I have all my posts up and cross members. Now I have a ton of 6' pressure treated planks to install. I want to use a air nailer to save time, but I am not sure what type of nailer is ok to get by with. Do I need a framing nailer or can I use a 2 1/2" 16guage finish nailer?

Like I said its JUST the planks to the 2x4's, everything else was screwed together.

Also which type of nails should I use?

Thanks for the advice,

Mark

 

I would not use a finish nailer or any nailer for that matter. The best thing to do is use 1 1/4 inch weatherproof deck screws for pressure treated or stainless for ceader. Use two on the top and two on the bottom, no less. If you insist on using a gun go with a framing nailer and use an appropriate length nail, 1 1/4-1 1/2. Also make sure the nails are stainless or at the very least galvenized. Regular nails WILL RUST.

 

I see your point on the screws. I have 515 6' boards to install, thats 6 screws or nails each, I am just thinking how much faster the nailer is going to be! I don't have much time to finish up this project as I have dragged it on forever and everyone is starting to get antsy in my development. Someone mentioned using Hex screws so they "stick" to the driver better, I might try that although the nailer is very very tempting. But if I do go with a nailer I will pick up a round head framing type so I can use it on my basement finishing project and meet codes.

Thanks for the advice!

 

A coil siding nailer with ring shank nails is what is generally used. You can get stainless nails that should last a very long time and not have corrosion concerns.

 

My only concern is if I buy a combo framer / compressor that I will be able to use it on other projects. I have not only a basement to finish but a shed I am planning to build.

 

Just make sure that the minimum nail length of your gun is short enough that your nails won't poke out the back of your backing rail. I'd also go for a framer that shoots full-head nails rather than clipped.

You could always pick up a used nailer off ebay or buy a new nailer and sell it after your fence project is over. You'd lose way less in depreciation than you'd spend on a couple weeks tool rental.

Just some ideas!

 

Is this an ok package?

http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/tool_detail.asp?productID=15009

Hope it works, if not its the model D55153FR

Im trying to figure out which nails to use, do they make outdoor nails? How long of nails would you guys use?

Thanks

 

I would use a nail gun to tack them up, then use screws to finish it.
Also a dab of liquid nails on each board will make it tight for a long time...

 

Well I didn't buy the nailer, I got evercoat screws. And all I can say is this is crazy. How everyone actually gets a fence done by screwing 6 nails in each board I will never know. Nothing could be slower! I am going to go ahead and use up some of my screws each night this week, but next weekend I'm picking up the nailer. =)

 

Why are you using 6" screws?
Try some 1 1/2" longer than the width of the boards...

 

He's using 6 screws per board, not 6" screws..

 

Thanks I may not be the smartest guy in the world but I'm not that dumb, lol.