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 website.
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.
http://www.carpentry-pro-framer.com
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- An Air Nailer Could Make Your Life Easier
- Modern Power Tools - the Lithium Ion Cordless Drill
- 5 Reasons Why Should You Use A Portable Air Compressor With Pneumatic Tools
- Give Your Arm a Break with a Power Nailer
- Use Nail Guns for Saving Time and Cost: the Era of Nail and Hammer is Doomed
- Choosing the Right Power Tools for All Home Improvement Should Dewalt Power Tools
- Safety and Maintenance of Nail Guns
- Dewalt Power Tools For Woodworking




Advantages of Water Coolers
By: Tom Lopez | 16/11/2009Water coolers are manufactured and distributed by numerous companies. There are numerous models of water cooler available in the market.
Using garden furniture sets to refresh your home
By: Charlie | 16/11/2009With struggling economic times and a slow moving property market, more and more people are now choosing to postpone the idea of moving house and are instead turning their attention to improving or renovating their existing home and garden. Not only can this add value to your property should you decide to move in the future, it can be the refreshing change that you need to give your home and garden a new lease of life.
PVC and Deck Rail Planters - Adding a Touch of Color
By: Manseo Sharma | 16/11/2009You can Add a touch of color and beauty with PVC Planter Deck Rail Planters. It is easy to install and simple to handle.If you are looking for a way to add some character and interest to your railing of the bridge, then you may want to consider including box deck railing.
Space Saving Furniture. Buying Guide
By: Adam Ellis | 16/11/2009Space Saving Furniture
Flower Window Box - A Small Eden on Your Window
By: Manseo Sharma | 16/11/2009Herbs and flowers have one thing in common. Fragrant flowers capture the imagination of fans and writers. Butterflies are also attracted by the scent and aroma they emit. Herbs, on the other cooks are let loose on them. And you can never escape their beauty into your window boxes. When butterflies start dancing silently around your beautiful plants, you can say that your flowers and herbs are in full bloom. Flower window boxes add a touch of elegance to your plants.
Modern Furniture Buying Tips
By: Oleg | 16/11/2009Furniture is indeed the essence of your house. Buy it with carefulness and also with curiosity. After all, it is the furniture that reflects your persona while depicting your flair! Here are few tips to consider when you buying modern furniture.
What you Need to Know on your Home Designs
By: Dashiell Wood | 16/11/2009There are thousands of styles for your home designs available in the magazines, market and online market yet if you want to have a perfect home design, it should start it with yourself as this is always what you want and need.
Solar Panels
By: John Mahoney | 16/11/2009Solar domestic hot water systems are among the most popular solar technologies considered by those planning to switch to “greener” technologies or want to reduce their heating bills by making use of a free source. Solar hot water systems differ hugely, depending basically to different climate demands: some are specially designed for moderate and hot climates, and others for colder climates.
Tips for Accurate Stair Building
By: Rickie Bell | 16/10/2008 | DIYStair building methods have not changed much over the years, but with the advent of stricter local building codes in recent years it has become more of an exacting science. Many localities have enacted ordinances that must be adhered to in order to pass the house framing inspection.
Advice on How to Choose the Best Cordless Tools in Todays Crowded Marketplace
By: Rickie Bell | 10/08/2007 | Home ImprovementWith the numerous choices available in cordless tools how does a person choose? It is recommended that a person do their homework before making this type of purchase.
An Air Nailer Could Make Your Life Easier
By: Rickie Bell | 10/08/2007 | Home ImprovementThese 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.
Emergency Backup Power - Can You Afford to be in the Dark?
By: Rickie Bell | 10/08/2007 | Home ImprovementPower failures due to extreme weather, high power usage, aging utilities, and other unpredictable events continue to increase nationwide. Any restaurant that has been forced to dispose of spoiled meat and produce can tell you how expensive even a short power outage can be.