From About This Project
The first time I used a pneumatic trim gun, I was hooked. It’s not just that it was lightning fast. I loved being able to install hardwood moldings without predrilling to prevent splitting, and I was happy to leave my nail set mostly in my toolbox. But even better was the fact that nail guns allow you to hold a molding in exactly the right spot with one hand while you instantly nail it in place with the other. And small nail guns called brad nailers allow you to quickly and easily secure thin, fragile moldings without ruining them. That’s a job that otherwise requires the dexterity of a surgeon.
But things can go wrong. In this article, we’ll show you the most common problems you’ll encounter when nailing trim with a nail gun and the techniques you can use to prevent them.
If you can afford it, buy both a 15-gauge finish nailer and an 18-gauge brad nailer. The two guns make a winning combination. The 15-gauge nails, ranging in length from about 1-1/4 in. to 2-1/2 in., are strong enough to secure door jambs and other heavy trim materials. Plus, the angled nose on most 15-gauge nailers allows you to nail in corners and drive toenails more easily. Prices for 15-gauge nailers range from $230 to $350.
Fifteen-gauge nails are too thick for many fine nailing tasks. And this is where the 18-gauge brad nailer excels. They shoot very skinny 5/8-in. to 1-1/2 in. long, 18-gauge brads. These are perfect for nailing miters, nailing the skinny section of door or window casing to the jamb and other nailing jobs where a larger nail would split the wood or protrude through the other side of the material. Prices range from $70 to $200.
Having both guns connected to your compressor with separate hoses means you can nail the inside and outside edge of casings without having to change nails. And you’ll always have just the right size nail for the job at hand.
If you don’t do enough trim work to justify the expense of two nailers, a 16-gauge nail gun is a good choice. The 16-gauge nails are a bit skinnier and not quite as strong as 15-gauge nails. But they’re less likely to split thin pieces of wood. Most 16-gauge nail guns will shoot nails ranging from 1 in. to 2-1/4 in. Prices range from $200 to $300.
Nail Gun Safety
Pneumatic nailers are unbelievably fast and powerful. One careless second is all it takes to lose an eye or put a nail
through your finger. Here are safety precautions you should take:
Disconnect the air hose from the gun when you’re loading nails or clearing a jam, or when you’re not using the nail gun.
Wear safety glasses and have your helpers and bystanders wear them too.
Keep children away from nail guns. Disconnect the gun and put it out of reach when you’re not using it.
Keep your fingers well away from the nail’s path. Use clamps if necessary.
Never rest the gun on top of a ladder.
Keep your finger off the trigger when you’re not firing the gun.
Other Problems You Might Encounter
Nail guns can be a little finicky. Here are a few common problems and possible solutions:
If the nail gun fires but no nail comes out even though you can see nails in the clip, the nail feed mechanism may be sticking or the nails may be binding in the magazine. Remove the nails and lubricate the magazine and spring feed with spray silicone.
If the nail gun doesn’t fire even though it’s loaded with nails (you won’t hear or feel the piston and driver move), it’s probably not getting enough air. Make sure the compressor is plugged in and that the fuse or circuit breaker isn’t tripped. Then check the gauge to be sure the pressure on both gauges is set high enough.
If a nail jams in the nose, disconnect the hose from the gun before you do anything else. Remove the nails from the gun. Then open the nose (check your instruction manual if you’re not sure how) and remove the jammed nail.