Which air nail gun to buy?

[Gene_J]

The plan is to use the compressor in the garage and put nails in wood.

The latest task is to install new doors so good size nails are required. And I have to put on trim around the doors.

And suggestions for a nailer that can do thee 2 things?

Is an electric nailer even a consideration?

[stangg]

I've got 4 Stanley Bostich nailers and have had very good luck with them... The problem with nail guns is they aren't all that versital...
Framing, Finish. Delicate Finish, Roofing etc...

Framing nailer - coil shoots upt to 3-1/2" nails, very powerful and blasts a lot of air.

Siding and trim nailer, N63 I think... shoots up to a ~1-1/4" to 2-1/2 nail, Overall I use this one the most for siding, plywood sheeting / decking.

2-1/2" finish gun is good for anything that you want to use the heavier finish nails with. I've also got a nice brad nailer that also shoots a 1/2" to 2-1/2" nail, but the gauge of the nails are much thinner ~16 guage and is really designed for delicate work. I got this for doing fancy trim work on my kitchen cabinets. Light delicate shot, light impact on the wood.

If you're doing a front entrance door / trim I would nail the door with 16 penny nails by hand and get a finish nailer capable of 15 gauge finish nails to do both interior and exteriot trim. The N63 gun would also be good if your just trimming the exterior with brickmold or even 3/4 pine.

For interior doors, the 14 gauge finish gun will also work fine.

[6t9mach1]

Senco and Pasload make nice products. If you are just going to use it once though, there is no need to get anything fancy; get a Harbor Freight special. Get a framing nailer and a finish nail gun or even a brad nailer/Pinner if you have small trim to install.

[Jim]

When I was building my shop I bought a cheap Harbor Freight gun. My thinking was that I wouldn't have much need for it after I was done with that project, so I didn't want to spend the green for a good gun.
It made it through the project, but I did have to repair it several times. I don't think I'd recommend it, but thought I'd pipe in just to give you another reference point. It's for sale, BTW.

[pprince]

I use screws for 2x4's and installing items like doors. I use my Dewalt impact driver those those.

I bought a $25 cheap finish nailer at Princess Auto (the Cdn version of Harbor Freight) for trim. It has worked fine for 3 years.

[T-Bob]

I wouldn't waste money on a cheap nail gun. I also wouldn't buy the most expensive either. I have a collection of various Bostich (trim) and Dewalt (framing) and have been very happy with them. Keep them clean and oiled and they'll last the typical homeowner a lifetime.
Cheap guns misfire, poorly setting nails or damaging trim. Unless you are spending a good amount of cash, stay away from electric. They can be very heavy to handle and, in my experience, not as reliable. If you already have a compressor, air guns are the obvious choice.
You may think you won't use them often but you would be surprised how often they come in handy.

[lucmann]

I bought a used Stantech sdcn12b (same as a Bostitch N80CB) on ebay.

It'll shoot 1-1/2 to 3-1/2 inch nails. I can frame, fence, sheath and side with it and its indestructible.

http://www.bostitch.com/default.asp?...Framing+Nailer

[stangg]

hmmm... I have that N80 as well... never thought about shooting 1-1/2" nails with it... but then again I like the N63 because it's lighter and easier to handle. Using that n80 in closed quarters can be a bit of a bear on the ears.

[Black_67stang]

Binford 8200?

[Crash]

Originally Posted by T-Bob

I wouldn't waste money on a cheap nail gun. I also wouldn't buy the most expensive either. I have a collection of various Bostich (trim) and Dewalt (framing) and have been very happy with them. Keep them clean and oiled and they'll last the typical homeowner a lifetime.
Cheap guns misfire, poorly setting nails or damaging trim. Unless you are spending a good amount of cash, stay away from electric. They can be very heavy to handle and, in my experience, not as reliable. If you already have a compressor, air guns are the obvious choice.
You may think you won't use them often but you would be surprised how often they come in handy.

What he said! I bought a small Bostitch to install crown molding and door molding. It shoots the small 16 ga nails up to 2" long. I paid $80 for it and don't regret it minute. I have found it incredibly handy for other projects since, and have even had a friend decide he'd like to use it, too.

There's no one-size fits all solution. Unless you're building a house (or addition), I'd do the big stuff by hand. I like screws, too, but they're more work (I always pre-drill). If you use screws, get the ones with the Torx head! Amazing.

[mike65]

I have 1 Stanley Bostitch framing nailer, a couple Craftsman, 1 brad nailer, 1 stapler, & a couple Porter Cabler nailers. I build furniture as another hobby & all of them have performed good for me. I would reccomend either of them.