Replies

1. 
   dieselpig | Oct 12, 2004 06:20am | #1

   Here's how I understand it... and, as always, I could be wrong...

   A few years ago, any finish type nail that came out of a gun was generally called a "brad".  There was 15ga and 16ga nailers.  Then came the 18 guage nailers.  Now we call those brads and we call the 15's and 16's just finish nails/ers.  Then came the 23guage nailers or micro pinners.  So now we call the 18 guage nailers "brad nailers", and we call the 15 guage nailers "the angled finish nailer", we call the 16ga nailers, "the straight finish nailers", and we call the 23 guage " the pinner".

   Works for us.

1. 
   artacoma | Oct 12, 2004 04:36pm | #7

   We call the 23guage gun the' hair nailer'

   ...........Rik........

2. 
   slykarma | Oct 12, 2004 07:26am | #2

   Like dieselpig, I'm guessing you are looking at either 18 gauge (brad) nailer, or 15 gauge (finish) nailer. In true BT fashion, I now have to ask a series of other questions rather than giving a definitive answer. What are you nailing into: studs, drywall, or solid ply backing? Which way will the T&G be oriented: horizontal, vertical, or 45? Finally, have you considered renting the nailer, or do you envisage further work for it in the future?

   Welcome aboard,

   Wally

   Lignum est bonum.
3. 
   jonblakemore | Oct 12, 2004 07:45am | #3

   An 18 ga. brad nailer would not be sufficient. Your lumber could move enough to over come the brads and a small nailer like that will afford you little ability to hold warped boards down during installation.

   I would probably get a 16 ga. nailer if I was you. You can use a 16 for many things that an 18 ga. will do if you exercise a little more care. A step up from the 16 ga. nailer is a combo of 15 and 18.

    

   Jon Blakemore

4. 
   gordsco | Oct 12, 2004 09:53am | #4

   They almost have it right, a brad nailer shoots 18ga nails from 5/8" to 2", and a finish nailer shoots 16 ga nails from 1¼" to 2½".

   For trim work, the 18 ga is superior as it is less likely to split your work and the nail holes are small and easy to fill.

   For hanging interior doorjambs and fastening 3/4" material to walls, the 16 ga is better because you can shoot heavier and longer nails.

   Personally I would be using a finish stapler for the T&G. 18ga narrow crown 1½" into the tounge would hold much better than either of the nailers. I finished a pool area with 8000 lin ft of 1X6 cedar T&G not too long ago. I had all 3, brad, finish and prefered the stapler for hold.  

   
   

   ---

   Edited 10/12/2004 2:55 am ET by GORDSCO

1. 
   MisterT | Oct 12, 2004 01:24pm | #5

   I concur with the narrow crown staples for 1x t&g. 

   Mr T

   I can't afford to be affordable anymore

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Oct 12, 2004 02:31pm | #6

   Use the stapler if you can shoot through the tongue, or if it will be painted.  If it has to be face nailed, use a 15 or 16 ga nailer.

   I hesitate to use the 18 ga for anything heavier then shoe mould or quarter round or outside corner trim.

   Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!"  Then get busy and find out how to do it.  T. Roosevelt

2. 
   gordsco | Oct 12, 2004 07:29pm | #9

   I got a bit worried after I finished the walls with 1X6 T&G Cedar surrounding an indoor swimming pool. They filled the pool and started to use it before there was anything installed to deal with the moisture. The windows were absolutely dripping but staples in the tounges held everything in place.

   Suprisingly (to me) to handle the moisture of a 40'X15" heated pool in a 2200sq/ft area, they installed a single, $200 home style dehumidifier which easily holds the humidity level at 50%.

    HVAC systems were priced at 10 to 15 grand. One guy was over 30 g's.

1. 
   channelock | Oct 12, 2004 07:34pm | #10

   Suprisingly (to me) to handle the moisture of a 40'X15" heated pool in a 2200sq/ft area, they installed a single, $200 home style dehumidifier which easily holds the humidity level at 50%.

    HVAC systems were priced at 10 to 15 grand. One guy was over 30 g's.

    

   Just goes to show...cost does not always equal efficency. Or quality.

    

5. 
   channelock | Oct 12, 2004 07:21pm | #8

   Just get one and try it. If it turns out wrong get the other one. You'll use the first one on something else anyway, right? <G>

   Look at the nails used and get what you need to use the nails you will use in putting up your material.

   Rent it if you don't want to buy, but by the time you rent it you just as well should have bought it.

   Besides after you use it; you're gonna want to buy it. 

6. 
   channelock | Oct 12, 2004 08:53pm | #11

   Just an FYI...I saw at Lowes the other day that Bostich had a 15ga nailer that came with a crown stapler for a good price...seemed like $199 or something.

   I like Porter Cable myself.

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Oct 13, 2004 12:20am | #12

   I bought the Bostich 15 ga partially cuz it was considerably lighter than the other brands.  I like the performance, and it is very light.

   Hair Nailer ... I like that.

   Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!"  Then get busy and find out how to do it.  T. Roosevelt

1. 
   channelock | Oct 13, 2004 12:41am | #13

   magnesium body and oil less too, I believe

2. 
   channelock | Oct 13, 2004 12:46am | #14

   Just talking about it has made me almost go buy it.

3. 
   sharpblade | Oct 13, 2004 02:57am | #15

   I got that too and love it (angle style). Still haven't been able to locate some galv nails (the thick/hot dip type) for external trim. Any source you may have, if no luck I may have no choice but the SS nails from McFeely's.  mucho $$.  thanks.