Screws vs. Nails - Prepping to build a Shed/Garage for my Harleys

[rambler]

Recently built a good sized chicken coop that I'll document here when I finish painting it. Used PT wood and screwed the entire structure with coated decking screws of various lengths. It is a beast and will outlast me and in my opinion will torque less than if I had used nails.

I think you'll regret the decking screws some day. Been there, done that.... They do not hold up, are much worse than nails for the application you used.

Nail guns come in wire, plastic, or paper tape design.

Wire is ok, can leave bits of fine wire around. Most are sticks, but you can find framing coils too.

Plastic I don't like the bits of plastic they shoot/ leave around.

Papaer tape is nice.

Each is incompatable with the other. I'd look to see what is carried in your area, you do not want to be the _only_ person in your town with plastic for example, no one will stock nails that fit your machine.

I got a Bostich that is paper tape, handles the short hardened metal connector nails as well. Nice gun, uses any of the paper tape brand nails I've tried, clipped head, offset, or full round.

-->Paul

 

[MotorSeven]

Moss, my vote is for a air framer. A compressor and generator will always come in handy after this project is done. I like Home Desperate's Ridgid nail guns, they had some nice features like swiveling hose nipple, adjustable countersink depth, lifetime warranty, all in a cool Chevy engine orange color(I think I need an orange intervention: Stihl saws, Kioti tractor, Woodmizer mill, a few Chevy engine blocks...the list goes on and on).

Oh, and all this talk about your motors and no pic's?...shame on you Moss:laughing:

 

[MossflowerWoods]

Moss, my vote is for a air framer. A compressor and generator will always come in handy after this project is done. I like Home Desperate's Ridgid nail guns, they had some nice features like swiveling hose nipple, adjustable countersink depth, lifetime warranty, all in a cool Chevy engine orange color(I think I need an orange intervention: Stihl saws, Kioti tractor, Woodmizer mill, a few Chevy engine blocks...the list goes on and on).

Oh, and all this talk about your motors and no pic's?...shame on you Moss:laughing:

MotorSeven,

I thought they were posted here somewhere, maybe not... My bad!:ashamed:

Here are my OTHER Tractors...

David

 

[MossflowerWoods]

Cross posted at another thread Old Guys & Nail Guns...

I got my 2nd cortisone shots in both wrists today. Should start to feel better tomorrow, right now I'm barely functional.

Right wrist is 10/21, left is 12/16. I MUST take it super easy for 2 weeks after, and kinda easy for the next 4 weeks (total of 6 weeks each).

I am planning to buy the following...

Air Framing Nail gun (full head - maybe a cheaper one)
26 oz Framing Hammer (coss hatched with mag nail starter/holder)
Air Finish Nail gun (probably a nicer one)
Air Compressor (How big do I need?) unless the Air Compressor I have is good (I doubt it is though, it has been sitting for 7 years out in a damp shed)
Generator (how big do I need).

Does this make sense?

I NEED to finish the Motorcycle Shed project BEFORE SURGERY 10/21.

I will work on the attic all winter probably...

Thanks all for all the advice!
David

 

[bcjmmac]

I have had a framing nail gun for 3 years & only just started using it to build my "tractor barn". It was part of a 3 gun set I got at Costco. I'm doing most of the work myself, so the gun is a godsend.
Anyhow, when looking for a gun it should list the capacity required by your compressor - PSI and CFM. I find that PSI is the main requirement as the compressor will cycle on/off to maintain. It would only be an issue if you're really going fast. I do find that my framing nailer does take a lot of air - the compressor cycles more than I am used to - even compared to using a floor stapler.

 

[MarkV]

David you might go with a lighter hammer with your wrist problems. A 26 oz hammer is hard to work with all day.

MarkV

 

[MossflowerWoods]

David you might go with a lighter hammer with your wrist problems. A 26 oz hammer is hard to work with all day.

MarkV

MarkV,

So here is my train of thought on the hammer... The orthopedic surgeon explained it isthe VIBRATION that causes the most damage. Jackhammer operators have the worst carpal tunnel problems. The other data point is even though I have a fairly bad case of carpal tunnel, I have not lost any strength or other capacity.

Given these two data points, plus loking at the nice ergo framing hammers at Lowe's a couple days ago, I want to drive the nails faster, even when hammering. Fewer "hits" on the nail = less vibration is my theory.

How's that logic? Make sense? I will only use the hammer for the strong ties, and anywhere the nail gun does not fit into. I will use the nail gun as much as possible.

I have done every project in my life thus far with THE WRONG HAMMER it seems also. I should have bought a framing hammer 20 years ago...

Thnaks for the advice, I AM listening. TBN has been a Godsend to me. The University of Tractoring & Rural life. I look forward to being as smart as all of y'all!

Be Well,
David

 

[bp fick]

Be it tools, or toys, there's nothing wrong with buying them, good quality, good name, and desirable from garage sales, CL, or eBay.
Then reselling the tools, toys, whatever, after you are through.

Many times you can re-sell for the same, give or take, that you paid. Thus, it was "rent free". Done this many times. Sometimes you find you love it and keep it, sometimes you discover what you should have purchased.

 

[k0ua]

David, I can't speak to the framing air nailer, but I have the Rigid 18 gauge finish nailer, and I really like it. It is the best I have ever owned for the reason's MotorSeven posted. I have had quite a few finish nailers, some like the Harbor freight ones are back in their boxes, (not too good), and others I have just worn out, but the Rigid is the best I have come across so far, a real joy to use.

James K0UA

 

[scoutcub]

MotorSeven,

I thought they were posted here somewhere, maybe not... My bad!:ashamed:

Here are my OTHER Tractors...

David

Nice collection there! Dam, I've only got 1.....:ashamed: