[crowbb]

I'm going to be assembling a wooden shed once it gets delivered. I have been reading the instructions online and it calls for something like 250 6 penny 2" and and 950 2 1/4" nails and highly recommends a nailgun to save time. I've never owned a nailgun before and there are so many varieties it is overwhelming. Does anyone have any suggestions on what type I should get so I don't buy one that can't do the job?

Any help is appreciated!

 

[oh'mike]

You are looking at a framing nailer---if you have a compressor---get a cheap air driven one---if you don't have one of those---seriously consider hand nailing it----that's a big tool expense for one project----

 

[joecaption]

Your looking for a framing nailer.
If this would be your only big building project just use a hammer.
To use a framing gun you also need a compresser unless you want to spend over $300.00 for cordless one.

If you plan on doing lots of projects and you have no air tools then concider buying the set, not just one tool at a time. With a set you can get the compressor and the differant nail guns at one time and save some money.
When researching a tool purchace I like to check out Amazon.com, pick a tool and go to the bottom of the listing to read the reviews from real people that have bought the tool.
I also go on CPO tools web site to check out the deals on recon tools.

 

[md2lgyk]

Cheap framing nailer? Don't think I've ever seen one of those. But a framing nailer isn't really a beginner's tool. Get yourself a good framing hammer and build the shed the old-fashioned way. I did all the framing on the house my wife and I built and that's what I did. Once you get the hang of using it, you'll probably be able to drive those small nails with a single whack.

 

[crowbb]

Thanks for the suggestions. It sounds like a framing hammer might be the way to go for me. I'm not inexperienced with power tools but I have not used air compressor driven stuff much.

 

[oh'mike]

Yep---I was the last guy on the block to get nail guns----(I wouldn't go back to hand nailing)

Wore the waffles off a few hammers in the old days----

 

[ToolSeeker]

There's always the option of renting gun and compressor for a day.

 

[tylernt]

I've tried hammering long 6 penny nails by hand. Disaster! Maybe I just suck at it, but I split a lot of 2x4s and bent a lot of nails. And that's straight on, forget toenailing!

Then I bought a palm nailer. Those are great, because one palm nailer handles many different sizes and type of nails. I love my palm nailer for smaller nails, it's awesome for doing siding for example. But those darn 6p nails still bend, even with the palm nailer.

I gave up and went to screws. For long screws I use square or torx drive (Phillips tend to strip when you get into longer lengths). Screws zap right in faster than a hammer, suck parts together tight, and can be backed out if you change your mind. Screws are admittedly slightly weaker in shear, so for shear loads I just add more screws.

If I really wanted to use 6p nails instead of screws, I'd get a real nail gun. If you don't have/want a compressor, I think they make cordless piston nailers with a flammable gas cartridge and spark ignition when you pull the trigger? I've seen them on Hometime.

 

[bbo]

i just bought a refurb framing nailer when I needed one. I knew the project was coming up so I kept my eyes out for a sale on the refurbs. money well spent.

word of caution, read all the literature and practice for a while on some spare 2x4s until you get the hang of it.

 

[kwikfishron]

Makes me nervous when I see someone pick up a framing gun for the first time. Newbie on a table saw and a few other things gets antennas flying high too.

When I was the newbie kid on a framing crew it was quite awhile of just hand banging before the boss let me pick up a nailer. Then it was awhile of only being allowed to nail off sheathing before they let me start nailing studs and such.

There are certain people on this earth that may be brilliant at this or that but should never pick up a nail gun. Just saying…

 

[bbo]

yep, safety should always be number one.

 

[jklingel]

what are you nailing w/ the 6 penny nails? i believe 8d is the recommended nail for 1/2" ply. maybe on a shed it matters not. a nail gun can be great, but you may find that you miss more than you hit with it. i had a new guy helping me, and i had to go around and hammer back out about 1/3 of the nails he shot through the plywood into studs.... or thereabouts. you have no "feel" with a nail gun. as others said, just get a hammer for one shed and have fun beating the living &*^% out of some things!

 

[mknasa dad]

I would suggest to go to a rental place and rent a Paslode cordless framing nail gun. You don't need a compressor, and since you have to have the nose fully engaged, much safer for the inexperienced. If you feel like it may not be a bad idea to buy a nail gun for future projects, go to Harbour Freight. Get a 20% off coupon online first!!