Pneumatic nail guns

Dennisfly · Jan 19, 2007

I am finishing my basement using metal studs but I am considering a nail gun for the molding, door trim, and baseboards. I will have wood backing to nail into where necessary.

I've never used a nail gun before but have heard other people rave about them.

I guess I would need a finish nail gun, which I see come in two different sizes, 15 guage and 16 gauge. Which would I need or would either do?

Would a cheepie from Harbor Freight be OK or should I opt for quality at the higher price? After this job I wouldn't use it too often.

I also see that Cosco sells a package of three (Brads, finish nail, and framing nail guns) by Porter Cable all for about 200 bucks. Maybe that would be overkill in my case, though it doesn't cost that much more than a single quality gun other places.

Speaking of quality, any names that should be regarded near the top or near the bottom?

All thoughts are appreciated!

1bush2hog · Jan 19, 2007

I had the same dilema with remodeling at my house and Home Depot had a package on sale awhile back from Rigid of 16 and 18 ga guns, and a rechargeable screw driver that I bought for around $200. Had 30 days to try them out and return them if they didn't work out.

If you have a compressor already, get the Porter Cable package that is a pretty good deal - you will wonder how you ever did without it, especially on the 1/4 round. I talked with some guys that use these guns on a daily basis and the PC brand is good according to them. I was set to buy one gun but found the package deal and went with it. The package deal at Cosco sounds like even a better deal. You will have use for the framing gun down the road at some point, if not now.

I figured if the Rigids I bought lasted thru all the trim I put down, I would have them paid for. I was also told to just put a few drops of oil in before each use and the guns should last.

If I used a nail gun to make a living, then I would probably have gone with a higher quality gun -

I use 16ga on the baseboard and 18ga on the 1/4 round - and hope I never have to use a hammer and nail set again on trim

Bird · Jan 19, 2007

The big nail guns are great for framing, but for the purposes you listed, I would think my 18 gauge brad gun would be all that's needed. I used to have just a Campbell-Hausfeld "reconditioned" 18 gauge brad gun and my brother had the same thing in a Craftsman. I had the brads in 3 different lengths. I sold mine in a garage sale when I was moving back to town, but a year ago last Christmas one of my presents was a pneumatic gun from Harbor Freight that uses the 18 gauge brads and/or staples. I don't use one much anymore, but I've never had a problem, even with the cheap ones.

EddieWalker · Jan 19, 2007

I have two Porter Cable guns. One is a brad nailer that can handle brads from 3/4 of an inch to 2 inches. For trip work, the longer brads are allot better because you have to go through the trim and the sheetrock, then have enough left to hold onto the framing studs.

Porter Cable is a good name brand and for $200, it sounds like a good deal for three guns.

If you'll never need the others, than just go to Lowes or wherever and find a decent brad nailer that can handle multiple length brads. Some will aslo do staples and that would be better, but not needed for your needs.

After you attach the trim, I like to seal the holes with sheetrock joint compound. It sands real easy and gives you a perfect finish to paint. When you connect two pieces of basemoard, or other trim like crown molding, cut the ends at 22.5 degrees. This will help hide the seam. Glue them together and sand when dry , and they will almost disapear. Are you doing crown moulding? Lots of things to know there, but if your not doing it, I won't go into it.

Good luck,
Eddie

ronjhall · Jan 19, 2007

Our kitchen is done in Oak. When I put up the trim 10 years ago. I did it all with a drill and hammer. When we redid the whole place last winter used a finish nailer. Sure saved a lot of work. The nailer's goes through Oak like it was pine. No nicks from missing the nail with hammer.
I now have 4 PC air nailer's. Don't use them much, but it is much easier than swing a hammer.

MikePA · Jan 19, 2007

Dennisfly said:
I am finishing my basement using metal studs but I am considering a nail gun for the molding, door trim, and baseboards. I will have wood backing to nail into where necessary.

Hi Dennis, no offense meant, just didn't want to assume, you have a compressor, right?

I have a Porter Cable framing and finish nailers. I also have Paslode cordless framing and finish (16 gauge) nailers. I almost never use the Porter Cable nailers. It's just too convenient to pop the battery in one of the Paslodes and start shooting.

The finish nailer can take 3/4" to 2 1/2" nails.

Dennisfly · Jan 20, 2007

Thanks to all for your input.

I do already have a compressor. I should have mentioned that right up front.

Thanks Eddie for the technique tips. No crown moulding in the plans yet, but I may consider it in the future. Then I guess I'd be shopping for compound power miter saws!

Now I'm weighing the Porter Cable package against a single finish nailer from Harbor Freight.

Decisions - decisions!