How to Stop Molding From Splitting When Using a Nail Gun
Trim carpentry can make an enormous difference in the finish of a room. Crown molding, picture frame molding and chair rail molding are just a few of your choices for upgrading drab, boring walls with decorative molding. The most efficient way to install molding is using a pneumatic nailer, or nail gun. However, a nail gun won't completely eliminate splitting during molding installation. Proper use and placement of the nail gun, coupled with the correct selection of finishing nails, will help reduce the chance of the molding splitting during installation. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Check the amount of compression required by your nail gun and make any adjustments necessary to your air compressor. If pressure is too low, the nail will move through the wood more slowly than it ideally should.
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Choose a smaller gauge of finishing nail. If you're consistently experiencing splitting during molding installation, downgrade the gauge of your finishing nail. For example, if you're currently using a 15-gauge nail, switch to a 16-gauge nail. The 16-gauge nail is narrower than the 15-gauge nail, which will help reduce splitting.
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Place the nail gun at least 2 inches away from the ends of the molding. The closer you nail to the end of the molding, the more likely the wood is to split along the grain.
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Hold the molding firmly against the wall so that there's no give. Press the nail-gun trigger firmly against the molding to depress the safety feature before firing.
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear safety glasses when using a pneumatic nailer.
