Pneumatic nail gun?

Spark

Spark

HPIC - Hatas gonna Hate
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I'm getting ready to build some stuff (shelves, racks, etc) and after working with a friends last night to hang some slatwall, I'm a convert. Anyone have recommendations?
 
Don't know about construction work but the DeWalt Coil Nailer works wonders on zombies...lol. Seriously, I have use the Dewalt Nailers and never had a complaint. You might consider just renting one first tho to see if you want to buy or not. Most take a pretty hefty air compressor to keep up if used rapidly like you do when laying sub floor, for framing it has more time to catch up. A lot depends on how fast you want to work.
 
Be careful if you are new to powered nailing.I agree they are quick and addictive to use.The ones that have impressed me are the DeWalt and Hitachi models.Test drive a few to see what suits you best i.e. rent then buy,happy building.Also,from a structural point,scewing and gluing is alot stronger than nailing in certain applications.
 
I've only used Rigid nailers, and a Craftsman, and I have never had a Problem with either one.
Of course you need a good compressor to get the most use out of it.

I've only used 'em for construction work, when I when I'm doing cabinetwork I prefer traditional tools.

Peter
 
If you're interested in the cool factor and don't want to be bothered with a compressor, Passlode makes some nice nailers, big and small. I framed a garage with one(borrowed - they are a little pricey) and it didn't jam once. They run off a butane cartridge.
 
Definitely sounds like a finish nailer is what you're looking for. For a true pneumatic, I would suggest Senco. A bit more expensive than most of the others, but worth it, IMHO. They seem to be best at driving the nail to the proper depth with the most consistency and with a minimal amount of adjusting. They also have a wide range of models to accommodate 15, 16 and 18 gauge finish nails. It's a pretty simple thing to go to Home Depot, look at the different gauge finish nails for yourself, and decide which is most appropriate for the size project you have in mind.

I'm assuming you already have a suitable air compressor, hoses, fittings, etc. If not, then never too sharp's recommendation of a Paslode is a very good one. I've been using one of their straight magazine 16 gauge finish nailers for over 5 years now and couldn't live without it. For things like crown moulding, baseboard and casing you just can't beat it. Having no compressors, extension cords and hoses to drag around is a real plus in that situation. If you'll only be using it in one spot, however, like in a workshop, then the advantage here is obviously not as great. The Paslode gun itself will cost close to double what a good pneumatic will run you, but if it saves you from having to buy the compressor and hoses, or if you'll be using it in many different locations, then it's definitely worth it. These are available in 16 and 18 gauge varieties.

There is one minor downside to the Paslode when it comes to fine finish work. The amount of pressure it takes to depress the nose piece (the gun's primary safety feature) is greater with the Paslode - as compared to a pneumatic gun - because it is this action that also mechanically delivers a metered injection of butane into the nailer's combustion chamber. This can sometimes leads to frustration when you're working alone trying to nail together wood pieces that have glue applied to them - especially larger, awkward pieces. The glue tends to make the pieces slippery to begin with, and the extra force required to depress the nosepiece sometimes exacerbates the problem. And yes, you'll want to be using glue for projects like cabinets and shelving. It's not a huge issue in my estimation, but should at least be mentioned.
 
If you want a finish nailer, Bostitch makes several that are really nice. I've got the N62FN and it's been easy to use and trouble free. I think I paid a couple hundred for it a few years back. At the time I bought it, it was the hot lick for the price and it's worked without a hitch everytime I've used it (good nail depth, no jams, Depot carries the nails, etc).

Just checked, and Amazon currently has reconditioned N62FN's for sale right now for under $120 with free shipping. Not a bad deal given what I paid.

Best,
Razz
 
Porter Cable or DeWalt. I've been a carpenter for a while now and those are my two favorites. DeWalt's stuff seems to be heavier, but with a trim gun that won't really matter, because overall weight won't be that much anyway. Ridgid makes good stuff too but it all seems to weigh at least 700 lbs.
 
I built all of the shelving in my garage and house, as well as all of the window jambs, casings, cabinets, wainscot, chair rail, crown moulding, interior doors, and base moulding with an oil-less Bostitch 16ga and an Accuset(senco)23 ga pinner. Im sold on both brands. The Bostitch is really light(magnesium housing).
 
As a cabinetmaker for many years Senco was the best I ever used as long as you buy senco fasteners. Check out the prices on fasteners of various manufacturers to determine which is going to fit your economics. I think if I were going to buy a nailer to do construction or carpentry type work I'd get the Paslode for the convenience of not having to drag the hose around. I've been sold on anything cordless since the 80's.
 
We use a dewalt 5180 that shoots 2 different nails, close to 8 and 16 penny nails. Heavy Use, making wooden layered beams for my son in law. Good pricing on Amazon. 1/2 or less of list, and next day delivery, free if have priority club membership.

The paslode that we used for a while gave us fits, never use anything but the hottest fuel cell. Others will clog system and require upkeep and perhaps a rebuild as mine did. We went with air this time. More reliable in my opinion.
 
I'd have to go with Senco

My Uncle is one of the three guys who started the company, my Dad was the forth man with the company & I myself worked for them from 85 to 91.

They have gone through many changes in the last couple of years but I'm sure they still stand behind their product.

Keith
 
It depends on HOW you will use it. Will it be rough framing or putting up crown molding or small trim?? Rough framing- Senco, but check with your local building inspector. Some localities do not allow clipped head nailers. Senco makes both-full and clipped. Trim- Senco. Brad and pin nailers- Grex comes to mind. Pin nailers have holes so small that they are barely visible and usually don't need to be filled.
 
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