Which Type of Nail Gun?


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Old 11-23-20, 01:12 PM
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Which Type of Nail Gun?

I want to nail plywood flooring onto rafters but I've never used a nail gun before. Do I need a finishing or framing nailer? Electric or pneumatic? Rent one or buy one and sell it when I'm done?
 
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Old 11-23-20, 01:41 PM
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You didn't say, but if the flooring is only going to be used for storage you only need a hammer since you will be using very few nails, just enough to keep the wood in place with no movement.
 
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Old 11-23-20, 03:15 PM
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I would not buy a nailer if you don't think you will have a further use for it. I would go old school and use a hammer and ring nails.
Besides, pounding nails with a hammer can be very therapeutic.
 
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Old 11-23-20, 03:18 PM
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For nailing subflooring down you would use a framing nail gun. Pneumatic is really only an option if you have an air compressor.
 
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Old 11-23-20, 04:19 PM
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Unless you think it will get more use, just get some general purpose screws!
 
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Old 11-24-20, 05:26 AM
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Originally Posted by Marq1
[img]//assets.doityourself.com/forum/avatars/carlift.gif[/img]just get some general purpose screws!
Agreed

I'd ALSO suggest investing in a good battery operated drill/screwdriver, with a quick disconnect screw chuck.
 
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Old 11-24-20, 06:25 AM
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I agree with the all of the above. I like Hal's suggestion, You'll get a lot more use of it.
Besides electric/battery nailers are very expensive.
 
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Old 11-30-20, 08:36 AM
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Thanks to all who responded. I intend to use the space for storage so I'll try to do the job with an old-fashioned hammer and nails. If my aging arm gets too tired I'll use a drill and wood screws.
 
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Old 11-30-20, 10:00 AM
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If there is a finished ceiling below, I would go with driving screws instead of hammering nails to avoid any cracking, etc. especially if it is a plaster ceiling.
 
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Old 11-30-20, 11:41 AM
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Originally Posted by 2john02458
If there is a finished ceiling below, I would go with driving screws instead of hammering nails to avoid any cracking, etc. especially if it is a plaster ceiling.
Excellent point. Especially if you're hammering by hand.

I'm in an old farmhouse where the interior walls are lapped boards, lathe, clay & horsehair mortar, then plaster & paint. I've got a big compressor, so I DO use a nail gun, or a pin nailer/stapler. They are REALLY useful because they drive the fastener into the wall in one shot; repeated hammering just makes the wall fall apart (don't ask me how I know)

Quick tip - If you use any type of pneumatic nailer, add ball valves to the male connectors of your air hoses.
When you have 1or 2 nails/pins/staples that are JUST just outside the reach of the air hose, you close the valve, undo the quick-connect, and there will be enough high pressure air in the hose to drive those last few fasteners. Even the tiny yellow plastic coil hoses store enough air for 2 shots from a small pin nailer.


 
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