I do own several brands...I do have my favorite...but it depends on the job I am doing too!
One last thing Dave and Mrs....Air nailers need an air compressor and hoses......Airless cost a lot more and don't.....so think about it...
For me...I'm more partial to my angled finish nailers....either one works very well but one uses longer fasteners than the other....
Harley