Finish Nailer & Nail Gauge/Length

[Carey Frennier]

I'm looking into purchasing a Finish Nailer.



I'd prefer something cordless with an angled magazine. If possible, I'd like something that can drive different length or gauge nails.



I'm going to be replacing base board trim, quarter round molding, crown molding and various small jobs with it. I'll be fixing some old furniture and maybe building some book shelves.



A big concern of mine is the cost of fuel and the cost of nails. I purchased a Craftsman C3 set that came with a really handy trim saw. The downside....I can't get any other blade types for it! I don't want to run into the situation again.



Your thoughts?

 

[Richard L]

The best way to avoid getting stuck with a proprietary piece of equipment is to buy the brands that the builders use. Just go by Home Depot or Lowes and look at the brands they sell....You will find they carry a selection of nails to fit the various guns and you will find that they are generic to fit nearly all guns. Just check the box to see if they are straight or what angle they are to fit the appropriate gun.



Heck, even Harbor Freight has nail guns that use standard generic nails. I have a Harbor Freight 15 Gauge Finish nail gun and it works great and the generic nails are available everywhere. If you are not a contractor this kind of nail gun is more than adequate for home use.



A finish nailer like mine will take several different lengths of finish nails (1-1/4" and 2-1/2") which is pretty standard, and you iwll need the 2-1/2" nails for most door and window trim work. Just know the angle of your gun and get the nails marked for that angle.



I have 2 air compressors. One large in my shop and a smaller portable unit I can easily carry around. I find the cost of the air compressor is off-set by the versitility to use other air tools and equipment and electricity used to power the air compressor is much cheaper than the cost of the fuel for gas powered guns.



...Richard

 

[Les]

I have a Craftsman 18 guage brad nail gun. Will shoot 5 different sizes (lengths) and the nails are available from Home Depot. Cost $50. I use it for the same jobs you described.

 

[Todd Z]

Have a Black and Decker Rechargable....... Just get a second battery But works great !!



Todd Z

 

[Robert Thomas]

Had a Paslode nailer and finish nailer. Worked great for me. They liked to be kept clean. Had a good resale when I got rid of them.

 

[Richard L]

Just to clarify....I think some of you are confusing a Brad Nailer with a Finish Nailer.



Brad nailers typically shoot only 18 gauge nails up to 2" long, which are too thin and too short for proper door, window, and baseboard trim/finish work.



A Finish Nailer shoots 15-16 gauge nails up to 2-1/2" long and no respectable Finish Carpenter would use a Brad Nailer to do door, window and baseboard finish work in a home



Cordless/Battery operated Finish Nailers cost about $250-$300, which is fine but a bit pricey for home use. Cordless Brad nailers are cheaper but Psycareyo clearly stated he wanted a "Finish Nailer".



You can buy an inexpensive Finish Nailer for about $60-$80 and a small 2-3 Gallon portable air compressor for about $100-$150 and that keeps your total investment down to about $200, and the air compressor is very handy for other air tools, inflating tires, etc. I know Psycareyo wanted a cordless unit, but I personally prefer air powered nailers and the hose is not that much of an issue when you have a portable compressor.



Like other rechargable tools, the battery will eventually go bad and replacements often cost as much as the price of a new tool.



...Rich

 

[Gary DiPietroSr]

It's Porter Cable for me. I have 2 different sizes. They are well made and always work.

 

[Carey Frennier]

Rich hit the nail on the head (lol)