In article ,
Pistol_Pete wrote:
I need some advice about a pneumatic brad nailer. I've never had one,
and they look like they would be a real help when the guys on TV use
them. Question #1: Is an eighteen gauge nailer what I want? I will be
building a bookcase/desk out of ¾” plywood (to be painted) and I'll be
using the nailer to attach trim around the top, and to put on the
backs of the bookcases (½” plywood). Not sure just yet if I will use
it for the shelves, but I'm pretty sure I won't – they will probably
be adjustable.

I really know nothing about brad sizes. If I don't buy any air nailer,
I will probably use 1 ½” brads to attach the backs (with glue of
course) but a pneumatic nailer would make the job a whole lot easier.
I think ¾” or 5/8” brads of any diameter would be good for the trim
but I question if 18 ga. x 1 ½” would be big enough. The piece will be
built-in, and screwed to the wall through the plywood back, which is
the reason for using the ½” plywood instead of ¼”.

Question #2: Some nailers also drive staples. What are staples good
for? Upholstery? Insulation?



2 things: The combination stapler/nailers generally leave a larger "dimple"
when used with brads than with the brad-only nailers. Not a big deal
if they are only used in non-visible areas but more of a PITA if you
are going to fill & finish over the brads.

Staples would be far superior to brads for attaching plywood backs to
bookcases or cabinets (assuming again that the backs will be out of
sight against a wall) It doesn't take much force for slight-head brads
to pull right through plywood. If you are gluing the backs on it
won't matter.


--
Better to be stuck up in a tree than tied to one.

Larry Wasserman - Baltimore Maryland - lwasserm(a)sdf. lonestar.org