About Nailers

Nailers are the most convenient way to complete a nailing project. For the many types of nailing applications, there are several types of nailers to do the job. Some nailers are lightweight for projects with thin materials, while other nailers are the heavy-duty, high-construction nailers that are used to fasten dense materials together. When planning to use a nailer, think about whether you prefer a hose or cordless model, what types of nails you need to work with and the safety precautions you need to observe when operating a nailer.

Types

According to Home Depot, there are seven types of nailers. There are stick nailers, used to drive straight nails for many types of jobs; brad nailers that drive finishing nails into trim work; coil nailers that load a large amount of nails for long jobs; and finishing nailers that are angled for molding, baseboards and other finishing work. The headless pinners are ideal for making the nails disappear, the staplers nail staples into applications and the palm nailers are used for very tight spaces that would not normally allow room for the other nailers to fit.
Additionally, there is a whole category of floor nailers that are either manual or pneumatic powered and are used to drive nails through the action of its accompanying mallet that activates the pressurized drive of the nails through the floor.

Getting Used to Your Nailer

The more you use your nailer, the more comfortable you become with the grip and handling of the tool. Prior to using a nailer, make sure that it is not too difficult to handle and that you can fully control its functions, including its kick-back, without the risk of injury to yourself and others.

Safety Measures

It is important to make sure that all parts of the nailer are functioning properly. When operating a nailer, always make sure to wear protective goggles--no exceptions. Shooting nails tend to miss their target and bounce off, only to hit you in the face. It's better that a nail becomes lodged in your goggles than through your eyelid. You will also be protecting your eyes from the compressed air that oftentimes escapes through a vent hole or from the hose, as well as dust particles from the material that the nails are nailed into.
Do not leave the nailer unattended while it is connected to its power source. Also, activate any safety locks on the nailer to prevent a child from playing with the nailer.

Air Compressor

Prior to operating your nailer, check to make sure the air compressor is working properly and doesn't need to be drained. Periodic draining is necessary on some models, as the compressed air causes water condensation to collect within its air tanks. This occupies more space in the tank, preventing a stronger pressure within the air compressor. There is usually a plug underneath that is easily unscrewed to drain the water out.

Accessories

According to Home Depot, nailers can be accessorized with a number of items. If using a hose to supply the compressed air, some hoses have a swivel end that will allow you to turn it right or left without worry about getting tangled up in the hose. Nailers can be attached to a work belt with a special belt hook to keep it close and handy, and some nailers have an extra space compartment to store an extra supply of nails or brads. Some nailers even allow the nailer's depth to be adjusted, as well as making it easy to reload nails through a magnetic pull.

Purchasing a Nailer

Nailers of all types are available at home improvement stores, hardware stores, and online specialty equipment stores. Many stores offer demonstrations of products and their features, and nailers are often sold in kits with attachments, cases, goggles and a supply of nails.

Resources

• Types of Cordless Nailers