Nail Gun Education

[Darrell]

Hey Guys , May be looking to buy a finish and framing nailer and hoping someone out there can help me out.

I will be using them for small projects around the house so i will not need anything a contractor would use. Maybe a small shed , lean - to , door frames , trim lumber , etc ...

I would really like to know this .. I see you can buy nailers and nails in different " degrees " , 21,28,34 , what does the degree part mean ??

Clipped head and full head nails ?? All i have ever hammered in the big gauge nails is full head , what is the advantage of clipped head nails ?? Just a big finish nail ??

I have been thinking about buying these , they have good reviews ..

http://www.harborfreight.com/10-gaug...ler-98751.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/16-gaug...ler-68023.html

And how big of a compressor would i need to run framing nailer ?? I would like a compressor that you can carry around if possible.

Anything else anyone can add would help !!

[Muzzy]

The degree of the nails is'nt real important unless you're nailing in tight spots. Generally the more angle for the nail magazine means a shorter gun and will fit between studs at 16" on center. If you're doing a lot of toenailing the shorter gun can be a bit easier. A gun that has clipped head nails, which I prefer will hold a lot more nails and need less reloading. Some feel that a full round head nail holds better than a clipped head. Ive used both and don't see a big difference in holding power. I can't comment on the HF guns as I've never used one. You may want to look into the Porter Cable guns. They're rugged guns that take commonly stocked nails and don't break the bank.

[bolivier]

I'm a trim carpenter by trade and love some paslode guns. I've talked to some people that use the harbor freight guns (for work) and they say they last about a year. With how much you use them they might last a while, but if you get a better gun, it will probably out last you. I also have porter cable guns and like them as well. A little 4-6 gallon compressor will do you fine. Even for the framing gun. We use an 8 gallon at work and it runs me and my partner no problem. Actually it is a harbor freight, central pnuematic (spelling), compressor. It is oiled. Don't get an oiless compressor. You'll be on borrowed time, trust me. Had it around 1 1/2 years and it still works great. If it were me I wouldn't get a harbor freight gun. Another point is repair ability. When or if something goes wrong with a name brand gun, easy to get parts. Hardly ever happens. We go thround about 6,000 nails on each house, and do 2 houses a week. It adds up quickly. Paslode all the way!! We also have airy pin guns, GREAT!!! Not produced any more. Hitachi staple guns, excellent gun as well. Do yourself a favor and get a decent gun, it will be worth it.

Brent

[Darrell]

Thanks for the replies !! I do agree when it comes to buying quality tools , and i may get a name brand gun.

Getting older and i can't swing a hammer like i used to !! I am just an occasional DIY guy and was just wanting a framing and finish nailer for occasional projects. I was leaning toward the HF guns just because of the cost , especially the framing gun. I will look around at other guns , might even find one on sale.

Bolivier , thanks for the advice on the size of the compressor , and i was going to get an oiled compressor. My neighbor buys oiless for his air tools and they do not last long , and he doesn't use them all that much.

Muzzy , Thanks for the explanation on the degree thing , i always wondered what it meant.

[CADplans]

And, remember, there are alternatives!!
The wife wanted a chicken coop, and I ain't no carpenter!!

I just put it together with outside use screws!!



AND, lots of "liquid nails", the stuff in the tube, like glue.

The coop is "bulletproof"!!



A few screw bits is way cheaper than a gun, and no compressor is needed.

But, then, I ain't buildin' a house anytime soon!!

[cub123]

Agreed, the paslode is a great nailer, we use one 20 years before it died, it did a lot of framing. Last year I bought a Dewalt to replace the Paslode, so far it seems pretty decent too, another good choice is Bostitch. IMHO the air tools from Harbor Freight are throw away junk. In three years you will spend more replacing it that getting a better nailer to begin with.

[Darrell]

Cad , You are right , screws/glue are hard to beat !!! I use them all the time , especially since i got a battery powered impact.

Every once in awhile though i need to drive some nails , occasionally framing and i will end up using the finish nailer alot.

Nice lookin' chicken coop !!!

[Darrell]

cub123 , I know alot of people think that way about alot of HF stuff , and i agree whens it comes to some of their electrical tools. Just about all the reviews were good on the guns though.

I did buy their " eartquake " air ratchet and 1/2 impact ( the red ones )and they are VERY powerful and have lasted three years. But they are like the nailers , i only use them occasionally anymore.

Since i bought my Sears 3/8 impact w/Lithium batteries , i hardly use any air tools anymore.

[drglinski]

Nails from a nail gun go in easier however they are a total PITA if you ever want to get them out. I'll go screws all day long before I'll get a nail gun.

PS CAD your coop looks pretty good for no experience.

Which brings me to another point--

why does a chicken coop have 2 doors?
if it had 4 it'd be a chicken sedan.

[Yosemite Sam]

Originally Posted by drglinski

Nails from a nail gun go in easier however they are a total PITA if you ever want to get them out. I'll go screws all day long before I'll get a nail gun.

PS CAD your coop looks pretty good for no experience.

Which brings me to another point--

why does a chicken coop have 2 doors?
if it had 4 it'd be a chicken sedan.

If there is no post it would be a hardtop.