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marson marson is offline
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Default Pneumatic nail gun recommendation

On Nov 16, 9:02 pm, "SBH" wrote:
I am ready to make a purchase for pneumatic nail guns, plural, because I
want to purchase a brad nailer and finish nailer for now and I'm asking for
recommendations. I've gained some knowledge of nail guns in just a little
time but still learning more about them. I don't want to spend a great deal
of money, but I don't want a cheapie either. I prefer an angled nail gun,
though I'm not sure they sell angled brad nail guns, therefore, not a major
issue though a brad/staple combo nail gun would be nice as well as a depth
gauge and a good range of nail lengths. The uses will be for general home
repairs and the beginning of some cabinet making ventures.

All help is much appreciated.

Thank you


The first question is how much you are planning to use this nail gun.
Porter cable makes some affordable kits, and they are just fine for
homeowner use, but I have used them and feel they lack the features
and are pretty rough around the edges for day in and day out pro use.
Their compressors are loud and run sort of rough. But again, for
homeowner use, they are fine. I've never really used a finish/brad
nailer I didn't like, at least compared to the alternative (hand
nailing). Any name brand will probably make you happy. I personally
use Hitachi, but that is mostly because I have a store that sells
factory recon Hitachi tools near me. (the overall quality of Hitachi
is definitely a cut above porter cable). I have also used and liked
Senco and even Bostich, though they are a bit clunky. Lots of
personal preference here.

The angled finish nailers are 15 gauge, and they are usually fairly
pricey, but they shoot a real nail. Much cheaper is a 16 gauge brad
nailer which you can get you up to a 2 1/2" brad. These are a little
marginal for things like hanging doors, but again, if you are not a
pro, you will probably do fine with one (and I have hung doors with
one). I personally like the versatility of my 18 gauge, 2" brad
nailer---The 2" length often comes in handy, yet I can shoot a brad
down to 5/8" if I need to.