What Is the Difference in Nail Guns?
The rapid advancement of machinery in recent years can make finding the right tool difficult. For those looking to buy a nail gun for the first time, it can be difficult because there are so many different elements at play. This article details the different power sources in addition to the different sizes and loading methods available in nail guns.
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Power
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There are three general options from which nail guns can draw power. Pneumatic nail guns, which draw power from an air compressor, may be the most widely used. Although pneumatic guns are sufficient in power, some people prefer not to have movement limited by its accompanying cord and air compressor. For those people, combustion or electromagnetic is the best bet.
Combustion uses gas to create a small explosion to discharge the nail and are the preferred tool for heavy jobs such as working with concrete. Electromagnetic guns use electricity and can be purchased with or without an electrical cord. Unlike guns that use combustion or pneumatic power, electromagnetic-powered nail guns are typically used for lighter jobs.
The Right Gun
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Nail guns, much like firearms, are correlated by the size of the projectile and by specific design to do specific work. For that reason it's best to research the many different designs before purchasing. If the work you plan on doing is varied, it may be your best option to purchase a flexible nail gun that allows for alterations or attachments for different work. If, on the other hand, your aim is to do something specific, you generally will have five options: roofing nailers, finish nailers, framing nailers, brad nailers and flooring nailers.
Of the five varieties three are self-explanatory. The other two are often confused. Both brad nailers and finish nailers are typically lightweight and ideal for doing lighter projects. The brad is the more dainty of the two and is ideal for precision work such as working with small furniture or craft projects. Finish nailers are best used for light framing and trim projects.
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Sticks and Coils
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There are two basic ways nails are fed into nail guns. Some nail guns are loaded in a stick format in which a string of nails, bonded together by paper or wire, is loaded into an oblong magazine. Stick nail guns typically load between 20 and 40 nails. A coil nail gun holds up to 300 nails that are loaded in a round magazine much like an old-fashioned Tommy gun. In the coil format, nails are wired together in a coil and loaded into a round magazine.
Safety
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It's easy for one to hurt himself with a hand tool. Just ask anyone who has smashed his finger with a hammer. When you add power to the equation, however, things can get a lot more serious. A swollen thumb is nothing compared to a piece of metal driven through a part of one's body. According to information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention detailing emergency room visits between 2001 and 2005, an average of 37,000 of those injuries happened each year.
Brands and Cost
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There are a number of top name brands for nail guns. Among the best are Stanley, Craftsman, DeWalt, Paslode and Ryobi. Expect to pay between $150 and $400 for one of these products brand new. Like with anything, there are cheaper versions and used products, but, as the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. If a nail gun is something you plan on using often, it may be best to spend the extra money.
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