Reddit mentions: The best power nailers

OK guys: I've been interested in getting a brad nailer for a while now. I have some interior trim projects that a nailer would be very useful for, and I also want to build some shop cabinets and fixtures where a brad nailer would also be handy.

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There's a Porter-Cable Compressor + 3-tool kit that is currently on sale for $200. This periodically goes on sale at Amazon and HD, and right now Amazon has it on sale. I've heard good things about this kit from people on this sub, and despite it being loud AF it is very reliable and gets the job done.

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However, someone recently suggested picking up a cordless nailer. Not needing a noisy compressor + the benefits of pure portability seems like really great features to have. Online reviews for the tools I'm looking at (This Porter-Cable and Dewalt) seem like two really great tools.

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So the question goes: Should I buy the 'traditional' compressor and tools kit, or get a cordless nailer?

If you decide you're ok with trying freehand, this is what I use.

Smith's 50448 6-Inch Diamond Tri-Hone Sharpener https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C0MKNEE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_nMVIAb4WAFXJV


I sharpen my knives that I use and also for my family and friends. I've been very happy with this since it condensed what i needed. I also have a leather strop. I recommend picking up a rat or cheap spyderco, practice on it, then move to better knives. You can then gift the now super sharp knife to a friend

Give it another try with bigger stones, sir. These are usable for knife sharpening, but not forva beginner. Way too small a surface. The diamond credit card size ones are intended for skis and snowboards. For an experienced sharpener, these would be a fine lightweight camping/glovebox kit. I'f I were to give a suggestion, take the proceeds from this and buy one of these

https://www.amazon.com/Smiths-50448-Diamond-Tri-Hone-Sharpener/dp/B00C0MKNEE

I've recommended it to dozens of sharpening noobs, and lots of them have messaged me stuff like "Dude, this tri-hone is exactly what I needed to learn. Thanks for the heads up". Best starting bench stone for the money out there.

I got this finish nailer (16 gauge) and I'm very happy with it ($44 currently). I only use it occasionally (about 1-4 times per month), but so far, so good. It may not last as long as a Dewalt or whatever, but it's also about 1/5th the price. If it ever breaks, I'll just get another one and still come out way ahead.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032JTDQS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I know you didn't ask, but I also got this palm nailer which has come in handy quite a few times:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NBJZ6RE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's a bit more now ($60) than I paid for it ($35), but I'm very happy with it. Based on the use I've gotten out of it I'd pay $60 and not feel bad about it. It's great for nailing in crap where a nail gun or hammer are awkward. Like I was hanging some bird houses on some trees and it was so easy to just position the nail and drive it in with this thing.

Oh, and one more recommendation you didn't ask for. ;-) I tried several air hoses and hated them all. Either they were too bulky and hurt portability, or were too stiff and didn't give me enough length. This one is the perfect blend of portable and flexible. It's expensive for a hose, but I love it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E4Z44O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Good luck!

Completely unrelated:

I purchased this flooring nailer to do my floors. F-ing awesome. The only issue I had was when I pansied a couple of hits and a nail got jammed. Other than that, I kept it oiled and I banged out a 250 sq ft room in about a day. Looks awesome. I enjoyed it so much I keep trying to convince friends to do some flooring so I can help.

Of course! All those canvases usually say they are “primed” which means gessoed HOWEVERRRRR once you do it yourself you’re gonna be like “what are they even talking about this canvas isn’t prepped at all” lmao. I was shook in college when I learned all this stuff. A good one is Liquitex gesso. You can honestly just buy the gallon of it if you end up liking it. It’ll last foreverrrrr

Gesso: Liquitex Professional White Gesso Surface Prep Medium, 32-oz (5332) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KNPLXI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_6OUBCbYGG08ZG

Brushes: Value-Pack 10-Pc Foam Paint Brush Set - Wood Handles by Industrial Tools https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003UHJDAS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_WPUBCb9GYJ791

Sand paper: Sanding Sponge,Coarse/Medium/Fine/Superfine 4 Different Specifications Sanding Blocks Assortment,Washable and Reusable. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0752VGHG6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_rQUBCbQ2295YF

And then eventualllllllyyyyy, way off in the future:

Stanley Hand Tools 20-600 Clamping Miter Box & Saw https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0791J472B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_uUUBCbAX7GEM0

Stanley TR45K Light Duty Staple Gun Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NIFL80/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xVUBCb1HTF3N9

Art Alternatives Canvas Pliers 8in https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004MASEW0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9XUBCbJF0J5ZC

Nasco 1100424 Fine Arts Unprimed Cotton Canvas Roll, 6 yds x 62" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EJSJKFK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_hZUBCb3PN5W7Y

Also, occasionally I like to go to a thrift store, find a wacky printed dress or dress shirt, and stretch that over a wood frame. For that, or if you paint on wood, you can use clear gesso (my personal favvyyyyy as I almost always paint on wood and looooove wood grain to be incorporated into my paintings...or on canvas stretched over wooden boards)

Umm, I am proud of my house! I am slowly making it my own, and it is just lovely!

I would love this stapler to assist in my home improvement projects.

haiguise!

This is a pretty good and affordable setup for freehand sharpening: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C0MKNEE/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I1E3EJBUYUU4DD&colid=3CMSBL1HL0JX0

I'd recommend spending some time watching YouTube tutorials on freehand sharpening as well. There is a ton of good info out there on the various techniques and approaches to sharpening.

Ok, well. Here are my results.

I got a couple things that I can FBA.

Got this Nail gun for $12.50. I think this is easily FBA.

Then I got this buffet server for $16.00. I have a question about this one...
The item is opened, one of the styrofoam packers is out of the box, but the thing has obviously never been used, not even once. You can't list as new right? I asked this question before and I wasn't very clear. The item MUST be sealed to be considered new?


I think those two items I can FBA fairly well.

Now here's something that really irritated me. I found two items that I could've got for about $10 combined that were selling for over $100 on Amazon. But FBA would only let me list in new condition, not used. Does that happen often? This foot spa and this posture pump

That looked like a dream to me at first until I realized I couldn't list as used. Both items were in near mint condition, except the box on the foot spa.

Oh yeah, got this for $15. Figured I'd try my hand at eBay on this one.

Yeah... I live in Co, where our humidity is very low. I have stranded bamboo, laid with the 18 ga nailer. It was actually done in two phases, one half when we moved in the other half when we redid the kitchen. The original phase has some areas that are pretty bad... like 1/8 inch of the tongue showing in the seem, the newer phase I was a little more meticulous about acclimation and making sure my nails were perfect. Its better, but here we are 6 months in and I can feel little buckles with bare feet. If you're gonna do it, I am selling my barely used 18ga nailer :) https://www.amazon.com/Carpenter-Air-Tools-CFL4518-Flooring/dp/B07DXDJVSV/ref=sr_1_18?crid=2VYTXO372USDX&keywords=18ga+flooring+nailer&qid=1568306953&s=gateway&sprefix=18ga+floo%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-18

I love my Hitachi Micro Pin Nailer. Don't use it much for woodworking, but it's great for doing baseboards and molding.

Most fastener guns (even roofing/framing) a little 5 gallon pancake compressor will do fine. If you want to spray finishes or use air powered sanders/drills then you'll need something MUCH more beefy.

I recommend a 18ga brad nailer and a 22ga pin nailer. Bostitch sells a combo brad and narrow crown stapler, this is the one I use. If you ever do upholstery work the narrow-crown stapler is perfect for that.

18ga brads works great for trim, and the 22ga pin nailer is perfect for delicate pieces or places where you're worried you might split the trim. The pins leave a hole so small it requires no filling, it's barely visible.

Don't glue it down. Absolutely no need for glue.

Use an underlayment of tar paper 15# or 30# doesn't matter or get an underlayment made for wood floor installation. I can't remember what it's called but it is like butcher paper.

Use nails to attach. Get a flooring nailer, either manual or pneumatic doesn't matter. I prefer manual nailers. It is easier to feel when the nail is completely set in the tongue of the board. Use a nail set to drive any that don't set completely after a couple of whacks. Don't buy the Porta-Nailer nail set tool. It tends to be smaller than the nail head and slips off easily.

Porta-Nailer - Manual

Porta-Nailer - Pneumatic

Nails for Porta-Nailer

Lots of different brands of flooring nailers

Hardwood flooring underlayment

No need to get too elaborate with the underlayment. It serves as a vapor barrier and dust barrier so nothing infiltrates from below the subfloor and it prevents squeaking floor boards assuming your boards are properly nailed.

Don't glue any of this down. At all. Don't use glue.

Good luck.

As a fellow shed builder I just bought a dewalt 30 degree cordless framing nail gun. 300 bucks on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JJ3RORQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Yes it is expensive yes it is worth it. It is so much nicer to have the portability with a LION pack vs being tied to a noisy compressor. plus the angle is perfect for toe nailing. I run a lot of dewalt LION stuff so this is tool only. The kits with batteries and chargers are more.

set the lumber off the ground on some cripple studs and then tarp to keep moisture off to minimize warping.

If any of your lumber is pressure treated you need hot dip galvanized nails.

Get a Small and large Swanson speed square, and learn how to use it. It's a huge time saver.



Chino's idea is solid. Spend as much time as you need finessing everything from the start vs. trying to get it plumb/ square later.

Take a look at a nailing combo kit like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Freeman-P4FRFNCB-Framing-Finishing-4-Piece/dp/B005NUP8BS/ . It's rated very well with a bunch of reviews, and it comes with a 7-year warranty. You can probably also find a used kit like that for a good price.

Sure, for most of the ornaments I used the Pfeil 9 series (9/4 and 9/5 mostly). They are very well made and hold their edge for a long time.

I have a flexcut strop - I keep using the honing compound quite frequently. Also get yourself an small set of diamond stones like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Smiths-50448-Diamond-Tri-Hone-Sharpener/dp/B00C0MKNEE/

I purchased this Freeman combo set off Amazon and it has been absolutely amazing for around the house/DIY stuff.

I am a fucking beautiful swan.

I've submitted to more than one...I don't really know where to begin looking, haha. A rather recent one is the group gift for bunnysoup, haha, but I don't really count that since all anyone donated was 15 cents...

Okay you need a tool like this https://www.amazon.com/Malco-SRT2-Straight-Handled-Removal/dp/B00004SUQW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538510678&sr=8-1&keywords=vinyl+siding+removal+tool or something that shape and then attack the top left edge closes to the top. As you pull you need to push the center with the other hand outwards to flex the backboard. It should then just pop in. Check for small nails that prevent it from going back in or staples.

grab yourself a siding removal tool, and pull up the top section of siding. (I'm fairly certain you'll find a video on youtube on how to use it). Then you can check for studs however you like, drilling test holes, etc. Sadly, you can't always rely on the nails holding any type of siding to indicate where the studs are, but if it's vinyl over plywood, the plywood nails should be a good guide.

Unfortunately, you have to get under the siding to do it right. You don't have to remove it completely, but you do have to peel it back enough that you can get to the perforated strip to nail the new stuff in. You'll need a zip tool (you can pick them up at any hardware store, too). It's not a tough job. Vinyl siding is pretty resilient stuff... you should have enough flex to carefully pull back what you need to without breaking it.

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

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I did mine with a $25 brad nailer from Amazon and 2" brads. It depends on how much you have to do. If you are a DIY person and can think of other uses for an air compressor (paint guns, tire inflation, cleaning, etc), I'd say it's worth it. I have this little baby air compressor and I love it because it's very light/portable and quiet. If you just have a single piece you can probably get away with a hammer but be careful of denting/marking the board. If you're doing more than say 10-20 linear feet of board I'd use a nailgun.

If you don't mind spending a bit more... go for battery power.

https://www.amazon.com/Paslode-905600-Cordless-Framing-Nailer/dp/B017M0N6K6

https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCN692B-Brushless-Speed-Nailer/dp/B00JJ3RORQ/

So much more convenient. Get the DeWalt and you can use the same batteries as their 20V and 60V line.

EDIT - Sorry I gave you framing nailers because I thought that's what you wanted from the first link. I would still go battery for finish nailers. I have about 15-20 Ryobi 18V tools including the finish nailer and I love it.

I have this one and it's been rock solid for years now.

This one looks really good too. I think it's oilless.

Pretty much anything.


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I will add that this helps:Malco SRT2 Straight Handled Siding Removal Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004SUQW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_9.lmDb9ZM6D6D

It's a tool to help "unzip" the siding without breaking the next piece

> pneumatic palm nailer

?

?!!

Oh man. Thank you for this.

You didn't have to nail all those by hand see this thing

https://www.amazon.com/NuMax-SFL618-Pneumatic-Flooring-Stapler/dp/B0032JTDPE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1526332104&sr=8-3

Looks like it was on sale at the time, but still worth it at $104.

Something like this is good enough, although if you want to spend another $7 or $8, you might find that the construction of the more expensive staple gun is a little sturdier.

https://www.amazon.com/NuMax-SFR2190-Degree-Framing-Nailer/dp/B0032JTDPO is my reocmmendation.

When I was looking to get one for finishing my basement, this one was highly recommended in a few places and apparently is made in the same factory from a more recognized brand. edit: the gun is actually made by freeman

You really can't beat the price, and I've had no issues with it. It feels solid and I don't notice any difference in performance with this vs. my dad's $250 dewalt nailer.

One quirk though, and this may be with all nailguns, you will have 3 or so nails left in a clip and it won't fire. You don't have to remove the old one, just slap a new one in behind it and you're good to go.

Nice. Will do. The Numax version is on Amazon right now for $82. Also sourced from Prime Global Products and it looks like it could be 90% the same gun, too.

> Until they figure out how to get out of them then you need some kind of glue/duck tape to keep them on.

This works better.

>It looks like it'll cost us about 2500

How did you arrive at this price?

I only ask because most hardwood installers don't charge the "square footage" price for the stairs. My guy charges $4 per square foot for flooring and $150 per tread for stairs. This does not include removal of previous flooring, excessive floor prep (removal of many staples, glue, drywall mud, taking out un-eveness), or undercutting the door jams.

Another note, you should include +10% in your flooring order for waste.

If your husband is a carpenter, he could easily do this job. I would say the only tool he is likely missing is the flooring stapler. The Bostitch one is the "gold standard" and is $350, but there are a variety of fine knock offs that can be had for $100-$150 that will work just fine. You should also check your local Craigslist, as this is a common tool to purchase, use once, and immediately resell.

Thanks! Can you tell me what you should use the Malco Trim Nail Punch for?

What is the difference between an air compressor pneumatic nailer and a nail gun (like this http://www.amazon.com/WEN-61720-4-Inch-2-Inch-18-Gauge/dp/B000EJW1ZY?ie=UTF8&)?

What is the difference between a finishing nailer, brad nailer, and framing nailer?

It is one like this.

Do NOT buy this. It comes with 5 drills/drivers/impacts. Here is what you need:




http://www.amazon.com/Makita-LCT314W-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-3-Piece/dp/B005C95E2I/ref=sr_1_11?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1457007466&sr=1-11&keywords=12v+drill+driver+combo+kit




http://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-C10FCE2-15-Amp-10-inch-Compound/dp/B000V5Z6RG/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1457007519&sr=1-2&keywords=compound+miter+saw




http://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-PC75TRS-7-5-Amp-Reciprocating/dp/B004V327PS/ref=sr_1_9?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1457007539&sr=1-9&keywords=sawzall





http://www.amazon.com/WEN-61720-4-Inch-2-Inch-18-Gauge/dp/B000EJW1ZY/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1457007628&sr=1-1&keywords=brad+nailer





http://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-PCFP02003-3-5-Gallon-Pancake-Compressor/dp/B00BMUGQNC/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1457007761&sr=1-1&keywords=air+compressor




http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-60-100-10-Piece-Standard-Screwdriver/dp/B0000950PN/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1457007815&sr=1-4&keywords=screwdriver+set




http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-51-624-20-Ounce-Fiberglass-Hammer/dp/B000VSSG2K/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1457007879&sr=1-3&keywords=hammer+set




http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW1177-20-Piece-Black-Oxide-Metal/dp/B001EYU5N8/ref=sr_1_9?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1457007985&sr=1-9&keywords=drill+bits




http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW1177-20-Piece-Black-Oxide-Metal/dp/B001EYU5N8/ref=sr_1_9?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1457007985&sr=1-9&keywords=drill+bits




http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-33-425-Powerlock-25-Foot-Measuring/dp/B00002X2GQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1457008034&sr=1-1&keywords=tapemeasure

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C0MKNEE/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I2E8564V6PEPWO&colid=3U8OSNVGVVRX9

> pancake compressor / nailgun combo

Nah don't buy that. Takes up too much room and you gotta plug it in and haul a hose around. You want a cordless nailer.