Home Repair and Paint Guide

... The nail guns that fire long framing nails are heavier than smaller nail guns that drive thin finish nails into trim. The self-contained guns that use combustion engines use a fuel cell filled with liquefied petroleum gas and a spark plug powered by an internal battery. An internal piston pushes the nail into the wood when the nail gun safety and trigger are depressed. These are very handy because there is no hose to wrap around everything (including your legs) while working. I don’t know about you, but I think hoses and cords are a huge pain around construction sites. They tangle around themselves and get caught on everything in their path. They also form small loops that are ideal for snagging your feet when carrying things around, tripping you in the process. Personally, I hate ‘em. But that’s just me. When pricing nail guns, consider the entire system and add the costs of all components. Pneumatic nail guns require an air compressor with enough pressure and flow rate to operate properly. This is especially true if one compressor will be used to operate multiple guns at the same time. You might also have to purchase an air compressor that runs on gasoline instead of electric for remote sites. Don’t forget the price of air hoses, couplings, and possibly a drier and/or oiler. The gun manufacturer will list all components necessary, along with the size of compressor needed for the job. There are also kits available that include everything needed. People are injured daily by nail guns ...