Improve Your DIY Game with These Nail Gun Tricks of the Trade

If you are a do-it-your-selfer when it comes to home improvement, yard care, and general solutions to decor- then you probably have a good grasp on what types of tools can be helpful for getting the job at hand done.

Often overlooked as a tool only used in a professional capacity is the nail gun, a helpful product that provides speed, accuracy, and efficiency to projects that require adherence.

 

Many people mistakenly believe that a nail gun, also called a nailer, is specifically designed for heavy building and roofing type jobs.

But this couldn’t be further from the truth since there is a wide range of both size and strength model nailers available for both homeowners and professionals alike (Source).

Types of Nail Guns

For the most part, nailers fall into one of two categories: pneumatic or electric. A few fuel powered models also exist. These are cordless and require a rechargeable battery and gas cartridge to create the combustion needed to drive the nail. These are powerful tools and often used in a professional capacity for serious wood framing needs.

Pneumatic, or Air Compressed, Nail Guns

Pneumatic guns are amongst the most powerful, and popular models, and can be found through the entire range of nail gun model designs due to their dependability and strength. These guns require an air hose and air compressor and use the force of air to fire the nail into the substrate of your choice.

You can pretty much find all sort of nailers in this category. Everything from powerful roofing guns to smaller brad nailers for finishing work is encompassed here.

Electric Nail Guns

Electric nailers can be either corded or cordless, although the cordless choices are much more readily available and popular to pick from. These use either a standard electrical outlet and extension cord or a rechargeable battery to power the force needed to drive the nail.

Although very convenient, not all electric nailers have the driving force for heavy building needs. Some models do exist, but your largest selection surrounds an availability for finishing work, as well as smaller jobs you may have around the house or for crafting.

Benefits of Using a Nail Gun

Using a nail gun instead of a hammer and nail can help ensure you get a strong, deep drive to hold your building frames or home and yard improvements projects sturdily in place for years to come. They also provide the following benefits:

• Get the job done more quickly and efficiently with even nail drive depth for a nice, finished look.
• Provide more power to your nail drive, saving your arm from the wear and tear of repetitive motions.
• No need to hold or carry a nail, freeing up your hands and keeping stray fingers safe from the fall of the hammer!
• The improved craftsmanship of using a nail gun will become apart quickly- which is perfect for anyone making a living from their creations.
• These tools are a smart investment and have a decent usage life. Many can be used for a variety of different projects, making them versatile and worth having available.

Choosing the Right Nailer For You

As mentioned, a nail gun is no one-size-fits-all type tool. There is a wide range of options to choose from, many specific to the job you may need it for. Others are more general in nature and can be useful in a wide variety of situations. Nail guns generally fall into specific categories which help define their use. What type you decide upon is very dependent upon the jobs you expect to use it for.

Roofing Nailer

These are very specific in nature and are considered amongst the most powerful models. Mainly pneumatic in design, they are built to work with the durable materials used for roofing.

Framing Nailer

Framing nailers are excellent choices for heavier building and woodworking. Found as both electric and pneumatic, they come in handy for framing buildings, fencing, deck building, and heavy finishing jobs.

Finishing Nailer

Finishing nailers often have a wide variety of model design to choose from and are an excellent all-around choice for jobs such as light framing jobs, cabinetry, trim, and even certain types of flooring.

Brad Nailer

A brad nailer is another good all-around type choice offered in many design options. These can handle light woodworking and still provide a delicate finish to detailed trim and other highly noticeable areas.

Pin Nailer

Pin nailers are designed for crafters and woodworkers and provide a delicate drive for delicate, thin wood, upholstery, furniture, cabinets, and other handmade items.

Conclusion

If you prefer to take care of your own home maintenance, adding a nail gun (or two) to your power tool retinue should definitely be worth a consideration!