These days it is hard to find a construction project or woodworking shop which is not employing the use of modern pneumatic nailers. The choice of the proper model for the task at hand can greatly improve results for hobbyists and pros alike. There is an air nailer available for almost any task you can imagine when working with wood.
Function is the single most important factor when determining which nailer is right for your particular task. Are you going to build a house, deck, install shingles, hardwood flooring, siding, or just build a doll house? There are nailers available for these tasks and many more.
Brad nailers are just the ticket if your building birdhouses or other similar projects with thinner materials. One thing to keep in mind when using brad nails, they are not very strong and should be used in conjunction with a good quality wood glue.
Finish nailers shoot nails that are longer and stronger than brad nails. They also have special nail heads which can be puttied over to hide them. This would be my choice for installing interior trim, building furniture, or other woodworking projects where appearance is important.
Framing nailers shoot nails anywhere from two - three and a half inches.
These are the pneumatic nailers that you see on job sites across the USA.
This is the proper choice for building a home, remodeling, building a deck, garage, or even finishing your basement.
Floor, siding, and roofing nailers are also available, however these are very task specific, and probably better off being rented from your local rental center for the average homeowner. Unless you have a lot of work for these specialty nailers I find it hard to justify their high cost.
Palm nailers are a breed all their own. Palm-impact nailers look something like closed funnels, and they fit in the palm of your hand. Of all the nailers discussed on this site, these are the only ones that use regular nails. Instead of loading in a coil or strip of nails, you simply load one nail by attaching it to a magnetic nail guide similar to a bit guide for a cordless drill. They are very handy for getting into tight places where a regular nail gun or hammer will not fit. If you purchase one of these do not forget the ear plugs, these little beasts are loud and sound similar to a really fast jackhammer.
All of the aforementioned nailers require an air compressor, air hose, and related fittings. However if you do not want to be restrained by the length of your air hose, cordless nailers are available. There are two types of these, battery and gas operated. Cordless nailers, generally are less powerful, slower, and more expensive than their air driven cousins.
The author of this article has 28 years experience working in the highly competitive housing market of the west and southwest suburbs of Chicago as a carpenter. His job titles have included Master Roof Cutter, Apprentice, and everything in between. Most of his experience is in the high end custom home marketplace, including all aspects of fine homebuilding, from footings to ridge cap. .
The author of this article has 28 years experience working in the highly competitive housing market of the west and southwest suburbs of Chicago as a carpenter. His job titles have included Master Roof Cutter, Apprentice, and everything in between. Most of his experience is in the high end custom home marketplace, including all aspects of fine homebuilding, from footings to ridge cap. More information is available at this carpentry website.
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