How to Use Nail Guns to Install Molding
Using a nail gun, or pneumatic nailer, is probably the most efficient way to install interior molding. A nail gun uses pressure from an air compressor to force a nail through the molding and into a wall stud smoothly and quickly. Because of the force and speed the nail leaves the gun, molding is far less likely to split than if nailing the molding by hand. As an added advantage, someone using a nail gun can manage trim carpentry without assistance. Here is how to properly use a nail gun to install molding.
- Difficulty:
- Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Stud finder
- Pencil
- 2.5-inch finishing nails
- Nail gun
- Air compressor
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1
Locate the wall studs with a stud finder, and make a small pencil mark on the wall where the studs are located---just above where the baseboard molding will rest or just below where the crown molding will rest.
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2
Load your nail gun with 2.5-inch finishing nails, and attach the nail gun to an air compressor.
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3
Place the molding in installation position with one hand, and place the tip of the nail gun in the center of the molding where it's in line with one of the stud marks with the other hand. Hold the nail gun at a 90-degree angle from the molding so that the nail goes straight into the wall stud. Hold the molding firmly against the wall. Unless absolutely necessary, do not place a nail within one inch of the end edge, or the molding can split.
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4
Press the nail gun against the molding until the safety guard at the end of the nail gun depresses. Pull the trigger on the nail gun to fire the nail through the molding and into the stud.
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5
Continue nailing the molding to the wall at the indicated stud marks, which should be every 12 to 18 inches.
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6
Erase the pencil marks from the wall.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Wear safety glasses when using a nail gun.
Do not place your face directly behind the gun when nailing.
Be careful when firing that you do not nail a finger that is holding the molding.
