| Nail-Gun Basics |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-711 |
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A pneumatic nail-gun (or air-nailer) is a useful tool that enables you to do jobs requiring a lot of nailing in a fraction of the time it might take with hammer and nails. Home-repair expert Brad Staggs gives a brief rundown on these time-saving power tools.
Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection when working with power tools.
- Finish-nailers (figure A), come are air-powered nail guns that are used to join wood using small brads, or finish nails. They come in straight or angled varieties. The angled nailers are useful when working in corners, such as when installing crown molding. This type of nailer typically costs under $200.
- Nails used in these tools come in magazine-style packets, and in various sizes and lengths -- including 16-gauge and 18-gauge (figure B).
- A framing nailer (figure C) is designed for heavy duty jobs such as framing walls with 2x4 studs.
- Pneumatic nailers require the use of an air-compressor (figure D), so your usage will be limited by the length of your compressor hose.
- A palm nailer is great for remodeling work. Fitting in the palm of your hand (figure E), this tool quickly drives even large nails into wood with a rapid series of pneumatic impacts. This is a handy tool for nailing in narrow spaces such as between wall studs and ceiling joists.
- Cordless nailers are powered by a fuel cell and battery (figure F) rather than an air compressor.
- Since they are not attached to a cord (figure G) -- but are essentially powered by a small internal-combustion engine -- using them can be more convenient for many jobs. They are available in sizes designed especially for trim-work or framing.
Recap: - Any nailer is going to be faster than a hammer and nails.
- Air-powered nailers require a compressor, but are less expensive.
- Portable nailers are more expensive, but may be worth it for big jobs.
RESOURCES :
HGTV's Complete Fix-It
Author: HGTV
The Complete Illustrated Guide to Everything Sold in Hardware Stores
by Steve Ettlinger
(revised edition 1998, Macmillan)
To order this book from Amazon.com, click here.
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