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Q With so many do-it-yourself projects on my list, I need to speed up my work. I want some advice on buying my first pneumatic nailer. How do I pick one that fits my projects?
A Pneumatic nailers can save you hours of work and often give better results than hand-nailing. You can say goodbye to drilling pilot holes and setting nails, and never see another nasty hammer mark.
To decide which type and size nailer to buy, first list the projects you do the most. If it’s furniture repair, smaller woodworking projects and crafts, make your first buy an 18-gauge brad nailer ($80 to $140) that will shoot up to 2-in. long, thin 18-gauge brads. (I say “first buy” because once you “go pneumatic,” a second nailer won’t be far behind.)
If you’re into bigger projects like installing thicker crown molding, hanging doors and other projects that need real strength from a fastener, buy a 15- or 16-gauge finish nailer ($190 to $240) that shoots up to 2-1/2 in. long, 15- or 16-gauge nails. (The smaller the gauge, the thicker and stronger the nail.)
The features are similar among brands. Look for adjustable depth of drive, a rubber nosepiece that won’t mar woodwork, and adjustable or rear exhaust to keep sawdust away from your face. Also consider the overall feel of it in your hand. Test-drive the nailers if you can.
Finally, a note of caution: Hospital emergency rooms treat scores of carpenters who have shot a nail into a finger, leg or worse. Read and follow the safety precautions listed in the owner’s manual.
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