Starting the workshop-need advice on a nailgun

ALBALD1 · Nov 28, 2004

I'm glad to see this ? posted. I've been curious about this as well. Anyone have more info on the cordless electric nailers, such as how long batteries stay charged? Also, do any of these nailers use screw nails? I've been told I should use screw nails for barn building, but don't know if its really necessary.

btolle · Nov 28, 2004

Good article about nail guns at Fine Homebuilding magazine.

I had a Duo-Fast framing gun and still have a Duo-Fast angle finishing nailer. I bought Duo-Fast because that is what most of the pro's in my area use (East Texas) so I knew I could get service. Have never needed any work on either of them. Ask a few local carpenters what brand they use and buy that brand.

I find that a framing nailer weighs less at the end of the day than a 20 oz. framing hammer!

BTW, be prepared for sticker shock when you buy the framing nails. They are high but worth every penny of it in labor saved.

Buy a blow gun for the air compressor and show you wife how handy it is for cleaning things like the lint catcher in the dryer. My wife uses our air compressor all the time for cleaning things and love it.

I sold the framing nailer, 10" table saw, 12' 1/2" planer, router table and router, and all other heavy tools to a carpenter a couple of years ago. At 59 years old I have built all the heavy stuff I am going to build!

Bill Tolle

Bird · Nov 28, 2004

( I find that a framing nailer weighs less at the end of the day than a 20 oz. framing hammer! )

Good point! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif However, my framing hammer was a gift - 28 oz.

( Buy a blow gun for the air compressor )

Now that's a tool I don't know how anyone lives without!

btolle · Nov 28, 2004

( 
Good point! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif However, my framing hammer was a gift - 28 oz.

And what did you do to the "giver" that would make them mad at you? /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Bill Tolle

MFL · Nov 28, 2004

Thanks Guys!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

AS ALWAYS, tremendous advice and recommendations!! All of it has come at the perfect time, too. Early this morning the lady that owns the boarding facility where we keep our horses called. Seems a stalled horse decided to see if it could kick its way out last night, and she asked if I could help her with the repairs. Spent 4 plus hours cutting 2x4's and swinging my 22oz. Estwing. After I finished there, came home and spent about another four hours tamping in fence posts. And they say Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest!?!

Anyway, my arm is so numb I'm typing this with a pencil held between my teeth! The nice thing about getting older, is having the money to compensate for my rapidly diminishing stamina. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I'll be the happy owner of a nail gun by the end of the week!!!

imported_OWDouglas · Nov 29, 2004

If economy is what your looking for, check out Harbor freight. I bought a porter-cable stapler for $75 from Home Depot and a $12 Central Pnueumatic brad nailer at HF. I use the brad nailer more than the stapler now. Have had no problem with it. May get the Central Pneumatic Framing nailer soon, they have them on sale for $99 bucks, not a bad deal. It's not a major brand name, but if it last a couple years it pays for itself.

btolle · Nov 29, 2004

( If economy is what your looking for, check out Harbor freight. <--snipped--> It's not a major brand name, but if it last a couple years it pays for itself. )

OWDouglas has a good idea. Most homeowners will not use a framing nailer very much. I paid over $300 for my Duo-Fast framing gun but I'll bet a $99 HF nailer would have worked as well for no more than I used it.

Sometimes, "throwaway" tools are best. I bought a $19 pneumatic crown stapler when I insulated the garage roof. I was paying a man $15 an hour (I was the helper). I figure it saved us about 3 hours versus using a hand powered stapler so I saved $26 on the overall job and still have the stapler if I ever need it again. I could throw it in the trash and still would be ahead moneywise.

Bill Tolle

crb478 · Dec 7, 2004

Any of the major brand names will work well for you but buying nails will eventually cost you more than the nailer. Pick a brand that the nails are affordable on and that you can get the nailer serviced in your area. If you can't buy the nails locally or afford them or if you have to order a repair kit then you will be swinging a hammer anyway.

RobS · Dec 7, 2004

Ditto what someone said about nail availability. I bought a Bostitch N80S some years back. Strictly homeowner useage but I love it. Clip-head nails but so what, they work fine. I just built four more wall sections for the basement this past weekend and it continues to work flawlessly saving me huge amounts of time. And on the nails, I was able to pick up a box of the latest, ACQ compatible nails for the new pressure treated lumber /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

KubotaSteve · Dec 7, 2004

My dad has the stanley bostitich framing nailer as well as a stanley bostitch roofing nailer. As for the finish nailer, he has a Craftsman. We have used both Stanley nailers quite a bit as I have 3 brothers not to mention that dad being retired helps out a lot of other people on projects. After putting on about 30 roofs with the roofing nailer, we had to repleace the trigger assembly as the O rings were worn. It was very easy to order the pieces we needed. They hold up quite well and the parts are available when needed.