What nail gun do I need?


  #1  
Old 01-11-10, 04:24 PM
B
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2004
Location: PA
Posts: 178
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
What nail gun do I need?

I'm looking to lay some unfinished hardwood oak strips (5/16" thick) and I'm looking for the right nails and nail gun to use. I'm thinking of using 1" long, 16ga brad nails, I'm looking for the least expensive nail gun that will do the job. From the ones I looked at at Home Depot today, I need a big air compressor too? Someone told me that they make nail guns with an attachable compressed air tank, eliminating the need for an air compressor, but I have yet to find one.

Any ideas?
 
  #2  
Old 01-11-10, 04:38 PM
M
Forum Topic Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: USA - N.E.Tn
Posts: 45,659
Received 835 Upvotes on 732 Posts
Are you sure the unfinished oak is only 5/16 thick? 3/4" is the norm.
How much hardwood do you have to install? if it's more than a little bit you'd be better off with a floor nailer. They can be rented.

Nail guns don't usually require a big compressor. Even though they use in the neighborhood of 90 psi they don't require a lot of volume or constant cfm.
 
  #3  
Old 01-11-10, 05:02 PM
B
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2004
Location: PA
Posts: 178
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
Hey, marksr. Yes, the strips are 5/16" thick (took me forever to find a place that sells it, too). I have about 150 sq/ft of floor to lay and the strips are going to be face-nailed. Do you think a cheapie $70 nail gun without a compressor from Home Depot would do the trick?
 
  #4  
Old 01-11-10, 05:09 PM
M
Forum Topic Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: USA - N.E.Tn
Posts: 45,659
Received 835 Upvotes on 732 Posts
That should work ok but I' be a little leery of a 1" pin nail - I'm not sure if that would be enough holding power.
 
  #5  
Old 01-11-10, 05:24 PM
B
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2004
Location: PA
Posts: 178
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
That was my thought, too, marksr. Whaddya think, 1 1/2" 16gauge?
 
  #6  
Old 01-11-10, 06:54 PM
Tolyn Ironhand's Avatar
Group Moderator
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: United States
Posts: 14,329
Received 877 Upvotes on 740 Posts
Originally Posted by beekrock
That was my thought, too, marksr. Whaddya think, 1 1/2" 16gauge?
I think your on the right track with this one. If you done have a compressor this might be a good kit for you: Porter-Cable 1-Nailer & Compressor Combo Kit - PC1PAK at The Home Depot The store by me also has a kit with 3 guns, finish, brad, and narrow stapler, and a compressor that might fit the bill too.
 
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
 
Ask a Question
Question Title:
Description:
Your question will be posted in: